How to find a job and get employed in Dubai and the UAE for Russians in 2025

The main local resource remains Bayt.com, the largest job search platform in the UAE and the Middle East, where thousands of vacancies are posted every day. But this is far from the only resource:

• International sites such as LinkedIn and Indeed are also actively used in Dubai and offer opportunities for both beginners and experienced professionals.
• GulfTalent and AngelList are popular for IT and startups
• For budget or local vacancies, use Dubizzle.
• Many recruitment agencies, such as TASC Outsourcing, Michael Page, and Robert Half, also post vacancies directly and assist with the application process.
• To search for jobs for women (but not exclusively), expactwoman.com is often used, where offers ranging from nannies to administrative positions are posted.
• For office jobs, there is efinancialcareers.com. Here you can find work in the economic sector, such as banking organizations.
• IT specialists can find vacancies on edarabia.com and naukrigulf.com
• For people working in the industrial sector, there is the website rigzone.com. The Emirates have become wealthy largely thanks to oil production, so this industry is in high demand here.
• Qualified medical professionals are always welcome in the UAE. Surgeons, doctors, and nurses can find suitable vacancies on kareplus.ae.
• Teachers are always in demand in the UAE, especially in international schools such as GEMS, where vacancies are posted on careers.gemseducation.com.
• hosco.com is a trusted resource for finding jobs in the hospitality industry: restaurants, hotels, hostels, etc.
• For those who want to work for the national airline, Emirates, there is a platform available at emiratesgroupcareers.com. You can also find vacancies in the organization's subsidiaries.
• You can also post a job ad or advertise your services in our Telegram community chat.

If you don't want to spend time looking for jobs on your own, you can contact recruitment agencies — they will find a job that matches your experience and help you with the paperwork. Well-known international companies such as Robert Half, Hays, Adecco, and Antal operate in Dubai — they are looking for specialists in finance, IT, construction, marketing, and other fields. There are also local agencies, such as Jivaro (media and digital) and ANOC. If you are looking for long-term work or a career in the corporate sector, I recommend starting with them — such agencies often have direct access to employers and the "hidden" job market.

If you are looking for an internship in Dubai, large hotel chains such as Jumeirah Group and Rotana are good options. They regularly recruit young people for internships in hotels and restaurants. Usually, the employer arranges a special visa, pays for the flight, insurance, accommodation, and meals. Plus, you will receive a small salary of around $300-500 per month. The internship lasts from three to six months, and of course, it is important to meet the requirements: know English, be under 30 years old, and have a diploma or relevant training. This is a great way to try life in the UAE and gain experience in an international company.

If you have found a suitable vacancy in the UAE and have agreed with the employer, it all starts with a formal job offer. It must comply with the standards set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and be signed by both parties. After that, the company can apply for an Entry Permit, which is an entry visa that allows you to come to the Emirates and stay here for up to 60 days while all the documents are being processed.
During this period, the employer is required to complete the process of obtaining a work visa and Emirates ID for you. The Emirates ID is a resident identity card that is valid for 1–2 years. All expenses related to the visa, medical tests, and Emirates ID are covered by the employer. Working on a tourist visa is strictly prohibited and may result in deportation.

To obtain a work permit, you will be asked to provide:

• a color photo on a white background;
• a copy of your passport, valid for at least 6 months;
• a diploma or certificate (if required for your profession);
• additional approval from the relevant authorities — if you are, for example, a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or teacher.

The employer, in turn, submits documents about the company — licenses, registration papers, an application to the MoHRE, and copies of your passport and diplomas.
After entering the country, the final stage of the process begins. The sponsoring company will arrange the following for you:

• medical tests (for HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, etc.),
• submitting biometric data for Emirates ID,
• signing the final employment contract,
• obtaining a work card (which confirms your right to work in the UAE).

This process usually takes several weeks. Once you receive your Emirates ID, you officially become a resident and can work for the company legally.

Almost the entire population of the UAE is foreign, with only about 12% coming from local Emirati families and the rest being migrants. Almost 40% are Indians, followed by Pakistanis (≈ 17%), Bangladeshis and Filipinos — about 7–9% and 6–7% respectively. Europe accounts for about 8–9%, and migrants from the CIS account for about 11%. Each large socio-cultural cluster works in its own field: Indians and Pakistanis are builders and handymen, Filipinos and Bangladeshis work in hotels, cleaning, and services, while Europeans and Americans work in international companies and the professional sphere.

The UAE economy has recovered from the pandemic and has been strengthened by major events such as Expo 2020 and government support measures. Today, salaries in the conservative middle- and high-income segments remain stable, despite inflationary challenges holding back income growth. The country's economy has long since ceased to rely solely on oil, attracting specialists and investors in construction, technology, finance, and other promising sectors.

In 2025, the average salary in the UAE will range from 13,500 to 15,700 AED (≈ 3,670–4,270 USD).

The lower salary threshold is 5,000–7,000 AED (≈ 1,360–1,900 USD) — these figures are for service and entry-level positions.
High salaries start at AED 20,000 (≈ USD 5,400) in IT, finance, and top management.
Specialists in banking, construction, and oil and gas can earn up to AED 45,000 (≈ USD 12,300) and above.

As you can see, the labor market in the UAE is quite diverse, with both entry-level positions and excellent prospects for qualified professionals. The main thing is to understand your goals, be prepared to complete the paperwork, and learn about the local system in advance.

If you are interested in moving, living, doing business, or investing in the UAE, subscribe to the Telegram channel Real Estate | Investments | Dubai. I regularly share the latest news, personal observations, and useful information there.

And, as practice shows, it is much easier for Russian-speaking tourists and expats to find answers to their questions on specialized Russian-language forums rather than on Arabic websites. One of the most popular resources is the Home In Dubai community chat, where everything is discussed, from renting accommodation to paperwork and adapting to life in the UAE. Join us if you want to chat with people who already live in the Emirates.