Are you a student studying abroad in Dubai and need some extra cash? If so, you’re in luck. International students have been allowed to work part-time while in school since 2016, according to the government of Dubai:
“Students now have the opportunity to work part-time while studying in Dubai,” the Dubai Development Authority noted in a statement, “Students enrolled at the 23 academic institutions in Dubai’s creative clusters can benefit from DDA’s new student part-time employment regulation, a first for Dubai’s creative clusters and the region’s free zones.”
This is incredible news for international students living in Dubai who want to make some money while they’re in school to support their lifestyles and living expenses. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about eligibility criteria for students who want to get a job in Dubai, the top high paying part time jobs for students in Dubai, and how to get started as a part-time employee in Dubai.
If you’re fresh from graduation and want in-depth advice on how to find a full-time job in Dubai, check out our guide at GrabJobs!
What are the Top 10 High Paying Part Time Jobs for Students in Dubai?
Before we dive into these high paying in demand part time jobs that are in abundance in Singapore, it’s worth noting the issue of experience. Some of these jobs will indeed require past experience, and the amount of experience varies from industry to position to ranking.
However, some of these jobs don’t require any experience at all. On the flip side of this, many part time jobs out there will require some special licensing to work, especially for rideshare drivers, coaches, and tutors. Regardless, if you’re looking for a new career and want to start with well paying part time jobs, we bet you’ll be able to find a great introductory job. We also wrote an in-depth guide to starting a new career with no experience, so check that out!
Cab Driver
Working part-time as a cab driver involves picking up customers and transporting them, usually with your own vehicle or a vehicle provided by your cab company, to different locations around Dubai. Because of this, working as a taxi driver is only recommended for students over the age of twenty-one. Students can expect a salary of 4,000 to 6,000 AED per month, depending on the hours you set. Common minimum requirements for this type of work include a valid driving license, the ability to speak and read English, passing a driver’s test, and a Dubai visit visa.
There are a number of pros to this job, including the fact that you don’t need a college degree and you can set your hours to be as low as you need. Some of the downsides and challenges of this job involve having to drive all day and the potential of traffic accidents.
You can get started in this field by applying to work for companies like Uber or Dubai Taxi Corporation.
👉 Browse Cab Driver Jobs in Dubai on GrabJobs
Grocery or Retail Cashier
Working part-time as a cashier in Dubai involves customer service, ringing up orders, stocking inventory, and a number of other responsibilities. Students can expect a salary of 1,500 to 2,000 AED per month. There are usually no job requirements for this type of field, other than minimal experience in retail.
There are a number of pros to this job, including job security, some benefits, decent pay, and a relatively simple list of tasks to do on a daily basis. Some of the downsides and challenges of this job involve lack of hours and issues that come with working directly with the public.
You can get started in this field by looking into large enterprises that are always hiring in Dubai, such as Al Ghazi and Azadea.
👉 Browse Cashier Jobs in Dubai on GrabJobs
Waiter or Host
Working part-time as a waiter or host involves greeting restaurant patrons, seating them, taking their orders, cleaning, and bussing tables. Students can expect a salary of around 1,500 to 2500 AED per month depending on the hours worked. Common minimum requirements for this type of work include some experience waiting tables, though some restaurants may not have any requirements at all. This is a popular job choice for students in Dubai.
There are a number of pros to this job, including a lack of need for technical skills, abundant and often flexible hours, and the opportunity to meet new people. Some of the downsides and challenges of this job involve sometimes strenuous work and any oversaturated market. Like we mentioned before, this is a popular job choice for students in Dubai!
You can get started in this field by looking into restaurants and hotels that are popular in the city, such as Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and Jumeirah.
👉 Browse Waiter or Host Jobs in Dubai on GrabJobs
Professional Packer or Packing Laborer
If you’re physically fit and don’t mind laborious work, this could be a good option for you. Working part-time in packing labor involves working on assembly lines and packing packages for shipment. Students can expect a salary of 1,000 to 2,500 AED per month, making this position on the lower end of the income spectrum. Still, students can make decent money when working as a packer part time. There are almost no requirements for this job, and it is a popular job for international students, foreigners, and those without much work experience. You will need to provide a No Objective Certificate letter before working, however.
