Dubai, the second largest state of the United Arab Emirates, is a world economic center. Many people want to have a job in Dubai for reasons like good earnings, tax-free income, luxurious lifestyle, stunning scenery and good work culture. Dubai is a very liberal and progressive state. Expats are even allowed to own property in Dubai that is otherwise not allowed in other Middle Eastern nations.
Types of job sectors in Dubai
Unlike other nations in the Middle East, oil is not the main industry in Dubai. The most promising jobs in Dubai for expats are in growing sectors such as oil and gas, construction, tourism, and financial services and related industries.
Salary and other benefits
Expats love Dubai as a work destination for its high salaries and tax-free income. In fact, Dubai offers one of the highest salaries than other states in the UAE. A supply chain manager in the oil, gas and engineering industry or technical general manager can expect to earn AED75,000 per month; a senior construction manager can receive AED 80,000 per month. However, starting salaries for engineers and managers can be as low as 12K-15K AED per month. In addition, salaries depend on experience, qualification and nationality. High paying jobs come with all sorts of benefits like accommodation, car, mobile phones, one ticket per year, etc.
cost of living
Although Dubai is a great place to work and live due to the high salaries and great lifestyle, it should be remembered that the cost of living there can be high. For accommodation, you can get a furnished two-bedroom house in a good area for AED 9,000 monthly rent or an unfurnished two-bedroom house for AED 7,000 and a room in a shared apartment can cost around AED 2,000.
For transportation, if you can afford it, buy a car as gasoline and maintenance are cheap here. In addition, you can rent a car for a monthly rental, such as a small hatchback car that can be rented for AED 1,500. A taxi can cost you AED 2/km and city center bus fares around AED 2.
expat education
Since expats are not allowed to attend public schools run by the state government in Dubai, they must admit their wards to private and international schools. However, the tuition and fees are very high. You can be around AED 90,000 annually for attending any of the international schools in Dubai.
Social life Entertainment and nightlife
Dubai offers several options when it comes to entertainment and nightlife. However, to beat the blistering heat in Dubai, most of the entertainment is in an air-conditioned indoor setting. The social atmosphere is thriving and an expat’s social calendar is nearly full throughout the month with various things like music festivals, world-class restaurants, and hotel bars. There are also some night clubs. Many tourists visit Dubai for its natural charm and fun activities that give them the chance to completely relax and rejuvenate.
Visa
Any non-UAE citizen essentially needs a residence visa that allows them to stay in Dubai for three years. Subsequently, they can apply for a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour. Having a work permit is mandatory if you want to work in Dubai. To obtain a work permit in Dubai, it is important to have a confirmed work letter at hand. The employer in Dubai will sponsor the visa and will also bear the cost of the sponsorship. Before you can get a residence visa, you need a health check.
Working hours and weekends
The working week in Dubai, like in other Islamic countries, is from Sunday to Thursday, while other businesses and retail stores are open six days a week and closed on Fridays, a holy day for Muslims. Regular business hours start from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then resume after 4 p.m. and continue until 7 p.m. However, international companies work from 9 am to 6 pm. During Ramadan, working hours are reduced.
Sources to find work
Since Dubai is among the preferred job destinations, there are several sources that help applicants to find and get a job. The most important among all are online job portals, local classifieds, company websites and recruitment agents. Also, you can use cold calling to get some job leads. The personal and linked network of friends and acquaintances can also be used.