Expat Jobs in Dubai
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Introduction
Working in Dubai offers a fantastic opportunity for skilled expats to advance their careers.
This also helps them build personal wealth and experience a different culture and country.
Dubai is on a mission to transform itself into the world’s innovation hub.
It focuses on green energy, healthcare, education, and technology sectors.
Additionally, Dubai provides an exceptional lifestyle.
It’s worth noting that it has low or no taxes, opening up various financial prospects.
Here are a few reasons why Dubai can be an excellent choice for your career:
— Tax-Free Earnings
In Dubai, personal incomes are not taxed, which is a significant attraction for expats considering working in the UAE.
— Career Advancement
Dubai offers promising career opportunities for expats, making it a prominent choice.
— Attractive Employment Packages
Employers often provide enticing benefits, including accommodation allowances, flight tickets, etc.
This country is even known to fund employees’ children’s education, which is noteworthy.
— Quality of Life
Dubai offers an exceptional lifestyle with a wide range of amenities. These amenities include beach clubs, shopping malls, skiing, cinemas, concerts, waterparks, museums, and more.
However, it’s essential to remember that Dubai’s cost of living can be high. Particularly when it comes to housing and education for children.
If you’re considering working in Dubai, carefully evaluate salary offers to ensure they align with your desired lifestyle.
According to LinkedIn’s 2020 Emerging Jobs Report for the UAE, Dubai’s job market is diversifying. Especially with industries like security, marketing, and hospitality seeking talent abroad.
Tech positions, such as Data Scientists, Full Stack Engineers, and Customer Success Specialists, still dominate the job market in Dubai.
So, if you’re interested in Dubai’s tech industry, you’re in luck.
But how do you get started in Dubai’s evolving job market?
This information will walk you through the crucial details regarding visas, sponsorship, where to search for jobs, and interview tips. I will also cover the information related to the highest-paid expat jobs in Dubai, along with average salaries.
Let us begin.
Visas
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You’ll require a work visa if you’re considering working in Dubai.
The positive aspect is that obtaining one is relatively straightforward if employed by a Dubai-based company.
Because a work visa is necessary, traveling to Dubai is most convenient once you’ve secured a job offer.
Nevertheless, entering the emirate on a visitor or tourist visa is feasible while searching for employment.
You can switch your visa status once you’ve found a job.
For most visitors to Dubai, obtaining a visa in advance isn’t mandatory; you’ll receive one upon arrival.
With the exception of Mexican passport holders, two options are available: a 90-day and a 30-day visit eligibility.
Countries That Don’t Need a Visa for 90 Days
Countries whose citizens don’t require a visa for 90 days after arriving in the UAE include:
— Argentina
— Austria
— Bahamas Islands
— Barbados
— Belgium
— Brazil
— Bulgaria
— Chile
— Colombia
— Costa Rica
— Croatia
— Cyprus
— Czech Republic
— Denmark
— El Salvador
— Estonia
— Finland
— France
— Germany
— Greece
— Honduras
— Hungary
— Iceland
— Italy
— Kiribati
— Latvia
— Liechtenstein
— Lithuania
— Luxembourg
— Maldives
— Malta
— Montenegro
— Nauru
— Netherlands
— Norway
— Paraguay
— Peru
— Poland
— Portugal
— Romania
— Russian Federation
— Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
— San Marino
— Serbia
— Seychelles
— Slovakia
— Slovenia
— Solomon Islands
— South Korea
— Spain
— Sweden
— Switzerland
— Uruguay
Countries That Don’t Need a Visa for 30 Days
Citizens from the following countries don’t need to acquire visas in advance but will receive visas (valid for 30 days) upon arrival:
— Andorra
— Australia
— Brunei
— Canada
— China
— Hong Kong, China
— Japan
— Kazakhstan
— Macau, China
— Malaysia
— Mauritius
— Monaco
— New Zealand
— Republic of Ireland
— San Marino
— Singapore
— Ukraine
— United Kingdom and Northern Ireland
— United States of America
— Vatican City
These tourist visas are a suitable means of entering the country for job hunting.
However, obtaining a work visa if you secure employment or leaving the country when your visa expires is vital.
There is a 10-day grace period after the visa expiration, but working on a tourist visa can result in imprisonment, fines, and deportation.
The positive news is that your employer will primarily handle the sponsorship and visa process once you find a job.
You will only be required to provide some necessary documents, like your passport number.
However, your responsibilities are not finished.
Health Card and Work Permit
While your work visa is in the process of being approved, you’ll be required to submit various documents to the relevant authorities:
You’ll need to provide the following for a health card:
— Medical records
— Passport copies
— Photographs
— Job offer letter
— Visa application
These are to be submitted to the Department of Health and Medical Services.
