How can I find a suitable job in the UAE?

There are many leading multinational companies in the region and many will have the opportunity Transfer from their home country – within the same company to this part of the world.

If this is not possible and someone is looking to take action, there are many practical steps job seekers can take to give themselves the best chance get a good chance.

When moving to a new country, doing research is an obvious but very important start—not just about the job market, but also about where to live, which schools to go to, etc.

Reputable recruiters familiar with the area will be able to provide sound advice on relocation. They’ll probably do it themselves at some stage – and want to make sure you settle in when you move to a new location.

Knowing the cost of living in a new country is crucial. It can take three to six months to find and start your new role, so for those looking to make the bold move without a job, they must make sure the budget is appropriate.

It’s a good idea to visit the area first, meet some real estate agents and schools (if needed) and network with industry peers before making a final decision.

It’s also important to know what paperwork you’ll need – it pays to ensure documents such as marriage, birth and degree certificates are notarized before applying for a job, as these are often required at the application stage or during the previous application process.

If you wish to work in government and/or security, you must pass a security clearance process. It is worth applying for a recent criminal record check with the police station in your country.

Must focus on the right organization. There are some large and well-known companies in the UAE, such as Emirates Airline, which has now recruited over 100 positions (excluding cabin crew) in information technology, finance, human resources and engineering.

Neom, a $500 billion gigabit project that will house 9 million residents in Saudi Arabia, is another employer with plenty of jobs — and many others.

There are also larger regional organisations that are less visible, but they offer a good range of job roles.

The key is to expand your network within your specific area.

A great way to do this is to apply for a LinkedIn Premium account (the first month is free), and you can connect and talk to relevant people in your industry. This is where homework is crucial.

Rather than contacting someone to ask if they have a job offer, do some research on them and/or the company.

Then approach them with something like: “Hi, I read your recent post on Q3 results and expansion plans. I see a lot of synergies with my current company. I’ll be moving to this area soon Well, it would be great to have a connection.”

Another important aspect to keep in mind is managing expectations.

You can’t expect to get a chance by applying for more than 100 jobs that may not suit your skills.

Focus on your area of ​​expertise, find out which organizations have strong leaders in that area, and pay close attention to them.

If you see the perfect role online, try to connect with the right people and introduce yourself instead of clicking and applying like most others.

Also, try to develop a good working relationship with one or two recruiters who specialize in your field – maybe check in for news once or twice a month to keep you on top.

Finally, be aware that without local experience, you may not always find the ideal job in the area as your first job in the area.

If you are a project manager, you may also want to consider the position of senior engineer. If you are a CFO, applying for a VP of Finance may be a good option.

From an employer’s perspective, regional experience is always preferred.

So, if you’re willing to show flexibility to secure your first position, that gives you a bit of an edge, which could mean the difference between securing a move to the Middle East.

John Armstrong is the founder and managing director of recruitment agency JCA Associates.

Updated: 11/10/2022 5:00am