Work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

With tax-free salaries and English as the business language, working in the UAE is an attractive prospect if you wish to work abroad…

Job market in the UAE

Construction and oil - arguably the biggest sectors in the UAE - offer jobs to engineering and IT graduates. Graduates with science, technology, maths and engineering (STEM) subjects in particular will find work in the manufacturing and energy industries.

There is work in the commercial area of property and finance for graduates with skills and qualifications in accountancy, banking and finance and an interest in business and management.

There has also been a rise in jobs in IT, PR and publishing, while the tourism industry is also becoming more prevalent.

Job vacancies

For jobs in the UAE, search:

• BAC  
• Jobs in Dubai  
• Monster - UAE

Work experience and internships in the UAE

There are some opportunities available for those looking for work experience. Internships and summer work placements for students and recent graduates can be arranged by AIESEC UK .

Volunteering in the UAE

Voluntary work is a great way to build your skills and learn a new language. It will help to have saved some money before you set off as the vast majority of voluntary positions are unpaid.

Volunteering looks great on your CV and gives you the chance to network and build contacts.

Options for volunteering in the UAE may be limited to certain states. To apply for volunteering projects you should contact organisations directly.

Information specifically aimed at voluntary roles in Abu Dhabi and Dubai can be found at Volunteer in UAE  and Government of Dubai - Volunteering in Dubai .

Language requirements

English is widely used by locals and in business and so day-to-day, speaking only English will be sufficient. Having a grasp of Arabic will improve your job prospects.

The Arabic Language Centre  in Dubai offers classes and some universities, depending on which state, will offer affordable language tuition.

UAE visas and immigration

You will need to be sponsored by an employer to obtain a work visa. A residence permit will be issued once you have a job secured, at which point your employer can then sponsor you. To work in the UAE you need both a residence permit and a work visa. 

Visas for travelling to and visiting the UAE will be issued on arrival to all UK nationals. This visa allows you to stay in the UAE for 60 days, after which, the emirate you arrived in can extend this by 30 days. You must leave the country at the end of this period.

Find out more on visas at Emirates.org - Visa Regulations .