Dubai jobs and employment

Dubai is growing rapidly - the fastest growing city in the world according to many. It follows then that there is an increasing number of jobs in Dubai waiting for workers from all countries and professions. For some it is a fantastic experience with an enjoyable lifestyle, good professional development and an opportunity to save (or spend) some extra tax-free cash. But as they say, Caveat Emptor ...

If you found this page because you're looking for the recruitment agency called "Jobs in Dubai" (apparently based in Canada), see the discussion about www.jobsindubai.com. It has a mixed reputation.

Types of Jobs and Salaries in Dubai

There is a range of Dubai jobs much the same as in any city and quite a large range of incomes (from 500 dhs per month to over 100,000 dhs per month according to one survey in 2006). A few examples are listed below (3.67 dhs = US$1).

Note, figures below are for end 2006 - early 2007. Add 25% for higher level jobs, 10% for mid-level jobs, nothing for low level jobs to get an approximate idea of salaries in 2008.

• Manual labor type jobs are demanding and poorly paid (500-1000 dhs per month). Most workers in this type of employment in Dubai come from the Asian sub-continent, especially India and Pakistan. Not uncommon to work 12 hours per day 7 days per week. A critical Human Rights Watch (HRW) report in Nov 2006 on the UAE construction industry claimed wages as low as 370 dhs per month were being paid.
• Abra drivers get about 700 dhs per month (in 2007).
• Maids, nannies, drivers, gardeners, security guards work long hours, six or seven days a week, and are poorly paid (500-1000 dhs per month - double that for security guards). There's supposed to be a minimum wage of 700 dhs/mth for Filipino and Indonesian maids according to agreements signed between the UAE and their respective governments in mid-2006.
• Tourism related and service sector jobs are relatively poorly paid and quite demanding (1000-3000 dhs per month). Most people working in these jobs come from Asia especially the Phillippines. Some sectors, for example aircrew, have all nationalities represented, and working conditions and salaries are much better (5000-10,000 dhs per month).
• Taxi drivers can earn 400 dhs in an eight hour day according to Dubai Transport. But less than that, and it takes 12+ hours a day, according to reports from taxi drivers. Drivers receive a percentage of that as income (30% to 40%) which works out to 1000-3000 dhs monthly.
• The nursing sector also seems to attract many Filipinas/Philippinos/Phillippinos. The work is demanding and not so well paid.
• Secretaries and Receptionists will earn 2,000 to 6,000 dhs per month for long hours. Upgrade to a PA (Personal Assistant) for the boss of a large company and you'll get over 10,000 dhs, especially if fluent in English and Arabic. Apparently salaries over 20,000 dhs are possible eg at investment banks.
• Middle management are usually Asian - especially India - or expat Arab. Pay can be mediocre to reasonable (5,000-15,000 dhs per month) or even up to 25,000 dhs per month for well trained executives in large corporations.
• Teaching, curiously, is one of the few professions with a minimum wage requirement of 2000 dhs/mth (not always adhered to though). Salaries in government or Indian schools are 1500-4000 dhs per month. English curriculum and other western oriented private schools have salaries of 5,000-15,000 dhs per month. Salary sometimes varies in the same school depending on the nationality of the teacher (passport rather than DNA is the main factor although where the teaching qualification came from can make a difference - western ones being worth more).
• Professionals such as architects, lawyers, accountants, pilots, teachers, are represented by all nationalities but the more reputable companies and higher level jobs usually require western trained personnel. Salaries range from poor to very good (2,000-40,000+ dhs per month).
• Doctors are a variety of nationalities and usually western trained. Salaries mediocre to good (15,000-50,000 dhs per month) depending on the hospital/clinic.
• Project Managers or Directors have it good during 2006 - demand is high and supply is low, salaries up to 50,000 or even 60,000 dhs per month are possible for senior level appointments.
• Senior management tend to be western or UAE nationals and these jobs are well-paid but can be demanding (20,000-50,000+ dhs per month).
• CEOs and Managing Directors for large companies can get up to 100,000-150,000 dhs per month, but this is the top end of the range. Something closer to 50,000 dhs per month for smaller companies is more like it.
• Private investment bankers are getting an average (yes, average) of 80,000-90,000 dhs per month according to a 2007 survey by Dunn Consultancy. But that's including allowances (take off 20,000 to run that Porsche Cayenne), and if you have 10 years of experience.

