Getting jobs in Dubai: The most useful advice

Do you want to know about jobs in Dubai but do not know where to start? Would you like to start working in this emirate but you need orientation? The city has seen great expansion in a variety of industries over the years. Dubai has become one of the most popular job destinations for ex-pats all over the world.

There are plenty of opportunities for jobs in Dubai. However, it is critical to have information on the best practices for job seekers in the city. In this article, we are going to discuss this important topic and the best ways to approach the process.

1. Understanding the competitive job market
2. Requirements to work in the UAE
3. Work visas in the UAE
4. Tips that can help you obtain a job faster
5. Job interviews in Dubai: How do they work?
6. Alternatives to working a regular schedule
7. What kind of support do you have when looking for jobs in Dubai?
8. How can we help you find job opportunities in Dubai?

1. Understanding the competitive job market

Let us start with the fundamentals of finding the best jobs in Dubai and its competitive market. 

Prior to beginning your search, try to discover as much information as you can about the economy of the Emirates. Its demographics, living standards, labor regulations, and business culture. Examine reputable reviews to learn about average incomes, basic living expenses, and other financial necessities. That way you can better negotiate fair compensation.

1.1 Current job openings in the United Arab Emirates

It should come as no surprise that IT, banking, property, energy, and tourism are among the businesses now recruiting in the UAE. This is due to its rapid expansion and the government’s goal of creating a 21st-century future-focused country. Candidates with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills are in high demand.

Also, those with accountancy expertise can assist with financial and company management. Tax specialists are among the most highly demanded professionals in the UAE, thanks to the recent adoption of VAT.

1.2 Culture is something to think about

When looking for jobs in Dubai, keep in mind that the culture is likely to be more conservative than you are used to. This extends to the workplace. Asking people in the know about cultural norms will be your best course of action.

Remember to dress and act correctly and to keep your demeanor regulated and polite. However, attitudes regarding punctuality are more relaxed here. There is no need to carry a mentality where time is equal to money.

2. Requirements to work in the UAE

Here is a list of documents you will need to increase your chances of landing the best job in Dubai.

• An identification card or any other form of photo identification of your country of residence.
• Photocopies of your parents’ identification cards.
• Passport-sized images that are no more than three months old.
• A driver’s license (not mandatory).
• A valid passport. At least 6 months.

2.1 Language requirements

English is one of the main languages in the UAE, and English speakers have plenty of opportunities.

Any profession will require a high level of English fluency. Many employers prefer individuals who can communicate in Arabic. Even a basic understanding of the language will give you an advantage in your Dubai jobs search.

Hindi, Persian, and Urdu are some of the other common languages.

2.2 Attestation of certificate

If you have a university degree from a nation other than the UAE, you must have your documents and certify them through the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your original country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Furthermore, several jobs in Dubai require a certificate of equivalence from the Ministry of Education of the United Arab Emirates.

2.3 Documentation for education

In Dubai, employment divides into five skill categories, ranging from highly specialized professional jobs to low-skilled labor positions. In the UAE, the top three levels all require qualifications. This implies you will need a degree to work in any white-collar professional position. They can range from medicine to law to marketing and finance.

In the Emirates, international qualifications take priority and appreciation. To guarantee that your qualifications are legitimate, you will need an equivalency evaluation from the Ministry of Education.

2.4 Screening for illnesses and related paperwork

Foreigners applying for the best job in Dubai must pass a medical exam at a government-approved health center in Dubai or the UAE. Candidates must take various tests and health screenings at these institutions, which include health centers in Abu Dhabi.

All applicants receive evaluations for communicable diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis, and other ailments. In their native countries, some candidates will most likely need medical examinations for communicable diseases. Before they can join the company, they must provide a medical certificate.

2.5 Other requirements

While in the UAE, you will need health insurance, and businesses must provide it. 

However, you may have to acquire health insurance for your family in the case you are traveling along with them. A police clearance certificate from wherever you lived in the five years leading up to your move to the UAE is also required.

There may also be small variances in employment and visa regulations across the several emirates (e.g., Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah) and the free zones.

3. Work visas in the UAE 

If a foreigner wishes to find the best jobs in Dubai and the UAE, they must first obtain a visa. Your company will have to sponsor you (or the free zone you will be working in). After you have accepted any job, your employer will apply for a residency visa on your behalf, after which you will be able to obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labour. You have no right to work without this permit, and doing so is against the law.

If you are coming from another country, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation will issue you a preliminary visa (MoHRE). After that, you will have two months to complete formalities such as health tests once you are in the UAE.

Obtaining jobs in Dubai whilst on a tourist visa is not possible. However, you can travel to Dubai on a visit visa and then alter your status once you have found work.

Work permits and work visas can last anywhere from one to ten years. Proof of employment contract, application form, Emirates ID card, valid passport images, medical check, health certificate paperwork, and entry permit are among the documents required to obtain a work permit.

4. Tips that can help you obtain a job faster 

4.1 Create an account on Dubai job portals

You can register for free on job portals in Dubai, such as The Talent Point, and create an account. In some sites, you may have to pay for optional supplementary services.

After registering, watch for job openings in Dubai and apply accordingly. You do not have the obligation to pay commission to any party if you obtain a job through a job portal; neither the recruitment firm nor the company that operates those sites.

