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The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is a public, non-profit university that follows the North American style of education. It is fully accredited by SACSCOC (USA) and the UAE Ministry of Education.
For academics, AURAK is a unique proposition. While the salaries might look slightly lower on paper compared to NYU Abu Dhabi, the Cost of Living in Ras Al Khaimah is 40-50% cheaper than Dubai. This means your “Take Home Savings” are often higher here. It is perfect for families who want a quiet life near mountains and beaches, away from Dubai’s traffic.
Below is the reality of the RAK lifestyle, the teaching workload, and the vacancy list.
The “RAK” Reality: Savings vs. Lifestyle
Working at AURAK is a lifestyle choice.
1. The “Savings” Hack
- The Math: A salary of 20,000 AED in RAK is equivalent to earning 30,000 AED in Dubai.
- Why: You can rent a luxury 2-bedroom apartment with a sea view in RAK for 35,000 AED per year. In Dubai, that same apartment would cost 80,000+ AED. Your grocery and utility bills are also lower.
2. Teaching-Focused Environment
- The Reality: Unlike research-heavy universities (like Khalifa University), AURAK is “Student-Centric.”
- The Load: Expect a teaching load of 4 courses per semester (12 credit hours). While research is encouraged for promotion, your primary job is teaching and advising students. If you hate teaching undergraduates, this is not the place for you.
3. The “Quiet” Life
- The Vibe: RAK is peaceful. There is no rush hour.
- The Commute: Some staff choose to live in Dubai (Mirdif area) and drive to RAK (50-60 mins) daily, but most prefer living in Al Hamra Village or Mina Al Arab in RAK to enjoy a resort-style life.
Latest AURAK Vacancy List (Faculty & Staff)
Academic Faculty (PhD Required)
- Assistant Professor (Computer Science): Teaching AI and Cybersecurity courses.
- Associate Professor (Architecture): Leading design studios (Must understand US accreditation standards).
- Lecturer (General Education): Teaching English Composition or Math to first-year students.
Administrative & Student Life
- Admissions Officer: Handling student applications and school visits.
- Student Life Coordinator: Organizing campus events and managing student clubs.
- HR Specialist: Handling faculty contracts and visa processing.
Research & Lab
- Lab Instructor (Biotechnology): Managing science labs and safety protocols.
- Research Assistant: Supporting senior faculty on funded grants (often renewable contracts).
Salary & Housing Benefits (2026 Estimates)
AURAK offers a solid package, usually tax-free.
| Job Role | Estimated Monthly Salary (AED) | Benefits |
| Assistant Professor | 16,000 – 22,000 | + Housing + Education |
| Associate Professor | 23,000 – 28,000 | + Family Status |
| Lecturer / Instructor | 10,000 – 14,000 | + Medical |
| Admissions Officer | 7,000 – 10,000 | + Transport Allowance |
| Lab Technician | 6,000 – 9,000 | + Insurance |
Staff Perks:
- Housing: Faculty usually get a generous cash allowance. In RAK, this allowance often covers your entire rent, with money left over.
- Education: Tuition support for children is standard for Professorial ranks.
- Tickets: Annual flights for you and your family to your home country.
Eligibility Checklist
- Degree: PhD from an accredited university is mandatory for Assistant Professor ranks. Master’s is accepted for Lab Instructors.
- Western Education: Preference is often given to candidates who have studied or taught in the US/UK/Canada (due to the American curriculum).
- Research: A record of Scopus-indexed publications is required for tenure-track roles.
- English: Native or near-native English fluency is non-negotiable
How to Apply Online?
- AURAK Careers Page: Click the link below. They use an internal HR portal.
- Documents: You will need a CV, Cover Letter, and a “Teaching Philosophy” statement.
- Timeline: Academic hiring is seasonal. Apply in November-January for a September start date.
Scam Warning:
AURAK does not hire through Gmail/Hotmail. Official communications will always come from @aurak.ac.ae.
