Top in-Demand Occupations in the UAE

The job market in the UAE is on the lookout for skilled workers in different fields to help with its rapid economic changes and tech growth. As per the latest reports, the UAE is one of the top places in the world for job stability and attracting foreign talent.

The table below has details of the top 10 in-demand occupations in the UAE, along with the average annual salaries:

Occupation	Average annual salary
IT and Software	AED 192,000
Engineering	AED 360,000
Accounting and Finance	AED 330,000
Human Resource Management	AED 276,000
Hospitality	AED 286,200
Sales and Marketing	AED 131,520
Healthcare	AED 257,100
STEM	AED 222,000
Teaching	AED 192,000
Nursing	AED 387,998

 

Why Work in the UAE?

The UAE has a strong job market, no income tax, and a great quality of life, which makes it a popular choice for workers from all over. With fast growth in areas like healthcare, tech, and finance, the country is attracting talent from everywhere.

• Pay “ZERO” income tax on your earnings.
• Over 89% of people living there are expatriates, showing there's a big need for foreign workers.
• In 2024, $23 billion is set to be spent on infrastructure and development.
• The healthcare sector is expected to grow by 7.4% each year until 2030.
• The UAE is among the top 10 in the world for talent competition and job market efficiency.

Migrate with a UAE Work Visa

The UAE Work Visa is your ticket to starting a great career in one of the most exciting economies in the Middle East. With no income tax, top-notch infrastructure, and a mix of people from all over the world, the UAE has much to offer in fields like healthcare, IT, construction, finance, and hospitality.

If you want to work in the UAE, you will need a work visa sponsored by your employer there.

*Want to work in the UAE? Let Y-Axis assist you with the process.

 

Types of UAE work visas

The UAE provides different work visas for skilled workers, temporary employees, and specialists in various fields.

The table below has the list of the most common UAE work visas:

Work Visa Type	Who is it for?	Validity
Standard Work Visa	For employees of UAE mainland companies (sponsored by the employer).	2 years (renewable)
Free Zone Work Visa	For employees in UAE free zones (also employer-sponsored).	1–3 years (renewable)
Mission Visa	For short-term workers on temporary or project assignments.	90 days (extendable once)
Green Visa	For skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors (self-sponsored).	5 years (renewable)
Golden Visa	For highly skilled professionals, scientists, and investors (self-sponsored).	5 or 10 years (renewable)
Freelance Visa	For independent professionals in fields like media, tech, and education.	1–2 years (renewable)
Investor Visa	For those investing in or starting a business in the UAE.	2–10 years (renewable)

List of High-Demand Jobs in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates has a fast-growing job market with good pay in major fields like healthcare, IT, construction, and finance. Thanks to its strong economy and need for skilled workers, the UAE is a great place for experienced pros and newcomers looking for work. Here’s a look at some of the highest-paying and in-demand jobs in the UAE with the average annual salaries:

1. IT & Software Jobs in the UAE

There’s a strong need for software engineers, DevOps specialists, and cybersecurity experts due to digital changes.

Average Salary: AED 307,263 a year (about AED 25,605 a month) 

Salary Range: AED 215,810 for entry-level to AED 383,557 for senior roles

2. Engineering Jobs in the UAE

Civil, mechanical, and AI engineers are in high demand in construction, energy, and infrastructure projects.

Average Salary: AED 322,636 a year (around AED 26,886 a month) 

Salary Range: AED 225,947 for junior positions to AED 403,078 for seasoned professionals

3. Accounting & Finance Jobs in the UAE

Financial accountants and analysts are essential in the growing financial sector.

Average Salary for Financial Accountants: AED 121,356 a year (about AED 10,113 a month) 

Average Salary for General Accountants: AED 49,285 a year (around AED 4,107 a month)

4. Human Resources Jobs in the UAE

HR managers play a vital role in hiring, compliance, and company growth in top firms.

Average Salary: AED 296,704 a year (about AED 24,725 a month) 

Salary Range: AED 207,786 for entry-level to AED 370,679 for senior positions

5. Hospitality Jobs in the UAE

The booming tourism industry in the UAE has led to an increase in the hotel and hospitality management roles that offer solid pay and benefits.

Average Salary for Hospitality Managers: AED 129,708 a year (around AED 10,809 a month) 

Salary Range: AED 10,000–25,000 a month based on experience

6. Healthcare Jobs in the UAE

Doctors and specialist clinicians earn high salaries in this field. Although detailed data is scarce, many reports suggest salaries often exceed AED 300K a year.

Average Salary: AED 250,000/year

Salary Range: AED 150,000 to AED 500,000/year

7. Teaching Jobs in the UAE

International schools and colleges are always looking for qualified teachers, especially in STEM and English.

Average Salary: AED 180,000/year

Salary Range: AED 132,000 to AED 300,000/year

8. Nursing Jobs in the UAE

There’s a strong demand for registered nurses, especially in private and government hospitals.

Average Salary: AED 73,751 a year (about AED 6,146 a month) 

Salary Range: AED 6,000–12,500 a month (around AED 72K–150K/year)

*Want to apply for jobs in the UAE? Sign up with Y-Axis for end-to-end assistance.

 

Eligibility Criteria for a UAE work visa 

The general eligibility criteria for a UAE work visa are as follows:

• You need a job offer from a company based in the UAE.
• The employer must be allowed to sponsor work visas.
• You should be at least 18 years old.
• You should have the right educational or professional qualifications.
• You need to pass a medical test done in the UAE.
• You can’t have a criminal record or security issues.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
• You must get a work permit approved by the MOHRE

Requirements to Work in the UAE

If you are a foreign national looking to work legally in the UAE, you must have fulfill the below requirements:

• You need to have a job offer or an employment contract from an employer in the UAE.
• Your employer must be registered with the MoHRE and approved to issue work permits.
• You have to be at least 18 years old.
• Make sure you have the right educational or professional qualifications, properly attested.
• You will need to complete a medical fitness test at a UAE-approved health facility.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
• You can’t have any criminal convictions or security issues.
• Your employer needs to apply for the work permit with MoHRE and get an entry permit.
• When you arrive, you have to take care of things like medical testing, getting an Emirates ID, a labor card, and a residence visa within 60 days.

How to Apply for Jobs in the UAE?

You can follow the steps below to apply for jobs in the UAE:

Step 1:  Figure out what job you want

Decide on the industry and role that fits your skills and qualifications.

Step 2:  Get your CV and cover letter ready

Make sure your CV looks professional and highlights your relevant experience and certifications.

Step 3: Look for and apply to jobs

Check out websites like Bayt, Naukrigulf, LinkedIn, and GulfTalent to find job listings and focus on target companies that are allowed to sponsor work visas.

Step 4:  Go to interviews and get a job offer

Join online or in-person interviews set up by employers or recruiters.

Step 5: Make sure your employer can sponsor your visa

Confirm that your employer is registered with the UAE MoHRE to start your work permit process.

Step 6: Your employer handles the work permit

They will submit the application to MoHRE and get your entry work visa.

Step 7: Fly to the UAE and complete the onboarding process

After you arrive, take care of medical tests, register for your Emirates ID, and get your residence visa stamped so you can start working legally.

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis is the world's No.1 overseas Immigration consultant, providing unbiased and innovative immigration assistance for 25+ years.

Our team of experts will assist you with:

• Filling out the application form
• Assistance to migrate abroad
• Assistance to apply for a UAE work visa.
• Arranging the requirements
• Looking for jobs in the UAE? Avail Y-Axis Job Search Services to find the right one!