Moving to the Middle East
Salaries, Lifestyle, and Family Considerations
Why Move to the Middle East?
The Middle East has a reputation as one of the most financially rewarding regions for international teachers, offering high salaries, tax-free income, and generous benefits.
Countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are well-established hubs for international education, while Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait are emerging as strong contenders.
Teachers are drawn to the region for its modern infrastructure, career growth opportunities, and vibrant expat communities.
Middle East Overview
While cities like Dubai and Doha have higher costs, most schools offer housing allowances or provided accommodation, making expenses manageable.
Many teachers save 30-50% of their salary, thanks to tax-free earnings, included benefits, and lower utility and healthcare costs. Although packages are rapidly declining compared to what they once were.
Salary Expectations in the Middle East
Let’s take a look at the average teaching salaries you can expect across the Middle East.
United Arab Emirates (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)
$3,000 – $6,000 USD/month
Tax-free, with strong benefits.
Saudi Arabia
$2,500 – $5,500 USD/month
High savings potential, often includes free housing.
Qatar
$3,000 – $6,000 USD/month
Competitive salaries, excellent school packages.
Kuwait
$2,500 – $5,000 USD/month
Good benefits, but higher cost of living.
Oman
$2,000 – $4,500 USD/month
Lower salaries but more relaxed lifestyle.
Bahrain
2,000 – $4,500 USD/month
Smaller market but attractive expat environment.
Cost of Living in the Middle East
The average monthly cost of living for a family of four in the Middle East can range widely. It can range from around $2,500 to $7,000 USD or more, depending on the city, your lifestyle, and what’s included in your teaching package.
Gulf countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia often offer competitive salaries, and many international schools provide housing allowances, tuition benefits for children, and health insurance. All of which can make the region more affordable.
However, some cities like Dubai or Doha come with a high cost of living, particularly for housing, groceries, and private school extras (think: uniforms, field trips, and extracurriculars). Some schools may also not cover full tuition for children.
Meanwhile, in places like Oman or Bahrain, the cost of day-to-day life may be slightly lower but packages can vary more.
Your financial experience will largely depend on whether:
- Your accommodation is fully covered or just subsidised
- Your children’s tuition and fees are included in your contract
- You have to import certain foods or household items to feel at home
- You plan to travel during holidays or stay regional
Some families find they can save significantly in the Middle East, while others feel squeezed by hidden costs and lifestyle pressures (brunches, international schools, imported goods, etc.).
For a more detailed look into city-specific costs, explore:
- Numbeo – crowd-sourced, real-time cost-of-living data for cities like Dubai, Riyadh, and Muscat
- Expatistan – helpful for comparing two Middle Eastern cities or a Middle Eastern city with your home base
- Facebook groups like Expats in the UAE, Families in Qatar, or Life in Muscat – perfect for asking real people what they spend on groceries, petrol, or school supplies
School Types in the Middle East
Here are some of the most common types of schools you’ll find in the Middle East that recruit international teachers.
Top Tier International schools
Follow IB, British, or American curricula; offer the best salaries and benefits.
Private Bilingual Schools
Blend national and international education, offering mid-range salaries.
Government Initiatives
Some countries (like the UAE and Saudi Arabia) have public school programs hiring foreign teachers.
Hiring Seasons, Visas, Schools and Safety
Hiring Seasons
Peak Hiring Time: November – March for an August start.
Mid-Year Openings: Some positions available in May – July due to staff turnover.
Visa Processes
The school typically sponsors work visas, but teachers need a degree, teaching qualification, and a medical check.
Gulf countries have streamlined processes, though Saudi Arabia may require additional documentation.
Unmarried couples are likely to have difficulties obtaining spousal visas.
International Schools
Top international schools are abundant in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Doha.
Many schools offer tuition discounts for teachers’ children, making education more affordable. Though not all schools will offer this so check contract arrangements carefully.
Healthcare and Safety
Top-tier medical care in all major cities, often covered by employer health insurance.
The Middle East is generally a safe living environment, with strict laws contributing to low crime rates. However, women may feel less comfortable living in certain parts of the region due to cultural norms, legal restrictions, and significant variations in women’s rights and freedoms across different countries.
Moving to the Middle East
This area has some of the largest, most well-connected expat communities, with social clubs, networking events, and professional support groups.
