What Are the Common Jobs in Dubai

What Are the Common Jobs in Dubai?

Aiming to migrate to Dubai for a job? Well, just like any other city, there are certain fields where the demand is high. 

If there’s a big demand for these workers, then potential applicants for such positions will have higher chances of being admitted. If you’re interested in learning what jobs are common in the city, scroll down below to learn about them! 

What Are Common Jobs People Apply for in Dubai?

Aspiring workers in the city usually apply for positions in the finance, tourism, and medical industries. Common jobs include accountants, hotel staff, doctors, nurses, and office workers. 

Accountants

Accountants

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One of the common job openings in Dubai is in the finance sector. Businesses are now on the lookout for accountants, especially with the UAE requiring companies to pay corporate tax by 2023. 

Applicants who land a job in any of the companies based in the city can expect a salary of around AED 6,000 to AED 40,800. Some establishments would also provide additional cash compensation that can go as high as AED 6,000. 

Professionals are required to be qualified and licensed accountants. Expect companies to look for people who have at least 4 to 8 years of experience in the finance or accounting fields.

Office Work 

Office Work

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Dubai is home to multiple kinds of businesses. Each year, the city continuously grants registration for different kinds of the venture, as seen in the table below: 

YearBusinesses Registered in Dubai
2019151, 875
2020347, 496
2021430, 921

Data from SME 2019, Gulf Business

With such a huge number, there is certainly a demand for office workers in the city. These are individuals that are in charge of handling administrative work and other errands that are outside the scope of more technical jobs.

Aspiring workers who would like to apply for any office jobs, such as a secretary, an assistant, or a receptionist, expect to receive a salary around the range below: 

PositionEstimated Salary / Month
SecretaryAED 4,300 - AED 5,000
AssistantAED 4,000 - AED 11,000
ReceptionistAED 2,000 - AED 9,000

For all of the subset or specific office positions we’ve mentioned, companies usually look for somebody who has good administrative and customer service skills. Additionally, having a good educational background or any IT skills and certifications will boost your chances! 

Recruitment and HR

Recruitment and HR

Image credit: Alex Green 

With the constant addition of new businesses in Dubai every year, these newcomers would essentially look for employees to help grow their businesses. 

By extension, the companies would then need another set of professionals to help them find the right people for them. This is where human resources (HR) and recruitment specialists come in.

Aspiring human resources specialists who would like to work in Dubai can expect a salary range we’ve listed below, depending on the position you’d like to apply to.  

PositionEstimated Salary / Month
HR managersAED 16,000 - AED 17,000
HR business partnersAED 21,000 - AED 37,500
Talent acquisition specialistsAED 7,500 - AED 9,000

Some establishments also provide additional cash compensation for employees in their HR department. The average amount ranges from AED 2,000 to AED 10,000. 

For entry-level HR positions, companies tend to look at an applicant’s educational background, as well as make sure to have a related bachelor’s degree in HR. 

If you’re aiming for high-paying HR jobs, note that companies will scrutinize your years in the industry. Also, having a post-graduate degree is also a plus. 

Hotel and Hospitality

Hotel and Hospitality

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One of the most profitable sectors in Dubai is tourism. The city gets millions of visitors every year, even amidst the pandemic in the last couple of years. 

YearTourists in Dubai
201916.73 million
20205.51 million
20217.28 million
2022 (Jan - June)7.12 million

Data from Global Media Insight

With millions of people visiting the city all throughout the year, there is a wide market for businesses owners to cater and accommodate the oncoming flow of tourists in the city. As of 2022, the Dubai government actually states that there are over 700 hotels available in the area. 

The high number of visitors and hotels actually opens more opportunities for employees to come to the city. There is usually a big demand for hotel staff such as chefs, managers, housekeeping staff, and more. 

PositionEstimated Salary / Month
ChefsAED 5,000 - AED 15,000
Sous ChefsAED 3,000 - AED 10,500
ManagersAED 5,000 - AED 35,000
Front Desk AgentAED 2,500 - AED 24,000
Housekeeping StaffAED 1,500 - AED 30,650

In general, hotels look for an employee’s experience, especially for the housekeeping and management services. Do take note that foreign employees need to have the necessary paperwork to be admitted to the hotel. 

For food-related jobs, hotels usually seek experience and training from potential employees. Chefs are asked for their educational background and need to have at least a few years working in professional establishments. 

Doctors

Doctors

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Doctors in Dubai are very well compensated. In fact, some hospitals offer free accommodation and lodging for expats. 

The table below lists what you can expect as pay from hospitals around Dubai, depending on the medical field you choose:  

PositionEstimated Salary / Month
Advanced Nutrition AideAED 32,200
AllergistAED 42,700
Clinical PsychologistAED 71,000
General Medical PractitionerAED 45,400
Mental Health TherapistAED 38,800

Overall, we do have to note that doctors are required to be certified by the Dubai Health Authority or the Ministry of Health. Hospitals in Dubai also tend to take doctors with around 5 to 10 years of experience in their practices. 

Nurses

Nurses

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Nurses are a big part of the healthcare system. They work hand-in-hand with doctors to manage and take care of the patients in their care. 

There are many different kinds of nurses, and depending on where they usually are hired, they can receive a varying salary per month. 

The table below lists the possible income potential applicants can obtain where they will work: 

PositionEstimated Salary / Month
Private HospitalAED 4,000 - AED 8,000
Government HospitalAED 6,000 - AED 15,000
Home CareAED 5,000 - AED 9,000
Aesthetic ClinicsAED 7,000 - AED 15,000
Dental ClinicsAED 6,000 -AED 9,000

Similar to doctors, nurses who would like to work in the city are required to take an accreditation exam so they can practise in Dubai. They can choose from the Ministry of Health, the Dubai Health Authority, as well as the Dubai Healthcare City. 

If you’re interested in taking the exam, the city also hosts review or learning centers so you can be refreshed and ready for these examinations! 

Note that any of these accreditations can give you the permission to work as a nurse within any hospital or clinic in the city. 


In Conclusion 

Overall, Dubai is home to a lot of opportunities for people around the globe. There are common jobs and positions that some professionals can apply for so they can reside within the city. 

We hope that this short list provided a bit of help if you’re wondering about job opportunities in Dubai. If you’re interested in reading more, check out our other articles below:

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