How to Find a Job in the UAE

The absence of income tax, high salaries, and an appropriate standard of living make the UAE a great place for immigrants to find employment. They, by the way, make up almost 90% of the country's population. In this guide, we look at what it takes to get a job in the UAE, what jobs are most in demand here, whether it is possible to find a job in UAE without knowing English, and what salaries you can expect.

How Many Foreigners Live and Work in the UAE?

According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, more than 9 million foreigners (i.e., 88.52% of the total population) live and work in the UAE in 2024. The top five countries of origin of these foreigners include:

• India
• Pakistan
• Bangladesh
• Sri Lanka
• Nepal

These countries account for over 70% of the UAE's total foreign population. Other countries of origin include the Philippines, Egypt, Indonesia, and Ethiopia.

Foreigners play an important role in the UAE economy, making up more than 90% of the labor force in some industries. They are also a major source of tourism revenue: in 2023, the UAE's tourism sector contributed AED 220 billion to GDP, accounting for 11.7% of the total economy. This upward trend is expected to continue in 2024, with the sector projected to reach AED 236 billion and account for an even larger share of GDP at 12%.

Pros and Cons of employment in the UAE

The UAE draws professionals from all over the world, mostly due to its high salary. However, the drawbacks, meanwhile, should also be taken into account. These include the rigid social conventions and laws connected to Islam and the conventional Arab way of life.

In-demand Jobs

The country's active development primarily drives the UAE's labor market. Large-scale construction projects require design engineers with various specializations, from water treatment to air conditioning systems.

The information technology sector is highly dependent on quality personnel. The UAE's main technological focus is on advanced cybersecurity and AI technologies. However, the demand for developers and programmers also remains high. 

The UAE has introduced simplified procedures for obtaining citizenship through naturalization for qualified scientific and medical personnel. This indicates that these are urgent jobs in the UAE.

IT sector jobs in the United Emirates:  

• AI training specialists; 
• cybersecurity specialists; 
• e-commerce specialists;
• software engineers;
• web developers;
• mobile application developers.

Construction:

• green energy engineer;
• energy systems design engineer; 
• civil engineers;
• mechanical engineers;
• electrical engineers.

Medical staff:

• physicians;
• emergency physicians;
• paramedics;
• nurses;
• pharmacists.

Management expat jobs in the UAE:

• recruitment managers;
• administrators;
• project managers.

There is a great demand for foreigners with experience in customer service, administration, and management. Foreigners must possess significant skills and expertise to succeed in the fiercely competitive UAE labor market.

Demanded jobs in the UAE for freshers:

• nurse;
• pharmacist;
• dental assistant;
• cybersecurity analyst;
• IT support specialist;
• software developer;
• data analyst;
• network engineer;
• renewable energy engineer;
• solar panel technician;
• energy efficiency analyst;
• environmental scientist;
• digital marketing specialist;
• SEO specialist;
• content creator;
• e-commerce manager;
• social media coordinator;
• project management.

Job Search in the UAE: Websites, Recruitment Agencies, and Social Networks

The best way to find job opportunities in the Emirates is to look for them locally. But this is quite risky, as you can spend money on rent and related expenses without finding anything suitable. The optimal solution is to search for jobs remotely through job hunting sites in the UAE and then go to the emirates on a tourist visa. 

A list of job sites in the UAE: 

• Bayt
• NaukriGulf
• FoundItGulf
• Gulf News Careers
• Laimoon 

Recruitment agencies specialize in recruitment in various fields, including finance, marketing, engineering, and IT. However, they do not work for free. They may make their profits by charging a fee to the applicant, with the option of a one-off payment or salary information along with successful employment.

A job seeker can send a resume to licensed top recruitment agencies in the UAE. If a suitable vacancy arises, the agency will contact the job seeker and provide all the necessary information. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation issues licenses for recruitment agencies only to UAE citizens. Such agencies do not require job seekers to pay employment fees, as the obligation to pay the fees lies with the employers.

