✅ The order of things
Send all attested documents as early as possible — they unlock everything else. The sequence is:
Your visa and Emirates ID then unlock internet, driving licence, liquor licence, and bank account.
Documents for Residence Visa & Work Permit
Several documents must be attested before submission — the process can take several weeks and the cost (likely > US$100) is at your expense. Start as early as possible.
Documents to attest & submit
- University Bachelor / Master Degree(s) — must be attested. Send a colored scan before attestation, then a colored scan of the attested degree, and bring the originals.
- University Mark Transcripts — must be attested. Same process as above.
- Teaching Certificate — clear color scan.
- Police Clearance — must be attested. Colored scan before attestation.
- Employment Experience Letter — must be attested. From a former or current employer on letterhead, signed and stamped, stating years of employment and grades / subjects taught.
- Original Marriage Certificate — must be attested (if applicable).
- Original Birth Certificate(s) — must be attested, for accompanying children only.
Attestation procedure
Documents attested by a Notary Public, lawyer, or commissioner of oaths.
Sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of origin for attestation.
Forwarded to the UAE Embassy / Consulate in your country for certification.
Charges apply at each step — check your country's Foreign Affairs Ministry and UAE Embassy for costs and timelines.
👑 Passport
Send a colored scan of the ID page. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after entry into the UAE. Tell us if you are renewing it before arrival.
📷 Photos
Color passport photos, 3cm × 4cm, white background. Send a high-resolution digital photo first; we may need 6 printed copies for medical and visa — print them locally before, or arrange them after arrival.
⚠️ Medical check after arrival
As part of the work-permit application, you will go for a medical check including a blood test. UAE regulations may deny work permits to individuals testing positive for certain conditions (e.g. HIV, hepatitis). If you have questions or concerns, reach out to HR confidentially.
Contract & Benefits
Compensation Package
- Annual round-trip flight to home destination
- Housing provided in year 1; from year 2 a stipend of 59,000 AED is available if you choose to leave provided housing
- School insurance covering most medical expenses
- Professional Development from external providers and AISA staff
- Competitive tax-free salaries
- Allowances for extra responsibilities
- Credit for approved post-graduate degrees
- Increments for teaching experience
- Settling-in allowance
- Tuition support for teachers' children
- Apple device
Intangible Benefits
- Part of an international community of educators and students
- Teaching within an internationally recognized curriculum
- Engagement in Professional Learning Communities
- Variety of professional development opportunities
- Building connections with diverse professionals through social and networking settings
- Travel to nearby countries and exploration of the region
Professional Dress Code
Teachers are expected to dress professionally in line with UAE cultural norms and climate.
Men
Buttoned, tucked-in dress shirts or golf / polo shirts; dress slacks; shoes; socks. Jackets and ties are optional during the school day but required for events such as Open House and Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Not permitted: t-shirts, collarless shirts, jeans, tracksuits, cargo or casual pants, flip-flops, athletic shoes, or sandals.
Women
Tailored trousers, skirts, or dresses that reach the knee. Tops must cover shoulders, chest, and midriff.
Not permitted: jeans, tracksuits, cargo or casual pants, flip-flops, athletic shoes.
PE Staff
Appropriate athletic attire aligned with the instructional role.
Special Activities
Field trips may allow more casual dress. When in doubt, default to formal attire. Jeans and t-shirts are not allowed on free-dress days.
❄️ Climate note
Buildings are air-conditioned year-round — many staff buy cardigans or light layers after arrival. Cooler winter months (December–February) may need jackets.
Apartments & Basic Needs
All first-year teachers live in AISA apartments unless waived by Dr. Torris. Each apartment is fully stocked with kitchen essentials, cookware, and a combination washer-dryer. New bedding, towels, and basic breakfast items will be waiting on arrival until you can shop. Teachers also receive a settling-in allowance to help personalize and furnish their home.
Common housing areas: Muroor, Reem, and Khalidiya. Each is walking-distance to restaurants, cafes, and a grocery store.
🛒 Supermarkets
Waitrose, Spinneys, Carrefour, and the local Lulu's. UK, US, and French products are widely available, alongside exotic items. Pork and alcohol can be purchased at select stores.
📱 Connectivity
From day one, you can email family from school or buy a phone and SIM. Wi-Fi and TV are hooked up at your apartment once your residence visa is in your passport.
Getting Around
🚌 School Bus
AISA provides bus service to and from school for all teachers in AISA housing. Buses arrive on campus 7:00–7:15 and leave at 3:30 and 4:30 pm.
🚕 Taxis
Plentiful, efficient, and inexpensive. Flag down on the street or pre-book via the Yango app. Average city trip: 15–20 AED. Round trip to Al Ain, Dubai, or Sharjah: ~500 AED.
🚍 City Buses
Regular routes for a few dirhams. From Abu Dhabi's main bus terminal, scheduled services run to many UAE cities.
🚗 Cars & Licences
Most teachers don't buy cars but rent for weekend trips. With your existing licence, getting a UAE licence is easy once papers are in order. Used cars can be cheap thanks to a transient population.
Money Matters
🏦 Banking
Several banks are available — shop around. Some offer benefits like air miles. Check credit cards and loan terms before signing up. Transfer most of your salary home each month. You'll need your residence visa to open an account, but banks usually allow a 1-month grace pending issuance.
💾 Payslips
AISA pays before the last day of each month. If setting up auto-payments, schedule them for the start of the month. Payslips are emailed. No tax or social-security deductions, but teachers pay half of their utilities monthly.
📫 Postal Service
Local online shopping delivers directly to your flat. International mail uses the school's P.O. Box: regular mail is not delivered to street addresses in Abu Dhabi. The PRO collects mail twice a week.
💰 Taxes
The UAE does not levy income taxes. 5% VAT applies to some items (since 2018). Check your home country's tax laws about filing returns abroad.
First Flight & Arrival
Ibtissam Harrache arranges flights so people travelling from a common location arrive together — check the photos in the Getting Acquainted section to recognise your colleagues.
- On landing, present your papers at immigration and complete an eye scan.
- Collect your luggage and head into the main hall.
- An AISA administrative team member will be there to greet you.
- Buses will be waiting to take you to your apartment.