Looking for a job in Dubai? After a rough 2017, things are looking up. According to LinkedIn’s “Middle East and North Africa Recruiting Trends 2018” report, Dubai’s business will see new hires as a focus for 2018.

So, if you’re ready to jump into Dubai’s budding job market, where should you start? This guide will run you through the most important steps and information, including visas, sponsorship.

1. Get the right visa

If you’re planning to work in Dubai, you’ll need a work visa. The good news is, if you’re employed by a Dubai company, they’re pretty easy to obtain.

Because a work visa is required, it’s easiest to head to Dubai after you’ve been offered a position. That being said, it’s possible to enter the emirate on a visitor or tourist visa for your job search and then transfer your visa status once you’ve found employment.

2. Get your health and labor cards

While your work visa is being processed, you’ll need to submit your medical records, passport copies, photo, job offer letter and visa application to the Department of Health and Medical Services. You’ll also have to get a blood test to rule out diseases like HIV, Hepatitis C and tuberculosis. At the moment, the UAE doesn’t allow foreign carriers of those diseases to reside in the emirates. Once you pass all the tests you’ll be issued a health card, which is mandatory for foreign workers in Dubai.

3. Know your job market

While the emirate’s overall financial health becoming stable, not all job markets are ready to bounce back. That being said, there are some areas that are expecting to blossom in preparation for Dubai’s hosting duties at expo 2020.

4. Check out the big companies

There are some companies that are well known in Dubai for their rigorous hiring and excellent standing as places to work.

5. Apply online

To get a better idea of what companies are hiring in Dubai, The middle East Leading Leading Job site - Bayt.com, a favorite among Dubai job-seekers, is a good place to start.

6. Consider a recruiter

Many Dubai businesses hire through headhunters. Working with an agency is very common, and is still the best way to procure a job within the emirate.

7. Work on your CV

The single most important tool in your job search will be your CV.

8. Network

Dubai is known for hiring internally and among employee-referenced candidates. If you know someone inside the company, you’re up to 6.6% more likely to land the job. If you can’t get to Dubai for networking events, you can still network.

Be patient. It takes time to find a job anywhere in the world, but Dubai’s job market is particularly competitive. On top of the talent saturation, hiring in Dubai tends to be seasonal, meaning most recruitment takes place from January to March and almost completely stalls during the holy month of Ramadan and the hottest months of the summer. It’s not uncommon for your job search to take six months to a year-- so hang in there!

Checkout these URLs for you job searching,

Adnoc Careers UAE

Walk in interviews in dubai

Emirates Careers Dubai

Good luck!