If you are wondering how to find a job in Abu Dhabi, we have good news. The job market is well-structured, has plenty of opportunities and is welcoming towards people from all over the world. This guide will help you with all the essentials on how to find a job in Abu Dhabi and settle in the new city.
Which visas can help foreigners find a job and start work in Abu Dhabi?
Foreigners looking to work in Abu Dhabi can take advantage of the UAE Jobseeker visit visa, which allows individuals to stay in the country for 60, 90, or 120 days while searching for employment. This visa does not require a local sponsor, making it an accessible option for job hunters.
In addition, during your stay, you can apply for roles through official job portals such as the Federal Government Job Portal and the Abu Dhabi Government Job Portal. Registration on these platforms is free, and if you secure employment through them, there are no commissions or intermediary fees involved.
After Being Hired
Once you are hired, your employer becomes your sponsor, handling your entry permit and residence visa through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). You’ll also complete biometric registration for your Emirates ID.
Employment in Abu Dhabi is governed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Work models recognised by MOHRE include full-time, part-time, flexible, temporary, job-sharing, and remote arrangements. Moreover, eligible workers may even hold two jobs simultaneously, provided they have the correct permits.
If your job is based in a free zone, visa and employment procedures will follow that zone’s specific regulations, and sponsorship will be managed by its dedicated authority.
Where should you look for authentic vacancies?
To ensure that the job vacancies are not fake, the best way is to apply for them through official portals. The federal government has its own iRecruitment system, which can be used to scout and apply for jobs. You can also find job vacancies listed on the official website of the Abu Dhabi government.
For a wider search, you can also pick trustworthy platforms that are listed on the UAE government portal. Some of these include Bayt, NaukriGulf, FoundItGulf, Gulf News Careers, and Laimoon.
In addition, you can also go with large companies in Abu Dhabi and apply on their portal. Companies such as Etihad Airways and Mubadala publish vacancies on their official sites. Keep an eye out for these as well.
If you wish to get a job in the professional services or finance sector, you must keep track of ADGM and its community pages.
Do job fairs help in finding a job in Abu Dhabi?
The job fairs are another structured way of finding the correct roles for people wishing to move to Abu Dhabi and find work. The LINK Networking series by ADGM also hosts meetups that are strictly by invite-only meetups for professionals.
Not just that, the Abu Dhabi Chamber, where you can meet prospective employers, also organises business workshops and networking events.
Career fairs are also organised at ADNEC, which include events such as Tawdheef x Zaheb. Though these events are for Emirati hiring, they also give access to employers to hire expats.
How to prepare documents and licenses?
Most employers want to see a concise CV and authentic evidence of qualifications. In case you are applying for a regulated role, a certificate of equivalency from the Ministry of Education could be asked for.
For a role in the healthcare department, a licence needs to be obtained from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. In case of teaching roles, ADEK and MOE procedures need to be followed. Additionally, specific requirements for different professions are listed on the work permit page of MOHRE.
When applying for a job, make sure you have the originals and the attested copies of your documents ready with you. If required, provide your professional license numbers and equivalency certificate.
What is the hiring process for a job in Abu Dhabi?
Before you get the permit application, you will be given an MOHRE job offer form to fill out. It needs to be signed by both parties.
The employer then applies for your entry permit, and you must complete your medical fitness test along with biometrics for the Emirates ID. The visa screening in Abu Dhabi is done through SEHA or the Department of Health centres.
At the final steps, your Emirates ID is issued by ICP, which can then be used for banking, housing, and other services.
How to avoid fake recruitment opportunities?
The most important thing to consider while seeking a job in Abu Dhabi is not to pay anyone who is offering you an opportunity. The UAE has declared the recruitment fee illegal. If you wish to go through an intermediary, use licensed agencies and official channels only.
If you have used a recruitment office, make sure you verify their license or check their name on the MOHRE list.
Employers cannot keep your passport as the government bans such practices, and it is confirmed on the portal.
What is the best place to live when searching for a job?
The best place to live while searching for a job in Abu Dhabi is the one that saves you money and time on commute, and allows you to network as much as possible. You can use Data Guru to check the best business hubs of Abu Dhabi and locate the best communities to live near them. Using this tool, you will be able to compare prices, get insights into the lifestyle, and typical home sizes in the area.
Additionally, if you are looking for a job or have interviews lined up in Al Mayrah Island or Al Reem Island, check recent rents and trends in the area using Data Guru.
You can also use the SuperAgent feature of Property Finder to get quick access to licensed agents who will provide in-depth details of any community or property that you wish to know more about.
Which sectors hire expats actively in Abu Dhabi?
There are several sectors, such as finance, aviation, tech, and healthcare, that actively hire expats.
In the energy sector, ADNOC hires foreigners in operations, engineering and finance departments.
Vacancies for corporate roles, cabin, ground and flight jobs are offered by Etihad.
Companies in ADGM have vacancies throughout the year.
Roles are offered across the portfolio of Mubadala for people looking for jobs in the government investment sector.
Healthcare employers are also open to hiring non-nationals with a valid license from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
Key takeaways
The structured job market of Abu Dhabi is good news for anyone wondering how to find a job in Abu Dhabi. If you are a job seeker, you can get a visa to enter the country and then start looking for a job. If you have already landed a job, your employer will sponsor your entry permit.
Go to official portals and look for vacancies to avoid fake listings or paying any intermediaries.
If you are applying for a regulated role, make sure that you have all the necessary licenses in place. The employer can ask local license and a certificate of equivalency, so start with the documentation process early.
Do not miss out on fairs, meetups, and networking events, which give visibility to employers. Besides, you should also combine your job search with your housing plan with Data Guru. This will help you keep a check on your housing budgets and income needs.
