Moves to Dubai have been on the rise, given the city’s abundance of job opportunities and low tax rates. 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. We’ve compiled some of the most common questions that we’re asked on the topic, so you can find everything in one place to help you prepare for moving to Dubai to work. Keep reading to learn more about what it’s like to work in Dubai and get ready for your move.
Working in Dubai as a British Citizen FAQ
Do I Need a Visa to 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 who want to work in Dubai is to go through an international company based in the UK and transfer to a Gulf region location within the business. This tends to be the easiest approach and allows people to stay in the same organisation. With this approach, a UK-based employer will apply for the correct visa on your behalf following acceptance of a job role. Alternatively, you could also seek sponsorship from an employer in Dubai.
Working without a visa in the United Arab Emirates is illegal, so you’ll have to 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?
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 is not the same level of 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.
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 the 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. This guide focused on Dubai employment, but for complete relocation information, including family visas, accommodation, and schools, read our broader UAE relocation guide. Get in touch today for a bespoke quote.
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