Dubai is among the world’s most lucrative destinations to live and study. The UAE capital city has rapidly grown into a global financial capital and is now home to several business giants, thanks to the exceptional improvement in the city’s infrastructure. Several top-ranking universities from the US, the UK, Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world, including the University of Birmingham, the University of Wollongong, and the Institute of Management Technology, have satellite campuses in Dubai.
About 80,000 international students study in the UAE, and many of them prefer working part-time to make up for their study costs and living expenses. Learn more below about what it is like to work in Dubai as an Indian student, and if you have any questions about graduate jobs in Dubai and working while studying in Dubai, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK India.
International Student Work Rights in Dubai
- On-Campus
International students in Dubai have various on-campus employment opportunities available to them. These include working in student services, such as the library, student centre, or student health centre; in the university's administrative offices; and the university's research labs. Additionally, some universities offer teaching assistant positions or other research-related positions.
International students can work up to 15 hours per week at universities. During academic breaks, they can work up to 40 hours per week.
- Off-Campus
Recent changes in UAE Labour Laws have allowed international students to work off-campus while studying in Dubai. Apart from a work permit from the UAE Labour Department, the student must have a university sponsorship to be granted a part-time work permit. The official age requirement for applying for a job in Dubai is 18 years. You must also have proof of medical fitness for the required job role.
Some popular part-time jobs for students in Dubai are Cab Drivers, Waiters/waitresses, and Retail Cashiers.
Top Companies In Dubai
Traditionally, Engineering, Business & IT, Oil and gas and Energy, Tourism, Finance, Retail, Construction and Real Estate have been top-performing sectors in Dubai, with a regular demand for highly skilled resources.
As one of the busiest commercial centres in the world, Dubai is home to many domestic and international businesses across industries. Some of the top companies include Emaar, Chalhoub Group, Al Tayer Group, Google, Al-Futtaim, Mashreq Bank, HSBC, Microsoft, Dell, Schneider Electric, Amazon, Deloitte, Gucci, Emirates, Almarai, Etihad Airways, Etisalat, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and more.
Cost Of Living and Salaries in Dubai
Dubai's annual average cost of living generally varies between 14,000 to 27,000 AED (Approx ₹3,11,672-Rs.6,01,083). Everything largely depends on the type of accommodation and lifestyle a student picks.
Job type, skill level, and overall experience influence an employee's earning potential. The average monthly salary is approximately 21500 AED (Approx ₹ 4,78,612).
Why work while studying in Dubai?
Working while studying is across the world. It helps you earn and better your living standard and plays a key role in enhancing your workplace experience. Dubai, a compendium of cultures, businesses, and natural beauty, allows you to explore the world in one place. You can network with people from diverse backgrounds and learn much about the professional space. Befriending people can be beneficial in building a professional support group.
Also, earning while studying gives you a sense of personal and financial independence. Some students use the money to live a better life and pay bills and rent, while others invest in long-term business plans. This is crucial in learning better planning skills, the first step to professional success.
Study in Dubai
If you want to learn more about jobs for students in Dubai, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK today.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end. 
