Top 15 Online Work-from-Home Jobs in the UAE
Over the past few years, remote jobs have gained considerable popularity –– among both employees and employers alike. As a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, millions of people, who weren’t already familiar with working remotely, had to adjust to an at-home and/or hybrid working environment because of government mandates. And, resultingly, by late 2020 and into 2021, many of these employees had become accustomed to working the same job outside of the office as it facilitated, among other things, a greater work-life balance.
Companies have also taken notice of this trend, and many have shifted away from the 5-day-a-week pre-COVID in-office model, looking towards a more flexible at-home and/or hybrid format. Businesses have saved money on office maintenance and infrastructure costs –– and there are also studies proving that remote workers are more productive when they have authority over their own workload.
There are many pros to remote-first jobs (work flexibility, no commute, saving money, more personal time); and there are a few cons, too (lack of socializing, working too often, not working often enough) ––it all depends on what works for you.
In this article, we’ll share the best tips, the most in-demand skills, and the top online work-from-home jobs in the UAE so that you can determine if the work-from-home lifestyle is for you.
What Skills Are in High Demand for Remote Workers in The U.A.E.?
1. Web Development
Remote workers with proficiency in writing for various computer programs, including HTML code, CSS, and Java, are essential and very much in demand throughout the Middle East, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Many companies with an online presence need web developers who can get the job done right from home.
2. Customer Service
Whether you’re looking to enter the travel, retail, tourism, or hospitality industries, having exceptional remote customer service skills, like a friendly and helpful demeanor, will help tremendously in the U.A.E.–– even if you are doing your work from home.
3. Creative & Design
Many of the most in-demand remote positions throughout the Middle East and beyond are computer-based. Graphic designers, copywriters, proofreaders, art directors, and other creative types who have the skills needed to produce work for all types of businesses are highly valued in The U.A.E. And, provided they are equipped with the right design software, their jobs can be easily completed from anywhere.
4. Finance
The U.A.E. is one of the wealthiest nations in the world––so many residents need qualified specialists to keep track of their funds. Banks, investment firms, and other businesses that deal in money management need remote candidates with strong financial and analytical skills.
5. Information Technology
IT jobs are some of the most in-demand positions everywhere because they can easily be performed remotely. Qualified candidates with computer and technical problem-solving skills can work from just about anywhere for just about any company.
Working Remotely: Tips for Applying to Remote Jobs in The U.A.E.
Sourcing a remote job in The U.A.E. is no more complicated than sourcing an in-person job. The difference is your willingness to adapt to an environment that many have been programmed to accept as normal. It might sound simple, but as we’ve seen, not everybody has fully embraced the shift away from in-person work. That’s why, if you are considering a job that allows you to work from home, it’s important to have all the information at your fingertips before applying. Here are some helpful tips before you begin your search:
- Consider if remote work is really for you: this might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s one of the most important factors. Do you thrive in group settings? Are you more introverted and tend to do your best work solo? Do you have pets or children that would benefit from you being at home every workday? Make a list of your own pros and cons before you start applying.
- Know what employers are looking for in a remote worker: these types of businesses tend to value three qualities above all else: trustworthiness, reliability, and candidates with a passion for work. If you fit these criteria, you’re already heads above the competition.
- Spend some extra time proving you’re great: Again, remote jobs are just like in-office jobs in that you need a great resume and cover letter –– as well as a reliable and strong internet connection. Brush up on those interview skills and gather some great references.
- Find the right job board that advertises remote-only jobs: everybody needs a little help with their remote job search, so consider some of the best online job boards in The U.A.E. that specialize in remote work placement:
The Best Jobs for Working Remotely in The U.A.E.
Top companies hiring: Aramex, Majid Al Futtaim, Mandilak, Sapient Agency
Salary range: Dh 18,000 – 25,000 per month
Job description: Whether you are tasked with writing radio or television scripts, crafting white pages, or coming up with the next great product jingle or tagline, working as a copywriter in this day and age means that you are contributing helpful creative projects to your company’s business and that you also have the flexibility to perform your important and in-demand position from anywhere.
Top companies hiring: Gulf Marketing Group, Dubai Holding Group, Graviton Interiors
Salary range: Dh 14,000 – 21,000 per month
Job description: Many businesses outsource their customer service departments to areas of the Middle East. As such, The U.A.E. has remote positions available for representatives who can manage the overflow of inbound chat and telecommunication questions and provide seamless, qualified assistance.
Top companies hiring: Edvectus, Emirates National Schools, Salam Education
Salary range: Dh 35,000 – 50,000 per month
Job description: Not only is the UAE a popular destination for foreign business investors, but also for tourists from around the world––many of whom are native English speakers. As such, there is a heavy market for bilingual job candidates who can teach English either in-person or remotely to businessmen, students, hospitality staff, and others.
Top companies hiring: Gadget Express, Duncan & Ross, SmartEdge IT Services
Salary range: Dh 31,000 – 49,000 per month
Job description: Skilled cyber security specialists navigate through a company’s internal data systems and provide protection against compromised external sources. These remote jobs are in demand throughout the Middle East, especially in digital-centric cities in The U.A.E.