A blood test will also be necessary to screen for diseases like HIV and tuberculosis.
It’s important to note that the UAE does not permit individuals carrying these diseases to reside in the country.
Once you pass these medical tests, you’ll receive a mandatory health card, a requirement for foreign workers in Dubai.
Obtaining a work permit involves submitting the following:
— Passport photo
— Employment contract
— Entry visa
— Medical records
— Employer’s labor license
These are to be submitted to the Ministry of Human Resources.
Finally, you’ll need to acquire a residency visa provided by Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
You can apply for this online or physically at the AMER center.
The application process will involve completing a form and providing various documents.
They include:
— Passport copy
— Medical records
— Health certificate
— Original entry permit
— Passport-sized photos
— Copy of your work permit
— Receipt from your work permit processing
Once you have completed these steps, you are fully prepared to commence employment in Dubai legally.
Note that you should possess your work visa, health card, work permit, and residency visa mandatorily.
Sponsoring Family Members
It’s a common practice for expats in Dubai to have the option of sponsoring their spouses and children to join them.
Typically, in these cases, the male partner sponsors the spouse.
However, it’s scarce for female expats to be the primary breadwinners in the household and sponsor their husbands.
Nevertheless, exceptions exist, particularly in high-level professional roles.
So, once you’ve obtained your residency permit, you have the opportunity to sponsor your family to live with you in Dubai.
As mentioned earlier, each sponsored family member will also need to undergo a health check.
The Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) will handle this process for the health check of sponsored family members.
Everything About the Employment Contract
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Given the current global economic conditions, you might feel inclined to accept any job offer that comes your way with gratitude.
However, it’s essential to be prepared to negotiate to secure favorable terms in your employment contract.
To begin with, the cost of living in Dubai is notably high, primarily due to factors such as:
— Housing expenses
— Educational fees
— Healthcare costs
Therefore, it’s crucial to negotiate some form of compensation within your contract to address these specific financial aspects.
Here is a list of crucial negotiation points that expatriates typically consider when discussing their employment contracts.
These points serve as a reference to help you understand what employers typically offer.
It will be up to you to determine the extent and intensity of your negotiations:
Housing
Some employers provide expat workers with a housing allowance.
You can supplement housing offered by the employer if you prefer to live in a more expensive area.
Estate Agent Fees
Employers may charge fees for assisting you in finding a rental property in Dubai, and sometimes they may reimburse these costs.
Car and Fuel
Owning a car in Dubai is often necessary due to the extreme heat.
Some employers offer car schemes and provide fuel cards to ease transportation expenses.
Annual Leave Ticket
Many expats receive coverage for the cost of their annual flights home, often taken during the sweltering summer months.
Education and School Fees
Securing a good school for your children in Dubai is just one part of the equation.
Affording the steep school fees is another challenge.
Some institutions maintain high standards, and your employer may assist you in affording the best options.
Medical Insurance
Employers typically offer company health insurance schemes for their employees, but coverage for dependents may not be included.
Negotiating family health insurance coverage should be considered.
Notice Period and Severance Pay
Defaulting on financial obligations in Dubai is illegal, so having a reasonable notice period and severance pay agreement is vital.
This provides you with the time needed to find another job and sustain your living expenses if you face job loss.
Relocation/Repatriation
If you’re being actively pursued to work in Dubai, you may have room to negotiate these aspects.
Otherwise, these negotiations may prove challenging.
While job opportunities may be precious, working in Dubai comes with unique financial demands.
Therefore, engaging in thoughtful negotiations is essential to secure a contract that caters to your specific needs and circumstances.
Employment Market in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) boasts a population of ten million and maintains a low unemployment rate of 3%.
As an oil-rich nation, it has navigated challenges like fluctuating oil prices and global oversupply.
Nonetheless, the UAE’s economy remains robust, experiencing rapid growth in recent years.
Best Skills For Expats in Dubai
To qualify for the most sought-after expatriate jobs in Dubai, possessing the right skills is essential.
Here is a list of ten highly demanded skills that employers in Dubai are actively seeking:
— Financial Expertise
Dubai has a thriving business landscape, and there is a constant need for professionals with financial and money management skills.
Whether it’s budgeting, tax preparation, or financial advisory, expertise in accounting or finance is highly marketable.
— Cybersecurity and Risk Management
Given the prominence of the tech industry, Dubai is actively searching for cybersecurity and risk management specialists.
Protecting client data and preventing breaches are paramount concerns.
These requirements create significant opportunities for those trained in these fields.
— Coding and Web Development
The tech sector’s influence extends to the demand for web developers and coders.
Proficiency in programming languages such as CSS and Javascript opens doors to both in-house and freelance opportunities.