You can find vacancies in various social networking groups. However, this is risky, as everyone can post vacancies in unverified groups. While on specialized sites, employers must undergo a verification procedure. The best sources of current vacancies in the UAE are official groups and verified profiles of large companies.   

Social media for job searches in the UAE:

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

If you are already in the UAE, attending career fairs is a great option to meet employers face-to-face and discuss job opportunities. Professional events and meetings organized by business associations and professional clubs can also speed up the job search in UAE through new contacts. And of course, you can also contact employers or local recruitment agencies directly.

Traineeships and Internships in the UAE

Traineeships and internships are provided for young professionals and students to develop professional skills, gain practical experience, and improve their career prospects. The UAE's multinational and highly professional environment is best suited for this.

Job websites, university career centers, recruitment agencies, and official company websites are the best places to find internship opportunities for job seekers in the UAE.

1. LinkedIn
2. Bayt
3. GulfTalent
4. InternsME
5. Indeed

Most internships are aimed at senior students and graduates. The main requirements for potential interns are high academic performance and a good command of English (at least upper-intermediate). Companies welcome additional foreign language skills, especially those related to international projects.

The application process begins with a letter. The student explains his/her motivation for doing an internship with this particular company. Then, the applicant attaches a CV to the letter and sends it to the employer.

If the response is positive, an interview will be scheduled. It often occurs online, but a face-to-face meeting is also possible. Some companies may request additional documents, such as school transcripts, references, and portfolios.

At an internship, the average salary in the UAE depends on the industry, company, and candidate's qualifications. The minimum wage in the UAE for trainees ranges from AED 2000 to AED 5000 ($550–$1350). Some companies cover transportation, food, and accommodation as a bonus. Only part time jobs in the UAE are available for trainees.

Requirements to Work in the Emirates

A key skill for a foreigner is knowledge of English. The higher the level of proficiency, the greater the number of jobs in the UAE for foreigners. Pakistani and Indian expats are more likely to work in less attractive positions with modest salaries due to their average English skills. The highest salaries are for expats with a higher level of English. And the highest salaries are for native speakers: British, Americans, Australians, and others. 

There is no official age prejudice in the UAE. However, if the question is to hire a foreigner, the preferred age category is 21–40. The exception is the qualifications and experience of a potential employee, which can cause the employer to ignore age. 

The standard work week in the UAE runs from Sunday through Thursday, with Friday and Saturday off. The working day usually starts at eight or nine in the morning and ends at five or six in the evening.

Employers can provide their workers with various bonuses. The most significant of these are the flight payment and administrative costs for registration. Otherwise, the employer may cover the costs of food, accommodation, transportation, and medical care.

The probationary period usually lasts three to six months. During this period, the employer and employee may terminate the contract with a few days' notice. Notifying the employer is crucial; otherwise, the employee may be banned from entering the Emirates.

Labor law governs the termination of an employment contract in the UAE. The employee or employer must give 30 days notice of termination. In some cases, if the contract is terminated without a valid reason, there may be fines, withholding of compensation, and, in the worst case, a lifetime ban from entering the UAE.

There are several ways to resolve conflicts between employers and employees. The first one is to resolve the issue independently and find a compromise. If the conflict cannot be resolved within the company, the parties can try to reach a peaceful agreement with the help of a mediator. As a last resort, the conflict can be referred to the labor regulatory authorities, where a special commission considers the case and decides on the issue.

UAE employment visa requirements: 

• Knowledge of English. Arabic will be an advantage.
• Applicant must be over 18 years of age.
• Profile education with a confirmed and legalized diploma.
• Professional license or certificate.
• Professional experience in the highly competitive UAE market plays a key role in employment.

UAE job visa processing time may vary in the Emirates. For example, a work visa in Dubai is processed 1–2 weeks faster than in Ras Al Khaimah. 

Labor Reforms 2022–2023 in the UAE

As of February 2022, new labor laws came into effect in the UAE.

