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