MCA27

A fair few of us on this board are actively seeking employment within Dubai (me included).

Therefore I thought it would be interesting if some of those who were successful in obtaining employment, maybe share their experience/stories.

The stories that I would like to hear about are from expats who were actively seeking a job in Dubai - not those transferred by an employer.

- For example, maybe some of you left your home (in Europe/US) and moved to Dubai in the hope that your chances of gaining employment would be better if you were local.......maybe some of you were successful, maybe others are still waiting

- Or, maybe some of you applied from your home country and were successfully placed by a local recruitment company......

The aim is to give those of us seeking a new life in Dubai an insight as to whether we should take the plunge and head for the desert, or be patient and hope that one of these recruitment companies phones with our perfect job

Martin

Autonomy

Well - I hope to be able to add to this thread for you very soon. Today I've packed up the last of my belongings into storage, packed our 2 suitcases, closing my UK business tomorrow....

and on Oct 18th we land in Dubai to seek work. We've got about 3 months budget, a laptop, a couple of mobile phones and a list of contacts we've researched. Gulf News and Kalheej Times will become our friends.

No job offers yet. No firm interviews. I guess I'll be a perfect case study for you!

By the way - It's pouring with rain in London today. What's the weather like in Dubai

TA5

sunny and hot, well, hot compared to there, not really too hot for here

MCA27

Autonomy

this is exactly the kind of thing I wanted to here about (and others too hopefully).

I wish you the very best of luck in your search. What kind of a position are you looking for (eg IT?) and I guess you were actively looking from the UK, but came to the conclusion that you would be better off in Dubai itself?

(I am not in Dubai at the moment - as I am based in Germany.....but the weather will be great!!!)

Face81

Its not that bad! We had a completely overcast day yesterday thanks to the remains of that cyclone that disintegrated off the omani coast. Yeah it is sunny, but temps are easing back. 35 Degrees today.....and should be alot better by the middle of next month.

Roll on winter!!!!

-Face81

Autonomy

My wife and I work in the music business. My wife is in the PR side of things so her skills are transferable to other areas, such as hotels etc. I'm more "behind the scenes" in the music business, setting up deals etc. The music business in Dubai is very small - I've made contacts with a lot of people there, however jobs rarely come up. So I'll be looking to move into other areas... marketing, advertising, event management, etc.

We went out at the start of August for a week and had meetings with various potential employers, recruitment companies etc.

We came to the firm conclusion that we could possibly find a job in Dubai from the UK, however it would take a very long time. If we are there and our full time job to start with is finding a job we'd have a higher chance of success.

Face81

I havent plunged into Dubai so to speak, but I know those who have. It really depends on you, the recruitment agency thats handling your case and the type of job that u r seeking.

Having said that, if u came out here,in search of employment, it may or may not be a good thing. Its all down to u I guess - how commited and determined u r to see urself settle down in this desert city.

Be confident and pushy! That usually helps things to get done around here!
Just felt like offering my 2 pence....

-Face81

MCA27

I have certainly seen job ads which are PR related and event management, so fingers crossed for you. I guess once you are there, it shows a greater committment and therefore employers may be more willing to take you on.......

Martin

Face81

Hello Autonomy! Well done in deciding to give Dubai a shot. Its a tough descision, but I am sure the two of u will be successful in your quest to conquer the desert! You seem very determined and thats always a good sign.

The music industry here is nowhere near as big as it is in the UK, but you might do well to get in touch with The Talent Brokers. Its a music company here in Dubai, owned and run by Richard Corum. They handle ALL international acts that include Dubai on their international tour lists. They are very famous in Dubai and often get even the most populat stars to come to Dubai. I am sure u are familiar with the sort of thing they do: stage assembly, music, lighting, backup singers, itinerary for the visiting celebs and so on......it might be up your street.

As for radio stations, there are a fair few that u might be interested in getting in touch with: FM 92 (92.0 FM), Channel 4 FM (104.8 FM), Dubai Eye (103.8 FM), Emirates Radio 1 (99.3 FM) and Emirates Radio 2 (90.5 FM) - All english radio stations. One of the main radio networks is The Arabian Radio Network.

I hope this helps you out. When in Dubai, if u ever need any help of any kind, just drop me a PM and I will be happy to offer any assistance u may need.

-Face81

joseph.creative

drop me PM's and emils guys.

I have just done the job thing. Maybe it would be an idea for us all to talk in the city. u have to be here to do the deals... all moves too fast here in business.

I am back out in 3 weeks. having sorted a good job out.

Joelb

Face81

Congrats to Joe from all of us here on Britishexpats.com

Well done.......with all the hard work u put in, u deserve a good job in Dubai!

Three cheers for Joe............

-Face81(with less than 24 hrs to go!!!!)

MCA27

Excellent news, well done!!

Bob

Nice one mate
Have to let us all hear about in on the CTC thread

joseph.creative

just got back.. knackered but will do a full review!!!

cheers

Joelb