Want to know the toughest thing about moving to Dubai?
Surviving the first year.
Making a move abroad is hard enough, wherever you are going.
Making the move to the most competitive job market in the world is an even harder proposition - especially if you don’t have something lined up.
Dubai has a reputation for being a transient place. A HR leader I recently met described it as like ‘an airport waiting lounge’. There’s a constant rotation of people coming and going.
Your right to stay is linked to your work visa which is sponsored by a company. No work and it becomes a very tricky situation to manoeuvre.
On top of this, it’s also hyper-competitive. Dubai was recently voted the most competitive job market in the world, above New York, London, San Francisco, Singapore etc.
No one moves here with dreams or aspirations of being average - it's a place for the dreamers.
The skill gap between those who can go on to make it a reality is vast and from what I've seen, it's year one that tends to cast a deciding vote on this.
It's hard enough taking that first step to tear yourself away from family and friends to form a new life.
You've then got to contend with the realities of the move to the region like…
The Cost
Moving to Dubai and settling here is EXTREMELY expensive with no guaranteed return.
If you're lucky a company will pay for your flight + hotel for a couple of weeks.
Beyond that, you're on your own to cover deposits, (usually) quarterly rent payments, agency fees, utilities etc
There’s a huge upfront expense that goes into making the move and it will take some time to break even based on your initial outlay.
Life here isn’t cheap and that leads into the second point…
The Idea vs the Reality
The lifestyle you might see influencers enjoying or have experienced on holiday here is not going to manifest itself in year one.
The people that go down the everyday brunches and pool days are usually the ones that find themselves on the first plane home.
Your initial experience of living in Dubai will not be like a holiday. It feels like a rite of passage here to go through an awful flat share or live in a crappy apartment to get yourself off the ground.
It's Incredibly Hard Work
This is the most competitive job-market in the world by number of applicants.
The likelihood of you being seen for a role that you might be absolutely perfect for (on paper) is lesser in a market where there’s likely to also be 100’s of people who feel the same and have applied.
Companies are inundated with options for roles - both people on the ground here and also those looking to relocate.
The business reality is it costs a great deal to onboard and maintain an employee.
They're not going to mess around carrying deadwood if someone isn't pulling their weight and so you always have to be providing value and proving you’re the best person for the job.
The job market here takes no prisoners and there’s thousands of people queuing up to take a shot.
This wasn’t me doing my best attempt to put you off the move
I’ve been here over three years now and would 100% recommend the move to anyone who is looking to get out here.
I think it’s easy to find people willing to tell you how amazing things are here - there’s less about the actual realities of the move.
If you ask anyone here, I'm sure they'd say the same thing:
Moving and living abroad is one of the most rewarding things you will do - especially once you break through and get to call this place home.
It's also by far one of the hardest.
Job of the Week.
Digital Planner- UAE
We are partnered with a leading independent agency who are looking for a Digital Media Planner to join their team.
They are looking - and only able to consider- candidates who have a strong track record of working with clients in the non-profit or charity sector.
The role is based in Dubai on a hybrid model.
Please reach out to me on LinkedIn and I will be happy to chat if your profile matches the requirements.
BEFORE YOU GO: We are active across a range of socials promoting and giving a real insight into day to day life in the region. You can check us out across our channels here.
FAQ’s
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