How to Search for a Job in Dubai: Tips, Websites, and Our Real Experience

Are you looking for a job in Dubai? First of all, good luck and I hope you find what you are looking for. In this post I will share both our personal experiences and some tips from research to help you understand how job hunting works here.

Why Having a Job is Essential in Dubai

This is one of the most important parts of coming to Dubai. Without a job, everything is hard. This city is built around jobs, and even your ID here mentions your occupation. So having a job is a big deal if you want to get residency and settle in comfortably.

Most jobs in Dubai also provide a work visa and health insurance, and the majority of positions are on-site, so being physically present at your workplace is usually required.

My Experience vs Ulaş’s Job Hunt

I was transferred here from my company in Turkey to their Dubai office, so I don’t have the same job hunting experience. But I can definitely speak about Ulaş’s experience looking for work here. Finding even an interview can take a lot of effort and patience.

If you work in sales, there are many job openings. For other departments, it can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming.

Most Used Job Portals and Platforms

• LinkedIn – essential, almost all recruiters check here first
• GulfTalent
• NaukriGulf
• Indeed UAE
• Company career pages and recruitment agencies

How Should Your CV Look?

• Maximum 1–2 pages.
• Clean, simple, and easy to read.
• Adding a photo can be good, all resumes I’ve seen so far has a picture.
• Highlight your experience with keywords from the job description.
• Your LinkedIn profile really matters. All HR managers check it before scheduling interviews, so keep it updated.

After speaking with a lot of people here, I heard aiming for at least 20 applications a day is the key but it definitely requires a lot of patience.

When Is the Best Time to Look for Jobs?

• January to March – new budgets open, most active hiring period.
• September to November – post-summer hiring picks up again.
• Slow periods: Summer and Ramadan.

Tips from Our Experience

• Don’t hesitate to message recruiters directly on LinkedIn.
• Always follow up after applying.
• Be prepared! Job hunting in Dubai can take months. For example, Ulaş has been searching since February and has had only 3–4 interviews so far.

If you’re a recruiter, don’t hesitate to contact us. Ulaş is a skilled Software Engineer with Python experience and ready for new opportunities.