Jobs in Dubai - How to Get One!

A detailed guide to going about the process of finding, applying for and securing a job working as an expatriate in Dubai

We have written extensively about the types of jobs available in Dubai, how to move to live and work in the emirate and even how to secure housing and start a new life, change a job and get all your visas and permits in place – but perhaps we have missed out one very essential element when it comes to discussing the subject of jobs in Dubai – and that is, how to get one!

At Shelter Offshore - as we predicted - we have seen a sudden upturn in interest amongst our readership in the subject of working abroad.  It seems that our government’s bankrupting of the nation and continued ridiculous attempts to solve the problem whilst all around them jobs are being lost, companies are going bust and savers are getting no interest on their money, are forcing more people into actively contemplating a new life abroad.

For those of working age, the first port of call when it comes to considering the practicalities of such a move is getting a job overseas.  And because Dubai still has a thriving economy – relatively speaking! – and there are still jobs available in the emirate that pay a handsome tax-free salary, many are interested in going to work there.  In this article we’ll give you as much help as we can to find and secure a job in Dubai.

The first thing to make a note of is that there is a jobs expo coming up in March at Olympia Two in London.  It is taking place over the weekend of the 7th to the 8th of March and we’ve written an article all about the Opportunities Dubai & Gulf States Expo that covers who will be at the event and how it can help you to get a job in the United Arab Emirates.  In a nutshell, the expo will feature employers from Dubai and the wider region who are actively seeking employees…it will give you the chance to see what jobs are therefore on offer, it will allow you to give your CV or resume to as many potential employers as possible, perhaps apply for a job and have an interview, and maybe even secure work in Dubai there and then.

So, if you’re really serious about finding a job in the emirate, you cannot afford to miss this event – it could be your easiest, most straightforward and fastest way into work.

Your other options and alternatives are quite straightforward too however.  The good thing is, because Dubai is such a popular place to work/live/invest/be, there are many, many resources available to help you get a job there and move and live there.  So all you have to do is make the most of the resources.  The first thing to do is get online.  Recruitment sites covering Dubai and the UAE region are online, as are specialist recruiters in a given industry that also cover Dubai. 

You have the likes of: -

http://www.bacme.com/
http://www.bayt.com/
http://www.charterhouseme.ae/
http://www.iqselection.com/
http://www.jobsindubai.com/
http://www.monstergulf.com/

all covering general recruitment in Dubai.  And then depending on whether you’re in the medical profession, banking industry or even the oil or construction business for example, there are specialist recruitment agencies that all have an online presence and which have job vacancies in international destinations such as Dubai.

Alternatively, you have many of the region’s newspapers online, some of which run jobs pages and advertisements at different times and on different days of the week.  Try the following to start with: -

http://www.gulfnews.com/
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/
http://www.7days.ae/
http://www.eyeofdubai.com/en/newspaper/
http://www.dubaichronicle.com/

Your other alternatives for actually getting a job in Dubai are either targeting potential recruiters directly or getting on forums and social network sites and simply networking and finding out what jobs are available where.  If you decide to contact potential recruiters, you need to look at which companies exist in Dubai who may benefit from your services.  You can then look and see whether these companies have lists of job openings on their website.  If they do, fantastic – if they don’t, then call up or email the personnel department and enquire about any openings.  Ask them to keep your details on file and then regularly call back for an update on whether the position has changed and whether there are any new job openings.

If you go the forum/social network route, chat to those already living and working in Dubai and ask about any companies that are looking for staff, expanding or opening new operations in Dubai.  Ask for advice about how to get a job, ask for personal experience and any top tips that people have.  You will be surprised how helpful people can be – especially expatriates.

Finally, it pays to be totally proactive and to do all you can to find and secure a job.  Knock on doors (metaphorically speaking at least), get your name and profile circulating and be as polite, charming yet persistent as possible.