How to get a job in Dubai? Complete guide on how to get a job in Dubai in 2024
Want to work in the first City in the Middle East and the fifth-largest city in the world? Don’t know how and where to start? So stay with us until the end of this article to learn how to find a job in Dubai.
The oil industry accounts for 40% of the UAE’s GDP, but the tourist industry, construction, trade, and financial cooperation contribute to the young country’s rapid economic growth. The UAE’s 48-year history has no economic affiliation. It is one of the five countries in the world with the highest number of immigrants in its overall population. These migrants come from countries like the USA, the UK, Canada, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, South Africa, and even New Zealand.
In this article, we will check out how to get hired in Dubai and UAE which is the fastest city in the world. This article helps both fresh graduates and experienced professionals to get a job in Dubai and the UAE. Stay tuned.
How to Find a Job in Dubai?
Finding a job in Dubai, one of the world’s leading economic hubs, requires meticulous planning and a clear understanding of essential steps. Below is a step by step guide to navigating the job search process in the UAE, from initial preparation to interview success.
1. Define Career Goals and Research the Dubai Job Market
Before starting your job hunt, identify your career objectives:
What industry interests you?
What skills do you possess?
Next, research the Dubai job market, focusing on leading industries (such as IT or construction) and the opportunities available within these fields.
2. Prepare a Professional Resume
Your resume (CV) is one of the most important tools in the job search process. In Dubai, specific standards apply to resumes:
- Tailor Your Resume: Customize it to align with the specific job you’re applying for.
- Highlight Key Information: Include clear contact details, skills, work experience, and achievements.
- Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling letter that highlights your motivation and qualifications for the role.
3. Utilize Online Job Portals
Dubai is home to numerous international and local job portals where you can find suitable roles. Some reputable platforms include:
- LinkedIn: For networking and job searches.
- Bayt: Specialized in Middle Eastern job markets.
- GulfTalent: A platform for diverse job opportunities.
- NaukriGulf: Focused on the Gulf region.
4. Apply for Jobs and Submit Your Resume
Once you identify a suitable job opportunity, carefully fill out the online application form. Attach your resume and ensure your contact details are accurate.
5. Prepare for Phone or Online Interviews
Initial interviews are often conducted over the phone or online. To succeed:
Research the company and the role beforehand.
Practice common interview questions.
Set up a quiet and professional environment for the conversation.
6. Attend In-Person Interviews
If invited for an in-person interview, dress professionally in alignment with formal standards to demonstrate respect and seriousness. Present yourself confidently and professionally, as these traits leave a positive impression on employers. Answer questions clearly and concisely and showcase your skills by highlighting past accomplishments and experiences.
7. Prepare the Necessary Documents for a Work Visa
Upon receiving an offer, the employer will apply for your work visa. Required documents typically include:
- A passport with at least six months of validity.
- Passport sized photographs.
- Educational certificates and work experience records.
Methods for Finding a Job in Dubai: A Comprehensive Guide to Career Success
Working in Dubai is financially beneficial because there are no individual taxes in the UAE. Therefore, net income in this country is higher than in other countries. One of the main reasons many migrants are willing to work in Dubai is this. But some people are concerned about the cost of living in Dubai because Dubai is an expensive city. Be sure to read this article, the major cost of living in Dubai, to learn about the types of living expenses in Dubai. Stay with us to explore how to find work in Dubai together:
Where you can work in the Dubai and UAE
UAE’s natural source of oil contributed greatly to its economic growth until the crisis of 2008 and 2009 dealt a severe blow to the UAE due to oil prices. Since then it has focused its attention on making a profit in finance, trade, tourism, fishing, fertilizer, commercial ship repair, construction, textiles, retail, logistics, hospitality, and entertainment.
