- The UAE job market is expected to grow in 2023, with a demand for finance professionals in various industries.
- However, finding a job in the UAE can be challenging for those not already in the country.
- Here’s how to increase your chances of finding your dream job in the UAE.
UAE Job Market for Finance Professionals
The job market in the United Arab Emirates is expected to grow in 2023, with companies looking to establish their presence in the country.
There are around 550,000 established businesses, with 350,000 being SMEs.
Several industries, including finance and banking, real estate, tourism, travel, manufacturing and trading, and pharmaceuticals, are projected to see an increase in hiring.
The region’s ongoing digital transformation and emphasis on data and automation also mean a growing demand for tech roles.
Finance Professionals are increasingly exploring the in-demand job roles in the UAE. But there is an obstacle; getting a job in the UAE is not easy if you are not already present in the country.
There are more job seekers in the UAE than job opportunities, especially in Dubai.
You have to take multiple aspects into consideration before relocating to a new country.
Key Steps to take before applying for Jobs in the UAE
1. Decide
- The first step is to DECIDE.
- Next, analyze and understand the pros and cons of moving to a new country and starting all over. Look for feedback from relevant/known sources.
- Research the UAE job market and understand the cultural and business norms.
2. Tailoring Your CV and Cover Letter
Focus on creating a CV that would appeal to employers in the UAE.
Contents in the CV
- Nationality & Gender
- Current location
- Visa status and Visa expiry (if Tourist Visa)
- Availability to join (if up to 1 month)
- Small passport-size photo (with formal clothes and plain background)
- Local Number
3. Develop a Good Online Presence
- Build your Linkedin profile. Make sure your profile is complete and up-to-date, including your work experience, education, and skills. Consider adding a professional headshot and a brief summary of your career goals.
- Apply to online job portals.
4. Resign in Your Home Country
- Once you have developed a good online presence and a CV, spend a month online applying for relevant jobs.
- If you cannot find a job, resign in your home country, share your ‘true reason’ for your resignation, and complete your notice period.
- Please note that a person applying from UAE has a better chance of getting recruited than someone applying from a remote location in India.
5. Networking is Key
- During your notice period or even 3 months before moving to the UAE, write to as many professionals in your field in the UAE as possible.
- Be very polite when you write, as everyone takes time out of their busy schedule for you.
- Inform them that you would like to meet when you are in UAE.
- Meanwhile, keep applying on online portals with consistency and dedication.
How to approach job search after moving to the UAE
Congratulations on your move to the UAE! Now, it’s time to embark on an exciting job search journey in your new home. These are the steps to follow:
Step 1:
- Find the right place to stay in shared or other accommodation.
- Connect with 3 to 5 people you know in advance, exchange local numbers, and share your CV.
- Take their feedback on whether the CV aligns with local market employer expectations and request them to share it with relevant people.
Step 2:
- Set a strict routine and spend 8+ hours on job portals, emails, and LinkedIn.
- Finalize good and reasonably-priced restaurants for food and arrange for in-house cooking.
Step 3:
- Apply for online jobs and visit recruitment consultant offices to drop off a physical CV.
- Get familiar with local public transportation and prepare for an interview in the UAE.
Step 4:
- Networking is an effective way to find jobs, as many positions are not listed on company websites but are shared internally or through networking.
- So, try to network with as many people as possible, drop off your resume in person, and follow up accordingly.
- “I think people really underestimate networking. Networking in this day and age is really powerful,” says Oscar Orellana Hyder – Head of Financial Services at Robert Walters Middle East.
Step 5:
- If there are no opportunities in the desired sector, appear for a few more interviews while continuing to apply for jobs online.
- Appear for all interviews with full dedication without saying no to any role or opportunity.
- Follow up on interview results and appear for any further rounds.
Step 6:
- If you get an offer letter, share it with your friends, relatives, or experienced people in the local market.
- Since you are in a completely new country, this extra precautionary step can help you to understand the terms of employment and local laws.
- Sign the offer letter if you are confident about the role and the company, and agree to the date of joining. It might take up to 3-5 weeks to find an opportunity.
Practical Steps to follow for Job Search in the UAE
When you arrive in the UAE, make job searching a full-time activity for at least 8 hours a day.
Consider connecting directly with HR and senior management to schedule interviews. In addition to direct connections, there are well-known job portals like:
- Bayut
- Indeed
- Naukri Gulf
- BAC Middle East
- Dubizzle
- Michael Page
- Career Jet
- Gulf Talent
- E financial careers
- Hays
- ESP International
- Dubai Task
- UAE Advise
If your time is limited, mass mailing to multiple recruiters can help get more job offers. But it’s important to track and follow up on the emails sent.
Other pointers to keep in mind before moving to the UAE
Timing
- It’s important to note that in the month of Ramadan, there is usually less hiring and work hours may be reduced.
- The months of May to September also see a dip in hiring due to the peak of summer and many people going on vacations.
- The best time to apply for jobs thus would be from September to April when the climate is more pleasant, making job search easier.
Ideal Visa for Job Search
- To search for jobs in the UAE, it’s advisable to apply for a which costs approximately ₹15,000- ₹18,000.
- It’s important to enter the UAE within 60 days of visa issuance and to have a return ticket.
- Some well-known Visa services are available through agencies like VFS, BLS, and Musafir.com.
Cost of Living:
- It’s recommended that you have 3 months worth of savings to cover the cost of living in the UAE.
- This could be ₹2 -3 lakhs (approx. AED 14,000).
Degree Attestation:
- Obtaining an employment visa in the UAE requires degree certificate attestation, which typically incurs a cost of around ₹6,000. It is highly recommended to prioritize attesting your highest degree certificate for smooth visa processing.
- Degree attestation can be done through agencies like BLS, VFS, or at UAE consulates in India.
- It is recommended to use agency services for the earliest and easiest attestation process.
Closing…
Securing a finance job in the UAE requires a strategic approach and perseverance, as the competition is fierce.
Finance professionals can prepare effectively, network, and utilize various job search channels to capitalize on growth opportunities.
Follow the guidelines and insights provided in this article, and you’ll be equipped to navigate the UAE job market and achieve your career aspirations in the finance sector.
