Working in Dubai offers the potential for high earnings due to generous salaries and low taxes, making it an attractive destination for those seeking financial gains.
However, it’s crucial to remember that Dubai is an Arab city in a Muslim country, where traditions and laws are deeply respected.
Anyone planning to live and work there should fully understand the cultural and legal expectations.
Why Working in Dubai Is Great?
Working in Dubai means earning a salary without paying taxes, which is a big reason many people consider working there.
Dubai offers excellent career opportunities for expatriates, with some of the best employers providing benefits like housing allowances, flights home, and education funds for children.
Dubai’s lifestyle is among the world’s best, with amenities like beach clubs, shopping malls, a ski slope, cinemas, concerts, water parks, museums, golf courses, and more.
However, living in Dubai can be costly, especially regarding housing and schooling for children. Despite a tax-free salary, these expenses can quickly add up.
Before deciding to work in Dubai, it’s essential to consider whether the salary you expect to earn will support the lifestyle you want.
Working Week and Hour in Dubai
In Dubai, the typical workweek runs from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as weekends. Government offices generally operate from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM, totaling 35-40 hours weekly
Private sector jobs usually follow 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM hours, including a one-hour lunch break, amounting to about 48 hours per week, though some companies may offer varied schedules like split shifts or flexible hours.
During Ramadan, work hours are often reduced for religious observance.
Industries like retail, hospitality, healthcare, and transportation may have different hours due to operational needs. Employees should refer to their employment contracts for specific work hour details.
Things You Should Know Before Working In Dubai
- Dubai has conservative dress codes, requiring modest clothing in public for both men and women.
- Premarital relationships are illegal, and couples cannot legally live together without being married, even in hotels.
- Public displays of affection, such as kissing and hugging, are not tolerated, and dancing in public is considered provocative.
- Islamic values and practices must be respected; for instance, turning off music during prayer times and observing Ramadan’s rules.
- It’s possible to work in Dubai without a degree, depending on the job requirements
- Alcohol consumption is illegal in public, and non-Muslims need a liquor license to drink, even at home.
- The legal drinking age varies across the Emirates, and it’s essential to be cautious about alcohol consumption, especially in transit through the UAE.
- Students can work part-time in Dubai under certain conditions, such as obtaining a work permit and adhering to the guidelines set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
- Felons may face restrictions entering Dubai based on the severity and nature of their offenses; having a criminal record can complicate work and visa applications in Dubai.
- Dubai relies heavily on foreign workers due to its rapid economic development and the need for skilled labor across various sectors, often in areas where the local workforce is insufficient or lacks specific expertise.
Types of Jobs Available in Dubai
Dubai is actively seeking skilled workers across various sectors, including construction, medicine, hospitality, and education.
The UAE is particularly focused on diversifying its economy away from oil, with a significant emphasis on developing its IT and technology sectors.
Presently, IT is one of the most in-demand fields in the Middle East, surpassing industries like banking and e-retail.
This is part of a broader regional effort to reduce reliance on oil by fostering service industries. The UAE government is keenly investing in technology, attracting foreign investors, tech companies, startups, and skilled professionals worldwide.
With its advanced internet infrastructure and connectivity, the UAE is an ideal location for tech companies and startups.
The country offers support and funding for various technology innovations, including in fields like alternative energy, robotics, and space exploration.
This commitment to technology and diversification makes the UAE, particularly Dubai, an attractive destination for professionals in the tech industry.
Top Paying Job in Dubai
- Statistical analysis and data mining
- Public policy and international relations
- Algorithm design
- Web architecture and development framework
- SEO/SEM marketing
- Middleware and integration software
- User interface design
- Renewable and sustainable energy
- Mining and commodities
- Corporate law and governanc
