TEFL Teacher Salaries in UAE & Saudi Arabia

TEFL Teacher Salaries in UAE & Saudi Arabia

TEFL Teacher Salaries in UAE & Saudi Arabia

Introduction to TEFL Teaching in the UAE and Saudi Arabia

The demand for TEFL teachers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been on the rise — roughly over the past decade, I'd say. Both countries are investing heavily in education, so there are loads of job opportunities available for TEFL teachers, with competitive salaries and benefits. But what can you expect from a teaching career in these countries? Honestly, teaching in the UAE and Saudi Arabia can be a highly rewarding experience — I've seen it firsthand. You get to work with students from diverse backgrounds and cultures. When I taught in Dubai, I was struck by the warmth and hospitality of the local people — it was amazing. And the ease with which I was able to settle into the local way of life? That was a bonus.
Students raising hands in a classroom
Photo by Keira Burton on Pexels
Some of the benefits of teaching in the UAE and Saudi Arabia include:
  • Competitive salaries and benefits packages — that's a given
  • Opportunities for career advancement and professional development — which is great for your CV
  • A unique and diverse cultural experience — you'd be surprised how much you can learn
  • A chance to work with students from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities — it's really enriching
But, as with any teaching job, there are also challenges to be aware of. These can include cultural and linguistic differences, as well as the need to adapt to a new and sometimes unfamiliar environment. In my experience, the key to success as a TEFL teacher in the UAE and Saudi Arabia is to be flexible, open-minded, and willing to learn. By doing so, you can build strong relationships with your students and colleagues, and make the most of your time in these fascinating countries. If you're considering a career as a TEFL teacher, I would recommend checking out the IQ TEFL Academy for more information on our TEFL programmes and our TEFL courses — we've got loads of resources available.

Average Salary for TEFL Teachers in the UAE

So, what can you expect to earn as a TEFL teacher in the UAE? The average monthly salary can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and qualifications. But, roughly speaking, TEFL teachers in the UAE can expect to earn a salary in the range of AED 10,000-20,000 (around £2,000-4,000) per month.
LocationAverage Monthly SalaryBenefits
DubaiAED 15,000-25,000Accommodation, flights, health insurance
Abu DhabiAED 12,000-20,000Accommodation, flights, health insurance
SharjahAED 10,000-18,000Accommodation, flights, health insurance
These figures are based on national averages — and can vary depending on the specific job and employer. In addition to their salary, TEFL teachers in the UAE can also expect to receive a range of benefits, including accommodation, flights, and health insurance. For more information on the benefits and perks of teaching in the UAE, I would recommend checking out the our teaching team at the IQ TEFL Academy.
Pro Tip: When negotiating your salary, be sure to consider the cost of living in the UAE and the benefits package on offer. This will help you to ensure that you are getting a fair deal and that you can enjoy a comfortable standard of living while teaching in the UAE.
And, let's be real, the cost of living in the UAE can be relatively high — especially in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. But, with a competitive salary and benefits package, you can still enjoy a good standard of living and make the most of your time in the UAE.

TEFL Teacher Salary Expectations in Saudi Arabia

The average salary for TEFL teachers in Saudi Arabia is generally higher than in the UAE — with most teachers earning a salary in the range of SAR 12,000-25,000 (around £2,500-5,000) per month. However, the cost of living in Saudi Arabia can also be relatively high — especially in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.
Teacher using a whiteboard in class
Photo by Keira Burton on Pexels
Some of the benefits of teaching in Saudi Arabia include:
  • A competitive salary and benefits package — which is great
  • Opportunities for career advancement and professional development — which can be really beneficial for your career
  • A unique and diverse cultural experience — which is an amazing opportunity
  • A chance to work with students from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities — which is really enriching
But, as with any teaching job, there are also challenges to be aware of. These can include cultural and linguistic differences, as well as the need to adapt to a new and sometimes unfamiliar environment.
Pro Tip: When teaching in Saudi Arabia, it's essential to be respectful of local customs and traditions. This includes dressing modestly and being mindful of cultural differences. By doing so, you can build strong relationships with your students and colleagues, and make the most of your time in Saudi Arabia.
And, as an added bonus, many schools in Saudi Arabia offer a range of perks and benefits — including accommodation, flights, and health insurance. For more information on the benefits and perks of teaching in Saudi Arabia, I would recommend checking out the course fees and pricing at the IQ TEFL Academy.

Comparison of TEFL Teacher Salaries in the UAE and Saudi Arabia

So, how do the salaries for TEFL teachers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia compare? Well, actually, the salaries in Saudi Arabia are higher — with most teachers earning a salary in the range of SAR 12,000-25,000 per month. In contrast, the average monthly salary for TEFL teachers in the UAE is around AED 10,000-20,000.
CountryAverage Monthly SalaryBenefits
UAEAED 10,000-20,000Accommodation, flights, health insurance
Saudi ArabiaSAR 12,000-25,000Accommodation, flights, health insurance
However, it's essential to consider the cost of living in each country, as well as the benefits package on offer.

"The cost of living in the UAE and Saudi Arabia can be relatively high, especially in cities like Dubai and Riyadh. However, with a competitive salary and benefits package, you can still enjoy a good standard of living and make the most of your time in these countries."