— Administrative Proficiency
Administrative skills are consistently in demand across businesses of all sizes.
Such skills include organization, time management, communication, etc.
Administrative assistants, HR professionals, and marketers all benefit from these skills.
— Marketing Expertise
Marketing skills are invaluable in Dubai.
This is because businesses are eager to attract clients, promote their offerings, and enhance their brand presence.
Creativity, attention to detail, and effective campaign execution are highly prized.
— Social Media Marketing
In addition to general marketing skills, social media marketing expertise is highly sought.
Knowledge of various social media platforms and the ability to manage paid advertising and analyze performance are in high demand.
— Multilingual Abilities
Dubai’s diverse population speaks numerous languages.
Proficiency in multiple languages is advantageous, facilitating effective communication across various industries.
— Teaching Proficiency
The ability to convey information effectively is highly valued in Dubai.
Being a skilled communicator who can simplify complex concepts is crucial.
Especially if your teaching skills are coupled with patience and time management skills.
— Personnel Management
Personnel management skills are essential in the human resources field.
Effective collaboration, training, and conflict resolution are vital for HR professionals.
These personnel management skills ensure employees are well-supported and motivated.
— Patient Care Skills
Job opportunities abound in Dubai for individuals with medical training and experience, including nurses, physicians, and nursing assistants.
Providing exceptional patient care is essential for positions in hospitals and healthcare clinics.
The skills mentioned above for expats open doors to numerous employment opportunities in Dubai’s diverse and growing job market.
Candidates who possess these abilities stand out in a competitive job landscape.
Best Expat Jobs in Dubai
First of all, there are high-paying jobs as well as jobs suitable for foreigners in Dubai.
Let us look individually at both types of jobs so that you can better understand.
High-Paying Jobs in Dubai
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— CEO
The average salary for C-suite executives (like CEOs) is around AED 200,000 monthly.
Based on the company and experience, the actual range can be as low as AED 34k/mo or as high as AED 500,000/mo.
— Cardiologists
Cardiologists are often treated with immense respect in the medical profession.
The average salary for a cardiologist in Dubai can be around AED 300,000 per year.
According to some salaries reported on a few websites, the average salary can go as high as AED 700,000 to AED 1.1 million.
Note that the highest salaries would be available to those with higher educational qualifications and years of experience.
For example, the salaries of Invasive Cardiologists are said to be higher than Non-Invasive Cardiologists.
— Public Relations (PR) Director
The public relations director or public relations managing director is said to have an average salary of AED 250,000 per year.
The total pay for this profession, on average, can be around as high as AED 800,000.
— Senior Bank Director
The average salary offered to a senior bank director in Dubai can be around AED 150,000 per month.
This could go up to AED 200,000, and the total average pay for this role can range to AED 470,000.
— Vice President
A company’s vice president in Dubai can receive an average salary of AED 130,000 per month.
The base pay can go up to AED 300,000, while the highest salary for this profession can be even higher.
The additional compensation for this position can be AED 60,000 to AED 200,000 based on certain factors.
Some other professions pay higher salaries in Dubai, such as:
— Investment Banker
— Neuro Surgeon
— Bank Manager
— Senior Scientist
The average pay or actual pay for the highest salaries offered to an individual is based on several contributing factors.
For example, doctors with a Ph.D. earn higher salaries than those with general certification.
At the same time, doctors working in a prestigious hospital get more in terms of salary.
Additionally, experience also plays a crucial role in determining the salary range of a specific profession.
Note that the aspects mentioned above are not inclusive to doctors as any profession’s salary is determined similarly.
Now, let us take a look at some of the best jobs available for expats in Dubai.
Best Jobs For Foreigners in Dubai
Presently, Dubai has a selection of job opportunities that are particularly sought after by foreigners.
This list presents ten of the most coveted job positions in Dubai for expats:
— Accountant
Dubai is gaining recognition as the economic hub.
It houses numerous businesses that require financial professionals to oversee budgets and make informed decisions.
Additionally, individual residents seek assistance with financial management.
This results in a high demand for accountants of all types in the emirate, especially for expats.
Skills Needed:
• Proficiency in accounting processes
• Familiarity with general business practices
• Meticulous attention to detail
— Cybersecurity Specialist
Dubai’s technology sector is rapidly expanding, resulting in a substantial need for cybersecurity experts.
With a multitude of businesses, there is a continuous demand for those who can safeguard data and protect customers and clients.
Skills Needed:
• Knowledge of various digital platforms
• Critical thinking abilities
• Analytical and diagnostic skills
— Web Developer
Top-notch web developers possess extensive expertise in programming languages such as HTML, Javascript, and CSS.
They utilize this knowledge to create customized websites that align with client objectives.
