As you prepare for your relocation, you can use this guide as a resource to answer all your questions about working in the UAE. We cover topics such as maternity leave, working as a self-employed expat or under an employer, and even how social security works, so that you can learn all you need to make your move seamlessly and stress-free.
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How to get a job in the UAE as a foreigner
Finding employment in the UAE is increasingly competitive. Although expats still make up 85% of the country's record population of 11 million, the job market has evolved away from its oil-dependent roots into a technology-driven economy. Employers are placing greater emphasis on candidates with local experience and specialized expertise in areas such as AI, finance, and green energy.
How to apply for a job in the UAE Some popular websites that can be used in your job search include:
Some specialized & local platforms
Recruitment agencies
Working with an agency is a common way to get a job in the UAE. Some of the best reviewed agencies include:
If you decide to use an agency, look for companies that take a commission from the employer end, not from you. Be wary of recruiters that collect high fees from job-seekers as these tend to be scams.
Online job fairs
The UAE hosts several job fairs. These fairs provide job seekers with the opportunity to meet organizations face-to-face and learn about job vacancies within.
Popular job fairs are:
Alternatively, you can simply apply directly on the company's career website
Writing a CV for the UAE
A UAE-style CV is similar to most standard western CVs, you should have the basic personal details such as
- your name
- date of birth
- nationality
- gender
- location
- languages spoken
However, avoid adding irrelevant personal details like religion and marital status. Political views and religious convictions are equally unnecessary, as they have no bearing on your professional capabilities.
- References are generally not required upfront; you would simply note that they are available on request.
- Keep your language professional throughout, avoiding slang, informal self-descriptions, or anything discriminatory.
- When highlighting your achievements, be honest and measured; UAE employers routinely conduct background checks, so accuracy is essential
- As for photos, it is advisable to leave one off your CV to avoid potential bias, particularly when applying to multinational companies that follow standardised hiring processes across regions.
Interview tips
- It is important to know about the company and position you are interviewing for.
- If going in person for an interview, be sure to look into the company culture so that you dress accordingly. The UAE is a conservative country so expats, especially women, should keep this in mind when dressing for the interview.
- Because of the strict adherence to Islamic culture throughout the UAE, relations between men and women can be tricky for expats to navigate. If you are an expat woman interviewing with an Emirati man, or an expat man interviewing with an Emirati woman, wait for them to extend their hand for a handshake.
Networking tips
Networking is an important part of business culture in the UAE, especially in the epicenters of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Networking in the Gulf country is similar to networking anywhere else in the world, but with a few minor alterations to compensate for the Islamic culture.
- Expat men should never touch a Muslim woman without her consent.
- Always carry business cards and present them with your right hand only.
- Respect senior leaders, as they hold significant influence. Connections at any level can be valuable.
- Dress modestly and professionally in subdued colors, even in modern Dubai.
Other tips to help in your job search in the country:
- If a hiring company or agency asks you for payment to process your visa or medical test, it is not a legitimate company
- Increase your general knowledge about the region and its social and cultural value system
- Learning a few Arabic phrases shows respect and is appreciated
- Be realistic about your earning potential
- Increase your general knowledge about the region and its social and cultural value system
The last point is especially crucial. Keep in mind that although the UAE is known for extreme modernity and innovation, it is still a conservative country dictated by religion. Expats would be wise to learn the customs and traditions associated with Islam to avoid any errors.
Requirements for working in the UAE
as a foreigner requires you to have a residence visa and a work permit. The work permit will be listed in your residence visa. You will also need to pass a mandatory medical exam upon your arrival in the UAE. Failing the medical exam will result in deportation.
It is illegal to work in the UAE while on a tourist visa. If you arrive in the UAE and get a job during your visit, your company will need to change the status of your visa before you can begin work. Working while on a tourist visa is a serious offense that can result in jail time or a fine and deportation.
For more on visa requirements, see our visa and work permits guide.
Restricted professions
There are in the UAE that can only be obtained by an Emirati national. One such profession is a lawyer who must appear before a judge and carry out a defense.
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Minimum wage & average salary
Unlike most other countries, the salary that employees are quoted when interviewing for a job is the full amount that they will take home. There is no minimum wage, but companies are required to pay employees a wage suitable enough to cover the basic needs in each emirate.
What is a good salary in the UAE?
In Dubai, the minimum salary a family of four can live on comfortably is 30,000 AED per month (approx. 8,200 USD) and a single person can live on a salary of 9,000 AED (approx. 2,450). However, those with at least a university degree should expect to receive a minimum salary of at least 8-12,000 AED per month (approx. 2,200-3,300 USD).
