I have worked at schools where those with a higher degree earn the same as those without. I think this is quite common in private schools in M.E. Many do not have a salary structure as such. A premium may be offerd to a teacher when it has been difficult to recruit or just on a whim. You are right in suggesting that IB experience can be useful.

Beware of schools in Doha which are not sponsored by a large company or an embassy. There have been great professional teachers in many of the other schools who have been undermined, bullied and prevented from using their skills in other schools. Owners make the right noises at interview but the truth is often different when you arrive! Find out as much as possible from current and previous teachers before taking a job here.

In one Middle East country many schools will not give a release letter to allow teachers to apply to other schools in the country. The better schools will allow release realising that teachers may wish to leave for promotion or other reasons. It is ironic that some of the schools which will not release staff are quite happy to employ teachers from other local schools!