Top Tips for Educators in the UAE
We are delighted to introduce Thomas Blakemore our latest contributor to Education UAE – Thomas is Educational Influencer Of The Year!
Thomas brings a wealth of experience from his extensive teaching career in the UAE. Thomas has dedicated over a decade to the education sector, both in the UK and the UAE, cultivating a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within international education.
Also, as founder of the popular blog Teach Travel Triumph, he shares insights on teaching, travel, and personal growth, drawing on his diverse experiences across various educational settings. His commitment to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment is evident in his innovative teaching methods and his dedication to continuous professional development. Thomas is on your team and available to help.
Thomas will be sharing his expertise on a wide range of topics, from classroom strategies to the latest trends in education, offering valuable perspectives for educators across the region. Keep an eye out ONLINE for new content coming soon.
Top Tips for educators new to the UAE
You’ll be able to keep up to date with what educational providers are up to as well as access my contributions designed to make your life in the UAE more enjoyable and successful.
As we’re at the start of a new academic year and many new colleagues come into the UAE to be a part of the continuing growth of our beloved profession here, I thought some tips for new educators may just hit the mark, take a look my following ‘Top 5’s in Dubai’, I hope you enjoy.
Top Coffee Spots
If you’re like me, you prefer not to waste money on bitter coffee and seek out great spots to work or catch up. After years in Dubai, I’ve explored many cafes. Here are my favourites, though they reflect my picky taste for good coffee.
- Arabica
Just entering the UK, Arabica offers the best coffee in Dubai, with strong, consistently fantastic brews available in select malls. arabicacoffee.ae - Tom and Serg
Located in Al Quoz, this British-owned café offers a welcoming ex-pat vibe, great coffee, and excellent food. Sister chains include Stomping Grounds and Common Grounds. tomandserg.com - OneLife
A perfect spot for work or relaxation, OneLife features in many of my videos. The coffee and natural surroundings create a productive atmosphere. onelifedxb.com - Republica Coffee
Peet’s Coffee, known for its aesthetics and simplicity, offers delicious coffee in bright, airy spaces like Dubai Hills Mall. republicacoffee.com - Nightjar Coffee
Situated in Alserkal Avenue, Nightjar serves excellent coffee, including unique nitro brews, in a hipster, darker setting. nightjar.coffee - Bonus: Shake Shack
If I am honest I don’t always want to spend AED on a latte.
For an affordable option, Shake Shack offers the cheapest latte in Dubai at just 6 AED, perfect for working on your laptop. shakeshack.com
Top Brunches
When I say Dubai, you say brunch. Dubai is renowned for its incredible brunches, but preferences vary widely. I prefer a balance of good food and varied drinks, though I’m not a huge brunch enthusiast. My wife, with more brunch experience, has helped compile this top 5 list. Let’s dive in.
- Saffron
This is the ultimate brunch in Dubai with an incredible variety of food, from roasts to sushi, and unlimited drinks. Find out more at saffrondubai.com - PizzaExpress
PizzaExpress offers a relaxed, affordable brunch with fewer food options than Saffron but a great atmosphere. The garlic balls are a must-try. pizzaexpress.ae - Bubbalicious
An expensive brunch with a variety similar to Saffron, but more family-oriented. Enjoy a top-notch experience. bubbalicious.com - Zero Gravity @ Dubai Marina
This famous beach club offers unlimited food and drinks, plus pool and beach access, from 1pm to 5pm. 0gravity.ae - Asia Asia
This one comes recommended by my wife, a brunch combining excellent Eastern fusion cuisine, drinks, and atmosphere. It’s high on my brunch list. asia-asia.com
Top Free Beaches
Dubai offers many beaches and beach clubs. While some may find the heat overwhelming, many will want to soak up the sun immediately. Thankfully, there are both paid and free beach options. Here are some of my free favourites
- Kite Beach
A favourite among expats, Kite Beach is popular for windsurfing, running, and walking. Limited facilities, but great cafés like SALT. kitebeach.ae - Deira Public Beach
A recently renovated beach with dog-friendly access. Set to become popular, with upcoming improvements to the running track. deirabeach.ae - JBR Beach
Tourist-heavy but convenient with many facilities and restaurants. Close to Bluewaters and Marina Mall, but often crowded. jbrbeach.com - Barasti Beach
Located in Dubai Marina, Barasti is a free beach club with a pool, alcohol service, and surprisingly good food. barastibeach.com
Top Shopping Saves
I spent far too much money and made mistakes that would cost me. Whether it was going to somewhere when I could have got it cheaper elsewhere or going to the wrong mall, I could have saved. Here’s some tips I always share.
- Homebox
I relied heavily on Homebox when first in Dubai, finding most of my affordable furniture and kitchen goods there. Preferred over IKEA for cost. homeboxstores.com - Homecentre
Owned by the same company as Homebox, Homecentre is slightly pricier with furniture similarly priced to IKEA but offers different styles. homecentre.com - Daiso
A teacher’s favourite, Daiso is like Poundland in the UK but with varying prices. Great for inexpensive essentials. daisome.com - VIVA
VIVA offers affordable home goods like candles and bin bags, perfect for initial setups. It’s a budget alternative to Spinneys. vivastores.com - Hema
Located in Dubai Hills Mall, Hema is excellent for stationery and supplies for the year ahead. hema.com
Moving to the UAE and the pitfalls to avoid.
Below you will find a useful video with things to avoid. Learn from my mistakes and the many other teachers before you. I suggest taking the time to watch the video as a few minutes now may save, hours, days or even weeks as well as a LOT of frustration.
Insert the video here somewhere (big enough to be not subtle with the ‘play’ icon – screen shot it at around the 8secs mark showing Thomas & the ‘Moving to Dubai Mistakes’ OSG)
I also have a number of comprehensive guides that may also be of help available on my site that can be accessed HERE (please also include a screenshot from the page or maybe the individual guide graphics (as you see fit).
More about the guides in future issues and more from me on Education UAE website as well as in the issues to come as well as more free savings tips, do’s don’ts, educational myth-busters and general tips for a happy & fulfilling time in the UAE.
All the very best as you embark on your new, exciting career in the UAE full of opportunities, I am sure you will love every moment of it.