Dubai, also known as the “City of Gold,” is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates and a thriving business center. To get a job in Dubai as a South African, there are some requirements to be met, and these determine the type of job you’ll be able to do.
Jobs like Customer care assistant, Web developer, and UI/UX designer don’t require any school certificate to get hired. All you need is previous work experience and a good portfolio with rich samples. There are lots of in-demand jobs in Dubai for South African citizens.
Also, there are more of which some require school certification.
Jobs In Dubai For South African Citizens
1. Financial Management and Analysis
Many of the most in-demand jobs in the UAE are in the financial sector. People will always need assistance managing their finances, so if you have extensive financial knowledge, you’ll be an asset to a variety of businesses. Job opportunities abound for those with financial management experience (both for individuals and larger businesses), ranging from financial analyst positions to investment banking careers.
2. Engineering
Do you have any engineering experience? Engineering positions are abundant throughout the UAE, and this is a high-demand field that is always on the lookout for new and talented recruits. It makes no difference whether you’re a mechanical engineer, an electrical engineer, a chemical engineer, or something in between. There’s a good chance you’ll be able to find work here if you have the necessary training and experience.
3. Customer Care
Are you good at dealing with customers, following up on leads, and building strong bonds? If that’s the case, your customer relationship management skills will be useful in the UAE. There are numerous business development-related positions available here that require extensive customer service and customer relationship management experience.
4. Teaching
In the UAE, there is always a demand for talented, experienced teachers (and throughout the world, for that matter). Teaching jobs in the UAE are plentiful, ranging from secondary school teachers to English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers. Curriculum developers, educational leaders, and/or special educators with additional experience are especially valuable. Anyone with teaching experience, on the other hand, will most likely be able to find work here.
5. Translation
Translation skills are in high demand in the UAE and throughout the Middle East. If you can translate spoken or written words, there will be plenty of opportunities for you all over the country. There are many different directions you can take your career as a translator in the UAE to rise through the ranks and earn a good living, from working with lawyers and business professionals to assisting with marketing deals and projects.
6. Website Development
Web development skills are also in high demand in the UAE at the moment. There are many job opportunities available if you are confident in your ability to design and build websites and apps. The possibilities are endless, from working as a consultant for various businesses to becoming an in-house developer for a major corporation. Responsive web design, JavaScript, and UI/UX Design are some other similar skills you might want to work on (to improve your job prospects).
7. Healthcare Assistant
Along with an increase in the demand for nurses, there has been an increase in the demand for healthcare support staff, such as healthcare assistants, in recent years. Healthcare assistants assist nurses and doctors by providing support and caring for their patients. There are many job openings in the UAE, making it a great option for those who want to work in the medical field but don’t have much experience.
8. Business Development Specialist
Many (if not all) of the businesses that operate out of the UAE could benefit from some extra help and guidance in terms of staying organized, setting key objectives, and expanding their reach. Business development experts can assist these companies in achieving their objectives and continuing to grow. Those with experience in business management will have an easier time finding work as a business development specialist, associate, manager, and so on.
9. UI/UX Designer
User interface designers, like software developers, have plenty of job opportunities in the UAE. Whether you’re a seasoned UI designer with years of experience or just starting out, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find a job that pays well and offers advancement opportunities.
10. Cybersecurity Analyst
As more companies in the UAE (and around the world) move their operations online, the demand for strong cybersecurity will grow. If you have prior experience in this field, you should have no trouble finding a company that requires your assistance in keeping their data safe.
How can a South African get a job in Dubai?
To get a job in Dubai as a South African, there are some things you need to have. This include:
1. Work Permit/Visa
You’ll need a work visa if you want to work in Dubai. The good news is that if you work for a Dubai company, they’re relatively simple to obtain. Since a work visa is required, arriving in Dubai after being offered a job is the best option. However, you can enter the emirate on a visitor or tourist visa to conduct your job search and then change your visa status once you’ve found work.
2. Medical and labor cards.
You must submit your medical records, passport copies, job offer letter, and visa application to the Department of Health and Medical Services while your work visa is being processed. A blood test will be required to rule out diseases such as Hepatitis, HIV, and tuberculosis. The UAE currently prohibits foreign carriers of those diseases from residing in the emirates. After passing all of the tests, you will be given a health card, which is required for all foreign workers in Dubai.
You’ll also need a labor card, which requires sending the Ministry of Labor your passport photo, entry visa, employment contract, and employer’s labor license.
Finally, a residence visa from Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs is required. You’ll need to go in person and fill out a form, as well as provide your passport, medical records, health certificate, original entry permit, passport photos, a copy of your labor card, and your labor card processing receipt.
How can a South African get a job in Dubai?
1. Look into the big corporations
Some companies in Dubai are well-known for their stringent hiring practices and excellent reputation as places to work. Hence, you should look more into the company by visiting their official website and social media pages to see if there is any post, notification, or report of them hiring for a new position.
2. Go online
Bayt.com, a popular site among Dubai job seekers, is a good place to start to get a better idea of what companies are hiring in Dubai.
Other good job and internship search websites include:
- dubizzle.com
- linkedin.com
- gulftalent.com
- indeed.com
- laimoon.com
- monstergulf.com
- naukrigulf.com.
3. Visit a recruitment agency
Many companies in Dubai hire headhunters. Working with an agency is common, and it is still the most effective way to find work in the emirate. The following are some of the top-rated agencies:
- Partners Jivaro (marketing & communications jobs)
- International ESP (conferences, events, hospitality)
- MCG & Associates (MCG & Associates) (PR, publishing, marketing & communications jobs)
- Murray, Robbert (development, construction, engineering & public sector jobs)
- Middle East BAC (engineering, marketing & management jobs)
Related:
- Top 11 Jobs In Canada for South African Citizens
- List of South African Recruitment Agencies for Canada
Closing
Getting a job in Dubai from Nigeria requires a high level of attention to detail and the ability to read between the lines, especially if you go through an agent. If you decide to look for a job on your own, be wary of fake recruitment agencies on the internet.