Average annual salary by job sector
| Sector | AED | USD |
Engineering | 180,000 | 49,000 |
Human Resources | 180,000 | 49,000 |
Banking | 190,000 | 51,700 |
Marketing | 200,000 | 54,500 |
Accounting & Finance | 250,000 | 68,000 |
Legal | 250,000 | 68,000 |
IT | 300,000 | 82,000 |
Healthcare | 340,000 | 93,000 |
Executive and Management | 500,000+ | 136,000+ |
When looking at the chart below, keep in mind that Dubai is the most expensive emirate in the UAE. Abu Dhabi is a close second. However, when it comes to the average salaries of these two emirates, the numbers do not fluctuate too greatly and favor Abu Dhabi.
| Position | Average annual salary in Dubai | Average annual salary in Abu Dhabi |
Engineer | 220,000 AED (approx. 60,000 USD) | 230,000 AED (approx. 63,000 USD) |
Project Manager | 265,000 AED (approx. 72,000 USD) | 340,000 AED (approx. 93,000 USD) |
General Manager | 580,000 AED (approx. 160,00 USD) | 280,000 AED (approx. 76,000 USD) |
Human Resources Manager | 320,000 AED (approx. 87,000 USD) | 500,000 AED (approx. 136,000 USD) |
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Self-employment
The UAE makes self-employment easy. Expats need only to register themselves in one of the free zones that allow self-employment/freelance visas. See our visa and work permits section for more details.
How to be self-employed in the UAE
Once expats have secured their residence visa and work permit, they can start work within one of the prescribed free zones. No matter the emirate you choose, these are the general steps you will need to take to become fully self-employed:
Step one: Choose your license type
There are three main paths:
- Free zone freelance permit: Traditional option (e.g., GoFreelance), ideal for fields like Media, Tech, or Design.
- Mainland freelance license: Issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism; allows work with any UAE client.
- Green visa (5-Year): For freelancers earning over 360,000 AED (98,000 USD) per year ; self-sponsored and does not require employer backing.
Step two: Digital application & requirements
Most applications are now done via UAE PASS or specific portals like or .
- Passport & Photo
- Attested Degree: Bachelor’s degree required (for most professions) and must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Portfolio/CV
- NOC (No Objection Certificate): Needed only if switching to freelance from a UAE job; not required for applicants outside the UAE
Step three: Costs
Item | Estimated cost (AED) | Time |
Freelance permit | 7,500 – 12,000 | 2–5 days |
Establishment card | 2,000 | 2 days |
Residency visa (2-Year) | 3,000 – 5,000 | 7–10 days |
Medical & emirates ID | 800 – 1,200 | 3–5 days |
How to find freelance work in the UAE
As a freelance in the UAE, the best way to find work is online. On popular sites such as:
Top self-employed jobs in the UAE
- AI & machine learning specialist
- Cybersecurity consultant
- Real estate broker (Independent)
- Data scientist & analyst
- Digital marketing & performance strategist
- ESG consultant
- UX/UI design strategist
- Personal & professional coach
- Full-stack software developer
- Healthcare consultant
Self-employed benefits in the UAE
As the government continues to expand a business-friendly ecosystem to attract global talent and entrepreneurs, companies often hire freelancers to reduce costs associated with visas, health insurance, and end-of-service benefits. However, this may not apply to every company, and some laws regarding self-employment and freelancing have recently changed.
Abu Dhabi’s "Tajer" (Trader) license is no longer strictly free but remains a low-cost leader with an organizational fee of just 790 AED (approx. 215 USD), while Dubai has officially dismantled the old "two-sector" restriction to allow freelancing in nearly 1,200 activities across tech, design, and consulting.
Furthermore, a new federal mandate requires all freelancers engaged in promotional social media work to obtain a mandatory advertiser permit, which is currently free for residents for the first three years. This shift, combined with the 5-year Green Visa for high-earning independents, ensures that expat freelancers can now operate with unprecedented flexibility and legal security across all seven emirates.
For more on what it is like to be self-employed in the UAE, see our Visa and Work Permits section.
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Business culture
Here are some of the business customs and traditions in the UAE.
The dress code in the UAE can be summarized with one word: modest. Even in the UAE’s most liberal emirate, Dubai, expats should dress modestly for work, business meetings, and all business-related events. Men should expect to wear a suit and tie within most business sectors. Non-Muslim women are not expected to wear a headscarf unless visiting a religious building or site. Bright colors and stylish fashion are widely embraced, provided the cut of the clothing remains conservative, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered.
