Behind every inclusive classroom are skilled educators whose impact extends beyond their pay slips. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to strengthen its commitment to inclusive education. In this environment, demand for qualified Special Education (SPED) Teachers is increasing across public schools, international curricula, and private institutions. This is because they are the best places to help students with a variety of needs.
This growing focus is also reshaping salary structures, long-term growth opportunities, and career pathways in this sector. This is also why they earn between AED 60,000 and AED 144,000 per year, with an average of AED 102,000 and a mean of AED 96,000.
This blog will examine Special Education Teacher salaries in the UAE and explore the factors influencing these figures.
Source: Glassdoor, as of March 19, 2023
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Special Education Teacher Salary in the UAE in 2026
SPED Teachers are now earning more in the UAE. A major factor in this steady growth in compensation has been the government initiatives that promote inclusive and accessible learning environments.
1. Special Education Teacher Salary by Experience
The following table shows the Special Education Teacher salaries based on experience level:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range |
| 0-1 Year | AED 48,000 – AED 108,000 |
| 1-3 Years | AED 60,000 – AED 120,000 |
| 4-6 Years | AED 96,000 – AED 144,000 |
| 7-9 Years | AED 108,000 – AED 180,000 |
| 10-14 Years | AED 120,000 – AED 180,000 |
| 15+ Years | AED 132,000 – AED 228,000 |
Source: Glassdoor, as of September 21 and October 22, 2021; May 13, June 30, and August 9, 2023; and January 13, 2025
2. Special Education Teacher Salary by Location
The following table shows the salaries that these professionals earn in different cities:
| Location | Average Annual Salary |
| Ras al-Khaimah | AED 97,874 |
| Abu Dhabi | AED 87, 490 |
| Dubai | AED 77,821 |
| Al-Ayn | AED 51,716 |
| Sharjah | AED 41,470 |
| Ajman | AED 40,750 |
| Umm al-Quwain City | AED 36,695 |
Source: Indeed, as of November 12, 2025
3. Special Education Teacher Salary by Designation
The table below shows the salaries for special education teaching jobs based on designations:
| Designation | Annual Salary Range |
| High School Teacher | AED 9000 – AED 208,000 |
| Elementary School Teacher | AED 8000 – AED 185,000 |
| Music Teacher | AED 8000 – AED 185,000 |
| Primary School Teacher | AED 10,000 – AED 183,000 |
| Applied Behavior Analysis Therapist | AED 2000 – AED 164,000 |
| Teaching Assistant | AED 3000 – AED 72,000 |
| Teacher Assistant | AED 970 – AED 72,000 |
Source: Payscale, as of February 15, 2023
Also Read: Best Career Opportunities in Special Education in the UAE
Key Factors Affecting SPED Teacher Pay in the UAE
In the UAE, SPED teacher salaries are impacted by different factors, and the most prominent among them are the following:
- Qualifications and Level of Education: If you hold a specialized qualification, such as a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator role, or a certification in Applied Behavior Analysis, Council for Awards in Care, Health, and Education (CACHE), or ELKLAN, it can enhance your earning potential.
- Years of Experience: Years of experience play a significant role in determining your salary as an SPED teacher here. The more experienced you are, the more you earn.
- Curriculum and Type of School: Schools that follow American or British curricula usually offer more competitive packages compared to some community-based schools. The top private international schools over here often pay higher base salaries. For prestigious institutions, the figure is high as well.
- Specific Location: Salaries vary across the country based on factors such as demand and cost of living. For example, Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai typically offer higher base salaries, with top-tier schools paying above-average salaries. Other emirates, such as Sharjah and Al-Ayn, offer lower base salaries.
- Allowances and Benefits: Your total compensation over here could be higher than your base salary because you do not have to pay taxes on your income over here. This includes benefits such as housing, education, health, and travel insurance. In terms of housing, you will either receive a monthly allowance or be provided with proper accommodation.
Growth Trends and Demand for SPED Teachers in the UAE
- Right now, the UAE is seeing a surge in demand for SPED teachers, reflected in the Master’s in Special Education salaries paid to these professionals here. The most significant drivers of this growth are the rapidly expanding private education sector and the federal government’s inclusion policies.
- International schools in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are actively recruiting in 2026, and this is expected to be one of the strongest years for such hiring.
- The new diagnostic initiatives and localization (Emiratization) policies have also played prominent roles in this regard.
Also Read: Best Online Educational Leadership Programs for UAE Professionals in 2026
Skills and Qualifications That Boost Earnings
If you wish to earn a high Special Education salary in the UAE:
1. Advanced Academic Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership or Special Education
- Postgraduate Certifications, such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education
2. High-Value Professional Certifications
- Special Education Needs and Disabilities Coordinator
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Specializations
- Communication Interventions
3. Niche Competencies and Skills
- Expertise in Individualized Education Plans
- Assistive Technology
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Bilingual Proficiency
4. Mandatory Licensing
- UAE Teacher Licensing
All these are important in different ways. For example, having a Master’s degree helps you land leadership or senior roles and higher base pay.
Why upGrad is Your Partner in Career Growth in the UAE?
Through upGrad in the UAE, you can access globally accredited, specialized Education programs tailored to this particular high-demand sector. This is how the educational technology platform can help you advance your SPED career in the country.
Explore these online learning courses through upGrad UAE:
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) from Northeastern University
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) from the University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) from Edgewood University
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D) from Edgewood University
- Dual Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Degree from Edgewood University
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FAQs On Special Education Teacher Salary in the UAE
The average monthly salary for a SPED Teacher in the UAE ranges from AED 60,000 to AED 144,000.
Source: Glassdoor, as of March 19, 2023
As a fresh graduate, a SPED teacher in the UAE can expect to earn between AED 48,000 and AED 108,000 per year.
Source: Glassdoor, as of September 28, 2021
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah offer higher salaries to SPED Teachers than other emirates, such as Sharjah and Al Ain.
Yes, private and international schools here offer higher salaries to SPED teachers than local schools do.
Here, SPED Teachers receive additional perks, including housing, education, and health & travel insurance, in addition to their base salaries. This also affects their salary.
