Dubai, the second largest state in the UAE, is a global economic hub. Several people desire to have jobs in Dubai for reasons like good earning, tax-free income, luxurious lifestyle, breathtaking scenery and good work culture. Dubai is highly liberal and progressive state. Expats are even allowed to own a property in Dubai which is otherwise not permitted in other Middle East nations.

Types of job sectors in Dubai

Unlike other nations in the Middle East, oil is not the primary industry in Dubai. The most promising jobs in Dubai for expats are in growing sectors like oil and gas, constructions, tourism and financial services and related industries.

Salary & other benefits

Expats love Dubai as a work destination for its high salaries and tax free income. In fact, Dubai offers one of higher salaries than other states in UAE. A supply chain manager in gas, oil and engineering industry or a technical general manager can expect to earn AED 75,000 per month; a senior construction director can get AED 80,000 per month. However, starting salaries for engineers, managers can be 12K-15K AED per month. Moreover, salaries depend upon the experience, qualification and nationality. High paying jobs come with all kinds of perks 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 hefty salaries and grandiose lifestyle, one should remember that cost of living there can be high. For accommodation, you can get a furnished two bedroom house in a good area at AED 9,000 monthly rent or and unfurnished two bedroom house at AED 7,000 and a room in a shared apartment can cost around AED 2,000.

For transport, if you can afford, buy a car as petrol and maintenance is cheap here. Also, you can hire a car at a monthly rent like a small hatchback car can be hired at 1,500 AED. A taxi can cost you AED 2/km and city center bus fares about AED 2.

Education for expats

Since expats are not permitted to attend public schools run by state government in Dubai, they need to admit their wards in private and international schools. However, fee and tuition expenses are very high. It 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 heavy heat in Dubai, most entertainment is located air-conditioned indoor environment. Social atmosphere is thriving and social calendar of an expat is almost full for the entire month with several things like music festivals, world class restaurants and hotel bars. There are a few nightclubs also. A lot of tourists visit Dubai for its natural charm and fun filled activities that give them an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate completely.

Visa

Any non-UAE citizen essentially needs a residency visa that allows them to stay in Dubai for three years. Later, they can apply for a work permit that is issued by the Ministry of Labor. Having work permit is mandatory if you want to work in Dubai. To get a work permit in Dubai, it is important to have a confirmed job letter in hand the employer in Dubai will sponsor the visa and also bear the cost of sponsoring. Before getting a residency visa, you need health check.

Working hours and weekends

Working week in Dubai, like in other Islamic countries, is from Sunday to Thursday while some other businesses and retail outlets are open six day week and keep off on Friday, a holy day for Muslims. Usual business hours start from 8 am to 1 Pm and then resume after 4 pm and continue up to 7 pm. However, international companies work from 9 am to 6 pm. During Ramadan, working hours are reduced.

Sources to find jobs

Since Dubai is among the preferred job destinations, there are several sources that help aspirants to search and get jobs. The most important among all are online job portals, local classified, company websites and recruitment agents. In addition, you can use cold calling to get some leads about jobs. Linked and personal network of friends and acquaintances can also be used.