keenybeany76

Hi - I'm new so apologies if this is ground that has been covered .... I've had a good look but can't see anything that answers my queries.
I'm an Assistant Head in a state secondary in the UK seeking promotion to Deputy, and I am attracted to working in the Middle East (Dubai) for the following reasons:
Nicer students (!)
Nicer climate and community feel (parental support?)
Tax free salary (is it equivalent to UK?)
Current economic / political issues in UK mean few opportunities opening up here.
Accommodation, annual flights back to UK and health insurance.

Questions - my husband is self employed in the UK - would he be able to work / get a visa - would he even be able to come with me?!!
As a woman in her thirties (no children) is it realistic to look for a leadership position in a secondary school (might be completely out of line - but Islamic attitidues to women - could it be tricky?)
Also - what happens to my Teachers Pension if I get a fixed term contract overseas? Can I continue to make my own contributions? Does this time count as years continuous service??

Basically - it all sounds great but I've never been to Dubai and need some facts before I look more in depth.
Thanks in advance!

khitan004

I have found the TES website to be helpful in advertising jobs over in the Middle East. You would get a nicer lifestyle should you get western compound accommodation and the salary would be much better tax free than UK gross. So long as you worked in an international school you would have no issues with attitudes to women (unless you had local students maybe.) I am not familiar with the VISA situation for Dubai as I'm in KSA, but I'm sure someone will be along shortly to tell you about that. The only issue I foresee is that you would be a woman bringing a husband, not the other way around. As for the teachers' pension, you would have to call them and ask. I doubt any time outside of UK State school would count as continuous service, but I don't know how that changes your pension.

keenybeany76

Many thanks - can I ask for a few more specifics about possible problems being a woman bringing a husband over? Not sure what sorts of things might be tricky .... is it tough compared to the UK being the main breadwinner if you are female?
The only reasons I thought gender might be an issue is that the Leadership Teams of schools I have looked at in Dubai all seem to be male! I made a huge assumption that this might not just be coincidence - but maybe it is!
Most adverts on TES don't detail salary - they just say 'competitive' which was why I wondered if they were generally equivalent to UK but with the tax free perk.
I think I have a lot of research to do regarding national insurance, renting out our mortaged UK house etc etc.
And all before I can decide whether or not to complete an application!!

khitan004

Unfortunately I cannot help with Dubai Visas. I would think the woman thing is just a coincidence, but you never know. I don't know the salary packages, but even if they are UK equivalent gross, with accommodation etc. included it can add up to a good deal.

keenybeany76

Have visited the British Embassy UAE website and it seems that being a female sponsor is the same as being a male one for Dubai (made easier because of being a teacher.) Looks like various documentation is needed and it is wise to get it all authenticated / the right seals etc on it in the UK before going over.

khitan004

Good news, be prepared for it to take forever to be sorted.

busybee2

in my school in abu there are quite a few female deputy heads.

mrsSAFC

I have just secured a head position in abu dhabi - in the interview they were very clear that it is not traditionally a female role however times are changing and they are actively promoting female senior roles

nikkisizer

"I think I have a lot of research to do regarding national insurance, renting out our mortaged UK house etc etc.
And all before I can decide whether or not to complete an application!!"

Hi keenybeany76,

If you do secure employment here I can help you with the above so please do not hesitate to contact me if required.

Good luck!