There are a lot of people looking to live and work in Dubai, but they don’t know where to start. If you are looking to get a Dubai residency, the article how to get Dubai Residency visa, will provide you with great information. More interestingly, you can get Dubai residency by buying an apartment, this article is the full information. Now if you are looking for a job in Dubai, the Leading employers to be named from the following people:
- Dulsco in HR and industrial service
- Estee Lauder in health and beauty
- EMC in IT
- 3M in manufacturing
- AstraZeneca Gulf in pharmaceuticals
- The one in retail
- Hilton Worldwide in hospitality
- Splash in retail
- Omnicom Media Group In media
- DHL in logistics
Where you can search for a job
There are different approaches to finding work depending on the situation you are looking for. For example, if you are looking for manager positions, you should be prepared to deal with a recruitment agency. Whereas if you are looking for situations like administrator, office assistant, etc. you can use Visit company websites and job boards. Here are ways to look below:
Company websites
If you know what you want to work for, find its website and take action. Most of these companies introduce empty positions and items that are needed in any situation on their site. That’s why if you’re on the right track, you can speed up your recruitment process.
Job boards
This is one of the easiest ways to find work. You can use both local websites and world-famous job boards. A few of the most popular are:
GN careers
Using its website, search for the job you want, visit career news, advice, employment law updates, etc.
Gulf talent
The online recruitment portal works for more than 9 million foreign and local job seekers, from engineers to marketing managers. This portal is a private resource for more than 10,000 employers in the region.
Monster Gulf
Monster Gulf is a branch of Monster Company that not only offers job positions but also acts as a consultant.
Bayt
This job source works very well for job seekers, employers, and consultants in the Middle East and North Africa. It has 5,000 jobs and is updated daily.
Dubizzle
Founded in 2005 and is known as a classified site in the Middle East and North Africa.
Employment Agencies
Hiring through these agencies is one of the easiest and safest ways. You are offered reliable companies, as most companies are in contact with these companies to develop their work. You have also saved money and time to find a job, as these agencies do not receive money for the services they provide.
We have prepared a list of the best employment agencies in the UAE that work with both locals and immigrants:
Hays
The company is founded in the UAE and has more than a decade of experience. You could search for a job on their website by yourself. You can also seek help from their counseling manager to help you find the job you want.
Charterhouse Middle East
The center has been working in a variety of countries throughout and has good skills in finding the talents and employers needed by each talent. They help employers and job applicants make the best choices.
BAC Middle East
It’s based in Dubai and has the best recruiters for the UAE’s largest employers.
Nadia
The agency has employed 23,000 employees since 1983. Its professional experts know the workforce and employment opportunities in the UAE.
Networking
Dubai is known for its domestic recruitment and references. Your relationship with the people you are looking for in the company you are looking for helps a lot and asked them to become your point of reference.
Why it is hard to get a job in Dubai?
Dubai is the largest city in the UAE, almost twice the capital of Abu Dhabi. It has a population of over 3 million. It’s hard to find work in Dubai and the UAE. Dubai is a very immigrant city and people of different nationalities live it from all over the world. But some say contradictory things about the conditions of migrants in Dubai. Because there are a lot of migrants in Dubai who are Indian and Pakistani, we’ve prepared articles titled moving to Dubai from Pakistan and what is life like for Indian in Dubai. Now, let’s examine the reasons for the difficulty in finding a job in Dubai below:
Emiratisation in the private sector
Due to the considerable number of foreigners seeking jobs in Dubai, Emiratis are finding fewer jobs. For this reason, before giving the job to a foreigner, employers must make sure that no UAE can do so in Dubai and the UAE.
Market competitiveness
The interest in living and working in Dubai and the UAE is very high, so employers are facing a large number of job applicants who can make the best choice.
Labor market size
If you compare the number of population and employees in Dubai with the same number in developed countries like the United States, you will notice a gap depending on the size of the existing labor market.
As you can see, these were three important reasons that make it hard to find a job in the UAE.
How to apply for a job without experience?
If you are looking for a job in Dubai and you have just finished high school and have no work experience, you may not find a job in Dubai easily. That’s why we have some advice for you to find your first job in Dubai:
Monitor the websites
We have already suggested some job boards, but Dubizzle, Indeed, Go Abroad, and Dubai Mind are so useful for applicants without experience. We suggest you visit them, not only visit job listings but also internships. Some of them also prepare advice on how to find a job in Dubai.