In addition to the above reforms, the UAE has ratified a number of international labor conventions, including the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. This demonstrates the UAE's commitment to protecting the rights of all workers, regardless of their nationality. 

The 2022–2023 labor reforms represent a significant step forward for the UAE. They will help create a more flexible and fair labor market and better protect the rights of all workers.

Documents for Working 

Before finding a job in the UAE, you need to gather all the necessary documents. First of all, you need a valid passport, and its validity must exceed six months from the date of application. Then comes a United Arab Emirates work visa and a contract with the employer. Without this, legal work in the Emirates is not available.

Before entering the country, you must have a medical exam and a certificate of no criminal record. When entering with a family, passports of all members will be required, as well as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, and certificate of medical exam for each family member.

Diploma Legalization for UAE

Diploma legalization is a process that includes translating the document, notarizing it, and legalizing it at the UAE embassy. It can be translated into both English and Arabic.

It is necessary for the any type of document to be valid in other countries. An employer from the UAE will first ask a potential employee for a legal diploma, certificate, etc., in order to apply for a work visa.

Physician's Practice Certification Report

Physicians are required to submit a practice certification report. This document is issued by the institution where the specialist worked and must include all of the activities in his position for the past several years. The list should include hours indicating the total time devoted to a particular medical practice. Without this report, working as a doctor in the UAE would not be possible.

It is also worth considering that the employer may ask for letters of recommendation, which also need to be legalized. Additional certificates may be necessary to confirm the documents.

United Emirates Employment Visa Requirements

An employment visa in the UAE is necessary for legal work. Without it and a United Arab Emirates work permit, foreigners have no right to work in the country. A visa guarantees legal protection of the employee's rights and social guarantees, and opens access to medical care. It is also impossible to legally open a bank account and rent accommodation without it.

Obtaining a work visa:

1. Receiving an offer. An employer in the UAE must offer you a job and prepare an employment contract. The employer also sponsors and is responsible for the visa process.
2. Obtaining a work permit. The employer applies for a work permit from the UAE Ministry of Labor (MOHRE) and must prove that there are no available candidates for the position in the local labor market. If successful, the applicant receives a short-term work permit.
3. Medical Examination. Applicants must undergo a medical examination, including blood tests and screening for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV, at approved UAE medical centers.
4. Visa Application. The employer applies for a work visa to the relevant Emirate's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). If approved, the applicant is issued a temporary visa (entry permit), with which he/she can enter the UAE to continue the processing.
5. Completion. While in the UAE, the applicant must undergo additional medical checks and provide biometric data. A work visa is issued based on their results and the documents provided. The employer must issue an Emirates ID card to the employee.

List of required documents:

• Labor contract signed with the employer.
• Copy of passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of application.
• Color photographs in 45 mm x 35 mm format.
• Medical certificates.
• Prior work permit from the UAE Ministry of Labor (MOHRE).
• Document confirming no criminal record issued by the competent authorities of the country of residence.
• Diplomas and certificates confirming qualifications and work experience.

Obtaining a Resident Visa

Residency status allows expats to stay in the UAE for one to three years, depending on the type of residency visa. A foreigner's residency status is as important as obtaining a work visa. Without these two documents, employers have no legal right to employ a foreigner.

Residents can access various public and private services, including opening bank accounts, renting homes, obtaining driver's licenses, and accessing local health services. Their children are entitled to attend public and private schools.

To obtain residency status, one must find a sponsor from the UAE. In most cases, these are employers ready to hire a foreigner.

The application process:

• Signing a contract with the employer.
• Passing a mandatory medical examination at approved medical centers in the UAE.
• Submission of a criminal record certificate from the country of residence.
• Gathering all necessary documents, including passport, photographs, medical certificate, and employment contract.
• Depending on the emirate, a resident visa can be applied for at the Federal Identification and Citizenship Authority (ICA) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

Once the application is approved, a temporary visa is issued for arrival in the Emirates, where the resident visa is finalized. The process includes submitting biometric data and obtaining an identity card.

