How to find a job in Dubai: A complete guide

• Get the Right Visa
• Use Online Job Sites
• Understand the Job Market
• Work on Your CV
• Documents, Paperwork
• FAQs

Wonder what is the best way to find a job in Dubai? After a rough couple of years because of the pandemic, things are looking bright for businesses that will see new hires.

So, if you’re ready to jump into the budding job market, this handy guide will run you through the most important steps, including choosing the right visa, finding the right places to look for opportunities, and interview tips.

Searching for a job in Dubai

Dubai, over the years, has seen tremendous growth in various industries. Today, the city is one of the top destinations for expat job seekers around the globe. This has resulted in an increased number of people searching for the ‘best way to get a job in Dubai’ on popular online search engines. 

While there is no shortage of job openings in Dubai, it’s essential to be aware of the best practices for job seekers. Positions are available across diverse domains that include (but are not limited to) engineering, IT, healthcare, petroleum and gas, online marketing, architecture, etc.

Tips on how to get a job in Dubai

Get the right visa type

Whether you are an experienced professional or a fresh graduate, you likely are one of the hundreds who want to know “how to get a good job in Dubai?” 

Whether you are looking for a full-time job or want to work part-time in the UAE, the first thing you need is a work visa. Luckily, if a local company already hires you, your visa process will be a breeze as the employer will manage most of the paperwork.

It is illegal to work in Dubai on a tourist visa. That being said, it’s also possible to come to the city on a visit visa and change your status if you’ve found a job. Check out the Dubai tourist visa guide for more details about visa types and fee structures. 

Apply online using popular job sites

The Dubai job market has plenty of employment opportunities for people with diverse skills and talents. However, finding a relevant job in Dubai can take quite a bit of time and effort. You can seek the services of a professional recruitment agency or create an account at the job sites in the UAE to research full-time employment opportunities or find part-time jobs in Dubai.

You’ll find many private and government jobs for expats in the UAE. Some people also attend several walk-in interviews in Dubai and apply to specific companies based on word-of-mouth recommendations.

We’re sharing some tips and tricks to help you figure out the best way to find a job in Dubai that suits your experience, qualifications and academic credentials.

Understanding the market is the key to success

Let’s start with getting a decent job in the competitive Dubai job market. Before you begin your hunt, it’s essential to do some homework and learn as much as you can about Dubai’s cost of living, UAE labour laws and the corporate culture. Look at reliable company reviews online to get an idea of trending salaries to negotiate reasonable remunerations better. 

Although Arabic is the official language, it is not mandatory for finding a job in Dubai’s multilingual market. In fact, Arabic and English are the most common languages for professionals across the city, making the job market more diverse.

Pandemic is a global phenomenon, but the UAE government has managed to reduce its effects, and the economic recovery looks promising. With the world slowly returning to normal, various industries in the UAE would be looking for more human capital.

Some in demand jobs in Dubai that are booming in terms of  opportunities include:

• Finance
• Accounting
• Security Management
• Marketing
• Construction
• IT
• Hospitality
• Tourism
• Operations
• Engineering
• Business Development
• Logistics

Make Your CV Standout

After doing your homework on the current Dubai job market, it’s time to polish your resume and improve your chances of getting hired. On average, an employer spends around 6 seconds skimming through a resume. Try to include relevant information to make your CV stand out in Dubai. Remember that the more your information is relevant to the industry you seek a job in, you will likely stand out from the crowd.

After you’re done updating your CV, it’s time to start applying to find a job in Dubai. Several online job portals may help you with the right job placement in Dubai. LinkedIn and dubizzle are two of the best online resources to find a job in Dubai based on your experience, skills and qualifications.

Attend Walk-in Interviews

Don’t hesitate to attend walk-in interviews. Areas like Business Bay have companies that host several open days for walk-in interviews. While there are specific requirements for each role, following some of these walk-in-interview tips can help if you are nervous about facing job interviews in Dubai.

Another critical thing is networking. If you have been asking yourself, ‘how do I get a job in Dubai’, it’s time you put the word out to friends, family and other people you meet in the city. They may know of job opportunities and can guide you in the right direction. 

Visa, Health Checks and Other Paperwork

Apart from being aware of the current economic conditions and the job market, it would be best if you stay updated with the employment and visa policies for workers in Dubai. 

Alterations in Dubai’s employment and labour laws greatly impact the job market. It also affects other employment-related matters such as the demand for workforce, remuneration and compensation packages.

Documentation required to get a job in Dubai

One question that job seekers have on their minds is how to get a job in Dubai as a foreigner. Or how to get a job in Dubai fast. We have already discussed the different visa requirements that may help you land the right work opportunities in Dubai. However, documentation is another crucial part of job hunting in Dubai. 

Here is a list of mandatory documents required to improve your chances to get a job.

• Identity card or any other photo ID relative to your country of residence
• Copies of your parents’ identity cards or photo IDs
• Passport-sized photos not older than three months
• Driving License (not mandatory)
• A passport with a validity of more than six months
• Academic certificates and relative degrees preferably attested from the UAE Embassy or Consulate

 Other mandatory documents required

Besides evidence proving your qualifications, academic background and experience, you will need these additional documents before starting your job hunt.

Certificates attestation

Suppose you hold a university degree from outside the UAE. In that case, it is mandatory to get the documents attested from the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your home country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your home country. Also, some jobs in Dubai require a certificate of equivalence from the UAE’s Ministry of Education.

Health screening and related paperwork

Foreigners looking for the best way to get a job in Dubai must undergo a mandatory medical test at government-approved health centres in Dubai and within the UAE. These institutions, including the health centres in Abu Dhabi, have different tests and health screening for candidates. 

All candidates are tested for contagious illnesses or conditions such as HIV, tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis and other diseases. Some candidates might need to be tested for infectious diseases in their home countries. They have to present a medical certificate before joining the company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stay in Dubai without a job?

Some Dubai visas allow you to stay in the emirate legally without a job. This can include and is not limited to the Dubai residency visa for remote workers or the retirement visa in Dubai.

Will I need a work permit to start new employment in the city?

The minimum age of employment in Dubai is 18. Expats above 18 who fulfil the criteria of working in Dubai are eligible for the Dubai work permit. Please note that the work permit is applied for by your employer, who is also responsible for paying your UAE work permit fee and its renewal when due.

How long does it take to find a job in Dubai?

The job market in the city is particularly competitive. So, you need to be patient even if you want to find part time jobs in Dubai. It can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to six months to even a year — so hang in there! Also, just because you’re excited about joining a company doesn’t mean you should apply for positions that aren’t a good match for your skills.

Remember, your efforts will land you the dream job you always wanted.