Teaching in Dubai: Managing Workload Without Burnout
Teaching in Dubai is an incredible experience. Modern schools, diverse students, and a tax-free salary. But behind the Instagram-worthy brunches and beach days, the reality is that teaching here can be intense. The workload can pile up fast, especially if you don’t put systems in place to manage it effectively. Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that have helped me stay on top of my workload while still having time to enjoy everything Dubai has to offer.
1. Understanding the Workload
When I first arrived, I had this idea that working in Dubai would somehow be easier than back home. The reality? Lesson planning, marking, admin, emails, and after-school responsibilities can feel never-ending if you don’t stay on top of them. Schools often have high expectations, and with regular inspections and parental involvement, it’s easy to feel like you’re always on duty.
The key is setting boundaries early. If you find yourself taking work home every evening, it’s time to rethink your workflow.
2. Making the Most of Free Periods
One of the biggest game-changers for me was maximizing free periods. In Dubai, students often have Arabic, Islamic Studies, or PE, and these lessons provide valuable pockets of time to get things done. Instead of using those moments to scroll through your phone or grab a coffee, use them wisely:
Mark a set number of books straight away: Don’t let them pile up.
Plan upcoming lessons in advance to avoid late-night prep.
Reply to emails in bulk so they don’t distract you later.
I found that when I used these periods well, I could leave work on time more often.
3. Keeping Year Group Meetings Prompt
Another area where time often disappears? Year group meetings. These can easily drag on, especially when discussions go off on tangents. I’ve sat in meetings where we spent 20 minutes debating something that could have been resolved in two!
To keep things efficient:
Have a clear agenda and stick to it.
Keep discussions focused on action points rather than unnecessary debates.
Use shared documents to track updates instead of repeating things verbally.
The faster you get through the meeting, the quicker you can move on to tasks that actually help your workload.
4. Leveraging Technology to Reduce Admin
Dubai schools tend to be well-equipped with tech, so take advantage of it. Tools like Learning by Questions (LBQ), Wakelet, and Padlet have saved me hours on lesson planning and marking. AI tools like ChatGPT and Monica can also help generate worksheets, quiz questions, and even differentiated tasks in seconds.
The less time you spend reinventing the wheel, the better.
5. Setting Boundaries with Work
It’s easy to let work consume you, especially when you live in an expat community where many of your friends are teachers. I’ve made the mistake of saying yes to everything—extra responsibilities, endless meetings, and after-school clubs, only to realize I was running on empty.
Some simple ways to protect your time:
Be selective with commitments – You don’t need to do everything.
Set a work cut-off time – If you’re still working at 8 p.m., something needs to change.
Don’t take on others’ stress – Support colleagues, but don’t let their workload become yours.
6. Prioritizing Well-being
Teaching can be exhausting, and if you don’t look after yourself, burnout is inevitable. I’ve found that exercising regularly (even if it’s just a quick gym session or walk around the Marina) makes a huge difference. Getting out of teacher mode by exploring Dubai, taking weekend trips, or simply switching off in the evenings has helped me maintain balance.
Dubai offers an amazing lifestyle, but it’s only enjoyable if you’re not drowning in work. By using free periods wisely, keeping meetings efficient, leveraging technology, and setting clear boundaries, you can stay on top of your workload without sacrificing your personal life.
What strategies have helped you manage workload in Dubai? Let’s share tips in the comments!
If you're interested in teaching in The UAE or further afield, make sure you check out our comprehensive range of guides at www.teachtraveltriumph.com/guide
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