Teaching in the Middle East: What South African teachers should really consider
- SA-Recruitment
- Jun 5
- 4 min read
For many South African teachers, the idea of teaching abroad sparks both excitement and uncertainty. When comparing destinations in the Middle East such as Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Muscat (Oman), Abu Dhabi (UAE), and Manama (Bahrain), the conversation often begins and ends with one figure: the monthly salary.
However, focusing only on that number can be misleading. Many teachers overlook destinations like Riyadh or Muscat simply because the salary appears lower than what is offered in Abu Dhabi.
Yet, once you take into account factors such as the cost of living, the quality of accommodation, and the absence of tax, the overall financial picture changes dramatically.
This guide offers a detailed comparison to help you consider all the variables, including how each location stacks up against the average cost of living in South Africa.
Why South African teachers should think beyond the salary
Let’s begin with a realistic benchmark.
In South Africa, a teacher earning around R25,000 per month will typically spend:
R6,000–R12,000 on rent
R5,000 or more on groceries
R2,500 or more on transport and petrol
R1,000 or more on utilities and internet
R150 for a takeaway coffee
R500 or more for a casual meal out
And don’t forget income tax, which can reduce your salary by 18 to 26 percent.
Now compare this with the Middle East, where teachers receive:
Tax-free salaries
Free or heavily subsidised accommodation
Lower day-to-day living expenses
Flights and medical insurance often included
The difference is significant. For many teachers, this can translate into saving thousands of rand each month while enjoying a secure and fulfilling lifestyle and sending money back home.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: high savings and premium accommodation
Average salary: SAR 9,000 per month (approx. R45,000)
Accommodation: Free, spacious, and often in expat compounds with gyms, pools, and security
Saudi Arabia is modernising rapidly, and its education sector is benefiting from increased investment. Although Riyadh may seem conservative at first glance, teachers who make the move are often surprised by the high quality of housing, the strong sense of community, and the ability to live well on very little.
Estimated costs:
Coffee: SAR 10 to 15 (R50 to R75)
Groceries: SAR 800 to 1,200 (R4,000 to R6,000)
Restaurant meal: SAR 50 to 100 (R250 to R500)
Cinema ticket: SAR 50 to 70 (R250 to R350)
Summary: Riyadh allows teachers to save between 60 and 70 percent of their salary. It is ideal for those who want financial progress, modern housing, and professional growth.
Muscat, Oman: peaceful living with strong savings potential
Average salary: OMR 900 per month (approx. R45,000)
Accommodation: Free housing, often well located and spacious
Muscat offers a unique lifestyle. Teachers enjoy a relaxed, respectful environment surrounded by natural beauty, from beaches to mountains. The salary may appear modest, but costs are low, and the overall quality of life is high.
Estimated costs:
Coffee: OMR 1.5 to 2.5 (R75 to R125)
Groceries: OMR 100 to 150 (R5,000 to R7,500)
Restaurant meal: OMR 3 to 6 (R150 to R300)
Cinema ticket: OMR 3 to 4 (R150 to R200)
Summary: Oman is well suited for teachers looking for balance, culture, and the chance to save without sacrificing comfort or safety.
Abu Dhabi, UAE: modern lifestyle with higher expenses
Average salary: AED 10,000 per month (approx. R52,000)
Accommodation: Free accommodation, though often more basic than in other regions.
Abu Dhabi is one of the most popular destinations for expat teachers. It offers excellent infrastructure, a diverse expat community, and strong professional development opportunities. However, this comes at a price.
Estimated costs:
Coffee: AED 18 to 25 (R90 to R125)
Groceries: AED 1,800 to 2,500 (R9,000 to R12,500)
Restaurant meal: AED 80 to 150 (R400 to R750)
Cinema ticket: AED 40 to 50 (R200 to R250)
Summary: Although the salary is higher, expenses can reduce your ability to save. Teachers often live well but save less compared to those in Saudi Arabia or Oman.
Manama, Bahrain: a balanced and welcoming choice
Average salary: BHD 900 per month (approx. R45,000)
Accommodation: Free accommodation, often spacious.
Bahrain combines the social openness of the UAE with a lower cost of living. Teachers enjoy a vibrant community, modern amenities, and access to Gulf-wide travel, all while maintaining a relatively low monthly spend.
Estimated costs:
Coffee: BHD 2 to 3 (R100 to R150)
Groceries: BHD 100 to 150 (R5,000 to R7,500)
Restaurant meal: BHD 3 to 6 (R150 to R300)
Cinema ticket: BHD 3 to 4 (R150 to R200)
Summary: A great option for teachers seeking a liberal, community-oriented lifestyle with solid financial rewards.
Open your mind, open your future
As a South African teacher, your first international role is a major step, not just in your career, but in your financial life. Too often, candidates focus solely on Abu Dhabi or one preferred location. This mindset can cause you to miss out on incredible opportunities that offer higher savings, better housing, and professional growth.
Keep in mind that your first post is just that: a starting point. Most schools require international experience, and by accepting a position in Saudi Arabia, Oman, or Bahrain, you gain exactly what future employers are looking for: Gulf teaching experience, adaptability, and a proven track record abroad.
And even more importantly, you gain the ability to save. The highest salary on paper is not always the most valuable. A tax-free income, free accommodation, and a lower cost of living can result in you saving more than twice what you could at home, and sometimes even more than you could in a high-salary city like Abu Dhabi.
Be open. Be strategic. Your international journey starts with saying yes to possibility and being willing to go where the real growth begins.
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