As an entrepreneur and employer currently based in Dubai, I’d like to share some essential tips for those looking to move to Dubai for work. These insights are based on my personal experience and observations in the Dubai job market.
Budget for Initial Months
For instance, let’s say you’re moving to Dubai without a job offer in hand. It’s wise to have savings to cover your living expenses for at least three months. Consider that the average cost of living in Dubai, including a modest apartment, food, transportation, and other essentials, can range from AED 7,000 to AED 10,000 per month. So, you should ideally have at least AED 21,000 to AED 30,000 saved up. It should be noted that as of As of November, 2023, the dollar equivalent of AED 21,000 is $5,700 whereas AED 30,000 is $8,100.
This financial buffer will support you while you job hunt and wait for your first paycheck. For example, Sarah, who moved to Dubai last year, had saved AED 25,000, which helped her manage comfortably until she received her first salary.
Maintain Professional Confidence
Imagine you’re in an interview and the employer senses your urgency to secure a job due to financial pressure. They might offer you a salary lower than the market rate. Wale, a graphic designer, experienced this when he expressed his urgent need for the job during an interview. The employer offered him a salary 25% lower than the industry standard. It’s crucial to negotiate from a position of strength, focusing on your skills and the value you can add to the company.
Timing Your Job Applications
The start of the year is a bustling period for hiring in Dubai. Companies have fresh budgets and new projects. For example, Emily targeted this period for her job search. She started applying in January and noticed a significantly higher response rate compared to her previous attempts in July. By mid-February, she had several interviews lined up and eventually landed a job in a leading marketing firm.
I can’t hammer on this enough. The best time to apply for jobs in Dubai is usually between January and February. These months typically see heightened recruitment activities, with many companies planning their staffing for the year. Aligning your job search with this period can increase your chances of finding suitable employment.
Get a Local Phone Number
Having a local number makes you more accessible to potential employers and signals that you are serious about your stay in Dubai. Take the case of a friend of mine from Ghana, who initially used his international number while applying for jobs in Dubai. He received minimal responses. Once he switched to a local Dubai number, the number of calls from recruiters increased noticeably. Employers were more willing to consider his application, knowing that he was already in the country and had an understanding of the local environment.
These tips are designed to give you a practical and informed start in your job search in Dubai. Remember, preparation and understanding the local job market nuances are key to successfully securing employment in this dynamic city.
