How I Survived the Challenges of Job Hunting in the UAE?

Job hunting in the UAE? It’s no walk in the park. Whether you’re fresh out of university, a seasoned professional, or an expat chasing a dream job, the journey can be exhausting and full of unexpected twists.

After talking to job seekers, diving into personal experiences, and hearing from professionals, I’ve rounded up some of the biggest challenges people face when job hunting in the UAE.

1. The Endless Flood of Applications

Ever feel like you’re throwing your CV into a black hole? You’re not alone. A single job post here can get hundreds—even thousands—of applications.

You can see the “Applicants” figures on Linkedin and some job sites.

The problem? Many CVs don’t even match the job! Imagine engineers applying for marketing roles or fresh grads vying for senior positions. No wonder recruiters get overwhelmed. And with those automated systems (ATS) doing the first round of CV filtering, even the most qualified candidates sometimes don’t make the cut.

Why networking matters:
Here’s the truth—referrals are golden. Not only here but all over the world, however, they become very very and one more time, VERY important here! When there are too many applications, recruiters often lean on recommendations. That’s why building a network isn’t just helpful—it’s crucial.

2. Ghosting and Radio Silence

You know the drill. You apply for a job, maybe even attend an interview, and then… crickets.

Ghosting is one of the most common complaints among UAE job seekers. It’s frustrating when companies don’t follow up, especially after you’ve invested time and effort.

And don’t even get me started on the short-notice interview calls. Imagine getting a call saying, “Can you be here in an hour or tomorrow?”

Personal stories:
One candidate shared, “I got called for an interview on the same day. I went, waited, and then… nothing. Never heard back.”

Another? They were invited for an interview on a date that didn’t even exist. Yup, a complete no-show by the company.

It’s disheartening, to say the least.

3. Low Salaries That Don’t Match the Market

Here’s a hard truth: many employers in the UAE offer shockingly low salaries, especially for expats from South Asia. Some pay barely enough to cover basic living expenses.

I was offered 2500 AED for a Digital Marketing position, imagine a taxi driver here earns from 3000 – 4000+ Dhs a month.

Why this happens:
With such a competitive job market, some people (mostly us Asians, Please stop it!) accept these low offers just to stay afloat. Unfortunately, this creates a ripple effect. Once a role is undervalued, it sets a precedent, making it tougher for others to negotiate fair pay.

4. The “Wasta” Culture (It’s All About Who You Know)

Ah, wasta—the infamous system of connections and referrals. In the UAE, many jobs are filled internally or through personal networks before they’re ever advertised.

This can feel like a dead end if you’re new in town or don’t have a strong network. But all is not lost!

And Sorry for not explaining, It’s sometimes jokingly referred to as “vitamin W”, wasta comes from an Arabic root conveying the idea of the middle (وسط in Arabic). As a noun, it refers to intermediaries and loosely translates as “connections,” “clout” or “influence.”

How to navigate wasta:
Start building connections. Attend events, get active on LinkedIn, and engage meaningfully before asking for referrals. Alumni groups and thoughtful LinkedIn messages can sometimes open surprising doors. However, I haven’t had success with this on Linkedin yet.

5. Fake Job Postings and Sketchy Practices

This one is a real kicker. Some companies post jobs that don’t even exist—either to test the market or meet HR requirements.

Worse, some lure you in under false pretences. You might apply for a finance role only to be pushed into real estate sales without a base salary.

Once, I applied to a company in Dubai that seemed like a dream fit. They had this super polished online presence with stunning pictures of their tourism services—exactly the kind of vibe I was looking to be part of. It was an established company, or so I thought, and I couldn’t wait to join their team.

The next day, I had an online interview with them, and honestly, I was pretty pumped. But as the conversation started, everything felt… off. The way they described their operations didn’t quite match the polished image they portrayed online.

Turns out, they weren’t some well-established company after all—they were just pretending! Excuse me, what?!

SOMEDAY. Like, seriously, why the heck would you go through all that effort to personify a thriving business when you’re not even set up yet?

6. Discrimination and Bias

It’s an uncomfortable truth, but discrimination still exists. Whether it’s nationality, gender, or age, some employers have biases that block otherwise qualified candidates.