4.2 In the UAE, there are job fairs and networking opportunities

Getting jobs in Dubai is significantly easier if you know the right people. If you have already arrived in the nation and are seeking employment, make it a point to visit one of the many fairs for jobs in the UAE to meet the proper individuals.

You can interact directly with people who can provide you a job by attending events like the National Career Exhibition, Abu Dhabi International Education Recruitment Fair, and DIAC Annual Career Fair. There are also other online fairs for UAE jobs, such as eFair, which focuses on Abu Dhabi, and Careers UAE, which is a national platform.

These fairs are especially beneficial to recent graduates because they assist them in determining the industry in which they might pursue a career.

4.3 Examine the classified ads

Openings for jobs in Dubai are advertised in online and print magazines’ classified sections. A classified section may be found in almost every newspaper. Also, they are advertised in both online and print publications. Newspapers are published in a variety of languages in the United Arab Emirates. 

4.4 Recruiting companies

Licensed recruiting companies in the UAE can accept your CV. If there are job vacancies that match your qualifications and interests, the agency will contact you.

Only UAE citizens are granted recruiting agency licenses by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Job seekers are not obligated to pay any money to any recruitment agency because it is the responsibility of the employers to pay such expenses. You can check for licensed companies or file a complaint with the ministry if necessary.

4.5 Look through the internet

You can also search through the careers pages and register for UAE jobs on the websites of the organizations you want to join.

On their websites, federal and local government agencies post-employment openings. You can fill out an application on their websites.

5. Job interviews in Dubai: How do they work?

You will want to make sure your CV is appropriate for the UAE when you are writing it. Along with the standard personal information like your name, email, phone number, and current location, you will need to include a photo, nationality, and date of birth.

Your CV resume should be about two pages long and should include your professional experience as well as your educational history. In the UAE, everything is done on a huge scale, so do not be scared to brag about your accomplishments – just do not lie. Specify your language skills, but keep in mind that you do not need to provide any references at this time.

Remember to prepare for your interview with your desired employer. Be culturally aware – dress and act correctly – and do your homework on the firm and its operations in the UAE.

They may inquire as to why you wish to visit the country; therefore, consider this and prepare a decent response. Because there are no anti-discrimination regulations in the UAE, potential employers are free to ask you any questions they choose.

6. Alternatives to working a regular schedule

In Dubai, there are also other options besides fulfilling a regular office schedule or a conventional job. Here you have some more information about these alternatives.

6.1 Self-employment and freelancing are common in the UAE

The UAE, like the rest of the world, is seeing a significant shift toward freelancing and the gig economy. However, freelancers do not have the authorization to work in extremely narrow industries. Before you go, double-check that your job title is on the list – writers, creative designers, and web or app developers should all be fine.

If you wish to work as a freelancer, the first step is to get a freelance license in the free zone where you want to work. A passport copy, resume, bank reference letter, and copies of your qualifications will be required for the application; nonetheless, you will have your license in less than a month.

It is also your obligation as a freelancer to ensure that you have the necessary visa and health insurance. Also, if your annual income reaches AED 375,000, you must register for VAT. You will have no permission to hire anyone or sponsor any dependents, unfortunately.

6.2 There are several opportunities for traineeships, internships, and voluntary work 

If you are not yet ready for full-time work, the UAE could be a wonderful place to continue your education or take a vacation from your current job. On the surface, traineeships and internships are identical to those available elsewhere; the key variations will be cultural. Google, Accenture, GE, Hyatt, Marriott, and Ernst & Young are just a few of the big-name companies in the UAE that provide internship opportunities.

The only disadvantage is that these are often only available to UAE citizens. However, if you take interest in working in the hospitality, tourism, or retail industries, you will have no trouble finding short-term traineeships and internships. To find something perfect for you, look into AIESEC or IAESTE.

Volunteering takes a back seat in the UAE due to the emphasis on work, but that does not mean you cannot do it. The Emirates Red Crescent, Operation Smile UAE, and the Dubai Volunteer Centre are just a few of the organizations that rely on volunteers to operate.

7. What kind of support do you have when looking for jobs in Dubai?

In the UAE, there is no social welfare for expatriate job searchers. You need to take precautions on this matter. If you are already in the UAE, you must be certain that you will be able to sustain yourself financially while you hunt for work.

You may still be productive as you wait for the best job in Dubai. If you want to increase your chances of landing jobs in the UAE, start by brushing up on your language abilities. Take an English or Arabic course to ensure you are fluent in the two primary languages spoken there.

It may also be beneficial to develop any abilities that are related to your profession. For example, if you work in marketing, get certified in SEO marketing, or take a leadership course; Udemy and Skillshare both have a large selection of courses.

8. How can we help you find job opportunities in Dubai?

Getting the best job in Dubai requires time and patience, but your efforts will finally get you the dream job you have always wanted. It is always beneficial to have somebody who can assist you with some of the toughest duties. We can help you get a job in Dubai and fulfill your goals with our easy-to-use job listing platform.

Would you like to know how we can help you obtain your desired job? You can contact us at [email protected]. Our experts are more than ready to take care of all of your inquiries.