A move to Dubai has been on the rise given the city’s abundance of job opportunities and low rates of taxation. UK expats are no exception and if you’re among them, you need to be aware of certain things such as what visa is required to work there. Keep reading to learn more about what it’s like to work in Dubai and get ready for your move.
How Can I Work in Dubai as a British Citizen?
There are no limits to working in Dubai based on nationality, however, you will need the right visa. A common route followed by UK expats is via international companies in your home country since it’s easier to transfer to the Gulf region while staying in the same organisation. Your UK-based employer will apply for the correct visa on your behalf following acceptance of a job role. Conversely, you can also be sponsored by an employer in Dubai.
Working without a visa in the United Arab Emirates is illegal, so make sure you have everything in place before moving to Dubai. Your local employer will handle much of the process on your behalf but in order to secure a work visa you will need to meet the following requirements;
- Proof of a work contract
- Your application form filled out and completed
- Emirates ID Card
- Valid passport
- Medical check and health certificate
- Entry permit
Do I Need to Speak Arabic to Work in Dubai?
The official language in Dubai is Arabic so being fluent in the language could significantly improve your job prospects. Proficiency in a foreign language (especially Arabic, in this case), can enhance your business prospects and earn the respect of Middle Eastern colleagues. Other major languages spoken in Dubai include Hindi, Urdu, Persian, and English which is also spoken by many locals. You don’t need to speak Arabic to work in the country but there may be fewer job opportunities.
What Jobs Are Available in Dubai?
If you are wondering what kind of jobs are available in Dubai and what skills are in demand, there is a wide range of roles and opportunities to be found. Dubai is known as a national and global business hub and has a thriving economy, with only 3% of the inhabitants registered as unemployed. This is great for the job seeker as it means that companies in Dubai often have to look overseas to employ new staff. Some of the leading industries in Dubai include;
- Steelworks and aluminium
- Construction
- Boat and ship repair
- Fishing
- Petroleum and chemicals
- Manufacturing
How Can I Find Work in Dubai?
It’s easier to start working in Dubai through one’s current employer, especially since a large number of international companies are located in the city. This can be one of the easiest ways to relocate, but if you are working for a smaller company this might not be possible.
There are still plenty of jobs advertised online though and you can find these through traditional job boards. One change you may notice in Dubai job adverts compared to the UK is that they can often ask specifically for gender, age, or nationality in applicants. This is quite common in Dubai as there are not the same discrimination laws in place. There are some specific job websites for work in the UAE, which include;
However, these are not the only places to find work and you can often find jobs on UK websites. You can also apply for jobs directly through some of the large companies so it is worth checking the websites of companies like AstraZeneca, Etihad Airways, and Microsoft Gulf.
What’s It Like to Work in Dubai?
Employees in the Middle East, including Dubai, typically work eight five-hour shifts in a week. Unlike the UK, the working week runs from Sunday to Thursday with Friday and Saturday being rest days. Private sector employees generally get 30 days of paid annual leave after their first year. Additionally, workers also get 9 public holidays in a year. Depending upon the timing of Eid, the major festival celebrated across the Middle East, the duration of holidays can vary. In addition to paid leave, another perk of working in Dubai for UK citizens is that you don’t have to pay tax on your earnings in the UAE.
Dubai’s rapid economic growth in recent years has transformed it into a magnet for corporate workers across the world, including the UK. With the cost of living considerably lower than in the UK and English being widely spoken in the city since UAE nationals only account for 10% of the population, Dubai’s labour market promises a thriving atmosphere for corporate professionals seeking change.
From planning to execution, Gerson’s international relocation services can help you at every step of your professional journey. With more than 60 years of experience in employee relocations across the globe, including from the UK to Dubai, our team has the expertise to guide your move. Get in touch today for a bespoke quote.
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