Finding a job in the UAE
Most British people move with a job already agreed. Here is how they find one, and what pay to expect.
In 30 seconds
- Many roles are filled through contacts and recruiters, so networking matters more than in the UK
- Get your degree attested (officially certified) before you go: most work visas need it
- Pay is tax-free, but compare the whole package, not just the salary
How people land jobs
- People you know. Many roles are filled through referrals. Tell everyone you know who has already moved
- Recruiters and LinkedIn. Specialist recruiters cover most sectors. Set your LinkedIn location to Dubai or Abu Dhabi when you’re ready
- A scouting trip. A week of meetings between October and April often works better than months of applying from the UK
- Documents ready. An attested degree, references and a UAE-style CV (a photo is still common)
Typical pay
Figures are monthly, in UAE dirhams (AED 1 is about 20p), from recruiters’ salary surveys. Salaries are not taxed.
| Role | Monthly pay (AED) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Software engineer (startup) | 25,000–35,000 | Cooper Fitch 2025 |
| Product manager (startup) | 35,000–45,000 | Cooper Fitch 2025 |
| AI and machine learning roles | 25,000–75,000 | Michael Page 2026 |
| Digital marketing manager | 30,000–43,000 | Cooper Fitch 2025 |
| Project manager, construction | 22,000–39,000 | Cooper Fitch 2025 |
| Associate, regional law firm | 33,000–55,000 | Cooper Fitch 2025 |
| Classroom teacher, experienced | about 14,750, plus housing | Teacher Horizons |
| Estate agent, sales (6–18 months in) | 20,000–60,000, commission | Engel & Völkers |
Jobs with extra steps
| Job | What you need |
|---|---|
| Teachers | A UAE teaching licence, usually arranged through the school |
| Doctors and nurses | A licence from the health regulator for that emirate. Allow 2–4 months |
| Estate agents | A course, an exam and a broker card from the Dubai regulator |
| Finance roles in DIFC | Some roles need approval from the financial regulator |
| Lawyers | Usually work as legal consultants; local court work is mostly for UAE nationals |
Getting your degree attested
Attestation is a chain of official stamps that proves your certificate is genuine. In the UK: a certified copy, then the FCDO, then the UAE Embassy in London, then the UAE foreign ministry once you arrive. Allow several weeks, and do it before you fly.
What to do next
- Update your LinkedIn and tell your contacts you’re looking
- Start your degree attestation now
- Use the pay vs package calculator on any offer
Sources
- Cooper Fitch UAE Salary Guide 2025
- Michael Page UAE Salary Guide 2026
- The National: UAE salary guide 2026
- Teacher Horizons: UAE teacher pay
- Engel & Völkers: Dubai agent pay
- u.ae: residence visa for working