There are a number of pros to this job, including relatively simple work requirements, no need for education or experience, and a wealth of job opportunities. Some of the downsides and challenges of this job involve hard labor, less than stellar pay for full-time employees, and little in the way of promotional growth.
You can get started in this field by applying to a variety of manufacturing businesses or retail companies, such as Amazon or Hello Chef.
👉 Browse Packing Jobs in Dubai on GrabJobs
Housekeeper
If you like to clean and don’t mind an active job, housekeeping can be a very rewarding part-time job to take on. Working part-time as a housekeeper involves dusting, disinfection, and generally washing the living spaces of hotels, hostels, and personal homes. Students can expect a salary of 2,000 to 4,000 AED per month. There are no requirements for this job, no experience needed, and you don’t even need a highschool diploma to get hired. Typically, hotels will ask that you are physically fit and understand the basics of cleaning and laundry.
There are a number of pros to this job, including plentiful hours, lots of peace and quiet, and an attractive salary with potential benefits. Some of the downsides and challenges of this job involve long hours and lots of heavy labor.
You can get started in this field by applying to work for an actual hotel as an employee. You can also look into becoming a freelance housekeeper for families and homeowners, though this will take quite a bit of work to get started. Generally, working at a hotel is the way to go for students.
👉 Browse Housekeeping Jobs in Dubai on GrabJobs
Security
If you’re particularly brave or have experience working in the security sector, you have the option of finding part-time work as a security guard. Working part-time as a security guard involves patrolling businesses, offices, and buildings and ensuring that residents and property are safe from illegal activity. Students can expect a salary of 1,500 to 4,000 AED per month, depending on the hours worked. Common minimum requirements for this type of work include being over the age of eighteen, some experience as a security guard, and training from a reputable organization. While this can be a downside, training for security often does not take long to complete. Some businesses do not care about experience and will even offer on-the-job training.
There are a number of pros to this job, including alone time and the opportunity to walk around instead of sitting in an office. Some of the downsides and challenges of this job involve the risks involved in stopping illegal activity and generally quite a bit of boredom.
You can get started in this field by looking into both security agencies and individual businesses, such as Jumeirah, Azadea, and the Hilton.
👉 Browse Security Jobs in Dubai on GrabJobs
Gas Pump Attendant
Working part-time as a gas pump attendant is fairly straightforward and involves simply pumping gas for patrons so they don’t need to leave their cars. Students can expect a salary of 1,000 to 2,000 AED, which is lower on the income spectrum, but still worthwhile for part-time work. Common minimum requirements for this type of work include basic money-handling knowledge and, of course, the ability to pump gas. You don’t need a degree or experience for this role. However, you will need to have a high school diploma or educational equivalent.
There are a number of pros to this job, including simple job tasks, decent job security, and some level of exercise and activity. Some of the downsides and challenges of this job involve boredom, less than stellar pay, and dealing with the smell of petrol.
You can get started in this field by applying to companies like ENOC, ADNOX, and Al-Futtaim Logistics.
👉 Browse Gas Pump Attendant Jobs in Dubai on GrabJobs
Electrician
Despite popular belief, you don’t necessarily need a college degree to work as an electrician in Dubai! Working part-time as an electrician involves providing electrical installation and repair services to businesses, government agencies, and families. Students can expect a salary of 1,500 to 4,000 AED per month with some benefits for part-time employees. Common minimum requirements for this type of work include some technical skills and experience in the field.
There are a number of pros to this job, including excellent benefits, attractive pay, and the ability to work with your hands. Some of the downsides and challenges of this job involve the danger risks involved in working with electricity and difficulty finding employment in an oversaturated industry.
You can get started in this field by applying to companies in the building and construction industries. You can also find employment by looking into actual electrician companies or individual businesses that are outsourcing their electrician needs.
