Finding Jobs in the UAE: A Guide for Expats

One of the most affluent and welcoming countries in the world is the United Arab Emirates. Foreigners have eight out of ten jobs in the nation. The government aggressively encourages the development of new employment.

Where to look for a job if you want to live in the UAE

Recruitment agencies offer the simplest and most common route for job seekers. For instance, agencies like Global Vision, Work Emirates, Perun, and Jetexpo provide valuable assistance in several key areas:

    They provide guidance on in-demand job specialties.
    They offer insights into salary ranges.
    They clarify the visa and employment requirements.

The cost of these agency services typically ranges from $200 to $1,000. In some cases, the employer can cover these expenses by providing reimbursement.

Alternatively, job seekers can opt for independent job hunting. Many job openings are advertised on popular websites such as Bayt, LinkedIn, GulfTalent, and Indeed. Specifically for opportunities in the UAE, websites like Dubizzle, Edarabia, Naukrigulf, Layboard, Dubai.com, Totaljobs, DubaiJobs, Rigzone (for jobs in the oil industry), and JobsInDubai are also worth exploring.

How to get an internship

The restaurant and hospitality sector in the United Arab Emirates is eager to hire interns. Candidates must meet just two primary requirements: they must be under 30 years old and speak English fluently.

An invitation to permanent employment in the UAE is frequently extended after an internship, which typically lasts three to six months. Apart from being compensated for their airfare, work visa, housing, and meals, interns are paid around $400 per month. A job search website like https://layboard.in/vacancies/jobs-in-uae/jobs-in-dubai/speciality/crane-operator may list internships.

In-demand industries

Although the UAE is frequently linked to the oil and gas sector, the government is actively working to promote tourism. That being said, the service and repair sector employs only foreign nationals. Bartenders, waiters, chefs, sales consultants, administrators, realtors, stewards, and stewardesses are just a few of the many jobs available.

Furthermore, professionals with advanced degrees whose fields are on the list of in-demand occupations will have an easier time landing a position in the United Arab Emirates. These include, at the present, IT professionals, physicians, educators, builders, seasoned sales managers, marketers, financiers, and HR specialists, according to the report.

Features of employment

    the capacity for verbal communication. Proficiency in Arabic language is not mandatory. English language ability is required.
    Work schedule. An eight-hour workday is the average. An average workday in the tourism and service sectors is nine hours long. We start the workweek on Sunday. The weekend days are Friday and Saturday. A typical year includes thirty days off.
    Extras. The employer is always obligated to cover the cost of the employee's health insurance. Usually, it also covers the cost of housing and, occasionally, meals. For vacation travels home, some businesses offer to pay for a vehicle rental or the cost of the airfare. In addition, upon termination of employment, the employee is entitled to remuneration in the amount of twenty-one days' wages.
    Probationary period. A probationary term typically lasts between one and six months in most firms.
    Characteristics of the contract. After the probationary period and after the hiring procedure is over, either you or the employer can end the employment agreement at any time by giving the other party one month's notice. If the employee leaves the company before one year of employment, the employer may be entitled to repayment for the costs associated with hiring (such as travel and paperwork).

On occasion, the UAE Ministry of Labor may place a six-month limit on an employee's capacity to look for new employment upon contract termination. You can escape the ban if the parties agree to end the contract by asking your employer for a special "No Objection Certificate" attesting to the lack of allegations against you.

6. Resolution of Conflicts. In the United Arab Emirates, it is illegal to form trade unions or plan strikes. The Immigration Service and the Ministry of Labor take the matter into consideration when there is a dispute between an employer and an employee. One may file a judicial appeal of the decision made. A Wage Protection System (WPS) is in place throughout the nation. It ensures that a foreign laborer, even if working for a dishonest employer, would be paid for his job.

Pros of living in the UAE

    Stable and advanced economy. Because foreign investors voluntarily invest in UAE companies, the state's and each emirate's coffers are consistently and substantially refilled, new employment is generated, and this helps the economy grow. More than 10 million tourists visit Dubai each year, which generates significant revenue. Due to the local currency's stagnant exchange rate over the past few years, prices for everything are fixed.
    Absence of criminal activity. In the United Arab Emirates, sharia law is in effect, which makes for quieter streets. The UAE came in at number twenty-one on Global Finance's 2019 ranking of the safest nations in the world. There are security cameras installed in every community, therefore, there's no need to worry about misplaced items, handbags, or auto thefts here.
    Developed travel industry. The UAE government goes above and above to ensure the comfort of both residents and visitors, continually organizing beaches and creating a plethora of leisure and retail venues.
    Constantly developing real estate market. For 10 years in Dubai construction has not stopped, new residential and commercial buildings are constantly being erected. There is no shortage of either office space or residential. Foreigners can not buy property in certain areas and take full ownership rights.

Cons of living in the UAE

    Harsh climate. The UAE has a rather specific climate, especially in the summer - heat up to +50 ° C with high humidity. Winters are comfortable (average temperature is +25°C). Sandstorms can be annoying, causing respiratory diseases. Fortunately, all rooms in Dubai are air-conditioned and if you stay outdoors less in the summer, you will find it much easier to tolerate the heat.
    Expensive life. Rent for an apartment, food, basic necessities and other services take up a significant part of the salary.
    Exotic traditions and legislation. The Arab Emirates, and Dubai in particular, live under Sharia law, which provides for the death penalty for serious (according to Islamic belief) crimes: premarital sex, drug distribution, preaching atheism or the foundations of a religion other than Islam, homosexual relations, adultery and much more. Even if you're a foreigner, you still have to adhere to local laws. But let's take a closer look at how attitudes towards these laws have undergone changes in recent years.