Dubai is a popular place for expats from all over the world because it has a diverse culture, is tax-free, and is a hub in the Middle East.
Even though the GCC economy is going through a rough patch, jobs are still available. The Monster Employment Index for May 2016 shows that online recruitment in UAE is growing slower. In May 2016, hiring activity was up 9% compared to last year.
If you’re an expat contemplating Dubai, remember:
Between July and August is the best time to look for a job.
Dubai is a centre for attracting talented people, and because the talent competition is getting more challenging, more people leave their jobs there than elsewhere. This is good news for people looking for work in Dubai, as the whole year tends to be a good time to do so.
But sometimes, the rate of hiring declines. During the holy month of Ramadan, for example, people don’t work as long because they are fasting, praying, and doing good things for others. Hiring slows down during the winter holidays when many top executives go home for the holidays.
The (MEI) keeps track of online job postings, a great sign of demand and hiring in the region. When looking at the MEI for 2015 in the UAE, the number of online job postings was lowest in January (-10%). On the other hand, July and August 2015 were the best months for online recruitment, with 35% growth in July and 36% in August compared to the same months last year.
Online and mobile job applications are the fastest way to find work.
Technology now has a significant impact on hiring new employees. People are contacting companies through mobile job apps and online job portals. Organizations are also utilizing social media sites to locate talent since they can access a wealth of data on active and passive job searchers. How can applicants get involved in all of this? Using services like Monster Gulf, which help people looking for jobs in this market by giving them several digital, social, and mobile ways to find work.
Employers look for candidates with a range of skills.
As people from all over the world look for jobs in Dubai, the market has become very diverse and competitive, with a high turnover rate. Because the country offers work experience that can’t be found anywhere else, people from more than 200 countries are currently working there. People looking for jobs should be open to cultural differences and diversity. Emiratis are very proud of their culture and unique history, which the local government wants to keep alive. Employers look for diversity in applicants and link that to intercultural skills.
Being able to speak Arabic is a huge plus.
Job seekers should know what their strengths and weaknesses are. Being a cooperative, helpful, and flexible team player is essential in this market. Good English communication skills are a must, and being able to speak Arabic is a huge plus.
Dubai has a very high cost of living.
In Dubai, most people get car loans, mortgages, and other loans from banks and financial institutions. The costs of education must be taken into account by people with families. You can go to a British, American, or Indian school, but the fees are not cheap. The school’s annual costs can range from 20,000 to 80,000 AED, depending on the school’s performance.
Housing must also be planned ahead of time. Living in the centre of Dubai costs a lot, as most world capitals do. But where you live should depend on where you work. It’s a good idea to live as close to work as possible, and this would save you money on transportation costs and time since no one wants to be stuck in Dubai’s rush hour every day.
Even though public transportation is getting better, many professionals still drive to work. The UAE has an agreement with several countries that makes getting a UAE driver’s license easy. It is necessary to take driving lessons in Dubai if your country is not on this list.
What to look for:
Along with looking at the career pages of specific companies, graduates need to know the most up-to-date job sites and agencies. IT jobs are often available at organizations that don’t have anything to do with IT. For instance, organizations like colleges, schools, banks, and retail stores are always searching for new personnel to join the IT department, particularly given how much more and more companies and organizations rely on computer technology.
It can be scary to decide to look for work overseas. If you’re ready to take the plunge, use a global recruiting service like Monstergulf.com to help you find a job in a place where you don’t know anyone.