Other Types of Visas for Work in the UAE

Several types of visas allow you to work in the UAE. The most extensive residency program is the Green Visa. It suits investors, high-class professionals, self-employed people, and freelancers.

Illegal Employment

The primary consequence of illegal employment is arrest. Even if employers seem to have securely hidden their illegal workers, they are not protected from UAE law enforcement raids. Average salaries in the UAE for migrants with illegal status are lower than market rates.

Upon arrest, an investigation follows, which can result in fines for the worker and the employer. Typically, this leads to deportation with a ban on re-entry into the Emirates.

Lack of legal status also impacts workers' rights. Without legal protection from the government, they are reliant solely on the employer's integrity. Unscrupulous employers may delay wages, withhold a portion, or not pay them. Without legal status, workers have no access to medical services or insurance. Seeking medical help often results in arrest.

Average Salaries in the UAE per Month

As of early 2024, the average income in the UAE was 233,900 dirhams (AED), which is about 19,500 dirhams (AED) in terms of the average monthly salary. Management has the highest-paid jobs in the UAE, especially in the financial sector. For instance, the minimum salary in the UAE for a financial director is about AED 452,250 per year.

Labor law does not set the minimum wage in the United Arab Emirates. The labor market analysis shows that it is within 50,540 AED per year or 4211 AED per month ($13,762 and $1147). 

The maximum salary level is 1,079,600 AED per year or 89,966 AED per month ($294,000 and $24,500). In both cases, this is an average minimum and maximum income level; different categories of workers may earn below or above this amount.

Average salary in the UAE per month:

Salaries in the public sector are higher than in the private sector. Public sector employees earn about 5% more than private sector employees in the same position. The public sector mainly employs UAE natives. 

Work experience is an important indicator for determining the salary level in the UAE. For example, employees with 2–5 years of experience earn about 35% more than those without experience. Employees with ten or more years of experience earn another 20% more, and then another 15% more when they have 15 years of experience.

The level of education also plays an important role. Of course, a waiter or cab driver does not necessarily need a college degree. However, the difference is noticeable when working in positions that require it. Professionals with a master's degree earn, on average, 30% more than bachelor's degree professionals. Doctoral degree holders earn, on average, 22% more than master's degree professionals.

Men in the UAE have a 7% higher average income than women. The average monthly earnings for men are 20,050 AED ($5460), whereas women earn 18,780 AED ($5110) on average. 

Salaries also depend on the emirate. The highest average salary in Dubai is 21,480 AED per month ($5850). The lowest one is in the emirate of Umm al-Qawain, 17,480 monthly AED ($4760). The difference between the average salary in Dubai and Umm al-Qawain is 22%. 

Average salary by emirates:

Taxation and Social Security Numbers in the United Arab Emirates

Taxation in the United Arab Emirates for foreigners is not the harshest. Zero income tax in the UAE is considered one of the key advantages for investors and expats alike. You don't have to pay taxes on your salary, as in other countries, where income tax can be up to 50 percent of the money received.

There is no corporate income tax in the UAE for most activities. However, starting June 1, 2023, companies with net income over AED 375 thousand ($102 thousand) will have to pay the UAE corporate tax rate of 9% of the profit. Before that, companies paid only VAT at the rate of 5%. Now, the total UAE company tax rate is 14%.

There are many free economic zones in the UAE, each with its own tax regime. For example, in some free zones, companies can count on zero taxes for legal entities in the UAE. A distinctive feature of these zones is the possibility of registering wholly foreign companies.  

However, foreign workers in the UAE may be subject to other taxes, such as:

• Value Added Tax (VAT). This is a consumption tax that is levied on most goods and services sold in the UAE. The standard VAT rate is 5%.
• Excise Tax. This is a selective tax that is levied on certain goods and services, such as tobacco products, carbonated drinks, and energy drinks.
• Social security contributions. Employees in the UAE are required to make social security contributions, which are used to fund the country's pension and health care systems. The rate of social security contributions is 20% of an employee's total salary. The employee contributes 5%, while the employer contributes 15%.

