Five Truths About Finding a Job in Dubai (That No One Tells You)
Dubai has long been a magnet for ambitious professionals … a city of opportunity, energy, and big dreams. But too often, those dreams collide with reality when job seekers arrive unprepared, underfunded, and misinformed.
Over recent weeks, I’ve been sharing some home truths across LinkedIn & Facebook, insights shaped by two decades in the UAE and countless conversations with professionals who’ve made the move successfully.
Here are the five key lessons every job seeker should understand before beginning their Dubai journey.
1. “Finding a job in Dubai is not difficult.”
Let’s be honest, it’s not easy either. Yes, people secure roles every day, but behind every success story is a combination of preparation, persistence, and patience.
The ones who struggle are often those who underestimate the competition, overestimate the timeline, or rely too heavily on luck.
Treat your job search as a structured project. Research your market, know your value, and build a realistic timeline.
2. Your Dubai job search is not a holiday - it’s a project.
A move to Dubai is exciting, but the job hunt isn’t a vacation. Too many arrive with a few weeks’ savings and a handful of CVs, hoping for quick results. In reality, most successful job searches take three months or more… much more.
Build a clear plan, set a monthly budget, and commit to staying long enough to make real progress.
3. You won’t land a Dubai job from your sofa in the UK.
While remote hiring does happen, it’s rare. Employers want to meet candidates in person, see commitment, and know you’re available to start.
Sitting 3,000 miles away, waiting for a call, simply doesn’t compete with someone already on the ground.
If you’re serious, get serious. Plan a trip, make contacts, and show up ready.
4. If your CV hasn’t been adapted for Dubai, don’t expect Dubai to adapt to you.
A UK CV doesn’t always translate well in the UAE market. Recruiters and hiring managers look for clear, concise, accomplishment-focused profiles that reflect the region’s fast-paced business environment.
Tailor your CV to the local market. Focus on results, relevance, and readability.
5. Dubai isn’t a job board … it’s a network.
The hidden job market in Dubai is alive and well. Many roles are filled through referrals, introductions, or visibility in the right circles.
Building a network, online and in person, is not optional … it’s essential.
Combine job applications with meaningful networking. Every conversation could be a door.
What to Avoid on Your Job-Seeking Journey
For every genuine opportunity in Dubai, there’s unfortunately a fair share of misleading advice and opportunists looking to profit from hopeful job seekers.
Here are a few red flags to watch for:
Self-proclaimed “Dubai Job Experts”
Be cautious of anyone promising quick results or guaranteed job offers. The Dubai market is competitive … no one can guarantee you a job. Focus on learning from credible professionals with real UAE experience.
Recruiters asking for payment
Legitimate recruiters in the UAE never charge candidates. Recruitment fees are paid by employers, not job seekers. If you’re asked for money to “secure an interview” or “activate your profile,” walk away.
Exaggerated success stories
Social media is full of “I landed my dream job in 2 weeks!” posts. While it happens, it’s the exception, not the rule. Build your expectations on reality, not hype.
Copy-paste CV templates and “ATS score” gimmicks
A high ATS score means nothing if your CV doesn’t connect with a real hiring manager. Focus on clarity, relevance, and value.
Your job search is a project, not a lottery. Stay grounded, verify everything, and invest your time and money in preparation, not promises.
Final Thoughts
Each of these truths comes from experience, both mine and that of thousands of job seekers I’ve worked with. The Dubai job market rewards those who are well-prepared, persistent, and present.
If you’re ready to move from reading to action, join me at Dubai Discovery: Work in Dubai, on 11th November in Birmingham, where we’ll go deeper into each of these topics, and help you build a practical plan for your own Dubai journey.
