HR jobs in Dubai have experienced a massive growth in the last decade and show no signs of slowing down. Dubai is deliberately repositioning itself to be a more cosmopolitan network of jobs in different high-tech industries, hoping to compete with commercial hubs like Tokyo, Hong King, London and New York.
HR Jobs in Dubai 2012 With that in mind, Dubai firms and corporations are determined to attract the best staff to themselves. In order to do that, they want good Human Resources staff to effectively manage staffing and negotiate with outstanding employees. This trend is only increasing as previously parochial Dubai firms are now opening themselves to international applicants in an attempt to attract the best talent.
HR jobs in Dubai are very well compensated, and with perks and bonuses the norm rather than the exception in Dubai and the UAE, life for a skilled HR worker can be very comfortable indeed. As with any high-paying job, a lot will depend on your qualifications, experience, and ability to negotiate a good package for yourself. Familiarize yourself with Dubai’s unique labour laws so that you’re in good standing when it comes to negotiations.
Dubai companies are rapidly responding to the increasing need for PR and HR representation, both locally and internationally. Organisations in Dubai have previously been able to be fairly insular in their approach to PR and hiring staff, relying on their inherent wealth to overcome obstacles. Now, as Dubai’s market focus opens up, more and more firms are expanding their sights.
HR jobs in Dubai cover a wide range of areas. Most positions listed for HR staff will involve large amounts of payroll management, headhunting, resolving staffing issues, and negotiating contracts. Contract negotiation is unique in Dubai compared to the labor laws of most Western countries, because nearly every skilled worked is employed on a contractual basis for a fixed period of time. Culturally, haggling over salary and benefits is both expected and natural, and employees learn to argue forcefully about their effectiveness and the projects they have assisted with. A strong constitution for people wanting to working HR is recommended!
To reward the ideal employee, HR companies in Dubai offer excellent compensation and will usually negotiate a wide range of bonuses and allowances to craft an attractive package. In addition to your income being tax-free, HR specialists in Dubai can look forward to company cars, subsidized accommodation, world-class health care and benefits, performance bonuses and a generous severance package at the successful completion of a contract.
There is a huge amount of lateral movement in the HR industry in Dubai. More inter-connected than other industries due to the interlinked nature of HR workers, many jobs never appear on the open market, with managers and directors in firms offering jobs directly to people they’ve met and networked with during their time in Dubai.
Experience and qualifications
The best way to succeed in applying for HR jobs in Dubai is to stand out from the crowd. Accumulate professional qualifications. Become an active member in professional associations. Make note of any important positions held, publications that you’ve written. Get involved in the HR community in a notable way.
In addition to raising your visibility to headhunters, the experience and qualifications will look good on your resume and give you an opportunity to network. With comparatively few jobs being advertised as opposed to passed out privately, a strong international network of connections is going to stand you in good stead.
Senior HR jobs in Dubai will naturally be given to people with outstanding records and experience. Expect to be asked for 3-8 years experience for most significant positions. You can occasionally get away with being less experienced if you are applying for a junior position, but the competition will be stronger. It helps greatly to have been involved in notable successes, so keep any record of projects that have been mentioned in the press or professional publications.
If you aren’t a member of several HR professional organizations, join immediately. They will add legitimacy to your claims of professionalism and comprehensive knowledge. Professional memberships are highly regarded in the Dubai job market and will give you job leads that otherwise would never have been visible.
Build good relationships with people in Dubai, even if they’re not working directly in HR. You never know when a friendship or even a cordial email will net you an opportunity. HR workers are inveterate gossipers and, if you keep things polite and don’t harass anyone, word will often filter through to the ‘right people’ that you’re looking for work.
Comprehension of not fluency in both Arabic and English are nearly vital for HR jobs in Dubai. Most important documents in HR positions are written in both Arabic and English, with the Arabic contract being the default ‘correct’ version for any legal disputes. Considering that a large part of any HR position will involve contractual discussions in some form, understanding Arabic is invaluable.
Pay and remuneration for HR jobs in Dubai
Pay and packages for HR jobs in Dubai are usually excellent, but vary significantly from employer and with seniority. High-end jobs in HR in Dubai generally pay significantly more than their effective counterparts in other countries, where entry level or low level positions have close to pay equity. With HR jobs in Dubai in such high demand, there are excellent prospects for promotions and career advancement.
It is standard practice for non-UAE citizens to be hired on contracts for fixed periods of time. At the end of those contracts another job may be offered or the contractor may be let go. It is also universal for a ‘gratuity’ to be paid out at the end of each contract, rather like a bonus for ongoing employees common in the States.
Bonuses are often awarded in regular, reliable installments on completion of milestones or over periods of time, and are usually worked out as a multiple of one’s monthly salary.
