Abu Dhabi at a Glance

Working in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the main contributor to UAE's GDP.

Working in Abu Dhabi is many an expat’s dream. Is it yours, too? Then keep in mind that, despite the high numbers of expats working in Abu Dhabi, securing a lucrative job can be challenging. InterNations offers useful advice on working in Abu Dhabi, including the job search and working conditions.

Due to its strong economy and modern cityscape, expats often get the impression that working in Abu Dhabi is a lucrative option. However, most people overestimate how much money they can make by working in Abu Dhabi. Expats from Western countries working in Abu Dhabi often earn less than they would in their respective home countries. However, those with special skills in the technical sector or management may indeed be able to receive a generous salary when working in Abu Dhabi.

The city’s free trade zone, the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi HCSEZ, especially welcomes foreign investment and business, thus creating new jobs for expatriates working in Abu Dhabi. International companies or branch offices of foreign businesses are among the top employers for expats working in Abu Dhabi.

Working in Abu Dhabi: Economic Climate

Foreigners working in Abu Dhabi enjoy the benefits of the growing economy in the wealthiest emirate in the UAE, with a GDP of around AED 567.3 Billion in 2011. With well over 900.000 people working in Abu Dhabi, the emirate is the strongest contributor to the UAE’s total GDP.

The economy relies mostly on income from natural resources like petroleum, with the petro-chemical industry offering plenty of employment options for those working in Abu Dhabi. At the same time, the importance of newly emerging sectors such as real estate, business services, construction and tourism is increasing.

To boost the tourism sector and create new opportunities for those working in Abu Dhabi, hotels and entertainment facilities offer visitors all kinds of luxuries. A branch of France’s Louvre, a Ferrari theme park and numerous shopping malls do not only provide an additional source of income but are also major leisure-time attractions for foreigners working in Abu Dhabi.

Working in Abu Dhabi: Employment

In the past few years, many large corporations and international companies have relocated their business to Abu Dhabi. Expats with specialized knowledge and good language skills often find work with these companies.

However, thorough research is a necessary prerequisite for working in Abu Dhabi. Embassies and consulates can provide further information and advice to prepare expats for their job search abroad. As both Arabic and English are spoken in business, expats need to be fluent in at least one of these languages before they can start working in Abu Dhabi.

Working in Abu Dhabi: Looking for a Job

A good place to start is the job site of the government of Abu Dhabi, where companies can recruit employees. Expats can also make use of this resource to find open positions in the emirate and conduct a comprehensive job search.

In addition to that, different government entities advertise open positions directly on their websites. The Ministry of Presidential Affairs’ website offers an e-recruitment service (in Arabic) for submitting applications.

Expats who feel that their Arabic is not sufficient to use this system can apply the old-fashioned way and turn in their CV and application documents (passport, family book, academic end educational certificates, work experience) at the local Reception Office.

Working in Abu Dhabi: Recruitment Agencies

Private recruitment agencies in Abu Dhabi which specialize in recruiting foreign personnel are an alternative to the traditional job search. Here, applicants submit their documents via email; they will be contacted for an interview when the agency has found a suitable job opening. The recruitment agency charges companies a fee for the successful placement of a candidate. For applicants, however, the service should be free of charge.

Unfortunately, some agencies take the unprofessional route and try to make some extra cash on the back of those eager to work in the number one expatriate destination in the world. Therefore it is important to be alert if a recruitment agency tries to collect additional fees: Expats should report this agency to the labor department immediately.