How to find a job in the UAE

28.09.2024

Dream Job in UAE

Dream Job in UAE: Tips and tricks for a successful employment

Welcome to the magical world of the Emirates! The UAE beckons job seekers from all over the world with endless opportunities for career growth, high salaries and luxurious living standards. But the path to the cherished dream is often thorny and requires thorough preparation. In this article, we will give the most relevant tips on job hunting in the UAE and share the best tips for successful employment in the Land of Wonders.

  1. Let's start with the paperwork.
    No matter how attractive a vacancy may be, without proper documentation, your prospects are doomed. A work visa is required for legal employment in the UAE, a tourist visa does not give you this right. It is extremely difficult to obtain a visa on your own, so it makes sense to use the services of recruitment agencies.
  2. Professional recruitment agencies.
    The services of recruitment agencies specializing in recruitment in the UAE, of course, cost money. But you save a lot of time and effort. Companies like Global Vision, Work Emirates or the Russian Perun will offer a wide range of vacancies to suit all tastes and provide full support at all stages of employment. In some cases, the employer can cover the costs of an agency. But more often you will have to shell out the money yourself. The average cost of services depends on the specific agency and package and ranges from $1000-3000.
  3. Searching for vacancies on your own.
    If you want to save money, you can try to find a job yourself. Popular job sites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Gulf Talent, Naukrigulf, etc. are excellent resources for this. Most major UAE companies also have job sections on their official websites. A typical process of independent job search in the UAE is as follows: you send a resume with a photo to suitable vacancies, after a positive response, you have an online interview. In case of success — you sign a contract and start processing a work visa.

Features of the Emirates labor market

Before diving into the employment process, it is important to understand the peculiarities of the local labor market. One of the main ones is unequal conditions for UAE citizens and foreign workers. With equal qualifications, Emiratis receive significantly higher salaries — sometimes 2-3 times higher than expats. Another sensitive topic is gender pay inequality. According to statistics, men in the UAE on average earn 7% more than women in similar positions. This gap varies depending on the field of work.

  • Salary levels: from unskilled labor to high stakes jobs.
    The salary range in the UAE is very wide — from $400 per month for laborers to several thousand dollars for highly skilled professionals in IT, finance, engineering, medicine, etc. It is important to keep in mind — low salaries do not include accommodation, food and insurance. The difference in pay is also tangible between emirates. The highest salaries are offered in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the most dynamic and developed regions of the country.
  • Bonuses and social packages.
    In addition to salary, many employers provide their employees with additional benefits: medical insurance, compensation for rent, tickets for vacations in the home country, bonuses based on performance, etc. The scope of the social package depends on the company and position.
  • Cultural challenges.
    Adapting to the local mentality and traditions is one of the main challenges for expats. The UAE is a Muslim country with a conservative culture and strict laws regarding all aspects of life.
  • It is essential to follow a strict dress code both at work and in public places. The slightest infringement can result in fines. There are also strict rules about social behavior, alcohol consumption, and gender relations.
  • Hierarchy plays a much bigger role in the business environment. Status and position determine a lot of things, from the way of communication to decision-making.
  • The extreme climate with 50-degree heat in the summer can also be a serious challenge. Although most buildings are air-conditioned, it will take time to acclimatize.
  • Language barrier can also create difficulties. Although English is widely used in the UAE business environment, knowledge of Arabic will be a big plus when looking for a job and furthering your career. And in some fields, especially those related to the public sector or working with the local community, Arabic is a requirement.

Benefits of working in the UAE

Despite the cultural challenges, working in the Emirates offers a wealth of financial and career opportunities. One of the main benefits is that there is no income tax. This means that your entire salary remains at your disposal, minus small social security contributions. In addition, the UAE offers an amazing standard of living: modern infrastructure, the highest standards of service, excellent opportunities for recreation and entertainment. Stability and security are also at the highest level.

Preparing for successful employment

To maximize your chances of landing your dream job, it is important to prepare thoroughly. You should start by writing a strong resume in English. It should be concise but concise, reflecting your experience, achievements and skills. Most employers in the UAE prefer photo resumes, so include a professional photo portrait. Preparing for the interview is the next critical step. In addition to the standard questions about your background, be prepared to explain your motivation for working specifically in the UAE, demonstrate an understanding of the local culture and a willingness to adapt. Language preparation is also essential, as interviews are mostly conducted in English.

When considering job offers, carefully study the terms of the contract. Pay attention to the length of the working week, the number of days off and vacation days, the conditions of the probationary period, etc. Also clarify whether the salary includes accommodation, transportation, medical insurance or whether they are paid separately.

Working in the UAE is a precursor to an international career

For many professionals, working in the UAE becomes a launching pad to an international career. Extensive experience in a multicultural environment, the ability to network with people of different nationalities and high mobility — all of this makes ex-expats stand out in the global labor market. In order to remain in demand, it is crucial to constantly improve your skills. There are many educational centers in the UAE that offer additional professional education courses.

Risks vs. Opportunities

Working in the UAE offers brilliant prospects, but it has a downside. When making such a serious decision to move, it is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons and assess your readiness for life in a fundamentally different cultural environment. On the one hand, the Emirates beckon with high salaries, career opportunities and a luxurious standard of living. On the other hand — the need to adapt to the hot climate, conservative traditions and strict laws, the absence of a familiar Russian-speaking environment. It is necessary to soberly assess your strength and decide whether you are ready for such a challenge. Always study reviews of a potential employer and carefully check the terms of the contract. Do not rush into a decision — it should be well thought out and balanced.

To summarize

Working in the United Arab Emirates opens up a lot of tempting opportunities. It is an excellent chance to raise your professional level, financial well-being and to enrich yourself with valuable experience of life in a completely new cultural environment. However, the path to your dream is littered with obstacles and requires serious preparation. Thoroughly study the labor market, the peculiarities of the local mentality and legislation. Prepare for language barriers and culture shock. Make a convincing resume and work hard to pass interviews. If you feel strong enough to overcome all the challenges, the UAE can be a great springboard for building a brilliant international career. Good luck finding your dream job!

And if you are looking for information not only about working abroad, but also about real estate in other countries, we recommend you to visit the Centrarium real estate marketplace. There you can find current offers from around the world — a great resource for those planning a move.

Real estate in UAE

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