Fresh grads often find themselves stuck in a frustrating cycle: no experience, no job; no job, no experience. And it’s a very tough challenge to survive.

7. Overloaded Recruiters and Clunky Processes

Sometimes, the biggest hurdle isn’t the competition—it’s the recruiters themselves.

Many candidates shared stories of dealing with recruiters who didn’t fully understand the roles they were hiring for. Combine that with automated systems and mismanagement, and it’s easy to see why some CVs never get a fair shot.

One job seeker vented, “The hardest part isn’t getting the job; it’s getting past clueless recruiters to someone who actually knows the role.”

Oftentimes, they’re not actually looking to hire an individual for the role described—they need a full-service agency literally.

8. Time-Consuming Hiring Processes

The hiring process in the UAE can feel like a marathon.

Think long waiting times, group interviews that feel like cattle calls, or assessments you never hear back about. Some companies even ask for assessments before a formal interview, only to ghost candidates later.

Common complaints include:

• Irrelevant interview questions. (Personal Experiece: I spent around 7 hours total, for an interview which barely lasted 3-4 minutes and the questions were: Introduce your self, Your salary expectation & What are you doing currently. Like WTH?)
• Excessive tests with no clear outcome.
• Endless delays before any final decision is made.

9. Summer Job Hunt in Dubai: A Heated Challenge

And the summer special! The scorching heat makes every task feel twice as hard, and the job market slows down as many employers go on holiday.

This downtime can feel frustrating, especially when you’re sending out CVs and not hearing back. But here’s the silver lining – fewer candidates are actively applying, giving you a better chance to stand out.

Use this time to refine your CV. Make sure it’s tailored for each role you’re applying to. Employers can spot generic applications a mile away.

Consider investing in online learning. Adding a new certification or skill to your resume shows initiative and keeps you competitive.

Networking is your secret weapon during the summer lull. Attend events, join webinars, or engage with professionals on LinkedIn. Connections you make now could lead to interviews later.

The heat may be overwhelming, but with persistence and a bit of strategy, you can turn the slow season into an opportunity to prepare for what’s ahead.

10. Watch Out for Fake Interview Calls

Scammers are becoming increasingly crafty, and fake interview calls are one of their favourite tricks. They pose as recruiters, offering jobs that sound too good to be true.

After getting you interested, they demand fees for things like visa processing, background checks, or “mandatory” training. These requests often come with promises of quick placements.

Always double-check the company’s credentials. A simple Google or LinkedIn search can reveal whether the opportunity is real.

Never pay upfront for a job. Reputable companies handle costs themselves and don’t ask candidates to cover such expenses.

If something feels off, trust your gut. It’s better to walk away than to lose money or personal information to a scammer.

11. The CV Drop: Quality Over Quantity

Sending out dozens of CVs might feel productive, but it’s not always effective. Hiring managers can tell when an application hasn’t been tailored for their role.

Focus on quality instead. Take the time to read the job description carefully. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match the role.

Avoid the “spray and pray” approach. A well-crafted application for five roles is more likely to get results than generic CVs sent to fifty.

Customise your cover letter too. Use it to explain why you’re excited about the role and how you can add value.

Pay attention to detail. Simple errors like a misspelt company name or incorrect job title can hurt your chances. Proofreading goes a long way in making a strong impression.

It might feel slower, but this targeted approach shows employers that you’re serious about the role. And that’s exactly what they want to see.

Final Thoughts

Job hunting in the UAE isn’t for the faint of heart. But there’s hope.

Here’s what can help:

• Build a solid network—referrals go a long way.
• Tailor your CV to stand out in ATS systems. Also, make a Non-ATS resume which is creative and that looks good. Since, I was from a creative field, After making a really creative CV, I instantly start receiving Interview calls, discussions and even offers.
• Keep an eye out for red flags and don’t settle for unfair terms.

It’s tough, but with resilience and the right strategy, opportunities will come your way.

Over to you:
Have you navigated the UAE job market? What’s your experience been like? Share your story—I’d love to hear it!