I'm in Abu Dhabi and have been since 2011. I absolutely LOVE Abu Dhabi and don't see myself leaving anytime soon.

There are tons of things to do here and loads of expats from all around the world. There's nothing like hanging out at one of the many city events, beaches, or pubs for happy hour (several ladies nights as well where ladies drink for FREE) and sparking up a conversation with someone from someplace you've never heard of!

What I love most about this place is the international feel without the language barrier. Most people speak English so communication isn't to much of a problem. If learning a new language is your thing you can certainly get that to.

A lot of International schools house teachers in an area of Abu Dhabi called Al Reem Island or now they're starting to call it Shams Abu Dhabi. Fab location and awesome views!

Abu Dhabi is safe, super clean, and an AMAZING place to be!

TAKE THE OFFER!

This sounds like an Abu Dhabi not Dubai package as AD usually pays more than Dubai. Can you save, absolutely, but there are TONS of things to do in and around the country so how much you save is up to you. A single should be able to save 15,000-20,000 USD a year and still travel a bit.

I'm currently here and have been since 2011. I love this place and don't see me leaving anytime soon.

My experience is that people get caught up in credit card and loan debt here. Simply say NO to the mentioned and you'll do just fine.

What is the best way of contacting schools if you wish to be a local hire? Should I put it in the cover letter, include the information in the email?...please advise.

My husband is an engineer in the country and his company offers housing, flights, medical, etc so all I need is a J-O-B!

I've reached out to a few schools and I haven't had any response. In my eyes I am a 'perfect candidate'. I have 12 years of teaching experience most of those years are in the International setting, MA degree with 5 years PYP experience, and most importantly I'm 'cheap' because I'm a local hire!

Heeelllpppp!! I'm desperate for a job as I'm not the sit at home type of gal! I'm a Search Candidate, I'm on TIE Online...

The only thing I can think of is that maybe my Search file is getting passed up because it says I'm married with two dependent children. Do you think schools are passing me up because of the dependents? Where/how should I explain that I am a local hire?

KB

You can tour the entire country in 5 days as the major cities are about 1.5 hours drive away from each other. Off the top of my head I suggest:

Abu Dhabi
Corniche
Heritage Village
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Emirates Palace
Saadiyat Beach Club

Al Ain
Al Ain Zoo
Jebel Hafeet
Al Ain National Museum

Dubai
Sheikh Zayed Center for Cultural Understanding
Dubai Mall
Burj Khalifa
Gold Souk
Day pass to Atlantis
Tea/Coffee at Burj Al Arab

I'm in Abu Dhabi and have been since 2011.This is my favorite time of year as the weather is PERFECT! I recommend checking out Time Out Dubai and Time Out Abu Dhabi to see what events are happening when you arrive.

I HIGHLY recommend reading poor Teacher by Andrew Hallam for easy to understand tips on saving for retirement while abroad.

Two more cents....

Check the websites of the schools that you're interested in and email a few teachers there. I've always done this and it's been more helpful than the reviews on this sight. I never ask about benefits but about the school climate, work load, student population. Believe it or not I almost always get a reply and insight of the school from someone with first hand knowledge.

Good luck!

The pay scale is mostly the same around Abu Dhabi with British schools paying a little more than American schools.

You said you want to move to the ME with 'your partner'. Not sure if you're married but if you're not it'll be hard... almost impossible to get hired as a teaching couple. The ME follows strict Islamic law which basically says members of the opposite sex can't live together without being married so you should approach schools as singles.......or put a ring on it! #inmybeyoncevoice

Once you're here you can have 'sleep overs' because this part of the world will automatically assume that you're married anyway (they truly just don't get that the Western world dates, etc) but its a gamble because doing so is well...against the law.

I'm only familiar with the UAE and from what I'm aware GEMS corporation, and Taaeleem network of schools are the largest private school networks here. Taaleem is actually having a recruitment fair in Dubai on the 19th.

That is an EXCELLENT offer in AD and it will be hard to beat. ACS is the "top" school in AD and they post their benefits including salary scale on their website. 16,000 AED is the top and the max out for most schools here besides ADEC. Go for it! AD is a lovely place, not to expensive and a hour away from Dubai!

The social life in Abu Dhabi is fantastic. There is a ladies night almost every night of the week where you can drink for free! GAA is expanding quickly so there will be a lot of new hires this year so I'm sure it'll be easy to 'fit in' without feeling like a 'newbie'.

[quote="aridion"][quote="alecsmario"]i don't know about Dubai, but i have a friend in Abu Dhabi and him and his wife told me that the expenses monthly....for them are around 2000dirhams and in here are food: aprox 1000, tel and internet about 300 dirhams and other things like...400...he told me that maximum, around 2000...the rest...poket money that you cand spend or save according to your wishes...[/quote]

Better than I expected. I was under the impression that prices were trumped up in these places.[/quote]

This expense breakdown is very accurate. The UAE is not expensive like everyone thinks, and you can enjoy a great quality of life.