Keep in mind that if an Emirati national deems your wardrobe inappropriate they will probably say something. If this happens to you, simply apologize and wear something more modest.
When you greet your colleagues, you should start by greeting the most senior person first. The UAE is a “top-down” culture and to greet the most senior person first is a sign of respect. Avoid touching others of the opposite sex unless they put out their hand for a handshake. Keep in mind that in Islam, unmarried men and women cannot touch so do not be surprised if Emirati business partners do not initiate this.
Finally, expat men must remain particularly conscious of personal space laws and religious sensitivities, ensuring all interactions, especially with Muslim women, remain strictly professional and consensual to avoid social or legal repercussions.
Be careful about asking too many personal questions of your Emirati colleagues, especially as it pertains to female family members. Western expats may think nothing about inquiring about the well-being of a co-worker’s wife or family members, but, in Muslim culture, this can be seen as incredibly invasive.
Status is also important when talking to colleagues. Be sure to use correct titles when speaking to Emirati business partners. For example, Sheikh (chief) for a man or Sheikha for a woman; Sayed (Mr.), Sayeda (Mrs.). Arabs generally address people by their first names. If you have a coworker named John Smith, you will refer to him as Mr. John rather than Mr. Smith.
Public criticism is a significant taboo, if you need to criticize or correct someone in a meeting, do not do it in front of a group. Instead, pull that person aside after the meeting and have a private face-to-face talk. Make sure you are not accusatory. Causing someone to lose 'face' in the UAE is considered extremely rude.
Finally, while verbal agreements hold legal weight, they are difficult to enforce; you must ensure all critical terms are finalized in a formal, written, and signed contract to ensure legal security in the UAE’s increasingly regulated business environment.
Because observant Muslims do not drink alcohol, alcoholic drinks are rare throughout the UAE. You can find drinks at most hotels, but not in many local restaurants. Chances are high that your Emirati co-workers will not drink and, when you are in a business situation, you should not either. Getting drunk is especially forbidden and can result in jail time.
When offered food or hospitality, it is considered polite to accept. Likewise, when accepting or offering food or drink, always do so with your right hand as the left is seen as unclean.
Like alcohol, do not consume pork products in front of Muslim colleagues.
The working days are Monday to Friday, aligning with international business standards. While the labor law sets a maximum of 48 working hours per week, the standard corporate schedule is** typically 40 to 45 hours**, with reduced hours during the holy month of Ramadan. Employees are entitled to 30 calendar days of paid annual leave after completing one year of work, which is separate from a generous sick leave policy of up to 90 days. Furthermore, all official public holidays are paid and do not count toward employee's time off
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Social security & benefits
In the UAE, the social security system is just for Emirati nationals, who get a full state pension. For some expats who have been working in the UAE for a long time, you can get a lump-sum payment, it is called the and is based on your salary and years worked. Payment would be made at the of your long-term contract, acting like a social security package.
Unlike before, expats now have access to healthcare thanks to mandatory health insurance that employers must provide for all residency visa holders. So, while there’s no state pension for expats, you are covered for medical care through your employer.
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Maternity & paternity leave
Maternity leave is a federal law in the UAE. As a standard throughout the country, mother will receive at least 60 days paid maternity leave. Extra days are dependent on the emirate and the employer.
Dubai
Women receive full-paid maternity leave for 60–90 days depending on their company. New mothers can also add their own paid leave allowance to these allotted days for a total of 120 days of paid maternity leave.
Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah
Women are entitled to 90 days of fully paid maternity leave.
Sharjah
New mothers are allowed 90 days of paid maternity leave and 30 days of unpaid leave.
Maternity benefits
When new mothers return to work, they are allowed to reduce their working hours by one to two hours for nursing. Mothers can either arrive to work late or leave early. Nursing hours are usually added to the mandatory two-hour reduction of the workday, but companies sometimes combine them to simplify scheduling during Ramadan.
Depending on the emirate, mothers can enjoy this nursing benefit for six months or up to one year.
- Abu Dhabi: the mother is allowed to reduce her working hours by 2 hours for one full year beginning on the date of her return.
- Dubai: the mother may reduce her hours until the date of her child’s first birthday.
- Sharjah: new mothers are allotted two hours of reduced hours daily from the beginning on the date of their return.
Paternity leave and benefits
UAE federal law mandates that fathers will receive5 working days of paternity leave during the first six months of the child's birth, this leave also applies to a father whose child was born outside the UAE. Any extra paternity leave is up to the employer, but, on average, most UAE companies stick to the 5-day allotment.
Additionally, a child born in the UAE does not receive citizenship unless one parent is an Emirati citizen.
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