What are my Chances of Getting a Job in the UAE?
While it is true that the UAE allows plenty of foreign workers into its territory, this is almost exclusively on a non-permanent basis. Generally, expats aren’t allowed to become part of the permanent populace. Foreign workers are dealt with in a fair but thoroughly controlled way, paid and treated well, and at the end of their time in the region, wholeheartedly thanked and rewarded for their efforts. Never the less, the government is conscious of the need to provide decent jobs with career paths for their own younger generation, who are increasingly educated and aware of the attractions of the outside world: many attend universities in the /northamerica/ or the UK, for example. Having made major investments in the education and social welfare systems, they hope that eventually Dubai will become practically self-sufficient in terms of labour.
A large number of outside observers, however, believe that expatriates will have a substantial role to play for many years to come, and it seems likely that expatriates will continue to be important for the next two or three decades, although there will undoubtedly be changes in the number of people employed and the type of skills required. For example, the vast construction projects currently ongoing throughout the region (e.g. road systems, airports, ports and trading zones) will become less numerous, with a resulting decline in the number of manual workers required.
Commercial development, however, will lead to further building programmes as Dubai’s economy continues to grow. Managerial, professional and particularly technological experience will still be in strong demand for many years to come. However, there will be none of the mass immigration and resulting demands for citizenship that have been experienced in western societies, or the current trend of economic refugees looking for a better way of life. Dubai will simply not allow it. Foreigners cannot become citizens or own land and property, although there appears to be some lessening of the restrictions, certainly as regards owning one’s own business.
There are other general issues to consider: you’re contemplating a move to a culture that’s almost certainly different to your own; will the way of life, and particularly the restrictions imposed on you, suit you? Will the relocation benefit your long-term career prospects? Will your family (especially any children) cope with and benefit from the move? What impact will it have on their education and employment prospects? If you aspire to be your own boss, as many people do, be aware that starting a business in the region can prove difficult and that you will almost always be required to have a local partner who has a majority holding. Is that acceptable to you?
The Middle East has been the scene of considerable conflict and unrest in recent decades, although the Gulf states are generally very safe places to live and work. However, before travelling anywhere in the Middle East, it’s wise to obtain advice from your country’s foreign office. Also note that homosexuality is regarded as a criminal offence throughout this region.
You should ideally have a firm offer of employment before travelling to Dubai. Speculative visits are occasionally successful, but you need to be notably lucky and have high-grade qualifications and experience to stand any chance. In addition, you will almost certainly need knowledgeable local contacts and have done some research into the types of company which would most value your experience.
