It is said that the UAE is a country where the old and new meet. It is comprised of seven emirates which include Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Sharjah, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain - the rapid growth of the UAE in recent years has seen working there seem impressive on any CV.
English is the most used business language and about 85percent of the population are from outside the country, therefore you'll have no problem finding your place.
Opportunities are available all over the country, however most jobs in UAE are located at Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Cost of living is costly, however you'll can get value for money since the quality of life is top-of-the-line.
Working and living within the Gulf region, you'll have the chance to experience Islamic culture , but to avoid getting into legal trouble you'll have to adhere to local customs and laws. There are severe penalties for violating these. For example, there's an zero tolerance policy against alcohol and drugs driving. The relationship that is not married is prohibited, as is the same sex marriage. You'll require a specific licence to drink and drink, and women must dress modestly when in public. Be mindful that swearing or public displays of affection can be punishable by law.
In your free time, you'll be able have a blast in the summer heat and mild winter days. It is possible to visit beautiful beaches, and popular landmarks like The Burj Khalifa, located in Dubai the highest building in the world, and The Dubai Mall.
In light of the COVID-19 epidemic, make sure you check the most current foreign travel information on UAE by visiting GOV.UK.
Jobs in the UAE
A population size of 10 million and a rate of unemployment of 3 percent in the UAE is an oil-rich nation. It's faced fluctuations in oil prices and the global supply glut, however the economy is thriving and has seen a rapid increase over the last few years.
Industries that are major that are located in UAE include:
- aluminum
- Repair and building of boats as well as ship repairs
- construction
- Fishing
- textiles and handicrafts
- Petroleum and petroleum-based petrochemicals.
The top major corporations to work for are:
- AstraZeneca Gulf (pharmaceutical)
- Apparel Group (retail)
- DHL (logistics)
- Etihad Airways
- FedEx Express (logistics)
- Hilton Worldwide (hospitality)
- Marriott (hospitality)
- Microsoft Gulf
- Omnicom Media Group MENA
- Splash (fashion)
- THE One (retail)
- Weber Shandwick (communications).
For more information about the various emirates in the UAE visit the Bayut Area Guides.
- Construction
- Finance
- Logistics
- Technology
- Tourism
Skills shortages
The UAE has many growing industries, such as the energy industry that needs engineers, science, technology and math (STEM) experts. In addition, the life sciences and healthcare industries are also facing shortages in skills. Opportunities are also open in the finance and property sectors.
How to get a job in the UAE
Many expats are employed by multinational corporations within their own countries, and when possible, it is best find work prior to the decision to move. There are thousands of British companies operate within Gulf countries. Gulf region, and finding a job at one of these companies prior to applying for a transfer may be a possibility.
In the UAE numerous positions are advertised through the recruitment agency or on the internet although it's an not a common practice in your country, you shouldn't be too surprised to see advertisements for jobs specifically asking for a specific race, gender or nationality. It is essential to network, but it isn't easy to do from far away. Once you've got an employment position in the UAE good networking skills can aid in your advancement.
Applications for speculative jobs aren't unwelcome however, securing a job using this method usually requires good personal connections.
The majority of applications are submitted through the internet using applications or CVs. Be sure to include photos and a brief cover letter.
It is common to have a face-to-face interview as well as a medical exam prior to being offered a job.
Summer jobs
Short-term contracts are readily available in the oil, construction tourism, and retail sectors however they can be difficult to obtain once you are in the country. Hospitality jobs are easy to locate in tourist areas like Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Due to these contracts with fixed terms summer and casual work isn't easy to locate.
Opportunities for volunteering available in the UAE are typically limited however, they are more prevalent in the mentioned emirates. But, it is usually because of a lack of willing volunteers, and volunteering could be a great way to gain experiences. There are opportunities for organizations like Emirates Red Crescent and Operation Smile UAE.
Teaching jobs
English might be the most popular second-language in the UAE however, there are teaching opportunities.
As long as you possess an TEFL certificate, you are able to be employed to teach English as a foreign language at colleges, schools, universities or language centers as well as private institutions. Certain jobs will require some kind of degree, like an PGC.
You can also instruct Adult classes and work with companies to make sure that their employees speak the language.
Internships
Opportunities for short-term work experience and internships aren't easy to find, since businesses typically offer employees the minimum of 12 months. These opportunities are more complicated due to visa limitations. But, some internships and summer work opportunities can be found on:
Numerous universities, like Heriot-Watt University, Manchester Business School, Middlesex University and the University of Exeter have links to the UAE. You may also be eligible for exchange programs if you're studying. Make sure to inquire with your institution's International office.
UAE visas
Visas to visit the UAE will be issued upon the arrival of all UK citizens. This permits you to stay in the country for a period of 30 days. The emirate that you entered is able to extend your visa to another 30 days, or three days prior to the expiration date. But, you must depart your country at the conclusion of the period. The passport you are using must be valid for at least six months of validity starting from your date of entry therefore, check it prior to travel.
If you're planning to be employed in UAE you'll have for sponsorship from your employer. This means you can't be employed on a visit visa or tourist visa. After you've accepted an offer, your company will request a residence visa on behalf of you and you'll be able to receive a work permit from the Ministry of Labour. It is not possible for work without this authorization, and it's illegal to work without one.
Employment permits and work permits are valid for between one and 10 years. The documents required to obtain the work permit are:
- Documentation of the contract of employment
- Application form
- Emirates ID card
- valid passport
- Passport photographs
- medical check-ups along with health certificate documents
- Entrance permit.
Be sure to cancel your employment visa prior to permanently leaving the UAE. In the event of a delay, it could result in being identified as an absconder and could result in being arrested if you decide to come back to UAE.
Language requirements
The main languages spoken that are spoken in the UAE include Arabic (the primary one), English, Hindi, Persian and Urdu. Since the UAE is the home of a huge amount of expatriates, English is commonly spoken by the locals and is also the official language of business.
How do you explain your UK qualifications to employers?
Employers typically recognize UK qualifications, as an example of the UAE education system has a lot of similarities, but be sure it is prior to making an application.
Your employer, or you can learn more about ENIC-NARIC.
What's it like working in the UAE
Like in the UK Full-time employees in the United Kingdom typically work for five eight-hour shifts per week. But unlike the UK the work week in India extends from Sunday through Thursday. Both Friday and Saturday are off days. The hours of work are cut during Ramadan.
Employees in the private sector have the right to take thirty days' annual leave following one year of employment.
There are nine official public holidays throughout the UAE however, some of these dates are changed each year, depending on the position of moons. National holidays are:
- New Year's Day (1 January)
- Al Isra'a Wal Mi'raj - Ascension Day
- Eid Al Fitr
- Arafat Day
- Eid Al Adha - Feast of Sacrifice
- Al Hijri - Islamic New Year
- Birthday of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)
- Commemoration Day
- National Day.