Focus on transferable skills
If you don’t have the practical experience and your information is completely theoretical, focus on transferable skills. These skills are such as interpersonal skills, organizational skills, leadership skills, etc.
Try part-time job
Part-time work is the best way to get experience. This way you also have enough time for yourself and more scrutiny of the labor market.
Use social media
Create Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin profile. As an educated young person, you can connect with experienced employers.
Never stop learning
Attend seminars and conferences, not only will it add to our knowledge, but it will also show your dedication and commitment. In addition, your tutors or course master could expand your network.
Highly important tips about applying for a job in Dubai
Something that is better to know about the searching job in Dubai:
Start a job search before coming to Dubai
It would be wrong to come to Dubai on a tourist visa and then look for work. It is advised to send your resume to the companies you want a week before entering Dubai. As soon as you arrive in Dubai, you can probably do a few interviews that will speed up your recruitment process. You need a reliable income because Dubai is an expensive city.
Choose the right time
Spring and summer are holiday times and such as Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid Al-Adha, whereas December and the first part of January are Christmas and New Year. Notice that, the best time to search and apply for a job in Dubai and UAE is from mid-January to April, when most companies allocate a new budget, and from September to November.
How to increase your chance of getting a job in the UAE?
Given the competitive environment for finding a job in the EMIRATE, it’s very important that you can differentiate yourself from others. Here we have prepared for your things that you can increase your chances of getting hired for the job you want in Dubai by observing them.
Solid CV
There are two types of documents, CV and resume. The difference between the two is that one is concise and useful, and the other should be complete with explanations. A short resume doesn’t work in the UAE and it’s useful in western countries. To apply for a job in the UAE, you need to have a full 2-3-page CV and present yourself as a valuable asset in it. We suggest you remove these 5 mistakes from your CV to get a job in the UAE. And it should be noted that be sure to introduce your work very positively and explain in full the quantitative and qualitative results you have achieved. Interestingly, these things don’t need to be mentioned in the resumes you send to Western countries such as your nationality, gender, religion, and photo. But all these are essential for the UAE country and should be on your CV.
Convincing cover letter
The role of your cover letter in inviting you to an interview is no less than the description of your CV. Think about your abilities. Focus on your career and individual qualities and make your profitability great for the company. Most importantly, your cover letter must be special and choose the type of it based on the requested location in the company. More importantly, the information on the cover letter was not copied from the resume information.
Choose the right time
We recommend that you send your documents to the company early in the morning or at the last working hour. In this way, the chances of being the first to have a resume checked are much higher. By doing this and having a solid CV and convincing cover letter, you are likely to get their attention.
Get a local number
We recommend that you provide a local phone number as quickly as possible. In this way, companies are much more comfortable communicating with you. You can only get it by having a passport in any shopping mall.
Get prepared for an interview
Research the company’s activities and prepare the answers to the questions that come to your mind. In the interview, you have the possibility to offer your best to impress them.
Since the UAE is an Islamic and conservative country, it is better to keep in mind the following:
- Consider a suitable outfit for interview day
- Faced with the opposite sex on the day of the interview and in the UAE, wait for them to shake hands with you and always shake hands with them with the right hand.
High-Demand and High-Paying Jobs in Dubai in 2024
In 2024, Dubai, as one of the world’s leading commercial and technological hubs, continues to experience growing demand for high-paying jobs across various sectors. These roles not only offer diverse career opportunities but also attract numerous professionals with their lucrative salaries. Below is a list of the top high paying jobs in Dubai:
- Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)
- Information Technology (IT) Specialists
- Doctors and Surgeons
- Oil and Gas Engineers
- Marketing and Sales Managers
- Financial and Accounting Consultants
- Civil and Construction Engineers
- Pilots and Flight Crew
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Specialists
- Supply Chain and Logistics Managers
Average Salaries for Various Jobs in Dubai: From Laborers to Executives
The table below provides an overview of the average monthly salaries for various positions in Dubai, ranging from laborers to senior executives. These figures are estimates and may vary depending on the company, experience and industry. If you’re looking for more information about working conditions and laborer salaries in Dubai, detailed comparisons and insights can be helpful.
