Dubai Forums Dubai Expat Forums Working in Dubai

Hi,

I currently live in the US, though originally from Europe, and the market here is totally down...

As opposed to staying in NYC and having to go through rounds of layoffs/salary reductions, I want to move in Dubai. I am open to short term contracts/long term employment.

I am an Interior Designer and I am wondering how a US experience is perceived in the UAE.

Also, hence my title, I am concerned about the fact that I am a woman, who has no experience in the region whatsoever. Adjusting is not an issue , but what about finding a job? Would companies rather go for male employees?

Thank you

Be warned, things in the UAE are not all the rosy either!
Construction industry and any allied fields have also been affected by lay-offs and cancelled projects.

As to fitting in, don't worry 80% of the population is expatriate. If you've seen the movie "The Kingdom", well it’s nothing like that. I've heard on of the members on the forum compare Dubai to Vegas without the casinos.

Company’s who have diverse dealings through the GCC region prefer male staff especially if the work entails travel, purely for logistical and practical reasons (e.g. woman are not allowed to drive themselves in KSA). Dubai is very laid back by regional standards.

dbxsoul wrote:I've heard on of the members on the forum compare Dubai to Vegas without the casinos.

Please don't insult my home state.

Thanks db,

I heard the comparison with Vegas... Without the casinos, and more funds At least people in Dubai don't spend their time staring at machines indoor lol. I dislike Vegas, but I can get to scuba dive in Dubai, and it should be nice to see such a concentration of starchitects buildings.

As I said, I am not worried about not being able to adjust, but finding a job is my main concern...

I heard about the layoffs in Dubai, but it still hasn't gotten to the way things are in the US... Might just be a question of time...

How do you think of the way a US experience/education is perceived?
Thanks a lot

Nessie971 wrote:Thanks db,

I heard the comparison with Vegas... Without the casinos, and more funds At least people in Dubai don't spend their time staring at machines indoor lol. I dislike Vegas, but I can get to scuba dive in Dubai, and it should be nice to see such a concentration of starchitects buildings.

As I said, I am not worried about not being able to adjust, but finding a job is my main concern...

I heard about the layoffs in Dubai, but it still hasn't gotten to the way things are in the US... Might just be a question of time...

How do you think of the way a US experience/education is perceived?
Thanks a lot

This is a list that is currently being circulated in the UAE

Thanks Sage

Well, I still see postings, which believe me is refreshing compared to NYC... No ads for the past three months or so, no new projects for roughly 4... I'd still take Dubai anytime...

I wasn't asking about the general difficulty of finding a job but more about the US experience/being a woman....

Nessie971 wrote:Thanks Sage

Well, I still see postings, which believe me is refreshing compared to NYC... No ads for the past three months or so, no new projects for roughly 4... I'd still take Dubai anytime...

I wasn't asking about the general difficulty of finding a job but more about the US experience/being a woman....

Many women are working here in the Architectural field, doesn't seem to be much of a problem.

Hi There

I have the same thought as you have, but coming from Sweden.
I hear that the market is affected as well in Dubai, but I wonder if it can really be the same as in Europe and US.

Would be nice to know some other girls that will move over...not to be completely alone!

Hi Nivine,

Just saw your post...
Are you an Interior Designer as well?

be a woman be american be danish be an alien it doesnt matter in dubai. all are welcome however it will very very expensive to come here if you dont get a job and jobs are hard to find at the mo.

accom in someone's apt will cost you a minimum of $US400 a week then add $us1000 a month minimum for taxis and then food etc. It will cost you to be here in uncertain times.

Nessie971 wrote:Hi Nivine,

Just saw your post...
Are you an Interior Designer as well?

Hi Nessie

No, I am working within Finance in Sweden currently.
Its sad to hear that the economic downturn has come to Dubai too! But nevertheless, I am determined to try it still, although wanting a job before I arrive there. My other option is to take the MBA in Dubai, so I would be "covered" for a while anyway.
When are you leaving to Dubai?

Trust me if you are in the real estate / construction / architecture field there is absolutely NO WAY you can get a job in Dubai right now, or in the foreseeable future.

Most companies are still laying off staff (I heard Nakheel is discreetly letting go another 300 staff) and the better ones are freezing their recruitment program. Even if they do start hiring there are plenty of people to choose from in the market WITH middle east experience, so newbies will be placed further down the food chain.

I appreciate that the US market is horrible at the moment, but the middle eastern markets often trail the US thus things are expected to get a lot worse here.

Good luck with your decision.

Its sad to hear that the economic downturn has come to Dubai too! But nevertheless, I am determined to try it still, although wanting a job before I arrive there. My other option is to take the MBA in Dubai, so I would be "covered" for a while anyway.
When are you leaving to Dubai?

I trust you will be able to support yourself during your studies? The residency laws in the UAE do not allow for students to work while studying - they have to be full self sufficient.

That sounds strange... Learning institutions in Dubai are offering distance learning for people who are working....so this must mean that you can indeed work and at the same time study.
If you study with your own funds, you should be able to work as well. it is on your free time that you are a student, and not the funds from the government.

anyone else heard of this law?

I think as long as a company is willing to sponsor you, then you can work while studying... but the problem remains... NO jobs! This is not like the US or Europe where you can simply get a part-time job at the local cafe or restaurant... it doesn't work that way here.

Also, unless you are doing a reputable overseas MBA via correspondence in Dubai, you must stay away from the local universities here (such as the American University). The standard of learning is not quite internationally benchmarked and the recognition is almost non-existence.

Thanks Shaq for the heads up. There is one ranked MBA school in Dubai, Hult. But surely not as recognized as any other European or US MBA school.
Life sounds though in Dubai! I hope you all manage through this storm, and can return back home if needed.

Nivine79 wrote:That sounds strange... Learning institutions in Dubai are offering distance learning for people who are working....so this must mean that you can indeed work and at the same time study.
If you study with your own funds, you should be able to work as well. it is on your free time that you are a student, and not the funds from the government.

anyone else heard of this law?

Sorry, I meant full-time students; you are quiet right - distance learning courses can be under taken by persons who are already resident in the UAE. However people who move to the UAE to undertake full time studies are required to be sponsored (for temporary residency) by the institution where they will be studying and may not work on their student visas.