Seeking Jobs Abroad?  Consider Jobs in the UAE

Published on 17 July 2007
Category: International Property & Living » Living Abroad » Working Abroad Guides

If you’re looking for an international employment challenge or you’re after an interesting job in a location where you can earn a decent salary that will financially set you up, if not for life, then at least for the foreseeable future, why not consider getting a job in the United Arab Emirates.

Many people who are seeking jobs abroad consider jobs in the UAE because of the attraction of earning a tax free salary - but there’s actually more in terms of opportunities and benefits than merely the taxation efficiency of a contract in the UAE.  In this article we look at the attractions of the UAE for those seeking jobs abroad and how to go about securing a job in the United Arab Emirates.

In terms of the lifestyle benefits a job in the UAE can offer you – just consider the fact that Dubai is in the UAE and you’ll already have some idea of the wealth of delights awaiting you in the Emirates.  You of course have sun, sea, sand and desert but you also have access to an opulent location with tax free shopping, amazing restaurants, exquisite leisure facilities and a very, very high standard of living.

Dubai is just the most well known of the Emirates because it already attracts thousands of international job seekers annually – but Abu Dhabi, Ra’s al Khaymah and Umm al Qaywayn to name but a few are becoming better known as employment hubs for international job seekers too.

The general rules for those planning on working abroad about applying for jobs in the United Arab Emirates carry from one emirate to the next.  An individual candidate will need to be correctly qualified and experienced to take up a given position and should not apply for a job unless they can prove their level of skill, professionalism and qualification. 

Have official translations of qualifications available if you end up at interview.  Information written on CVs, resumes or application forms submitted for a job should be written in descending chronological order and be accompanied by a covering letter succinctly detailing why you are the best candidate for the job.

If invited to interview for a job be prepared to attend at least two face to face interviews where you should dress very smartly indeed.  Women should ensure their skirts are ankle length at best or at least below the knee.  Gentlemen please understand that the culture and attitudes of local residents in the UAE towards women are very, very different to that which you are used to if you come from Western society.  For example you should not attempt to directly address a woman, you should never attempt to touch a woman even if only reaching to shake her hand, you should not enquire about a fellow colleague’s wife or daughters and it’s best to steer clear of all things related to women in case you accidentally cause serious offence!

In addition to these words of warning that you need to heed if you’re seeking a job abroad in the UAE you should remember that at interview you should not sit until invited to do so, you should never, ever speak badly of a former employer or colleagues and always carry around your passport, copies of it and multiple copies of your CV or resume.  And finally, if you’re co-habiting never mention it on an application form just state that you are either married or unmarried.

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