5 Cool Jobs in the Middle East for English Speakers

July 2024 · 5 minute read

Finding jobs in the Middle East for English speakers has never been easier. From Turkey to Iran, UAE to Egypt, there are plenty of opportunities to work abroad in the Middle East. With attractive salaries, and often rather comfortable living conditions, this is one of the hottest up and coming destinations for anyone looking to gallivant in this region of the world.

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Working in the Middle East is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Depending on the time of year, the temperatures can be high, but so too are your chances of finding a suitable position. Anglophones are in high demand! Countries like the United Arab Emirates and Cyprus have increasingly been offering spiffy gigs in all kinds of sectors running the gamut of goods and services — this is where you’ll find the highest concentration of positions.

And while these destinations might be the two most common locales with jobs in the Middle East for English speakers, it’s only the beginning of the list.

Why work abroad in the Middle East?

The intercontinental region is home to a host of religions, cultures, languages, and ethnicities. We often have this tendency to think of the Middle East as one entity, when in reality it’s loaded with diversity.

Other popular destinations with jobs in the Middle East include Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. Basically, wherever you can get a visa, you’re bound to find work. Not convinced? Maybe our guide to jobs abroad in the Middle East can help.

5 jobs in the Middle East for English speakers

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1. Teach in UAE with Teaching Nomad 

Certified teacher? If so, there are an abundance of jobs in the Middle East with your name on them. And they aren’t just for teaching English. Look no further than Teaching Nomad for your experience abroad.

With teaching positions in various destinations, you’re bound to find a city that will suit your fancy. One of the perks you’ll discover with Teaching Nomad is that you don’t have to pay any fees! Unless, that is, you’re looking to obtain your TEFL certification once you arrive. From start to finish, this organization has got your back.

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2. Work in Cyprus While Having Fun in the Sun, Sand and Sea

Take a break from your everyday hustle and bustle while working in Cyprus. RAM Universal has positions in the service industry: from restaurants to hotels, tourist rentals, to much, much more. No experience is necessary but it is required that you bring a positive attitude and an eagerness to learn — both very light to pack! You can even carry them on.

All training is given on-the-job and the rest? It will be history. If you start waiting tables, for example, chances are you’ll be promoted to management with a solid, proven track record. Housing and meals are included in your salary so this could be one of those show-up and everything is taken care of for you, kind of gigs. Why not find yourself in Cyprus?

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3. Get Paid to Teach English Abroad in Bahrain with a TEFL/TESOL Certification
Immerse yourself in Bahraini culture working in the Middle East teaching English. With International TEFL Academy programs you can be certified to teach English as a foreign language in no time.

Hopeful teachers have the choice between a one-month full-time course in-person or a three-month, part-time option from the convenience of your computer, anywhere you can snag a decent WiFi connection. The choice is yours!

Once you’re certified, you will be eligible to teach in both public or private schools which will allow you to earn more than the average national salary.

4. Work and Enjoy the Sun and Sea in Paphos, Cyprus!

Combine work and pleasure with a six to 12-month working contract in the middle of the Mediterranean. Some of these jobs in the Middle East for U.S. citizens include bartending, wait staff, kitchen help, housekeeping, cooking, and receptionist. No experience? No problem. 

On-the-job training will be your ticket to success in this sector. Explore the beautiful island nation of Cyprus while you work away. Employees are offered competitive salaries and a host of other perks including some cash for both your inbound and outbound flight.

5. Entertainment Positions with Funtastic Entertainment

Have a knack for being on-stage or interested in entertainment management? Work away in Cyprus in the thriving entertainment industry. These Middle East jobs include positions like wedding DJs and vocalists, along with sound and light technicians to name a few of the gigs up for grabs.

Outgoinging personality and stellar communication skills? The job might be yours! This employment agency has a quick turn-around; once your application is submitted you’ll have news within a quick 72 hours. Send your updated CV along with a few recent photos and you could be well on your way.

Land the job of your dreams when you work abroad in the Middle East!

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Get up and start searching for jobs in the Middle East for English speakers!

Thinking about teaching? Have a peak at some of these challenges that ESL teachers often encounter while working abroad. Becoming familiar with some of these will help you tackle them like a pro. Whether you’ve found the locale and position of your dreams or you’re still on the hunt, check out GoAbroad's Pre-Departure Checklist for Working Abroad because you can never be too prepared.

There are an enormous amount of jobs in the Middle East for U.S. citizens in so many different sectors. Whether you're interested in teaching youngsters or entertaining tourists, you’re bound to find a position to suit your fancy.

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