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Jobs in the United Arab Emirates are increasing fast; Dubai is one of the seven emirates which make up the UAE, which is a federation of states on the Arabian Peninsula situated between Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman along the coast of the Arabian Gulf. Dubai City is considered one of the fastest-growing cities on the planet, packed full of banking jobs, IT jobs, and jobs in many other economic sectors. This is one of the best places in the world if you love desert temperatures, sandy beaches, and some of the hottest shopping opportunities you can find anywhere. Construction, finance, IT, media and engineering are some of the top jobs in Dubai as the city continues to grow.

The reason so many people choose to work jobs in Dubai is because of the exciting opportunities. Where other countries around the world are suffering from rising unemployment rates during the global recession, Dubai is seeing nothing but continued growth, meaning that IT jobs in Dubai as well as other types of jobs are continuing to be available to qualified candidates on a global basis.

Working a job in Dubai means understanding that you are going to be in a completely different environment than what you may be used to, but there are quite a few benefits, not the least of which is the experience of working in a foreign land. These types of experiences look great on CVs and job applications, and if you are looking for a boost up in your career, there’s no better place to look for jobs in the Middle East than in Dubai.

Overall there is not a large temping sector in the Middle East. Due to most nations in the region regulating immigration carefully and almost every foreign employee having to come into a country on a work permit, individuals should avoid travelling to the UAE or Saudi Arabia in attempt to look for jobs. However with a large job market offering positions in the oil industry, construction or Dubai’s growing tourism industry, opportunities still exist and some freelance and short term contract work may be available.

Whilst most job contracts for foreigners are drawn up before the individual enters a Middle Eastern country, there are often a large number of additional short term contracts and freelance work available once in a nation. In Dubai work visas are still available and many may find that after a contract has finished a close knit and friendly expatriate community will help find additional work for them on a temporary basis.

Meanwhile as tourism grows and nations such as Dubai realise the importance of attracting youngsters, especially those who may be travelling the world on gap years, a number of options for temping and freelance work exist. Whilst often paying extremely low wages, set by Asian individuals generally willing to work for less than their Western counterparts, vacancies may be found via newspapers or agencies for office, retail, port delivery or tourist work. In Dubai, where a vibrant nightlife is also to be found, workers may find positions in restaurants and nightclubs, with the latter often providing hostess jobs for women.

Temping and freelance work remains a relatively small niche sector in the Middle East due to their immigration regulations, and for those searching for jobs in the UAE or Saudi Arabia options can be limited. Individuals are advised to find contract positions before moving or they may face an uncertain future attempting to find work.

A job seeker will want to be very sure that they really want to work in the Gulf region.  Looking for jobs in the UAE is quite hard and the lifestyle there is completely different from life in the West.  They need to be prepared to adapt to a new way of life.  There are restrictions on foreign workers travelling around, alcohol and other things that we often take for granted in other parts of the world.  

It is not a good idea to apply for lots of different jobs.  You are more likely to get a job that you are qualified for and have experience in and it is just a waste of time to apply for others.  Employers have to be sure that they get the right worker as they will have to pay out a great deal of money to bring a worker to the country. They need to make sure from the outset that they have the right one.  Target your search on your specific qualifications and this will help to increase your chances of success.

An up to date CV is essential, and this should be registered with recruitment agencies and online job hunting sites.  As soon as a vacancy is advertised you should be ready to send off your CV and make your application.  The CV is your best chance of making a good impression as for jobs in Dubai and other Gulf States it will be the main opportunity an employer has to assess you.

Whilst many individuals continue to look for jobs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) it is important to consider the larger implications of such a move. Finding work and living abroad can often become a defining step in an individual’s career but other than the logistical problems of actually acquiring a job, living and cultural aspects, particularly in the UAE, can play a determining role in how successful any move may be.