Job Title | Average Monthly Salary (AED) |
---|---|
Laborer | 1,200 – 3,000 |
Driver | 3,000 – 5,000 |
Office Clerk | 4,000 – 7,000 |
Retail Salesperson | 4,500 – 7,500 |
IT Technician | 6,000 – 12,000 |
Teacher | 8,000 – 15,000 |
Nurse | 10,000 – 18,000 |
Engineer (Civil/Mechanical) | 12,000 – 25,000 |
Project Manager | 15,000 – 35,000 |
General Practitioner | 20,000 – 40,000 |
IT Specialist | 20,000 – 50,000 |
Marketing Manager | 25,000 – 60,000 |
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | 40,000 – 80,000 |
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | 70,000 – 150,000 |
The Best Time to Find a Job in Dubai (Optimal Job-Hunting Seasons)
The best time to find a job in Dubai is typically from September to November and January to March. During these periods, companies become active again after the summer holidays and the fiscal year-end, often initiating new projects. Additionally, demand for workers increases as employers look to fill vacant positions. The milder weather during these months also creates favorable conditions for in-person interviews and networking events. Overall, these seasons offer excellent opportunities for professionals across various fields to enhance their chances of securing employment in Dubai.
Differences Between Job Hunting in the UAE and Other Middle Eastern Countries
Job hunting in Dubai differs significantly from many other Middle Eastern countries due to its advanced infrastructure, cultural diversity, and globalized economy. As an international business hub, Dubai provides a broader range of job opportunities in advanced industries like technology, tourism, finance, and construction. In contrast, many other countries in the region primarily focus on sectors like oil, gas, or agriculture.
Additionally, the job search process in Dubai is often more digitalized and professional, with platforms like LinkedIn and specialized job portals playing a key role. Dubai also fosters a multicultural and open environment for foreign workers, making it a more attractive destination for job seekers compared to other Middle Eastern nations.
Why is Dubai One of the Best Cities in the World for Work?
Dubai is considered one of the best cities in the world to work in because it offers a unique combination of professional opportunities, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a high standard of living. The city’s dynamic economy and diverse industries ranging from technology and finance to tourism and construction provide ample job prospects.
Dubai’s multicultural environment makes it particularly appealing to professionals from around the globe. Additionally, the absence of personal income tax allows individuals to save more and improve their financial well-being. Combined with high safety standards, modern transportation systems and a wide range of leisure amenities, Dubai is an ideal destination for both work and lifestyle.
Conclusion
Thank you for accompanying us until the end of the article. In this article, we tried to prepare for you some tips about finding jobs in the UAE and Dubai that are important to know. By following the above-mentioned points, you will most likely be able to find the job you want in Dubai and become a resident and employed in Dubai.
frequently asked questions
One of the easiest ways to find a job in Dubai is by contacting recruitment agencies such as the "Nadia" recruitment agency.
Generally, the time required to find a job in Dubai ranges from a few weeks to a few months. This depends on various factors such as the candidate's experience, the number of applicants for the job, and more.
The UAE does not impose strict age restrictions for employment, and individuals above the age of 18 can apply for jobs, except for positions with specific age requirements.
Required documents include a valid passport, passport-sized photos, a job offer from an employer, officially translated educational and professional documents, and medical examination results.
The IT, construction, finance, digital marketing, and tourism industries provide the most job opportunities. Additionally, jobs in oil and gas and healthcare sectors are also in high demand.
You can travel to Dubai with a tourist visa to search for a job, but you must obtain a work visa before starting employment. Additionally, you must follow the rules for changing visa status.
Your CV should be concise, clear, and professional. It should include your skills, experiences, and achievements. Using keywords related to the targeted job and showcasing relevant certifications can increase your chances.
Yes, proficiency in English, the official business language in Dubai, is essential. Strong communication skills in English are a key factor for success.
Iranians, like other nationalities, can work in Dubai but must adhere to UAE's immigration and labor laws. Certain industries may have restrictions for foreign workers.
Yes, Dubai is an attractive destination for work due to the absence of income tax and benefits like housing, insurance, and transportation.