Top 20 Jobs for Expats in Dubai
Dubai’s population currently stands at 3.5 million. Approximately 85 percent of that group is expatriates (or ex-pats).
Because ex-pats make up such a significant portion of Dubai’s population, they are essential to the city’s economy (and the entire United Arab Emirates economy). Many jobs for ex-pats are available throughout the city and across a wide range of industries.
This guide discusses the basics of working in Dubai as a foreigner, the most in-demand skills for ex-pats, and the top 20 ex-pat jobs in the city.
In this article, we’ll show you the steps necessary for landing a job that pays daily, including the required skills and the best jobs for expats in Dubai.
Can I Work as an Expat in Dubai?
Regardless of their education level, many people can find and qualify for ex-pat jobs in Dubai.
To obtain a Dubai work visa, you must be over age 18 and meet specific standards outlined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
The visas for working in Dubai as an ex-pat come in a few different categories, including the following:
- Category 1: Requires at least a bachelor’s degree
- Category 2: Requires at least a post-secondary diploma
- Category 3: Requires at least a high school diploma
- Unskilled workers: For people who don’t have a high school diploma
People seeking jobs for foreigners in Dubai do not apply for work visas themselves. The company hiring them does this for them. Potential ex-pats must also pass mandatory health tests to ensure they’re free from illnesses like HIV/AIDs, leprosy, hepatitis, and tuberculosis.
What Types of Skills Are In-Demand for Expats in Dubai?
Finding jobs for ex-pats is much easier if you possess specific, in-demand skills. The following are some of the most highly desired skills among Dubai-based employers:
1. Teamwork and Collaboration
Whether you work in healthcare or human resources, most jobs require you to be part of a team and collaborate with others. The better you are at this, the easier it will be to get hired.
2. Language Skills
Because Dubai has such a diverse population, the ability to speak multiple languages is beneficial.
Arabic is Dubai’s official language, but English is the most frequently spoken one. Languages like Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, and Bengali also are heard often throughout the city.
3. Communication Skills
Good communication skills extend beyond simply being able to speak and understand the same language. Good communicators also know how to deliver messages effectively and interpret others’ messages correctly.
4. Negotiation Skills
Many positions in Dubai, from careers in the finance sector to the legal field, require good negotiation skills. If you can help others see your point of view and convince them to agree with your position, you’ll likely have great success in Dubai.
5. Leadership Skills
Many leadership positions are available in Dubai, from project management to executive-level jobs. If you’re a good leader — meaning you can explain projects clearly, assign tasks, guide others, and keep them motivated — you’ll have an advantage over other job seekers in Dubai.
6. Marketing and SEO Skills
There’s currently a high demand in Dubai for people with solid marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) skills. As new businesses open in the city and existing businesses strive to remain competitive, good marketing campaigns are essential.
7. Development Skills
Many businesses and entrepreneurs in Dubai are seeking help from tech-savvy professionals with experience in web development, software development, and UI (user interface) and UX (user experience) design.
8. Administrative Skills
If you’re organized, have an eye for detail, manage your time well, and can multi-task, you possess many highly sought-after administrative skills that will make you a valuable asset to companies in Dubai.
Top 20 Jobs for Expats in Dubai
If you’re thinking about working in Dubai as an ex-pat, you likely want to know about the best job options. Here are 20 of the top jobs for foreigners in Dubai:
Healthcare workers in Dubai, especially doctors, earn very high salaries. They’re also in high demand, especially as the city’s population continues to grow.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring | Growth Prospects | Expected Salary |
|
| Higher than average growth | AED 179,019 per year |
Nurses work alongside doctors and other healthcare providers. Like doctors, they are in high demand throughout Dubai in hospitals, clinics, and other settings.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring | Growth Prospects | Expected Salary |
|
| Higher than average growth | AED 85,480 per year |
Because so many businesses operate out or are opening in Dubai, there’s a high demand for lawyers who can assist with contract writing, negotiations, and more.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring | Growth Prospects | Expected Salary |
|
| Higher than average growth | AED 202,919 per year |
Dubai needs teachers for pupils of all ages to lead a variety of different classes — especially language classes. If you have a teaching degree and experience, you’ll likely have an easy time finding a job here.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring | Growth Prospects | Expected Salary |
|
| Higher than average growth | AED 80,320 per year |
Mechanical engineers design and build machines like generators, engines, turbines, and air conditioning systems.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring | Growth Prospects | Expected Salary |
|
| Higher than average demand | AED 64,126 per year |
Civil engineers play a key role in designing and executing transportation projects. They assist with developing roads, bridges, tunnels, dams, etc.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring | Growth Prospects | Expected Salary |