It is vital to include such considerations when moving to any Gulf State because, unlike many western countries, a strong religious culture and radically different laws can create an environment that many are not accustomed to. Strict rules regarding the consumption of alcohol and displays of affection in public may deter some candidates, whilst homosexuality remains illegal across the Middle East making it wise for gay individuals to avoid seeking work in the area. Meanwhile past conflict and unrest, though having receded of late, may dissuade others from relocating.

Elsewhere, those looking to move to the UAE should note that the majority of job contracts are short term, with the emirate nations not allowing for citizenship or the ownership of land or property in some places. Though such regulations are being loosened, especially when it comes to owning businesses, prospective employees should consider the length of stay that they are seeking and the type of work they are looking for.

Moving abroad also causes significant upheaval to family members making it imperative that workers consider the change of lifestyle forced upon their loved ones. How will family members integrate into their new surroundings? Is there adequate schooling for the children? How will such a move affect long-term career plans? A fully informed and frank approach should be taken by anyone considering applying for jobs in the UAE to ensure that their job and lifestyle change will reap rewards for years to come.

For those looking to work in the Middle East it is important to have an understanding of the contractual agreements that may be entered into. With contracts providing the only access to jobs in Saudi Arabia and nations of the UAE is it crucial to know how paperwork may affect working time within the region.

Containing the conditions of employment, contracts for jobs in Dubai in particular have increasingly become open-ended, changing from the two year conditions that expatriates were traditionally provided with. Most contracts will incorporate the wording ‘employment subject to obtaining the necessary permits’, highlighting the importance of ensuring that work permits can be obtained before looking for work. Upon entry to the nation it is vital that any verbal or previously signed paperwork is formalised in an Arabic contract, allowing for individuals to have a secure and legal contract. Individuals may also be expected to cancel work visas at the end of a contract, and complete a complaints questionnaire.

Meanwhile, in addition to any written contract, a mandatory medical examination is required. With particular importance placed on HIV and AIDS testing, such examinations are not optional for workers or spouses and if testing positive expatriates can expect immediate expulsion from the state. Such tests are also repeated, normally every three years when work visas are renewed.

For the most part prospective employers will take responsibility for all paperwork and contractual obligations, making a transition to the Middle East as easy as possible. And with modern changes to contract agreements, many foreigners can expect to remain in a host nation for more than twenty years.

For all foreign individuals looking into the possibilities of working in Dubai it is vital to understand the details of sponsorship. Jobs in Dubai can be readily available for those with the correct skills, but holding the right qualifications and having the inclination to move will not get individuals anywhere unless they have a sponsor.

Throughout the Gulf nations the term sponsor refers to an individual who takes care of a foreign worker living in the nation. Acting as a guardian of sorts it is the sponsor that opens a bank account, signs accommodation contracts and completes paperwork for the employee and it is they that have the ultimate responsibility of ensuring that any expatriate abides by the nation’s laws and regulations. It is therefore vital that any prospective employee ensure that an adequate sponsor can be found, allowing them to enter the country and work under the terms of their contract.

Be it an individual, an institution or a company, Dubai also has qualification criteria for would-be sponsors. Employees can normally rely on their company becoming their sponsor, whilst those looking to a future of self employment are recommended to investigate local firms operating in a similar niche, finding an experienced individual to act as a sponsor.

Used by many countries including the United States to control the immigration of workers, the sponsorship process is an integral part of moving to Dubai, and without a sponsor relocation is not possible. And whilst individuals may see the process as a negative, such a detailed approach can pay dividends in the future with increased company interest and career development being offered as a result of their sponsorship role.

The emirate of Dubai has one of the strongest economies in the world today and jobs in numerous career sectors are available in many sectors.  This is especially true where Dubai finance jobs and the banking industry are concerned.  The growth in the construction and real estate sectors has placed increasing demands on the finance industry, hence the availability of numerous employment opportunities in the region and other surrounding Gulf areas.