— Tomasz Kowalski, Senior Course Tutor & Grammar Methodology Lead at IQ TEFL Academy
Look, the key to success as a TEFL teacher in the UAE and Saudi Arabia is to be flexible, open-minded, and willing to learn. By doing so, you can build strong relationships with your students and colleagues, and make the most of your time in these fascinating countries.

Benefits and Perks for TEFL Teachers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia

In addition to their salary, TEFL teachers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia can also expect to receive a range of benefits and perks. These can include:
  • Accommodation: Many schools in the UAE and Saudi Arabia offer accommodation to their teachers — either in the form of a housing allowance or a fully-furnished apartment.
  • Flights: Some schools may also offer flights to and from the teacher's home country, as well as internal flights within the country.
  • Health insurance: Many schools offer health insurance to their teachers — which can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of illness or injury.
Person studying with a laptop at a cafe
Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels
Pro Tip: When negotiating your contract, be sure to ask about the benefits and perks on offer. This can include accommodation, flights, health insurance, and other perks such as a bonus or a retirement package.
And, as an added bonus, many schools in the UAE and Saudi Arabia offer a range of professional development opportunities — including training and certification programmes. For more information on the benefits and perks of teaching in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, I would recommend checking out the TEFL certification at the IQ TEFL Academy.

Expert Insights into the TEFL Job Market in the UAE and Saudi Arabia

The TEFL job market in the UAE and Saudi Arabia is highly competitive — with many qualified teachers vying for positions. However, with the right qualifications and experience, it's possible to secure a well-paid and rewarding teaching position.

"The TEFL job market in the UAE and Saudi Arabia is highly competitive, but there are still many opportunities available for qualified teachers. With the right qualifications and experience, you can secure a well-paid and rewarding teaching position and make the most of your time in these fascinating countries."

— Tomasz Kowalski, Senior Course Tutor & Grammar Methodology Lead at IQ TEFL Academy
According to recent statistics, the demand for TEFL teachers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia is on the rise — with many schools and language institutes looking to hire qualified and experienced teachers. Some of the most in-demand qualifications include:
  • TEFL certification
  • CELTA or Trinity certification
  • A degree in English or a related field
  • Experience teaching English as a foreign language
And, as an added bonus, many schools in the UAE and Saudi Arabia offer a range of professional development opportunities — including training and certification programmes. For more information on the TEFL job market in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, I would recommend checking out the our teaching team at the IQ TEFL Academy.

Tips for Negotiating a Higher Salary as a TEFL Teacher

Negotiating a higher salary as a TEFL teacher can be challenging — but there are several tips and strategies that can help. Some of these include:
  • Research the market: Before negotiating your salary, it's essential to research the market and determine the average salary for TEFL teachers in your location.
  • Highlight your qualifications and experience: Be sure to highlight your qualifications and experience — including any relevant certifications or degrees.
  • Be confident and assertive: When negotiating your salary, it's essential to be confident and assertive. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want — and be prepared to negotiate.
Pro Tip: When negotiating your salary, be sure to consider the cost of living in your location, as well as the benefits package on offer. This will help you to ensure that you are getting a fair deal and that you can enjoy a comfortable standard of living while teaching in the UAE or Saudi Arabia.
So, what's the key to negotiating a higher salary as a TEFL teacher? Well, it's all about research, confidence, and assertiveness — plus a bit of luck, I suppose. By following these tips and strategies, you can secure a well-paid and rewarding teaching position and make the most of your time in the UAE or Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion and Next Steps for TEFL Teachers

In conclusion, the salaries for TEFL teachers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia can be highly competitive — with many teachers earning a salary in the range of AED 10,000-20,000 or SAR 12,000-25,000 per month. However, it's essential to consider the cost of living in each country, as well as the benefits package on offer.

"The key to success as a TEFL teacher in the UAE and Saudi Arabia is to be flexible, open-minded, and willing to learn. By doing so, you can build strong relationships with your students and colleagues, and make the most of your time in these fascinating countries."

— Tomasz Kowalski, Senior Course Tutor & Grammar Methodology Lead at IQ TEFL Academy
If you're interested in teaching in the UAE or Saudi Arabia, I would recommend checking out the IQ TEFL Academy for more information on our TEFL programmes and our TEFL courses — we've got loads of resources available. We offer a range of courses and qualifications — including TEFL certification, CELTA, and Trinity certification.
Pro Tip: When applying for TEFL jobs in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, be sure to tailor your application to the specific job and employer. This includes highlighting your relevant qualifications and experience, as well as demonstrating your knowledge of the local culture and customs.
So, what are you waiting for? Take the first step towards an exciting and rewarding career as a TEFL teacher in the UAE or Saudi Arabia. Check out the TEFL certification at the IQ TEFL Academy today and start your journey towards a new and exciting career — it's worth it, honestly.
Tomasz Kowalski
Tomasz Kowalski Senior Course Tutor & Grammar Methodology Lead

Tomasz began his English teaching career in Warsaw before moving to London where he earned his DELTA and later an MA in ELT. With over a decade of experience supporting non-native English teachers, he specialises in grammar instruction methodology and making complex linguistic concepts genuinely teachable.

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