Country Information - Teaching in United Arab Emirates
Last Updated on Wednesday, 28 January 2009 17:18
Teaching Jobs in Dubai
Teaching in Dubai and the UAE can be one of the most rewarding experiences you will have.
Teachers in a good school in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or anywhere else in the UAE, will certainly enjoy the experience (embassy schools and non-profit schools are usually the best ones).
The students are interesting and enthusiastic, generally well-motivated, and compared to teaching in any other big city, you'll have no or few discipline problems. Most schools will start earlier than many teachers are used to.
Typically, the school day will begin around 0730 or 0800 for students, and finish around 1430 or 1500, with an hour or so for lunch.The working week is Sunday to Thursday with a handful of schools having an early finish on Thursday.
Like schools everywhere, there will be marking, lesson preparation, meetings, parents evenings, extra-curricular activities, playground supervision, assemblies, international gala days, sports days, cover lessons, etc to occupy every other waking minute you might have planned to use for your own personal enjoyment.
But don't worry, you get plenty of holidays, as all your non-teaching friends will remind you.
History of Dubai
Dubai was originally a fishing settlement. Inhabitants lived by fishing, pearling, herding sheep and goats, but by the turn of the century Dubai was an important trading port.
Trade expanded even as the city was under the British protectorate, which was established in 1892, and Dubai began to grow in merchant appeal. Since Dubai is so close to India, it became a pivotal hub for trade, with many choosing to relocate there.
Dubai's rich pearl industry was significantly damaged by WWI and the economic turmoil caused by the Great Depression. As a result, many chose to migrate to other parts of the Arab world. The discovery of oil, however, pulled thousands of newcomers into the city. In 1971, the British withdrew and Dubai joined the federation of the United Arab Emirates.
Oil was discovered in 1966 and by 1969 Dubai exported its first shipment of oil. The success of this venture fueled the rapid development of the area and through the insight of the late ruler provided for the general welfare of the inhabitants. The price of oil skyrocketed after the Persian Gulf War, making Dubai's government rich from the profits.
Dubai worked to build up its infrastructure of transport facilities, schools, hospitals, tourism developments and other amenities of an advanced society. The journey continues today.
Climate
Temperatures range from lows of 10°C to extreme summer highs of 48°C. The average maximum daily temperature in January is 24°C and the average maximum daily temperature in July is 41°C when humidity is very high.
Living in Dubai
Dubai is recognised as the commercial and tourism capital of the UAE and is globally regarded as one of the most sophisticated, futuristic and cosmopolitan cities in the world, in fact Dubai is something of a phenomenon! It is an Arab Muslim society with the fastest growing foreign population in the world, and it has successfully developed harmony through ethnic diversity.
It is a city with unrivalled levels of economic energy and architectural ambition, a unique city of contrasts where the most modern and architecturally stunning skyscrapers stand alongside traditional beautiful Arabic structures.
The experiences and attractions available in Dubai are many and varied. From the miles of immaculate beautiful white sandy beaches to the richly exotic Arabian heritage, from the awe inspiring majesty of the desert to the lively international bars, restaurants and nightclubs – a visitor to Dubai is guaranteed an incredible, never to be forgotten experience.
In 2003 Dubai was voted safest holiday destination in the world by Conde Nast Traveller magazine, and in fact Dubai is recognised globally as one of the safest cities in the world. Living in Dubai you will find that it is virtually crime-free with the Dubai police ensuring personal safety and security. Anyone found guilty of committing a serious crime will be severely punished. Alcohol and drug related offences are considered serious.
Recent innovative projects in the city include the foundation of Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, bringing 21st century technology to Dubai in the world's very first ‘Free Zone’ wholly dedicated to e-business. Glitzy, glam, over-the-top and a little over the top - Dubai lives for attention. On the surface it’s materialistic beyond anyone’s wildest dreams and by treating every visitor like a VIP, visitors respond by spending like VIP. We’re talking about a city that virtually invented the word ‘shopping. With myriad shopping malls, flamboyant hotels, a dizzying array of dining options and potential residents are flocking to this Middle East metropolis in increasing numbers with the promise that Dubai is like no other city on earth.
Places of Interest
Head to the Heritage Village during Ramadan or the DSF and you’ll witness a different Dubai, where local Emiratis take joy in their songs, dance and traditions. Spend a few fascinating hours by the creek, watching the dhow (traditional wooden boat) traffic and the abras weave along the waterway while smoking some sheesha. Walk the streets of the tranquil, restored Bastakia area or take a stroll through multicultural Karama or Satwa. You may even want to snow ski, in the worlds biggest indoor ski slope at the Mall of the Emiates. Whatever you end up preferring, Dubai is a fascinating experiment and a city-state that’s like no other.
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