Why work in Dubai?

Your dream job in Dubai is waiting for you

As a qualified nurse, you have may heard about nurses practising in Dubai. Perhaps you’ve seen the ads. Maybe some of your friends or colleagues have already made the move. It’s likely that you've given the move some consideration yourself - you are currently reading an article about it right now.

Why Dubai?

Dubai is a booming metropolis, among the world’s foremost cities. In addition to that, Dubai is an attractive place to live, boasting a litany of global tourist attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai Fountain, to name a few. Although Dubai’s infrastructure expansion has recently been slowing, the demand for nursing staff has, if anything, increased. This is reflected in an essay entitled “Nursing Shortage Internationally and in the United Arab Emirates”, which states that there is a huge demand for nurses across the 7 emirates as there is a low number of those available, approx. 25,000 nurses (accurate figure at time of publication).

This demand for nursing labour, coupled with Dubai’s status as a powerhouse of prosperity, results in extremely strong economic arguments for plying your trade in the Middle east. Dubai nurses enjoy tax-free income, which means every United Arab Dollar you earn is yours to keep. This is only the beginning of the economic benefits to working in Dubai, which include attractive wages, up to 7 calendar weeks’ worth of paid holidays, medical insurance for you and your family, furnished accommodation and a travel allowance which often includes flights back to your home country.

How do I secure a nursing job in Dubai?

In order to begin the journey towards nursing in Dubai, it is essential that you have all your documentation and certifications in order. For instance, when preparing to make an application you must have the following documentation and certification to hand:

2 copies of your passport
3 copies of your original certification
Name of your current supervisor
Address of the accrediting body of your certifications
Copies of your employment references (A minimum of 3 years’ experience post qualification hospital experience is essential from present and past employers)
3 copies of your current medical practise registration/certificate of registration from your governing medical body to the UAE embassy in your country of origin
Transcripts from Nursing Course - General nursing and midwifery
Copy of secondary/high school leaving certificate
Appropriate working permits, visas, labour cards and health clearance

Aside from that, the DHA may also require you to sit the DHA Assessment in Nursing/Midwifery. This assessment is always given in English and may be conducted electronically or orally. Although, there is an exemption for this exam if you are making an application from:

Ireland
United Kingdom
United States
Canada
Australia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What type of license is required for me to work as a Nurse/Midwife in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)?

Firstly, you must be registered with one of the following 3 major healthcare providers, Ministry of Health or Health Authority - Abu Dhabi or the Dubai Health Authority. However, this process can be considered complex so ensure you have all the relevant documentation ready. Please see below for links to the aforementioned healthcare providers websites for further information

Ministry of Health (MOH) – www.moh.gov.ae
Dept of Health – www.doh.gov.ae

Is English spoken in the hospitals?

Within the hospitals, English is the working language. There are translators, and ward clerks (who can act as translators) are always on hand to assist in communication with non English speaking patients. However, it can be noted that Healthcare staff are quick to pick up basic Arabic phrases pertaining to their jobs.

What is respectable etiquette to follow while I reside in Dubai?  

Although Dubai is regarded as modern and largely tolerant, it is a Muslim country so there are certain social etiquettes which need to be respected as to ensure that no offence is caused. For example, modest clothing which covers a person’s shoulders, arms and legs is strongly advised.  Lonely Planet offer an extensive Dubai directory which covers all aspects of Dubai living from Accessible Travel to Work

What does “Tax Free Income” mean?

There is no income tax deducted from your pay in the UAE. There is also no sales tax.

What is the social life like?

It is what you as an individual make of it but there are certainly a number of recreational activities on offer such as shopping festivals, golf, horse or camel racing and sand boarding to name a few.

What is available in Dubai?  

Like anywhere else, pretty much everything is available. There are certain restrictions on items such as alcohol, which is understandable given that it is in a Muslim country. In saying that, it is legal for non Muslim citizens who are over 21 to purchase and consume alcohol within a licensed club, bar or restaurant. Once an individual has secured residency status (which can take approx. 4 - 8 weeks) they may apply for a personal liquor license to consume alcohol within their own home which costs 105Dh or €28. Clothing, jewellery, electronics and English-language books are also widely available in Dubai.

Relocation