Contact us if you think this information is incomplete and/or inaccurate.

Salaries and Benefits - transport, housing, medical, travel, pension, tax

Salaries range from less than 1000 dhs per month for construction workers and maids to tens of thousands of dhs per month for highly qualified professionals and managers. There is no minimum salary by law (except for a small number of occupations eg teaching). A common middle class salary would be 5000-10,000 dhs per month. A good middle management salary would be 10,000 to 20,000 dhs per month and senior management salaries can be from 15,000 up to 40,000 dhs per month or more.

There are often large differences in salaries paid for the same job done by different nationalities. Westerners and UAE nationals usually command the highest salaries, and those from Asian countries receive the least.

Benefits can include company housing, housing paid for by the company but found yourself, a housing allowance (usually not enough to find something suitable), a car or transport allowance, private medical insurance - check carefully who with and the terms and conditions, and a yearly or more often return ticket to your home country (or sometimes cash in lieu of a ticket).

A gratuity is paid at the end of employment and depends on various factors. The law specifies a certain minimum but your own contract can improve on that. Not everyone is automatically entitled to a gratuity - it depends on the type of contract (fixed term or unlimited) and under what circumstances you terminate your employment. It is intended to compensate for the lack of a pension for expatriates (there is one, but only for UAE nationals).

There is no income tax in the UAE, although occasionally the possibility is discussed. It's unlikely to happen in the near future, and very unlikely unless somewhere like Saudi Arabia considers it seriously. Depending on where you come from, and how long you stay in your Dubai job, you may have to pay tax in your home country. Every country is different and you should speak to either your tax department or a tax lawyer/accountant to get definitive information.

Finding a Job in Dubai

As in any other country, there are many ways to obtain a job. The Gulf News has a separate section almost every day (not Fridays) with job listings including many from the various job agencies. The Khaleej Times also has a situations vacant section.

Recruitment Agencies and Consultants in Dubai

Recruitment Agencies in Dubai - information moved to new page.

Writing a CV or Resumé

Writing a CV - information on new page

Work Visas (or Work Permits) in the UAE

See the visas for Dubai page for more on residence and entry permits.

Note that the words 'permit' and 'visa' are often mixed up. What's important to remember is that you need two separate permissions. One for working in Dubai and one for staying in Dubai. The permission to stay in Dubai is what's stamped in your passport (the visa), and the permission to work is a labor card (the permit - is a separate document).

Anyone working in a job in Dubai (and the UAE) who is not a UAE citizen must have a work visa or work permit or labour card (three names for the same thing). This is not the same as a residence visa which is stamped in your passport. Unless you are setting up your own company, or you happen to be the PRO for your company, someone else in the company should arrange this for you. The company is responsible for all visa costs. Efficient companies will get your work and residence permits organised in a matter of days. But it is not unusual to wait weeks or even months for visas to be arranged. One reason is probably to do with the probation period - companies are reluctant to get the visas processed in case you are dismissed during your probationary period.

Sponsorship in the UAE

All expats must be sponsored - meaning a UAE citizen (or more usually a company) takes responsibility for the expat's behaviour while in Dubai (or UAE). Realisitically this just means having to show a residency visa for most bureaucratic expeditions such as connecting a telephone, opening a bank account, obtaining a driving licence etc. If an expat departs their job and Dubai suddenly, leaving behind debts, then the company sponsoring them is liable for repayment - one reason why gratuities are not paid until evidence of all bills being paid has been shown.

Working Without a Work Permit

In a word, don't. It's illegal so therefore you have no rights. If you don't get paid for example, you cannot make a claim since you were working in Dubai illegally. It's not uncommon however and many people end up in this sort of situation by default because the company they are working for does not get their work permit and residency visa in a timely fashion.

UAE Labor Contracts, Labour Law, Probation Periods

When applying for, or accepting a job in Dubai, you should not pay any fees for any part of the job application, work permit, or visa application process. According to UAE law, the employer is responsible for all visa costs, and UAE job agencies are not supposed to ask applicants for job search fees, although many do. If any UAE job agency asks you for visa fees however, that should set off warning bells.

Federal Labour Law Number 8 covers most of the essential rules and regulations you need to know with respect to salaries, termination, gratuity etc. It is available in English online and in bookshops, and is worth familiarising yourself with.

You will probably hear many people complain that the employment contract is not worth the paper it's written on. Certainly there are people who've had an unpleasant job experience somewhere where things did not seem to go according to what they understood from their contract. Or worse. To minimise the risk of problems, keep in mind the following points.

