Dubai Forums Dubai Expat Forums Working in Dubai

Hi all, I am considering a move to Dubai soon but am hoping to find some info to help with my decision.

I am 34, male and from London, England. I am an experienced graphic designer/art director and have been working as a freelancer for some major clients here in the UK. There has always been the impression that the tax-free salaries in Dubai for design jobs in the media/publishing/creative agencies are really good, as good as in the UK. But I have also heard that in more recent years the influx of workers has lowered salaries and made jobs more difficult to get.

Could anyone advise on what kind of salary I could expect from a senior graphic design role in Dubai? Is it going to be possible to secure a job from here in London? I have seen a few jobs advertised, but none state a salary.

Also, would the company pay for my VISA/work permit? Are there any issues regarding obtaining a VISA to be aware of? Could a mortgage, credit cards, any bad credit etc, block things?

Any advise on offer would be great.

The highest salary I heard of in this field is 15000 DHS - I actually knew a Graphic Designer / animator in Dubai who had 15 000 DHS but it was 9 years ago.
Regarding VISA and work permit it is usually done and paid for by the company.

Andyba, thanks for your reply.

I'm not sure if 15,000DHS would be the highest. That's roughly £26,000 I believe, which is a low salary for a designer.

Hi Alisdair,

I have many friends working in this field and I am afraid that the current rate for a Graphic Designer is around AED 15k-20k per month.

The rate for an Art Director is around AED 20k-30k per month.

Good luck!

Thanks for your reply, Nikki. 20k is a reasonable tax-free salary. If you have any friends who could use a new designer then please get in touch!