Here’s one fact every foreigner looking for a job in Dubai should know: The city experiences some of the world’s highest and lowest working periods. This is why knowing the best time to search for a job in Dubai is crucial.
I’m here to help you plan your job hunt in Dubai. I’ll tell you when the best time to apply is, the worst time to apply, and things to consider when applying. Are you ready? Let’s dive in!
When Is the Best Time to Apply for a Job in Dubai?
The best time to search for a job in Dubai is in January and February. And here’s why…
New year, new job opportunities.
When the new year approaches, companies set new goals and new hiring budgets, which leads to new job opportunities in Dubai. What’s more, hiring managers are refreshed and ready to go in full force to fill up the vacancy slots. You should take advantage of that while it’s still fresh.
Read More: Is It Easy to Find a Job in UAE?
Out with the old, in with the new.
Another reason why the beginning of the year is best for job seekers is that very few people stay in Dubai for long. Workers usually leave during the holiday season (December) to return to their home countries. Because of that, there are many open job slots for new employees when the months of January and February come around.
Sunshine smiles, weather sings.
While you’re at it, it’s best to visit Dubai during the months of great weather. OK, this doesn’t have anything to do with peak recruitment time or any of that. It’s just that the weather is great in Jan-Feb. You don’t need to worry about overheating.
Read More: When Is the Best Time to Look for a Job in Australia?
Other ‘Good’ Months for Your Job Search in Dubai
What if you miss the start of the year job opportunities? Don’t sweat it. March to April and September to November are also good months to apply for jobs in Dubai.
During March, April, and May, Dubai recruitment agencies are looking to fill the remaining vacancies before summer comes around. Plus, since it isn’t peak recruitment season anymore, it won’t be a very competitive job market. In turn, it will be easier to grab the attention of a recruiter.
September, October, and November are considered the “shoulder seasons”. These are between the slow months and the peak months (excluding December). As the slow months come to an end, hiring managers pick up their work again. It’s also a good time as you’re one step ahead of the others waiting for the peak months.
These months are also the best time to search for a job in Dubai for freshers. If you’re from the USA, you graduated in May, spent a lovely summer with family and friends, and, by September, are ready to start looking for a job.
Read More: How to Get a Job in Dubai From USA – Your Ultimate Guide
The Worst Time for Your Dubai Job Search
We looked at the best months (Jan-Feb) and OK months (Mar-Apr or Sep-Nov) to get noticed in the job market in Dubai. Now, let’s move on to the worst months…
The worst time to apply for jobs in Dubai is June, July, and August. This is because most people escape the ever-increasing temperatures. Trust me, Dubai is like a dead town during these months.
Joel Mason, a Recruitment Director, warns us all.
“I would strongly advise against traveling to Dubai to look for a job during the summer months of June, July, and August. The temperatures make it extremely uncomfortable and difficult to get around, in fact, it will probably put you off moving to Dubai at all! You will find the city very quiet and people will be slow to meet with you and may not respond to you at all.”
That leads us to the last month – December. I wouldn’t say it’s part of the “worst times to apply” but it isn’t too good either. Since the end of the year is also the end of the fiscal year, many companies are preparing to release their financial reports. At this time, a lot of companies hold the hiring process for the time being. But hey, there’s always a job slot you can find.
Read More: When Is the Best Time to Look for a Job in Singapore?
Don’t forget to consider Ramadan.
Dubai celebrates the holy month of Ramadan. During this time, lots of events pop up, people take days off, and the working hours are limited. Most likely, there’s going to be a very slow (if any at all) hiring activity. If you don’t want to waste your time sending application after application, avoid this period.
But when is Ramadan? Well, Ramadan dates move each year. In 2023, it started on March 22 and ended on April 20. For 2024, the dates will be March 9 to April 8. So it’s best to research the specific dates for the specific year you’re applying.
Read More: When Is the Best Time to Look for a Job in UK?
Other Ways to Get Noticed During Your Job Search in Dubai
Yes, applying for a job at the right time in Dubai is important. But that’s not the only way to get noticed by a recruiter. To help you quicken the process, you’ll also need to consider these factors:
Start networking and connecting.
To some degree, connections are more important than credentials. This is because if you’re referred, hiring managers are more likely to take an interest in you. So even during the “bad months in Dubai” it’s a good idea to prepare by building your network and connections. A great way to do that is to reach out to Dubai employers and employees on LinkedIn or family and friends that you know in Dubai.
Read More: How to Build Strategic Relationships Like a Pro.
Improve your skills.
Want to stand out in a competitive job market? Be the best at what you’re good at. To add to that, make sure to gain as many skills as possible. The more skills you have, the more valuable you become to recruitment teams. Also, you’ll be able to fill as many roles as possible.
From a study by TestGorilla, 76% of employers use some skills-based hiring to find new talent, with almost 55% using role-specific skills tests. So you can see why improving and gaining skills is SUPER important.
Read More: Easy Hacks to Sharpen Your Skills.
Work on your visa.
If you’re a foreigner, it’s a good idea to work on your visa as early as now. The great news is that visa requirements in the UAE aren’t difficult. Just make sure you research the right one to get. Or, you can choose to go to Dubai on a visit visa and switch to an employment visa while you’re there.
Customize your resume and cover letter.
Job-hunting takes time. Part of that time should be crafting a well-written resume, CV, and cover letter to the specific companies you’re applying in. If you submit a generic and vague application, recruiters are most likely going to ignore it. So the time it takes to customize your application is time well spent.
Read More: Can You Put Future Things in Your Resume?
Check out job search websites.
You don’t actually have to be in Dubai to find a job there. You can make good use of job search websites in Dubai, such as:
Final Words
The best time to search for a job in Dubai is in January and February. This is when the job market is very active. Other good months to apply are in March, April, May, September, October, and November. Try to avoid applying in the slow months of June, July, August, and December – as well as whatever dates Ramadan falls on.
If you apply at the right time, and follow the other tips for getting notice, you’ll be able to land your dream job sooner rather than later. Good luck!
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