Dubai is recognised as one of the most prized destinations for job-seeking expats from all over the world. Built on the back of an oil and real-estate boom, the emirate has flourished since diversifying its economy and investing heavily in physical infrastructure. 

It’s true that Dubai relied on oil for much of its wealth at one point, but since it started diversifying its economy in the 1970s, the city has exploded with ambitious projects (its towering skyline of glittering behemoths and manmade islands a testament to the fact) and an extreme spike in population, largely owing to expats. Nowadays, only a small percentage of the emirate’s GDP is from oil, instead revolving largely around banking, tourism and trade, with the city operating two of the world’s largest ports and air cargo hubs.

Job market in Dubai

Truly a city of opportunity, Dubai draws expats of all walks of life. Regardless of area of expertise or skill sets, expats seem to flourish in the bustling emirate, as the diversification of its economy has seen a host of sectors explode with possibilities.

Owing to its geographic location, Dubai has become the trading centre for most of the Middle East, Africa and beyond. Giant multinational companies have established headquarters in the city, and there's been a sharp rise in such sectors as IT, telecoms, manufacturing, data mining, healthcare, banking, trade and tourism. Dubai is also constantly in need of construction expertise. Expats are making the most of exploiting opportunities in these fields. More recently, creatives have also flocked to the emirate in search of higher salaries, and media professionals are also increasingly viewing the city as a viable expat destination.

So-called ‘Free Zones’, which are areas that have been established for specific sectors or industries such as Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City, are continually springing up and expanding as more and more expats are choosing Dubai.

Mammoth tourism projects, including manmade islands, the world’s largest flower garden, its tallest Ferris wheel and its most luxurious hotel, not to mention indoor skiing slopes, colossal shopping malls and more, mean tourists are choosing Dubai no longer just as a stop-over but as their primary destination, which in turn creates a huge supply of tourism jobs.

Even with the slight downturn in available jobs, and more recently due to Covid-19, Dubai is undoubtedly a city literally on the rise, and many expats find joy and pride in being part of and contributing to the glittering project.

Finding a job in Dubai

It is virtually impossible to begin a life in Dubai without a residence permit, which allows expats to obtain a work permit. Employers are increasingly looking for those already settled in the region, and resident status therefore goes a long way when it comes to securing employment.

Prospective Dubai expats will do well to start their search online. Employers often advertise new vacancies on various web portals and sites such as LinkedIn, or on recruiting sites. Industry-specific agencies, be it in banking, healthcare, construction or tourism, are also a good way to go as they have intimate knowledge of the job market and will help connect suitable candidates with employers.

Those considering a move should be aware that career flexibility in Dubai, although slightly improved in recent years, remains limited. Due to regulations put in place to prevent job-hopping, expats will find that it's not easy to move between companies.

Work culture in Dubai

Expats are still flocking to the emirate in their droves, in pursuit of high salaries, low tax and lavish lifestyles. The continued influx is also propelled by the prospect of a unique cultural experience, scope for personal skills development and an abundance of business opportunities.

Historically, companies sourcing talent to work in Dubai had to offer generous relocation packages as an incentive for workers to decamp to the desert. Now, with the exception of very senior-level positions, those days are all but gone. No one, it seems, needs much incentive to make the move to Dubai and it is becoming increasingly unusual to find fully subsidised accommodation, furniture/shipping allowances, private schooling, family vehicles and other historically appealing expat perks.

Further reading

►Moving to Dubai with children? Read our Education and Schools in Dubai page for all you need to know about schooling options.

Expat Experiences

"Jobs can be super hard to find here. If you have a degree and experience in a certain area this will really help. You definitely need to make sure you stand out to companies. They have hundreds of people applying for the same position and they don’t have time to go through all of the applicants, so if you don’t stand out you may just get overlooked." Read more of Laura's expat interview about life in Dubai.

Are you an expat living in Dubai?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Dubai. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.