Company registration in the UAE:

You can open a company in the UAE, either on the mainland or in a free zone. It depends on which taxes you will have to pay in the Emirates. Submit the necessary documents, including articles of association, business plans, the founders' passport details, and documents for renting office space.

Opening a business in the UAE requires a license corresponding to the company's type of activity, whether it is a trade or professional license. If the company is subject to taxation in the Emirates, it is necessary to register with the Federal Tax Service and obtain a VAT number.

Working Ban

The UAE restricts the obtaining or extension of work visas for foreign workers who violate established labor laws. Penalties include a ban on employment in the UAE for up to one year. Heavy violations may result in lifetime restrictions, including the inability to enter the UAE.

Ban types:

1. Restriction of employment for six months. It is imposed on persons dismissed from employment without proper notice or legal grounds.
2. Restriction on employment for one year:
   • employee impersonation;
   • gross violation of discipline;
   • disclosure of official secrets;
   • leaving employment without a valid reason before the end of the contract period;
   • leaving the country during the probationary period without proper notification;
3. Lifetime ban in the UAE. Usually issued for serious offenses such as criminal offenses or absconding from an employer. Persons with a permanent ban are generally prohibited from re-entering the UAE for any purpose, including tourism, business, or residence.

How to Avoid Restrictions 

The employee needs to find a job with a higher position and salary. The new employer must coordinate his/her actions with the Ministry of Labor and submit the necessary documents confirming qualifications and salary level.

• For a holder of a high school diploma, the minimum salary is AED 5000.
• For a diploma holder, the minimum salary is AED 7000.
• For a bachelor's degree holder, the minimum salary is AED 12,000.

An employee can also try to make a mutual agreement with the employer. The employment ban can be lifted if both the employer and the employee agree to terminate the contract. This agreement must be documented and submitted to the Department of Labor.

Some workers may be exempted from the ban based on their professional skills required in the UAE. Gold visa holders are not subject to the UAE employment ban.

The restrictions can be lifted by filing a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emirates (MoHRE). In this case, the case is sent to a special committee, which will decide based on the evidence provided.

Work Culture in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates' distinctiveness is rooted in its Middle Eastern specificity, which combines Muslim traditions with the customs of the Arab people. However, the presence of multiple cultures has led to a somewhat more permissive atmosphere, especially for immigrants.  

• Work environment. Due to the peculiarities of the Islamic calendar, working days in the UAE are generally Sunday through Thursday, with Friday and Saturday off. Working hours are fixed, with an eight-hour workday and an hour for lunch.
• Gender discrimination. In general, there is no gender discrimination in the UAE workplace. Both men and women work in leadership positions. Women are actively involved in business, politics, and public life. The state supports women's rights to work and provides opportunities for career advancement.
• Hierarchy and respect. Subordination and respect for elders are at the core of the UAE mentality. For example, it is a sign of respect to address colleagues by their first name with the addition of a title (e.g., Mr. or Mrs.).
• Communication. Politeness and tact are more important than directness and frankness. Personal communication and building trust often play an important role in business negotiations and collaboration.

Can a Foreigner Apply for UAE Citizenship?

Foreigners can obtain UAE citizenship, but the process is not an easy one. There are two main ways to obtain UAE citizenship:

• Naturalization. Foreigners who have been legally residing in the UAE for at least 30 years and are in good standing can apply for naturalization. However, they must be fluent in Arabic and have a basic understanding of Islamic culture and law.
• Exceptional Merit. The UAE government can also grant citizenship to foreigners who have made exceptional contributions to the country in the fields of business, science, technology, culture, or art.

In addition, the UAE government has recently introduced a new program that allows investors and talented individuals to obtain citizenship on an expedited basis. Applicants must meet certain criteria, such as having a certain level of wealth or investing a certain amount of money in the UAE.

It is important to note that obtaining UAE citizenship is ultimately at the discretion of the government. There is no guarantee that an application will be approved, even if the applicant meets all the requirements.