Dubai’s job market is vibrant and open to professionals from all over the world. It offers tax-free salaries, world-class living, and growth opportunities. If you are interested in working in Dubai from UK or finding a job to relocate, this guide is what you need.
UAE is an attractive destination, offering networking opportunities, tax-free earnings, international careers, and a booming economy.
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Whether you will perform the job search on your own or partner with recruitment agencies, it is essential to start from point zero – understanding the local job market and its specifics.
Professionals seeking to work in the Seven Emirates must obtain a work permit, work visa, and health card. That is much easier to do when you already have a job offer. Luckily, you do not need to be in Dubai to apply for jobs physically. UK specialists can efficiently find a job in Dubai online.
Start with the identification of the industries and roles you are interested in. There are plenty of international companies operating here. One of the easiest ways to relocate could be to find a job in one of the major companies from the UK that have offices in Dubai.
As for job prospects and major industries, here are the most booming ones for 2023:
In terms of in-demand jobs in Dubai, the most significant ones are:
You can find your dream job here while enjoying tax-free earnings and warm weather all year round.
You can find jobs in Dubai by looking for opportunities online. You can use:
Look for up-to-date information on opportunities, offers, and major languages of operations. English is widely spoken in UAE, but many jobs in Dubai also require knowledge of other languages. If you know a different foreign language, it can be a massive benefit for landing a job in Dubai.
Those who are interested in working in Dubai have to know several local specifics when it comes to the job search, namely:
We’ve touched on Dubai work visa regulations for expatriates. However, knowing what employment visas are available and how one can get them is crucial.
First, a tourist visa is issued to all UK citizens upon arrival for 30 days. You can prolong it to another 30 days. After that, you need to leave the country. You cannot work on a tourist visa. You’ll have to get an employment visa.
Please note that you must already have a job offer to apply for a work visa and work permit. Once you accept the offer, your employer will apply for a residency visa on your behalf. After you get a residency visa, you can apply for a work permit from the Ministry of Labour.
Government and private-sector employees can opt for:
A standard one means that your employer serves as your sponsor. Usually, it is issued for two years, but the period may vary. In this case, your employer has to apply for s residence for you.
A green visa is issued for five years. The main difference is that you will be your own sponsor. So, finding a UAE citizen to sponsor your visa is unnecessary. It is offered to freelancers, self-employed, and skilled professionals.
A domestic worker visa is exactly what it sounds like. It applies to people who work in one of 19 set domestic worker positions (from a servant to gardener or falcon-care taker).
To get a job in Dubai and apply for work documents required, you will need:
Regarding a health check, all foreign residents must pass the blood test. People who carry specific diseases are not allowed to reside in Dubai (HIV and tuberculosis). After you pass all the tests, you will get a health card. It is mandatory for all foreign workers looking for an employment visa.
When you are confident about the industry and positions you want to apply for, you must prepare your Dubai CV. UK qualifications are recognised here. However, you still need to adjust your application form to local specifics. It is particularly crucial if you aim at Dubai Internet city companies.
Look through local job market examples and tailor your CV. Also, adjust it to every position and company you are applying to with specific keywords, terms, and experiences highlighted. Consider preparing a cover letter for each application.
Showcase transferable skills and global experiences. It is a significant benefit if you have internationally recognised certifications—the Dubai job market values such certifications and credentials.
Also, take time to enhance your online professional presence, specifically your LinkedIn profile. Make sure to add a photo there along with relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications.
One thing UK professionals should keep in mind is that working in Dubai is different from working in your home country. Here are different rules, regulations, and practices. For example, you will still work five days a week, from Sunday to Thursday. Fridays and Saturdays are weekends. During Ramadan, the working hours are reduced. There are also nine public holidays a year.
Some of them change their dates every year based on the sighting of the moon in the UAE. Also, it is normal for the local job market to offer positions for a specific gender or age. It is a common practice to add a photograph to a resume and specify your gender.
A valid option is to engage with recruitment agencies. They can be of enormous help when it comes to negotiating, uncovering hidden opportunities, and avoiding common mistakes. Networking is one of the most effective ways to find jobs in Dubai. And doing it online can be tricky. That’s why partnering with local recruiters might be an intelligent choice.
If visa restrictions do not bother you and you are ready to join the booming economy of UAE, it is vital to come to job interviews ready.
Overall, the interview practices in the Dubai job market are similar to international best practices. Researching the company and its values, goals, and products is a great idea. Behavioural interviews are pretty widespread in the Dubai job market.
To prepare for that, prepare STAR answers to the most common questions for a position. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. For instance, if you are given a situation, you need to be ready to outline your approach to resolving it.
As far as cultural considerations, women are required to dress modestly. However, dressing for the job is a beautiful idea, regardless of gender. Consider the Middle East time zones when deciding on the interview time. Use positive language and showcase your interest in the company and desire to relocate to the UAE.
Although the UAE is open to people from all over the world, one needs to respect local rules and laws. Before you enter Dubai, make sure you understand the local work environment and practices.
It is also crucial to know what activities are illegal in UAE. For example, public display of affection is restricted. Also, you’ll need a specific license to drink alcohol. Drunk driving is a substantial criminal offence. And same-sex relationships are forbidden.
The UAE laws and regulations might not be for everyone. One must consider those restrictions carefully before looking for jobs in Dubai Media City.
Job seekers who received an offer could start planning and packing. You start working in Dubai soon; it is exciting!
Before you head to the airport, follow several steps:
Going to work in another part of the world is a significant change. The best way to make the transition smooth is to get as much information beforehand as possible. From the weather to the expat communities – make sure you come prepared.
Start working on your professional network. For instance, you can reach out to alums of your alma mater and look for Manchester business school graduates. Or you can search for industry-based professional groups and events.
Join expat communities to share knowledge and experiences. Working in Dubai can be a fantastic experience and a great career choice.
