In the coastal town of Al Hamriyah, nestled within the Sharjah Emirate of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), aspirations for university careers face unique realities. This vibrant fishing community and free zone hub, known for its maritime activities and growing industrial presence, lacks dedicated higher education institutions. Academics and educators seeking university jobs in Al Hamriyah often find limited local options, prompting a strategic pivot toward nearby Sharjah's academic powerhouse and, increasingly, global horizons. AcademicJobs.com delves into this dynamic landscape, highlighting pathways from regional opportunities to international prospects that empower UAE-based professionals to advance their careers.
Sharjah, just a short commute away, hosts University City—a sprawling 17-square-kilometer complex home to over a dozen institutions. This concentration draws talent from surrounding areas like Al Hamriyah, where professionals balance coastal living with academic pursuits. Yet, as UAE higher education enrolment surges—welcoming 57,035 new students in 2024-25, a 13% increase—competition intensifies. For those eyeing faculty, research, or administrative roles, exploring beyond UAE borders offers untapped potential, from Gulf neighbors to remote global positions.
🗺️ The Academic Powerhouse of Sharjah Emirate
Sharjah Emirate stands as a beacon for higher education in the UAE, with University City serving as the epicenter. Established to foster knowledge-based development, it integrates 14 universities and colleges, including flagships like the University of Sharjah (UOS) and American University of Sharjah (AUS). Al Hamriyah residents, approximately 30-45 minutes drive away via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, frequently commute for these opportunities.
The University of Sharjah, founded in 1997 by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, enrolls over 14,000 students across 16 colleges. Its emphasis on research in engineering, medicine, and Sharia aligns with UAE's Vision 2031 for innovation. AUS, modeled on American liberal arts, attracts international faculty with competitive packages including housing allowances and retirement contributions.
Other notables include Skyline University College, focusing on business and IT, and the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) Sharjah Campus, emphasizing applied learning. These institutions create a ripple effect, employing thousands in teaching, research, and support roles while serving the broader emirate, including Al Hamriyah's growing population of young professionals.
Current University Job Openings in Sharjah Institutions
As of May 2026, Sharjah universities actively recruit for diverse roles, offering entry points for Al Hamriyah-based candidates. At UOS, immediate openings include:
- Assistant Professor in Strategic Communication and Advertising, Public Relations Department, College of Communication—deadline May 6, 2026. Ideal for media experts with PhD and teaching experience. Apply via UOS HR portal.
- Assistant/Associate/Full Professor in Public Law (Constitutional or Administrative), College of Law—deadline May 5, 2026. Suited for legal scholars with proven research output.
AUS lists several tenure-track positions in its School of Business Administration:
- Assistant Professor of Accounting, Economics, Finance, Information Systems and Business Analytics, Management (Strategy/Entrepreneurship), and Marketing.
- Adjunct Faculty in Psychology (College of Arts & Sciences) and Computer Science & Engineering.
Further afield in Sharjah Emirate, University of Al Dhaid seeks Assistant/Associate Professors in fields like Software Engineering, AI & Data Analytics, Management, and Veterinary Medicine for the 2026/27 year. These roles typically require a PhD, publications, and 3-5 years teaching experience, with salaries ranging AED 20,000-40,000 monthly plus benefits.
Challenges in Pursuing University Jobs Locally
Despite growth, UAE's academic market presents hurdles. High competition—UAE universities employ over 20,000 faculty amid 13% enrolment rise—forces selectivity. Emiratization policies prioritize nationals, limiting expatriate slots. Small locales like Al Hamriyah lack campuses, necessitating commutes that strain work-life balance amid traffic and summer heat.
Additionally, contract-based hiring dominates, with 60-70% adjunct roles offering less stability. ManpowerGroup's Q2 2026 survey notes UAE's 60% net employment outlook, double the global 31%, yet higher education lags in admin and research due to budget shifts toward AI and sustainability.
Why UAE Academics Are Looking Globally
Global mobility appeals for better pay, research freedom, and career progression. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 funnels billions into universities like KAUST, offering tax-free salaries up to $150,000. Qatar's Education City hosts branch campuses (e.g., Carnegie Mellon) seeking Gulf-experienced faculty.
Remote work's rise—323 online higher ed jobs on HigherEdJobs.com—enables Al Hamriyah residents to teach virtually for US/UK unis without relocating. A 2026 Gallup report shows 76% UAE workers view it as prime job-hunting time, twice MENA average.
🌍 Prime Global Destinations for UAE-Trained Academics
Saudi Arabia leads with 106 faculty openings on HigherEdJobs, spanning KAUST's STEM focus to King Saud University's humanities. Qatar's HBKU recruits for interdisciplinary roles at HBKU Careers.
- Europe: UK (Russell Group unis), Germany (DAAD-funded posts), Netherlands—value Middle East expertise.
- North America: US adjunct/remote via platforms like Chronicle Vitae; Canada for postdocs.
- Australia/Asia: Competitive grants at unis like Melbourne or NUS.
SaudiUniversityJobs.com lists MENA-wide roles, ideal for seamless transitions.
The Boom in Remote University Teaching Roles
Post-pandemic, remote positions exploded: 285,000+ faculty openings on Indeed. Platforms like HigherEdJobs feature 323 remote gigs in instruction design, advising. Universities like Purdue Global and Arizona Global Campus hire globally for online RN-BSN, management courses.
Benefits include flexibility for Al Hamriyah's family-oriented lifestyle, with salaries $50,000-$100,000. Step-by-step entry: Build online teaching portfolio, earn credentials like Quality Matters certification, network via LinkedIn academic groups.
Step-by-Step Guide to Securing International Academic Positions
- Self-Assessment: Audit CV for international appeal—highlight UAE/cross-cultural experience.
- Target Platforms: AcademicPositions.com (24 UAE/Middle East jobs), THEunijobs (79 Middle East).
- Tailor Applications: Adapt to local norms (e.g., Saudi emphasis on research metrics).
- Visa Prep: Leverage UAE expat status for Gulf visas; Tier 1 UK for others.
- Network: Attend virtual conferences like EAIE 2026.
Real-World Success Stories from UAE Academics
Dr. Ahmed Al-Mansoori, former AUS lecturer, transitioned to KAUST as Associate Professor, citing 'unparalleled research funding.' A Sharjah adjunct now teaches remotely for UK Open University, balancing Al Hamriyah life with global impact. These cases underscore adaptability's rewards.
Future Trends in Global Academic Mobility
By 2030, UAE higher ed market hits USD 141.80 million (19.92% CAGR). Yet, AI integration and hybrid models will boost remote demand. Emiratization eases expatriate exits, while Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) pacts facilitate intra-regional moves. Outlook: Optimistic for proactive UAE academics.
Actionable Insights and Next Steps
Update profiles on AcademicJobs.com today. Explore Sharjah openings while building global portfolios. With UAE's graduate employability rankings rising—Khalifa University excels—your expertise is in demand worldwide.
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