• In law, only the Arabic version of a contract is valid.
• Having a written contract is at least something. A verbal contract is worth much less.
• You should read your contract carefully before accepting a position and resolve any questions or issues before signing it. Make sure you have a written copy of any changes negotiated, or a revised contract. That's important. If an issue is unresolved before signing a contract, expect it to stay that way no matter what you are told.
• You should be given an English version. Consider carefully the implications of what you are doing if you sign a contract in Arabic without understanding it.
• Alarm bells should go off if a company will not send you a copy of the contract before you arrive, or they ask you to sign what appears to be a different contract when you do arrive.
• If you do have a problem with your employer and want a legal opinion, there are many lawyers available (who charge a fee of course). Al Tamimi is one company that seems to be well-known.
• It is possible that you end up in a situation where it is difficult to resolve things even if the law is apparently on your side. You can expect that the one with the most wasta (influence, power) will win, in which case, put your tail between your legs and hope the door doesn't hit you on your way out.
• Your embassy may be able to help by providing you a list of lawyers to contact.

Most jobs in Dubai have a probationary period of between one month and one year. During this time you can be dismissed without notice and are not entitled to any end of service benefits. It's not clear if this works both ways ie you can resign without notice. Some say the law says no, but people have successfully resigned from their jobs at short notice during probation.

Maternity leave in Dubai and UAE

• Articles 30 and 31 of the UAE labour law cover maternity leave.
• Maternity leave of 45 days on full pay is the standard entitlement if a mother has worked at least one year. If less than one year, then the employee only gets half pay (still for 45 days though).
• A woman can take up to 100 days (consecutive or non-consecutive) leave without pay after maternity leave has finished, under certain conditions - she is breastfeeding and has a medical certificate to say she is sick.
• For 18 months after delivery of the baby, women are entitled to an additional two breaks per day (paid and up to half hour each) for the purpose of nursing the child.
• There doesn't seem to be any paternity leave allowance in Dubai.
• There is a report on the UAE Government website that in 1999 the Federal National Council (FNC) approved a law allowing maternity leave of 3 months on full pay and an additional 6 months on half pay by amending the text of Article 55. This is not one of the Labor Law articles, and applies to UAE national women only.

See discussion topic on Dubai FAQs forum about maternity leave in the UAE for more information.

Non-payment of wages and salaries

Non or delayed payment of salaries is an issue that is rarely resolved in favor of the employee. Management in Dubai jobs are well aware of the poor reputation some companies and sectors have for not paying their workers. So if you end up in a situation where salary is not paid, and the company does not obviously do their utmost to rapidly rectify that (ignore what they say, it's what they do that is important), then you have, unfortunately, probably walked into a job in Dubai which is not going to turn out very well.

You can file a complaint with the UAE Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (tel 02-6671700) - you'll need your labor contract and ID. Some of the Free Zones can settle disputes without involving the Federal Ministry.

Your embassy may be able to assist by providing a list of lawyers. In the past, embassies have become more involved in negotiations of wage disputes (usually involving labourers from the Asian sub-continent) but that's not something to be counted on.

It's not all bad. There is a procedure to follow and claims are investigated with companies sometimes being penalised by being blacklisted from hiring more workers and/or bidding for government contracts. Many complaints are resolved in favour of the worker but sometimes a case can drag on for months.

Working Conditions and Unions in the UAE

During 2005 there was some unrest amongst the large number of construction workers in Dubai, with some protests (especially over unpaid salaries) and investigations resulting in Dubai gaining less desirable publicity in the international media. This may have prompted some changes in the treatment of the working class - albeit slowly. Present law says that unions are illegal although there is talk of changing this. However, apparently only UAE nationals will be allowed to form unions. Ongoing discussions in 2006 with the ILO (International Labour Organisation) and with the USA regarding a Free Trade Agreement have also resulted in closer scrutiny of various employment issues and working conditions.

MafiWasta.com is a website that has information and commentary about UAE workers rights and conditions. Ironically, access has, on occasion, been blocked by the UAE telecoms authority for contravening "religious, cultural, political and moral values of the United Arab Emirates." Who would have thought that drawing attention to the poor treatment of labourers was so offensive?