👉 Browse Electrician Jobs in Dubai on GrabJobs
Translator
If you want to control your hours and use a skill you already have, bilingual students could benefit from working in translation. Working part-time as a translator involves working on a freelance basis or through a platform such as MotaWord or Gengo. Many types of organizations, such as universities and banks, will hire freelance translators. In Dubai, English and Arabic are the most common languages used in translation services. Students can expect a salary of 4,000 AED per month. Common minimum requirements for this type of work includes native or high-level proficiency in English and Arabic, access to a computer and internet connection, and some experience translating or transcribing.
There are a number of pros to this job, including flexible hours, excellent pay, and quality work experience that can be used on a resume. Some of the downsides and challenges of this job involve dealing with an oversaturated industry and the need to keep up your multilingual capabilities.
You can get started in this field by working for organizations that are looking for translators in Dubai, such as Zayed University, Addleshaw Goddard, or Halakids.
👉 Browse Translator Jobs in Dubai on GrabJobs
Call Center
If you don’t mind the more boring aspects of this job, you can make some decent cash part-time outside of school by working as a call center worker. Working part-time as a call center worker involves cold calling people for marketing purposes, providing customer support for businesses, and offering multi-language abilities for international companies. Call center jobs are particularly popular among international students who speak English. Students can expect a salary of AED 2,000 to 3,500 AED per month. Common minimum requirements for this type of work include some call center experience, language skills, and customer service skills. Many call centers do not require a college education and many will also not focus on experience.
There are a number of pros to this job, including great pay, excellent benefits, and sometimes flexible hours. Some of the downsides and challenges of this job involve the boring nature of the job and the issues that typically associate customer service.
You can get started in this field by applying for jobs at places like Oasis Group, AFIA Insurance, or Parker Connect.
👉 Browse Call Center Jobs in Dubai on GrabJobs
How can I work a part time job in Dubai as a local student?
Now that you know about all of the high paying part time jobs for students in Dubai, what’s next? To start, it helps to understand the laws and regulations surrounding a student’s ability to work in the United Arab Emirates.
The eligibility criteria you must meet in order to work part-time as a student is as follows:
- You must be enrolled in one of the twenty-three academic institutes in Dubai’s creative clusters in order to work part-time.
- You must be over the age of eighteen.
- You must currently be in good academic standing and in line with the criteria your specific school sets.
- You must contact the Career Services Centre at your school in order to access the Student Eligibility Confirmation application, which is to be signed and submitted to the KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) to be validated.
- Once you are notified via email if your application is accepted, you can then begin working a part-time job.
For domestic students over the age of twelve, you can sign up via Oliv.com and upload a CV to find opportunities for part-time jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities. For those between the age of twelve and eighteen, you will need to have a no-objection letter from your legal guardian and prospective employer to get a work permit.
How can I work a part time job in Dubai as an international student?
Before you start looking for well paying part time jobs for students in the UA, it is important to understand the eligibility requirements as an international student.
The eligibility criteria you must meet in order to work part-time as an international student is as follows:
- You must be enrolled in one of the twenty-three academic institutes in Dubai’s creative clusters in order to work part-time.
- You must be over the age of eighteen.
- You must be sponsored by the school you attend and have an official visa issued by Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA).
- You must currently be in good academic standing and in line with the criteria your specific school sets.
- You must contact the Career Services Centre at your school in order to access the Student Eligibility Confirmation application, which is to be signed and submitted to the KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) to be validated.
- Once you are notified via email if your application is accepted, you can then begin working a part-time job.
Another option for international students who want to work are internships. Some internships offer compensation for the term of the internship. Not only is this an excellent way to make money, but you can also gain valuable industry experience with an internship program.
Conclusion
There are so many different high paying part time jobs for students in Dubai, the options are virtually endless! Student part time jobs with high pay make living in Dubai as an international student much easier when it comes to finances, and applying for part time jobs for students with good pay could be a great decision. The criteria domestic and international students must adhere to really aren’t too difficult to meet, either. Getting a part time job as a student in Dubai has never been easier!
What do you think about these high paying part time jobs for students? Tell us which job you plan on searching for in the comments below.