As Dubai’s business landscape continues to flourish, the demand for web developers also grows.
Especially for those expat individuals who can enhance a business’s online presence and expand its audience.
Skills Needed:
• Proficiency in programming languages
• Attention to detail
• Ability to meet deadlines
— Administrative Assistant
Administrative assistants fulfill a wide array of tasks, including:
• Appointment scheduling
• Phone calls
• Email correspondence with clients
With a substantial number of business professionals operating in Dubai, the demand for administrative assistants is currently high.
Skills Needed:
• Strong attention to detail
• Effective time management
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
— Data Entry Specialist
Data entry specialists are essential in ensuring the smooth operation of businesses of all sizes and types.
They gather data from diverse sources and compile it into a single document or database, facilitating access for other professionals.
Skills Needed:
• Rapid and precise typing skills
• Attention to detail
• Effective time management
— Digital Marketing Specialist
Many businesses in Dubai seek assistance in expanding their online presence and digitally promoting their products or services.
This is where digital marketing specialists come into play.
They usually have extensive marketing knowledge and expertise in content creation, social media marketing, and data analysis.
Skills Needed:
• Proficiency in SEO (search engine optimization) and SEM (search engine marketing)
• Familiarity with various online platforms
• Data analysis skills
— Human Resource Manager
Dubai’s diverse businesses require assistance in managing personnel and recruitment.
Human resource managers and their teams play a vital role in ensuring smooth operations and employee satisfaction.
Skills Needed:
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Adequate time and priority management
• Administrative skills
— Teacher
Teachers are consistently in demand worldwide, and Dubai is no exception.
Expertise in a specific subject area is highly valued in Dubai’s schools.
It is worth noting that Dubai strongly emphasizes education.
Therefore, teachers should possess a suitable conduct license from their previous employer and a UAE teaching license.
Skills Needed:
• In-depth knowledge of a specific subject matter
• Effective communication skills
• Patience
— Nurse
Nurses and other healthcare professionals have consistently been in high demand in Dubai, playing a pivotal role in patient care.
Skills Needed:
• Proficiency in patient care
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Effective time management
— Physician
Hospitals and healthcare clinics in Dubai also require physicians to provide care and ensure patient well-being.
The demand for physicians has been consistently high and has grown even further in recent years.
Skills Needed:
• Emotional intelligence
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional attention to detail
Steps to Remember
Here are five crucial steps to assist foreigners in securing jobs in Dubai:
Job Search in Dubai
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Do you have a clear idea of the jobs you seek in Dubai, or are you unsure about the application procedure?
If you fall into the latter category, here are some steps to guide you in finding employment opportunities in Dubai:
— Initiate your job hunt by scouring the internet for job openings in Dubai that align with your qualifications, background, and skillset.
— Leverage job platforms to streamline your search, allowing you to filter results based on job type, educational requirements, salary, and more.
— Consider contacting recruitment agencies in Dubai to inform them of your job search intentions.
Job Applications
Once you’ve identified potential job opportunities in Dubai, it’s time to start the application process.
While this stage can be somewhat laborious, securing a position is essential.
Keep in mind that certain resources can simplify the application process, allowing you to create an online profile and submit applications swiftly.
This expedites the process and enhances your chances of receiving responses from potential employers.
Visa Acquisition
Upon receiving a job offer and confirmation from a company, you can initiate the visa application process.
It’s crucial to remember that you’ll need to apply for both an entry permit visa and a work permit.
— Like job applications, the visa application process can be time-consuming and intricate. However, it is a vital step if you intend to establish a new life in Dubai.
— Maintain patience and meticulously follow the instructions provided with each application to expedite the visa acquisition process.
Document Preparation
A crucial aspect of securing your visa is assembling and submitting all the necessary documents.
Refer to the checklists mentioned in the previous section to ensure you collect and dispatch all pertinent documents promptly.
Strive to get everything right on the first attempt, as this will accelerate the process.
It is also essential to get everything right to avoid multiple submission rounds.
Maintain Communication
Maintaining communication with your prospective employer, even after receiving job offers with visa sponsorship, is imperative.
They may be able to help during the visa application process and keep you informed about its status.
Staying in contact demonstrates your commitment to the job and shows that you are taking all necessary steps.
Bottom Line
Always ensure that you follow the necessary steps while applying for a job as an expat.
Pay attention to the most important aspects so that you can avoid facing problems in the future.
Having said that, I hope that the information presented in this article was helpful to you in finding the relevant information.
I specialize in providing investment solutions for expats and high-net-worth individuals in many countries.
If you are on the lookout for top-notch wealth management services, don’t hesitate to contact me.
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Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters, with over 684.8 million answer views on Quora.com, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.