IT Jobs in Dubai

Dubai is one of the fastest-growing and most desirable tourist and business destinations in the world. There are a variety of IT jobs in Dubai and with a fast-growing economy, outstanding employment prospects and an unrivalled quality of life, it is no surprise that the city attracts thousands of IT professionals from around the world.

Dubai has become an employment hotspot for both those seeking employment and for international companies looking to relocate or establish local operations. One of the most attractive aspects of working in Dubai is the fact that there are no personal taxes levied against your income from employment. This means that if you work in Dubai you will enjoy and benefit from your entire salary.

For those seeking a high quality of life and sunshine all year round, Dubai is a great place to live and work. There are plenty of Dubai jobs for both contractors and permanent staff. Like the UK there is a high work ethic and high expectations so working in Dubai is not a holiday!

What are the working practices in Dubai?

The standard working day is eight hours, five days a week. Unlike the UK Friday is usually the day of rest and Saturday is the second day off.

The dress code for business is similar to that in the UK and Europe. Despite the heat men are expected to wear suits with a shirt and tie and women are expected to wear formal office attire.

How to apply for jobs in Dubai?

When searching for a career in Dubai, it is always advised to secure a position before taking the flight.

Employers in Dubai expect high-levels of formal qualifications and substantial work experience from candidates. As such, CV’s and cover letters need to be tailored to the specific job, emphasize relevant skills and experience and include any Middle Eastern work-based experience or language abilities.

Initial interviews are often carried out either on the telephone or via video conference calls. Occasionally candidates are invited out to Dubai for interviews or if the company has international offices they may come to you.

Initial interviews are often brief and informal. Similar to the UK, there are selection processes and so more then one interview is common.

What is it like living in Dubai?

Dubai has a very hot climate and the heat can be quite intense especially in the summer! The cost of buying or renting a property, buying food, electronic goods or clothing is all comparable in terms of price and choice. One of the few extra costs you will incur by living in Dubai may be for air-conditioning which is an absolute must-have.

For more information, you can find our guide on living in Dubai here. 

Here are some tips for those considering a move to Dubai:

• Get the necessary documents – This will include a residency visa and a driving licence if you intend to live there for a long time.
• Get to know the customs/traditions/culture of the place and respect it.
• Understand the laws – You should take some time to get some knowledge on the laws so you can avoid getting in trouble. For example, drinking or being drunk in public is illegal.
• Cost of living is expensive - It can be extremely expensive compared to some European cities, therefore consider this before taking jobs with ‘higher’ salaries.
• Get to know the Dubai expat community – You can do this initially by joining forums dedicated to expats in Dubai.
• Learn some of the language – Although English is widely spoken, learning some of the language will only make it easier for you.
• Prepare for the heat – As mentioned before it can become incredibly hot, the average temperature in the summer can reach 40 ^oC.
• Brunch is a must – Brunch has become popular in European cities, however, it’s become the place to socialise in Dubai.
• Traffic is unavoidable – The metro system in Dubai is limited to only two lines, therefore most people travel in their own cars, causing lots of traffic. This won’t differ from most densely populated cities.

How to find an IT job in Dubai?

There are all types of Jobs in Dubai in the IT sector requiring professional skills. The jobs include the expected developer and programmer roles including SAP, Oracle, Java, C++ etc.

Some of the IT companies that have offices in Dubai include Logica CMG, KPMG, Oracle, Sun Microsystems, Microsoft and Intel Corporation.