|
| Higher than average growth | AED 62,982 per year |
Real estate consultants work with clients to help them buy and sell properties in Dubai. Some specialize in residential properties, while others focus on commercial buildings.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring | Growth Prospects | Expected Salary |
|
| Higher than average growth | AED 58,101 per year |
Pilots are responsible for flying travelers from one destination to another. Because tourism is such a critical industry in Dubai, there’s a high demand for pilots and other aviation professionals.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring | Growth Prospects | Expected Salary |
|
| Average growth | AED 181,259 per year |
Accountants are financial experts who assist individuals and businesses with their money management. They help with budgeting, tax preparation, financial planning, and more.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring | Growth Prospects | Expected Salary |
|
| Average Growth | AED 53,726 per year |
Sales representatives are responsible for finding and connecting with prospective clients, as well as closing deals, and nurturing long-term relationships. They work for businesses of all types and sizes.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring | Growth Prospects | Expected Salary |
|
| Average Growth | AED 50,155 per year |
Waiters and waitresses work in restaurants, cafes, and bars. They take orders from customers, deliver food, and ensure people have a positive experience.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring | Growth Prospects | Expected Salary |
|
| Average Growth | AED 38,808 per year |
Receptionists and administrative assistants work alongside professionals to help them greet clients, schedule appointments, organize files, communicate with clients, and more.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring | Growth Prospects | Expected Salary |
|
| Average growth | AED 45,919 per year |
Call center agents assist with answering phones and placing outgoing calls. They may respond to customer inquiries or place calls to prospective clients, encouraging them to invest in specific products.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring | Growth Prospects | Expected Salary |
|
| Average growth | AED 52,974 per year |
Company drivers and messengers handle deliveries to and from various businesses. This is an excellent job for unskilled workers.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring | Growth Prospects | Expected Salary |
|
| Above average growth | AED 46,718 per year |
Graphic designers work with businesses to assist with logo design, packaging design, social media image design, and more. They may work in-house or as freelancers.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring | Growth Prospects | Expected Salary |
|
| Higher than average growth | AED 56,640 per year |
Web developers design and create websites for businesses and individual clients.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring | Growth Prospects | Expected Salary |
|
| Higher than average growth | AED 60,845 per year |
Marketing managers oversee marketing teams. They create and execute campaigns to help businesses build brand awareness and promote specific products or services.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring | Growth Prospects | Expected Salary |
|
| Higher than average growth | AED 133,481 per year |
Digital marketing specialists specifically handle online marketing projects. They create campaigns for social media, search engine ads, search engine optimization, etc.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring | Growth Prospects | Expected Salary |
|
| Higher than average growth | AED 61,321 per year |
Forklift operators use forklifts to retrieve items from warehouses. They play a critical role in the warehouse management and logistics field.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring | Growth Prospects | Expected Salary |
|
| Higher than average growth | AED 33,034 per year |
Human resources specialists assist with recruiting, hiring, training, and other personnel management tasks.
Skills Required | Companies Hiring | Growth Prospects | Expected Salary |
|
| Higher than average growth | AED 91,646 per year |
How to Find Jobs as Expats in Dubai?
Working in Dubai as a foreigner offers many benefits, but it can also be tricky to find a good position that aligns with your skills and interests. Here are some tips to find jobs for ex-pats in Dubai:
- Online Job Sites: Platforms like GrabJobs help you search for jobs based on industry, salary, education requirements, and more. These sites streamline the search process and allow you to apply with just a few clicks.
- Online Forums: Forums like Reddit and Quora often feature threads dedicated to topics like available jobs in Dubai or the best jobs for ex-pats in Dubai. Check out these sites to hear from locals (including other ex-pats) directly.
- Recruitment Agencies: Some recruitment agencies in Dubai cater to ex-pats and can help you find job openings faster. They can also assist with the application, interview, and visa process.
Discover the Best Jobs for Expats in Dubai Today
If you’re ready for a fresh start and an opportunity to revitalize your career, applying for jobs for ex-pats in Dubai is an excellent choice. Use the suggestions discussed above as a guide to finding the right opening and increasing your chances of getting hired.
For more help finding and applying for jobs in Dubai, check out GrabJobs.
GrabJobs is a free search tool that connects you to employers from all over the world (including Dubai and the UAE) almost instantly. Try it out today!