If you are considering applying for one of the many Dubai finance jobs, you will most likely start your search using the internet and investigate the many job posting sites.  Your best bet is to start with the larger firms in the finance sector that have a sound history and have been in Dubai the longest.  These firms tend to pay better and will assist new employees and their families with work visas and all the related fees.  This is a critical factor if you are married with children and are planning on relocating them with you when you move to the Middle East.

Be sure to update your CV or resume so that all your information is as current as possible.  Another suggestion is to attach a cover letter which emphasises why you are the employee they need based on relevant work experience and your skill levels.  Most finance jobs in Dubai are looking for higher quality employees with several years of experience in the industry.  Additionally some familiarity with the local language could also be a plus for a potential employer although this is not essential.

There is a lot to think about before you start applying for Gulf jobs.  And this doesn’t just apply to the positions you are qualified for, or wish to work in either.  You should always remember that you won’t be spending all your time at work.  Would you be able to fit in and have an enjoyable time working out in the Gulf, or would you miss home too much?

Gulf jobs can show you a whole other side to the world.  You will see that working hours and social hours could be very different from what you are used to here.  In many cases people in the Gulf work a six day week as a matter of course.  This will depend on the kinds of Gulf jobs you apply for however, so always check to see what your position entails.

Another important matter to consider is whether you are really fully prepared to work in these Gulf jobs for any length of time.  Since you are likely to be on a six months or year long contract, you can see that this is quite a time to be away from home.  If you are married your spouse could come as well, but you need to ensure they are happy to do so.  The same applies if you have children; will their education suffer because of the upheaval of moving to another country?

As you can see, there is much to consider before you can take any of the Gulf jobs on offer. 

Kuwait is an interesting nation, with many benefits for those who choose to work there.  Kuwait’s relatively small, yet open economy is fuelled in part by their proven petroleum reserves.  While petroleum products and services are still at the forefront of this nation’s economy, with its open economic structure and design, there are a wide variety of industries and job types outside of oil.  Most notably, there exists an abundance of IT jobs in Kuwait both in the petroleum industry, as well as in other Kuwait industries such as shipbuilding and food processing.  With almost no arable land, agriculture is simply impossible there, leading to a heavily industrialised nation that imports most of its food.

These businesses are typically large scale, multi-national corporations with a great need for tight information systems and communications networks.  Keeping open communications with global trade partners is vital for the sorts of industries present in Kuwait, and as a result there is a great demand for knowledgeable information technology professionals in the emirate.

While Kuwait is yet another Middle Eastern nation with a major hand in the petroleum industry, there are still ample employment opportunities both within the petroleum industry, and outside of it for IT professionals.  The need to communicate with foreign nations and maintain accurate records for decision making purposes has never been more important, both in Kuwait, as well as in the rest of the modern world.  These skills have become well respected and well paid in Kuwait, with new IT positions continually being created.

The countries comprising the Persian Gulf states – Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE – offer a wealth of opportunities for job-seekers with the right skills who are looking for a change from the old routine, and seeking a higher level of income, enhanced quality of life and wider opportunities, to say nothing of the fantastic weather.

Jobs in Dubai are categorised in terms of the country’s Free Trade Zones, which effectively group skills sets in terms of industrial specialisations. Healthcare City, for example, is concerned with healthcare skills, and those with banking, insurance and management skills would be looking at the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC), where business activities are mostly based.

The absence of personal tax levies is one big incentive for working in Dubai, and jobs in Dubai will be much better rewarded than back home, but don’t forget to inform the relevant departments before you set out that you’re no longer resident for tax purposes. 

If you have the skills that Dubai needs, it’s a simple matter to get an interview set up by submitting your CV with covering letter to one of the agency websites you can find on a Google search, or through an expo organised by Dubai employers in the UK and elsewhere.

Your employer will be able to sponsor you to work in Dubai and you can then obtain a temporary residency permit for the duration of your employment there.

Jobs in Dubai are plentiful, so take a look and change your outlook in sunny Dubai!