The Best Expat Jobs in Dubai

Dubai has long been a sought-after destination for expats looking for new career opportunities and a vibrant lifestyle. Known for its tax-free income, luxury living and thriving economy, Dubai attracts professionals from around the world across a range of industries. But with so much on offer, which jobs stand out as the best for expats?

In this blog, we’ll look at some of the top expat-friendly jobs in Dubai, looking at skill shortages and in-demand roles where the right individual could find lucrative employment.

There are a number of different roles in a variety of industries that expats in Dubai could fulfill.

Dubai has a booming financial industry. As such, there are a range of roles within finance and accountancy that are nearly always in-demand. This includes financial analysts, accountants, and auditors. With a number of multinational corporations with offices in Dubai, expats with the right experience and a multilingual background could find it relatively simple to secure employment

As the population of Dubai expands, so does the need for healthcare workers. The UAE government has made significant investment into the healthcare sector with new hospitals, clinics, and other specialised medical facilities opening. However, with the expansion comes a need to increase the workforce, which is often filled by expats.

Dubai’s expansion has seen businesses adopt various digital technologies to streamline their processes. As such, there is a growing need for IT professionals, including software developers, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts, and IT managers. Businesses are often vying for a limited talent pool, with qualified candidates often coming from other countries.

Dubai is home to a global business hub. As the workforce grows, so does the need for qualified HR professionals and managers. Not only are experts in recruitment needed to find the best new talent, but employee management is also a requirement. More companies have seen high turnover rates, so there is an increasing focus on employee retention, with a need for an HR team to implement the necessary strategies to create a positive working environment.   

Dubai has seen rapid construction and infrastructure development over the years, with new residential and infrastructure projects in the pipeline. This ongoing growth requires a large workforce of skilled construction professionals, including site managers, quantity surveyors, and safety officers to ensure successful project delivery. There is a specific need for high skilled construction workers as projects become more complex and technologically advanced.

Dubai’s growing population has led to a high demand for education services as more families move to the city. The UAE government has been putting more investment into the education sector, expanding existing institutions and establishing new schools. These require qualified teachers across a broad range of subjects, with a particular demand on STEM subjects and English as a Second Language.

As well as an international business hub, Dubai is also a major global tourist destination which sees millions of visitors each year. This has resulted for a need in all manner of roles, including hotel managers, restaurant workers, and travel agency professionals. There is a particular demand for more specialised roles such as chefs and event planners, which require specific qualifications and experience.

If you want to work in Dubai, you will need to be sponsored by an employer, meaning you will need to first secure employment. Your employer will then apply for your visa on your behalf. Once you have successfully applied for your working visa, you will be able to start work in Dubai and apply for a residence permit.  

The exception to this will be freelancers, self-employed people and skilled employees. These people will be able to apply for the UAE’s green visa, which allows the hold to sponsor themselves for up to five years. Self-employed people will need a permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, proof of a bachelor’s degree or specialised diploma, and evidence of annual income from self-employment or the previous two years amounting to not less than AED 360,000, or proof of financial solvency throughout your stay in Dubai.

Employment visas can last anywhere between one to 10 years, depending on your employment contract. When you leave the UAE permanently, you will need to cancel your visa, otherwise you could be reported as an absconder and arrested if you return to the country.

Everyone applying for a visa in Dubai will need to undergo a medical examination at a medical facility in Dubai. This test is to ensure you are free of communicable diseases and will be fit to live and work in Dubai. It will include a blood test and chest x-ray and will need to be conducted at a government-approved health facility in the UAE. It will typically take place after you have your employment visa and arrive in Dubai, but while your residence permit is being processed.

If you’re moving to Dubai, make sure you’re covered with our international health insurance or working abroad travel insurance. As experts in international healthcare, Expatriate Group will ensure you’re protected with comprehensive cover designed for expats.