Dubai Career Considerations - Tips for Finding a Job in Dubai

It wasn't too long ago when it seemed like almost everyone was looking for a Dubai career in the UAE. This was understandable; with all the job openings, tax-free salaries, and the allure of working in an exotic locale, it's no wonder people from all over the world flocked to Dubai. Fast forward to 2009: is it still worthwhile now to pursue a career in Dubai?

Getting Information on Trends in Dubai Careers

While jobs aren't as plentiful in Dubai now as they were in the early to mid-2000's, this does not necessarily mean you should cross off Dubai from your list of possible international career destinations. However, because of belt-tightening among all companies worldwide, you should keep a few things in mind when considering a career move to Dubai.

One of the best things you can do is to go to the various job forums and read about what's happening in the Dubai job market. Posts in such forums are made by expats already living and working there, and they provide valuable feedback on Dubai job opportunities and career growth potentials (or the lack thereof).

For instance, a number of expats living and working in Dubai advise against entering the local information technology (IT) and telecommunications job markets. Why? According to them, entry-level positions are usually filled by local workers or those from developing countries, who work for a lower salary. So if you're a Westerner, a salary of about 6,500 dirhams a month in that kind of position would not be enough for you.

You could possibly apply for a senior-level position, but again, do your research regarding this. Foreign workers in Dubai report that job cuts are being made even in senior management positions, getting rid of "dead wood," or managers whose performance does not justify their pay.

Also, it's a common assumption that jobs in the construction industry in Dubai are easy to come by. Maybe in the past, this was true. Nowadays, however, expatriate workers there report that this isn't so, that because of the suspension of some building developments, construction jobs are harder to come by at present.

There seems to be a similar trend in the finance sector, with less job openings and more job cuts. Dubai teaching jobs, however, and Dubai hospitality jobs still seem to be viable options for qualified job applicants.

Tips for Starting a Dubai Career

As mentioned earlier, though today's job market isn't as wide open as it was during the past few years, it doesn't mean there's a lack of career development opportunities in Dubai. Here are some job-hunting tips from expats in Dubai that you should keep in mind in your search for a job:

- Start your job search from your home country. It isn't recommended you go to Dubai and begin searching for a job only then. This could take a long time, and you'll be spending a lot on accommodations, transportation, etc.

- Make sure the recruitment agency you're dealing with is legitimate. Expat workers warn against employment agencies that charge you a fee if you want to submit your CV to them. Many of these companies are scams, promising to submit your resumé to prospective employers but not doing so.

- Read up on living and working conditions in Dubai. For instance, did you know that the workweek there is usually from Sunday to Wednesday or Sunday to Thursday? That while it's a very modern city, the cost of living is also high? This is why it's important for you to learn about benefits offered by employers, whether accommodation, transportation, and airfare home are included in the package. These things can eat up a large part of your salary if you have to pay for them yourself.

The prospect of earning a good income in a dynamic, exotic location is a major reason why the prospect of a Dubai career is so attractive to so many people. Make sure you do your research diligently to learn if it's a career move you should make.