123Soleil

Hello all,

Long time lurker, first time poster I I am currently living in Canada and i am thinking of moving to Dubai this time next year and wanted to have the thoughts of people living there currently. How's the economy doing? I work in HR, how's the job market? Any insight will be appreciated.

carcajou

The economy is in recession.

More to the point however it is not a PR system like in Canada. What the UAE calls a "residence visa" is actually just a term-defined work visa. You need an employment offer/contract first before you can move to Dubai.

If you have a contract you are happy with (you should be aiming for 30-40% more than you make in Canada), no issues to move there.

That salary target is harder and harder to reach, at least in my field (and several others). Don't know about HR.

reddiva

HR roles are very far and few between and most of the roles i do get are for Arabic speakers with Middle Eastern experience
You will be competing with many nationalities, at all different levels who currently reside here. I have a lot of UAE based applicants looking as they are either being made redundant or are going to be. It is a tough market to penetrate

Maxima

The "experts" beg to differ

https://www.thenational.ae/business/...s-nbd-1.738886

"Non-oil sector conditions also improved at the fastest rate in 13 months in May, with the wholesale and retail and travel and tourism sectors driving the momentum, according to the index.

“Positive sentiment towards future growth prospects reached a series-record high in May,” Emirates NBD said in a statement on Monday. “New project wins, Expo 2020 and forecasts of robust demand underpinned business confidence.”

uk_grenada

Millhouse

ENBD Shareholder list:

Dubai Government: 55.76%
Capital Assets LLC: 5.33%

DXBtoDOH

I must admit this question comes up yearly and the answer is always no and yet the place keeps getting bigger and bigger.

There are western HR managers and directors and even junior clerks. But others are right, the sector is largely dominated by Arab and Indian expats who operate mafias of their own. As with many roles in Dubai, if you keep applying and are patient, odds are something will come up. It may take a month, it may take three years.

jam25mack

We have several westerners in our HR 'team'....

HR - it must be nice to dictate your own package and perks.... ours certainly take advantage of the opportunity and lord it over the work force like they're something special.

123Soleil

Thanks for all the responses, it certainly helps. I've contacted a few recruitment agencies in Dubai but so far there's been no replies. Is this the right approach to look for jobs? i am also using LinkedIn and applying or jobs directly. I will also use LinkedIn to network and see if that works. Are there any other ways that you guys would recommend for networking?

I was always under the impression that having a western passport would help, doesnt look that easy now if im honest, but i'll keep on trying!

reddiva

Recruiters will only respond if they have a role. Linked in is a good tool, however if you see roles advertised there try and find out who is the hiring manager as thousands will respond to the ads and not all recruiters screen every candidate
Please bear in mind that it is the Summer and things will be quiet for the next few months. In my opinion holding a Western passport for HR roles is no longer an asset as there are equally qualified nationals who will take less salaries. Most of the HR Managers i work with now are not Western

Millhouse

uk_grenada

Raniyah

I must ask one question. Why are you moving here, like most of the people like me wanted to go to Canada

Anyways jokes apart, if you are planning to come here in Dubai, first find a good job. There are many job portals like dubizzle, indeed.ae, naukrigulf.com, bayt etc. Check jobs on them and start applying.

123Soleil

Fancy a change to be honest. Sick and bored of the winters here.Will look into these job boards, so far no luck in my search.

reddiva

Try Gulf Talent and linked in.