Teacher ' s Handbook
USEFUL REMINDERS FOR TEACHERS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Absences
Most schools have individual attendance policies for members of staff . However , it is important to remember that according to the labour laws of the UAE , if you are absent from work without permission for a period exceeding 15 days , your contract will be automatically cancelled .
Most schools and government bodies do not tolerate frequent unauthorised absences . Absences that form an obvious pattern such as every Sunday or Thursday . Such a pattern may also lead to nonrenewal or even contract cancellation . For absences exceeding your allotted sick days , you may not be paid . Please contact your respective Human Resource Department for more specific information .
Dress Code
Even though the dress code may vary from school to school , there are some basic requirements that hold for all .
No revealing , short or extremely tight clothing should be worn . Teachers are expected to dress professionally when reporting for duty . Sleeveless and low necklines are not allowed . Some schools may require that skirts be below the knee or even ankle length . Blouses should have sleeves . Some schools may stipulate sleeves below the elbows or even to the wrist .
In some schools , men may be required to wear suits , while others may only require long sleeved shirts and ties . Jeans are not acceptable in most institutions . Remember , the United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country . Even though the UAE is quite liberal in comparison to some of its neighbours , modesty is still required of all residents and visitors .
Drugs and Alcohol
The law is very clear on alcohol consumption . If you wish to consume alcohol in the UAE , you should apply for an alcohol licence . Alcohol is normally available in hotels and there are specific shops where expats may purchase alcohol . You may not always be asked to show a licence but you are strongly advised to have one .
There is no drink limit in this country . If you have even one drink , do not drive . If you are stopped and tested and any alcohol is found in your system , you will be arrested .
Drugs are prohibited . The punishment for drug abuse is quite severe in the UAE .
Language and gestures
The official language of the UAE is Arabic but English is widely spoken . Although English is not the official language , most people are fully aware of the English swear words . They should not be used in public under any circumstances . Rude gestures , especially when driving , can lead to problems with the law or even imprisonment . Be careful not to wave your fist in anger , as this may be interpreted as a threat .
Loud Music , Events and Social Media
Do not play your music loudly from your cars or at home so that it disturbs your neighbour . If you will be hosting an event , please ensure that you obtain the required municipal licence to do so . If the event is in your home , a licence is not needed , but please inform your neighbours .
The UAE has strict laws on what you can post on social media . Any post on social media which is deemed as slanderous to an individual or a company may lead to problems with the law . You are not allowed to make negative remarks about your employer , the government or any governmental agencies on social media . Do not post any photos of others on social media without their explicit permission . Be careful about what you post about yourself , as your employers may gain access to your social media profiles .
52 | Sep - Oct 2017 | | After The Bell