Top companies hiring: Accel Consultants, Women@Work, Qureos, Sana Commerce
Salary range: Dh 29,000 – 44,000 per month
Job description: Systems administrators use technical skills to effectively maintain the integrity of a company’s computer networks, as well as build websites, monitor server connectivity, and optimize performance. Many of these positions have become or are becoming fully remote throughout The U.A.E.
Top companies hiring: Royal Class Group, Hyatt Hotels, Al Futtaim Group, Pink Neon Advertising
Salary range: Dh 14,000 – 26,000 per month
Job description: Companies with products or services to sell often need to get their information out to customers using memorable and visually appealing methods. This is where a graphic designer comes in. These remote positions are filled by those with great creative flair, physical and computer design skills, and a solid portfolio of powerful work.
Top companies hiring: Sapient Agency, BBC, TikTok, Aim Agency
Salary range: Dh 22,000 – 46,000 per month
Job description: An important role for any web-based business, content strategists (also called UX writers) create and implement simplified copy that helps customers better navigate a desktop or mobile digital journey. These in-demand roles can typically be performed from anywhere.
Top companies hiring: American Hospital (Dubai), AWJ Investments, TASC Outsourcing
Salary range: Dh 8,000 – 19,000 per month
Job description: The UAE has a very international population, with English speakers from every corner of the globe. That has meant a sharp increase in the number of call centers in Dubai. And companies are always looking for enthusiastic operators. If you’re looking to work in telecommunications, a degree is helpful, but many simply start by working on the phones and learning the job.
Top companies hiring: Luxoft, Group 42, Eppeok Solutions
Salary range: Dh 25,000 – 41,000 per month
Job description: These relatively newer job titles involve skilled candidates who can develop and implement policies for the use of web-based cloud services, as well as build secure environments and work with network developers to identify optimal cloud solutions.
Top companies hiring: Intelligent Partners
Salary range: Dh 9,000 – 18,000 per month
Job description: Working as a blogger means that you can do it from anywhere (provided you’ve got an internet connection), and you answer to very few people but yourself. All you need are writing and storytelling abilities and a unique point of view. Establish a niche, then focus your posts on things you are passionate about.
Top companies hiring: Irwin & Dow, SKA International Group, Cedar
Salary range: Dh 60,000 – 80,000 per month
Job description: Given the extensive wealth of many of the citizens in The UAE, remote finance managers are in high demand. These positions require candidates who possess a strong knowledge of investments and funds and who can also oversee the efficiency of their entire organization while being in charge of millions, sometimes, billions of other people’s hard-earned income.
Top companies hiring: Emirates Consulting Group, Star Services, Al Dar University College
Salary range: Dh 11,000 – 27,000 per month
Job description: Information Technology (IT) specialists possess extensive technical skills that enable them to enter a company’s computer network and identify, troubleshoot, and resolve every imaginable technical challenge. These roles are the lifeblood of any organization that uses computers and, as such, these in-demand roles are as effective remotely as they are in person.
Top companies hiring: OTCex Group, Cobblestone, First Abu Dhabi Bank
Salary range: Dh 24,000 – 40,000 per month
Job description: Data analysts collect, store, and process information, including sales figures, market research, logistics, and other online behaviors, from businesses across various industries. Qualified remote candidates provide expertise and solid organizational skills to ensure the quality and accuracy of this data before presenting it to help organizations make better, more informed work decisions.
Top companies hiring: Grafdom, Apu LLC, Digital Qube Consultants
Salary range: Dh 14,000 – 24,000 per month
Job description: Proofreaders are essential to businesses in the UAE that rely on sharing any printed or digital work with their audience. Not unlike an editor, proofreaders are only responsible for catching grammatical errors, poor punctuation, or incorrect syntax use in articles and documents. Job seekers with a keen eye for detail and a firm grasp of languages can often source proofreading jobs online and work remotely.
Top companies hiring: Waassta, Prestige Luxury Real Estate, Grand Cosmopolitan Hotel
Salary range: Dh 18,500 – 31,000 per month
Job description: In The U.A.E., social media marketing specialists don’t just post content onto a company’s social media channels –– there is so much more to it: namely the ability to understand market trends, customer spending habits, and other essential insight metrics, all of which can be completed remotely.
Remote-First Companies Based in The U.A.E.
This remote-first company, based in Dubai, is a digital interior design platform that allows customers to visualize the look and feel of their spaces while working virtually with InHabitat’s art and design team.
Billing itself as “interior design made easy”, InHabitat is a game-changer in the realm of remote design and a great organization for employees looking for solid work-life balance.
Learn more at InHabitat.me
Founded in The U.A.E., SEO Sherpa is an organic, remote-first SEO agency helping major companies (including Nissan, HSBC, American Express, and Harper’s Bazaar) grow their business by extending their digital reach and influence.
Despite having one small office in Dubai, employees of SEO Sherpa (consisting of roughly 35 full-time SEO specialists) are free to work wherever they choose.
Learn more at seosherpa.com
Working Remotely in The U.A.E.
There you have it! The basic principles of working remotely in The U.A.E.: job tips, in-demand skills, and remote-first companies to consider. If considering a shift towards remote working, be sure to stand out from all other candidates –– know where the demand for remote jobs is highest –– and always be sure to brush up on the most popular remote-working job skills. And you’re sure to succeed.