Maids and other domestic workers are another occupational group that receive its fair share of criticism for harsh (or abusive) treatment, low salaries and long working hours expected from employers. Local newspapers regularly carry reports (during 2006 at least) of maids being beaten, raped, unpaid, running away.

These issues are less of a concern in most other professions. That's not to say it's always plain sailing but the average teacher or photocopier salesperson is unlikely to have to worry about not being paid for months or ending up in hospital with broken bones from an unhappy boss.

It would be fair to say that management in the UAE tends to be more autocratic than in many western countries but less so compared to other Middle Eastern countries. That's a huge generalisation though, and you will see all extremes of management styles represented.

Passports and companies keeping your passport

Your employer in Dubai will need your passport to obtain a residency visa for you. They should then return your passport but it is very common for the company to attempt to retain your passport while you are working there. Newspapers have printed articles a number of times on this practice with various officials saying this illegal and no company has the right to keep your passport. There is opportunity for a healthy dose of Dubai Irony here and sure enough, we're not disappointed. We discover that those very same newspapers have a policy of retaining staff passports. As do some of the government departments whose officials say it is not permitted. It is for the worker's benefit they claim - passports are safe and secure with the company. Well, at least until they lose them.

Residency and Employment Bans

Depending on your job, contract, employer, qualifications and termination circumstances, you may get banned from working in the UAE for 6 months to 1 year. As a generalisation, federal (government) employees are not banned, neither are those employed in Internet or Media City, or Knowledge Village, and in theory, those who are in certain professions and/or have a Master's Degree or higher are exempt. As with almost everything in Dubai, there are exceptions to every rule.

Maids and other domestic workers had an automatic one year ban imposed on them but as of January 2006 this rule has been cancelled.

There is a difference between a residency ban and a labour permit ban. The Labour Ministry automatically banned everyone from obtaining a new labor card for six months unless they had a NOC (No Objection Letter) from their sponsor. In March 2006 it was announced that under certain conditions and payment of fees (between 1500 and 9000 dhs), this ban can be waived for those wanting to change jobs. The conditions are (according to the Gulf News 08 March 2006):

• Labour permit and residence visa cancelled, without ban
• Worker has not signed a no-competition agreement
• Worker has been with company for at least one year
• Apply for a new labour permit
• Pay transaction fees
• Categories: Transaction charges
  • PhD or MA holder moves to a company in category A: Dh1,500; category B: Dh2,500; category C: Dh3,500.
  • BA holder or equivalent moves to a company in category A: Dh3,000; category B: Dh3,500; category C: Dh4,000.
  • All others moving to a company in category A: Dh5,000; category B: Dh5,500; category C: Dh6,000.
• If expatriate has not completed three years in the same company, an extra Dh3,000 is charged.

Of course, the first condition makes the whole deal sound circular - to waive the ban, the permit has to be cancelled without a ban in the first place. Sometimes things are not as clear as they could be when working in Dubai. To say the least. Trying to get up to date details from a reliable source (even government websites may not be up to date, and newspapers sometimes get details incorrect, or the details change substantially) is not easy since laws and regulations can and do change significantly and rapidly.

Hours of Work and Holidays

Most jobs in Dubai are either 5 days, 5 and a half, or 6 days per week. Make sure you know before signing. A number of people have arrived to find themselves unexpectedly working more than five days per week. The working week changed from Saturday - Wednesday to Sunday - Thursday for the public sector in September 2006. The private sector working week varies but mostly follows the government/public sector, and Friday is a common holiday or day off for all sectors.

Public holidays come in two varieties. The fixed dates - for example New Year on 01 January. And the changing ones for example Eid Al Ahda - the actual days are not announced until shortly before the holiday starts which depends on moon sightings.

Most jobs in Dubai will also give you about 4 weeks paid vacation time per year in addition to the public holidays.

If a ruler dies (either in the UAE or another Arabic country) it is common for the public sector to close for several days for mourning, the private sector shuts down also but not usually for as long. It is inappropriate to refer to these periods as holidays but employees are entitled to be paid for those days when they're not working.

What to Wear - Clothes in Dubai

Dress conservatively - for office jobs in Dubai, men should wear a tie (and the usual accoutrements) but a jacket is not so common. Companies will usually make it clear if they have very conservative dress expectations of women, otherwise women can wear much the same as in a comparable job in a western country (unless you have what would be regarded as extreme or unusual tastes in clothing). If working in the public sector, expect to dress more conservatively.

