Teaching Abroad Direct
Are you dreaming of new beginnings in the UAE? Dubai offers plenty of promise thanks to a booming economy and exciting job prospects. A sunny destination, tax-free earnings, and a thriving hub for networking make for a perfect new home.
But knowing where to start can be a challenge. Read our seven tips on getting your desired job in Dubai and learn how easy it is to land a career in this popular destination, with over 75% of the population being ex-pats.
Let’s look at the visa requirements, sponsorships, highest-paying jobs, the job market, and what qualifications are required.
There are seven tips on getting a job in Dubai; implement these to improve your chances of landing your dream occupation.
You must provide a mandatory health card when applying for jobs in Dubai. While awaiting the return of your visa, it’s worth getting the ball rolling with your Dubai health card application.
All foreign workers require a health card. You’ll be tested for HIV and tuberculosis, and any carriers of the previously mentioned diseases will be prevented from working in the UAE.
A health card is an unavoidable step towards a career in the Emirates, so you should start applying for your health card as soon as possible.
Use one or two Dubai recruitment companies to help you land a job. Recruitment agencies already have a network, leverage, and experience essential to your chances of finding a new job.
Don’t use too many recruitment agencies, as you’ll be overcommitting and putting your eggs in too many baskets. Instead, find one or two reliable recruitment agencies to help you discover opportunities.
An advantage they have is that they already have contacts. These connections could be leveraged.
LinkedIn is a fantastic way to get your name out in Dubai. Your LinkedIn profile could showcase your experience, passion and skills to potential employers.
Half of the Dubai population is on LinkedIn, and many companies are known for using this modality to recruit.
Optimise your account, ensure it’s 100% complete, become active on there, and update your experience to align with the potential jobs you wish to apply for.
Adjust your CV to match the job you’re applying for. Your CV should showcase skills and experience relevant to the position you hope to gain in the Emirates.
Don’t just send a generic curriculum vitae. Instead, take some time to cultivate the CV to your advantage.
If you are looking for a job in the fitness industry, then emphasise your experience in that particular industry; if you are searching for teacher vacancies, include all of your teaching jobs to date on your CV and the skills that will contribute to teaching roles.
Networking in Dubai is an excellent way to create connections and meet your future employer. Start building your network, and speak to others in similar job positions or with similar experience.
The more that you network, the more chance of doors opening. As great as it is to work in silence, there’s always a chance of being missed or overlooked when you don’t put yourself out there.
Networking can be simpler than you think; if you start speaking to a contact, why not add them on LinkedIn or continue the conversation via e-mail. There’s a time and place for this, but the jist is to keep connections open.
If you’re a writer, you may connect with a web designer; they could have an influx of job opportunities they’re unable to tend to themselves - and you could strike a partnership.
Don’t apply for every job out there; this is not only wasting the company’s time, but it’s also taking up yours.
Target jobs that are aligned with your goals and skills. Pinpoint job opportunities that you are qualified for, have experience in, and possess the skillset to do.
Subsequently, this will ensure that you don’t waste your time, and you will also become familiar with the jobs that suit you. You’ll also be able to hone the specific skills needed rather than casting your net too wide.
Getting a Dubai phone number can help with your job-hunting quest. This makes you accessible and shows you’re serious about finding a UAE job.
What difference does having a Dubai number make? Recruiters are more likely to act when they see that number. They know you’re already set up in the location, and there’s less risk in employing you.
Many expats back out before making it into the country. This way, you are there, ready to go, and easy to contact. This also means fewer costs for the employer; they won’t be expected to fork out on travelling expenses.
If you are still based in the UK, you will want to be employed for a job first, and it will then be your employer’s responsibility to apply for a Dubai working visa. You need a residency and working visa (proof of employment) to work and live in the Emirates. Here’s what’s required for your visa application:
Citizens from the following countries qualify for a 30-day visa on arrival:
The general prearranged visas for tourists from the UK can last for as long as 60 days, but you cannot work with this type of visa in Dubai.
| Type of Visa | Duration | Cost | Extensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48-hour | 48 hours | US$10 | No |
| 96-hour | Four days from arrival date | US$49 | No |
| Tourist- short-term (single entry) | 30 days from arrival date | US$90 | For US$230 |
| Tourist - short-term (multiple entry) | 30 days from first entry | US$136 | For US$230 |
| Tourist - long-term (single entry) | 60 days from arrival date | US$177 | For US$230 |
| Tourist - long-term (multiple entry) | 60 days from first entry | US$231 | For US$230 |
Source [1]
An alternative option to the usual Dubai visa is to gain a sponsor. This can be done via the employer. Find a sponsor partner, and be sure to have the correct documents.
| Sponsor's Employer | Sponsor documents |
|---|---|
| Emirates Group Staff | Staff ID copy |
| Government/Semi-government |
Salary certificate (must be in Arabic) Sponsor passport and residency copy |
| Free-zone company |
Salary certificate from the free-zone authority (must be in Arabic) Sponsor passport and residency copy |
| Private company |
Labour contract copy Sponsor passport and residency copy |
| Investor | Sponsor passport and residency copy |
| Partner | Sponsor passport and residency copy |
Source [1]
A friend who lives and works in Dubai can sponsor you if they meet the 10,000 AED income requirement.
You can also use the same sponsorship for your family once you gain a job in Dubai.
Your family and friends can get a visa to join you as long as you meet the following AED wage requirements:
| Relative (visitor/applicant) | Minimum salary of sponsor |
|---|---|
| Wife/Children/Parents/Parents-in-law | AED 4,000 |
| Brothers/Sisters/Dependants | AED 5,500 |
| Brothers/Sisters-in-law | AED 7,000 |
| Friends and other relatives | AED 10,000 |
Source [1]
There’s proof that Dubai’s job market is bolstering, with a 3% increase expected for 2024, according to Allsopp and Allsopp Recruitment and Executive Search [2].
Although that gain isn’t increasing as fast as it was between 2022 and 2023, much of that is because of the decrease in oil production. Despite this, the job economy remains solid, with a 100% rise in UAE candidates applying for marketing jobs.
An impressive 77% of companies are expanding their recruitment and actively adding to their workforce. The technology industry in the UAE has grown and has added a 20% increase to job vacancies. [3]
Here are some of the job titles that are currently required:
Find out more about Dubai's living and working economy with our full guide.
You don’t need a degree to be able to work in Dubai; most job roles there do not require degree qualifications. This includes roles such as marketing, personal training, airport loading, security guarding, etc.
Here are some of the jobs you can get in Dubai without a degree:
There are over 30 British International schools based in Dubai - giving you plenty of opportunities to find a teaching job.
If you’re qualified to teach levels 1 to 5 or GCSE, then you’re in luck - pick from both primary and secondary schools.
To get a teaching job in Dubai, you must ensure you’re qualified to teach at the relative level. Ensure you have experience in training. If you are applying to teach GCSE students, you need to have experience teaching GCSEs in the past.
Find out more about the teaching qualifications required with everything you need to know about Dubai teaching jobs.
Dubai has become a thriving spot for business - from its location to the perks of living in the UAE, it makes for the perfect working residence. Before applying for jobs in Dubai, use the tips provided. These tips could help you find your dream job in less time.
