Working in Abu Dhabi

Finding A Job

If you’re looking to live and work in Abu Dhabi you have three options.
  • You can search for jobs while in your home country; you’ll often be interviewed by phone or Skype, rather than here in the UAE. Once you have a job offer, your employer will start to process your residence visa. Depending on your contract, your employer may pay for your flight to Abu Dhabi (and often tickets for any family members), one month’s temporary accommodation, shipping costs, vehicle hire, and the services of a relocation company to help you find a new home.
     
  • You can arrive in Abu Dhabi on a visit visa, which means that you have 30 days (or up to 60 days if you renew it) to legally look for work and live in the country.
     
  • You may already be living and working in the UAE and looking to transfer jobs. In this instance, you will need to cancel your existing residence visa; your new employer will then sponsor you on a new residence visa.
Job Hunting
Start by registering with a recruitment agency in Abu Dhabi. The agency will then set up an interview where you are usually required to fill out a form summarising your CV; you will also need a few passport photos. The agency takes its fee from the registered company once the position has been filled. It is illegal for a recruitment company to levy fees on candidates for this service, although be warned that some might try. 

Employers also use local newspapers and headhunters (also known as executive search companies) to advertise job opportunities, as well as their own websites. It is easier to look for a job once you are in Abu Dhabi. Get your hands on the Gulf News appointments supplement, published every day except Fridays and Saturdays, or the Khaleej Times Appointments every day except Friday. The National has a careers section that is available to those who subscribe online.

Also, check listings on online versions of international newspapers as companies within the UAE often post jobs on these sites. Websites for The Guardian and The Times newspapers in the UK and The Washington Post in the US are often a good resource. You can also upload your CV to sites like monstergulf.com, naukrigulf.com, bayt.com and gulftalent.com.

Job advertisements are posted on dubizzle.com and expatwoman.com. Also try contacting companies directly and start networking, using sites such as linkedin.com.

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