Natural fibers are regarded as more suitable for the hot Dubai climate but remember that inside the office at your job, the air-conditioning can be quite cool.

Language

Arabic is the offical language of Dubai but English is the common denominator amongst the many different nationalities working in jobs in Dubai, at least in the private sector. If there is a language requirement other than English, that should be made clear to you before you accept a job in Dubai. It's useful to be able to speak Arabic but not essential for most jobs. Most expatriates speak very little, and read even less Arabic, even after working in Dubai for many years.

Straight and Split Shifts

For some companies the working day is split in two and employees work something like 0800-1300 and then again from 1600-1900. More and more companies in Dubai are following a straight shift where employees work from 0800-1700 or 0900-1800 or similar.

Minimum working age in Dubai

• 18 years normally - note that students on student visas are not permitted to work.
• 15 years in certain cases - restricted hours and type of work, and parent or guardian permission is needed.
• Child camel jockey job applications are no longer accepted as the practice has been banned and the children sent home. Or somewhere else at least. Robots are used instead, and not paid a salary. However, they do get free oil and maintenance. If you are a robot, you're probably better off working for Sony.

Maximum age limit for jobs in Dubai

From September 2005, expatriates can renew their labour cards up to the age of 65 (or 70 for a selected list of professions). The renewal is yearly instead of three-yearly over the age of 60. Previously the age limit was 60, or 65 for the following professions: engineers, doctors, university professors, accountants and auditors, laboratory and electronic equipment technicians, specialists in privately-owned oil companies, specialists in the media, lawyers, translators, and consultants in all fields or other professions agreed on by the undersecretary of labour or the assistant undersecretary.

Student and part-time jobs in Dubai

In many countries it is common for students at school and university or college to try and find part-time or temporary work. However, for expat students, this is technically not possible since a student visa does not entitle you to work. In practice though, there are odd jobs around that need doing - tutoring is one possibility. Students taking on any such employment should realise they have no legal protection if they have a complaint against their employer (but their employer will be in trouble too), and it is possible to get in trouble with the authorities - a fine and deportation is more likely than a jail sentence if caught.

Students working as a trainee at companies in jobs related to their studies, or doing an internship, are not regarded as employees and so still don't have any rights under the labour law. Even if they get financial compensation (and it would be wise not to draw attention to that).

The Khaleej Times 28 December 2007 reported that a ministerial decision was issued by the Minister of Labour, Dr Al Kaabi, to allow 15-18 year old expat residents to be employed in light work (stacking groceries for example, but not building roads). They could either get a 6 month temporary work permit or permanent labour card, and work part-time or full-time, but not over-time. It is not clear at this stage if expats with student visas can take advantage of this new rule, and probably not relevant since students with student visas are likely to be over 18 and excluded anyway (students under 18 are usually on their parents' sponsorship).

The same report also mentioned an earlier labour ministry decision that would allow students to take up paid employment during summer vacation time, but further details were not given, and MOL website does not clarify this information.

Emirati students can work part-time, full-time, and during holidays since Emirati nationals don't need work permits or residency visas. Subject to any restrictions such as age limits.

Contact the Ministry of Labour

This information last updated Saturday 23-Aug-2008

Related pages - Internal Links

• Dubai - FAQ home and index

• Recruitment Agencies
• Writing a CV - brief information and example
• Work permits and visas for Dubai - and the rest of the UAE
• Work permit cancellation
• www.jobsindubai.com - discussion topic
• Dubai Employment Board - discussion topic

Related websites - External Links (open in new window)

• www.dmoz.org - UAE employment category. Mostly recuitment agencies and resources.
• www.mol.gov.ae - Federal Labor Law No 8 (1980) - the rule book for employment in the UAE (or 'Federal Law no 8, for 1980 on Regulation of Labour Relations')
• www.gulfnews.com section about labour issues in the UAE - a useful collection of articles in the news.
• www.mol.gov.ae section with information for foreign workers - UAE Labour Ministry rules for leave, gratuity, permits, hours of work, disputes etc.
• www.mafiwasta.com - a website devoted to the plight of labourers in the UAE (sometimes blocked in the UAE). Mafi is Arabic for 'no' or 'nothing'. Wasta is Arabic for 'influence' or 'power'.
• www.mol.gov.ae - official Ministry of Labor website in English.
• www.government.ae - UAE government website with section about employment (mostly under construction as of Aug 2006).
• Contact us to add a your link to this page.

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