Getting a job in Dubai is a powerful lever for wealth growth, yet the selectivity of the local market quickly rules out international profiles who are unfamiliar with the implicit codes of recruitment. This pragmatic analysis sets out the sectors in short supply, the exact structure of salary packages and the legal requirements for work visas in order to help you find a job. securing your career transition in the Emirates. Here you'll find tried-and-tested methods for negotiating your contract and planning your relocation budget, turning your expatriation into a genuine economic success.
The Dubai job market: sectors that count and profiles in demand
Let's face it, not everyone can succeed in Dubai. Before even thinking about the steps to take, the first question is simple: is there a place for you ?
Fields that are actively recruiting
Forget the all-oil cliché. The emirate has radically pivoted towards a aggressive economic diversification. Today, tech (AI, e-commerce) and finance (FinTech, asset management) are booming, while luxury tourism remains a key driver for any job in Dubai.
Of course, real estate remains a major pillar. But construction sites are now looking for highly specialised engineers and project managers. They are specifically looking for international talent.
The opportunities are there, there's no doubt about it. But the competition is fierce, so arrive with solid expertise.
The skills that make the difference
Your French is an asset, but not a right. Mastery of professional English is strict and non-negotiable. It's the operational language in 99 % of the businesses here, full stop.
Arabic? Useful, but rarely required. Unless you are targeting government institutions or specific local customers.
- A total cultural adaptability to survive the international mix.
- Proactivity and networking, because here, your network makes your career.
- A strong focus on results, the only metric that local bosses really respect.
Preparing your job application: codes to master
Once you've identified a target, it's time to take action. And your French CV is likely to end up in the bin if you don't adapt it.
Adapting your CV and covering letter
Pragmatism reigns here: be direct. Your CV should be no longer than one or two pages. A professional photo is often expected to humanise your profile.
Avoid unnecessary technical jargon. Concentrate solely on your achievements in figures to prove your immediate value. The recruiter wants to measure the concrete impact you have had, not just read a list of tasks. Make the most of your international experience too.
For the letter, be brief and to the point. Show that you understand their current business challenges.
Where to look? The key platforms
Job hunting in Dubai is almost exclusively online these days. Going door-to-door just doesn't work in this digital ecosystem. You need to be visible and hyperactive on platforms that really matter.
Local recruitment agencies are an interesting sideline. They However, they mainly target senior or highly specialised profiles.
- LinkedIn (absolutely essential) for networking.
- Glassdoor and Indeed UAE for volume of vacancies.
- eFinancialCareers for financial profiles.
- CCI France UAE for the French-speaking network.
The sinews of war: salary, cost of living and budget
Deciphering the Dubai payslip
In Dubai, pay is divided into two parts: the basic salary and allowances for accommodation or transport. This is crucial because only «basic» is used to calculate your termination benefits.
It's true that the absence of income tax boosts your net worth, but life here is expensive. You need to calculate What budget for a good life in Dubai? to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Negotiate the overall package as a matter of urgency, not just the fixed allowance. Allowances determine your real standard of living.
Budget for setting up
Bear in mind that the cost of living is high. A safety net is essential for the first few months. It's not enough to get a job in Dubai; you must also control fixed costs on arrival.
Here is a realistic estimate for 2026. You will see that the real budget for renting in Dubai remains the heaviest item to bear.
| Item of expenditure | Monthly estimate (AED) |
|---|---|
| Rent (Studio / 1-bedroom apartment) | 5,500 - 14,000 AED |
| Transport (Car / Taxi / Metro) | 1 500 - 2 500 AED |
| Food (shopping + basic restaurant) | 900 - 1 400 AED |
| Entertainment | 1 500 - 3 000 AED |
Administrative procedures: from visa to work permit
The work visa, an essential prerequisite
Let's be clear: it is impossible to work legally without a visa. This is a golden rule here. Your employer must sponsor your status and initiate the work permit procedures.
Even if the Golden Visa for 10 years exists, the sponsored visa remains the classic standard.
To obtain new types of visa for the United Arab Emirates, Put the pieces together:
- Valid passport (min. 6 months).
- Official job offer.
- Proven diplomas (very important).
- Recent passport photos.
Your employer will then guide you.
Practical steps to take once you are on site
Once you have your initial visa, it's off to the clinic. Compulsory medical examination is top priority. If you're in good health, it's just a quick administrative formality.
The rest is pretty straightforward: taking biometric data, applying for the Emirates ID and signing the official employment contract with the Ministry (MOHRE). Your employer will take care of everything to validate your employment in Dubai. finalise the hire.
Once the residence visa has been stamped in your passport, you are officially resident.
Finding a job in Dubai can't be improvised: it's an investment that requires strategy and rigour. From adapting your profile to the administrative procedures, each stage is crucial to making your expatriation a success. While competition is real career opportunities for skilled talent remain exceptional in this dynamic ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions : Your job in the United Arab Emirates
What are the best jobs for French expatriates in Dubai?
French profiles are particularly appreciated for their level of qualification and expertise. Visit opportunities are now massively concentrated in Tech (AI, cybersecurity, data science) and Finance (asset management, fintech, compliance). The luxury goods, high-end hotel and restaurant sectors also remain a natural outlet where the «French touch» is a real added value.
Is it still easy to find a job in Dubai today?
Don't confuse economic dynamism with ease of access. While the market is booming, with many new recruits expected, the competition is international and fierce. It's no longer enough just to apply; you need to bring cutting-edge expertise, a recognised degree and a perfect command of English. Networking and proactivity are essential if you are to stand out from the crowd of candidates from all over the world.
What sectors and jobs are currently in greatest demand?
The diversification of the economy has shifted the needs towards high added-value services. Recruiters are actively looking for software developers, digital marketing experts and healthcare professionals (medical specialists). Real estate and construction continue to recruit, but are now looking more for experienced engineers and project managers to manage complex sites.
Is there a minimum wage in Dubai?
Unlike France, there is no universal minimum wage in the United Arab Emirates. However, the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHRE) has set salary thresholds for obtaining certain skills visas: for example, a minimum of AED 12,000 per month is required for qualified university graduates. In practice, your remuneration will depend exclusively on your negotiations and the scarcity of your skills.
Is it possible to work in Dubai without speaking Arabic?
Absolutely. English is the business language used in 99% of professional exchanges within the private sector. Not speaking Arabic is not a barrier to recruitment, except for certain very specific positions dealing directly with the local administration or an exclusively Emirati clientele. On the other hand, a an approximate command of English is not an option.
