Why the UAE Is Emerging as a Top Career Hub for International Students
Where would one get the highest return on investment from a world-class international degree?
While deciding on the best place to start a global career, the usual destinations are generally the ones that are
being talked about. But the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is making a big difference in the way people think about
it: the UAE has quickly changed from a place of luxury to a major global player in finance, technology, and
innovation.
For parents, education consultants, and university recruitment teams who are advising Higher Education
International Students, the UAE is offering a very different value proposition: the capacity to get a
world-class degree and then very quickly take advantage of the unrivaled career opportunities in the UAE for
international students. The region is offering a stable, high-growth, and very attractive
environment to those who wish to study and work in the UAE.
At
UniNewsletter , We will analyze policy
changes, economic data, and the UAE's tactical advantages as the final preferred destination of the most daring
international talents and the professionals who manage them.
Why the UAE Is Becoming a Popular Education Destination
The UAE has become an attractive education hub where students can get world-class education
without having to go far.
One can notice that many top global universities, such as NYU, Sorbonne, and Heriot-Watt, have opened their
branches in the UAE. This move towards academic excellence is backed by the outcomes: a number of institutions
in the UAE have been ranked very high in the
QS Top Universities
Arab Region University Rankings 2024 .
The commitment is very clear from the direct correlation between the first question in the international students
survey '
What do international students look for in a university abroad? ' and the answer, i.e.,
high employability and globally recognized accreditation. The UAE links the highest standard of education with
the leading business hub of the Middle East to ensure that students get the highest possible return on their
educational investment.
A Fast-Growing Job Market: Opportunities for International Students
One of the main reasons why the UAE is attractive is the vibrant and growing labor market in the
UAE. The ambitious UAE Vision 2030 is the main driver behind the setting up of a strategic plan for a fully
persified economy, where the focus will be gradually moved from oil to non-oil sectors that are based on
knowledge and are future-proof.
As a result, the structural demand for specialized talent with global competitiveness has risen, and the UAE
career opportunities for international students have become exceptionally attractive.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Technology: The UAE is very much determined to lead the Fourth
Industrial Revolution. For instance, Dubai has been ranked several times as a leading city worldwide in
terms of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in AI and Robotics. Thus, graduates with specialization in data
science, coding, and cybersecurity will be the first to be employed.
Renewable Energy and Sustainability: The need for such professionals as engineers and project
managers in green technology, is very high, considering that the UAE has positioned itself as a global host
for the major climate initiatives.
Finance & Fintech: Digitization of financial services at a rapid pace requires experts in
blockchain, digital payments, and risk management.
Top In-Demand Careers for International Students in the UAE
It would be very beneficial for your career to align your college major with the high-growth sectors of the
country you have planned your degree. If you are wondering what the best careers in the UAE for students are,
these are the industries where foreign students level up quickly:
Sector
Example
Job Roles
Key
Skill Demand
Technology
Data
Analyst, AI Specialist, Cyber Security Consultant
Cloud
Computing, Coding, Data Science
Finance
Fintech
Analyst, Investment Banker, Wealth Manager
Digital
Payments, Risk Management, Blockchain
Engineering
Civil
Engineer, Project Manager, Sustainable Design Specialist
LEED
Certification, BIM, Large-Scale Project Execution
Tourism
Digital
Marketing Manager, Revenue Manager, Experience Designer
Multi-lingual
Skills, Customer Experience Focus, E-commerce
Significant Policy Development: Student Work and Post-Study Visas
For parents and education agents, work and visa rules are the most significant strategic benefit. The UAE has
made its policies more efficient to retain talents actively.
Working While Studying
The most significant change in the law is that students of any accredited university in the
UAE can now straightforwardly look for part-time jobs as well as internships. Thus, students are given a
chance to obtain the needed work experience and make contacts, which will, in fact, raise the probability of
obtaining a full-time job in the UAE after they graduate. Such work experience is extremely vital for career
progression later on.
Moreover, our guide entitled
Mastering the Art of Cultural Adaptation: Tips for International Students , also
points out the importance of paying attention to soft skills, which is equally essential.
Post-Study Talent Retention
UAE’s revamped visa system is all about keeping talent here. The
Green Visa , as well as various, specialized, and long-term residence permit options
for highly-skilled professionals, make it easy, and they show the path to living in the UAE for a longer
time.
Excellent graduates in highly specialized areas (AI, engineering, etc.) may qualify for the
Golden Visa that allows living there for up to 10 years for employment purposes.
Such a strategic pledge assures that the search for work opportunities in the UAE for foreigners will have
the government infrastructure as support.
The Total Value Proposition: Safety, Earnings, and Stability
Besides the ease of finding work, the UAE is a very livable place for parents and their
kids to study and both groups are attracted to it:
Tax-Efficient Compensation: Salaries are very attractive and most of the time tax-free, thus
making the financial benefit the graduates get the maximum one.
Unmatched Safety and Security: The UAE is very safe and is always among the safest countries in
the world, which is very reassuring for families sending their kids for studies abroad.
World-Wide Workplace: Graduates get a very valuable and rare exposure to work with colleagues of
more than 200 nationalities which is a great professional advantage that surpasses what most
single-nation economies can offer. Such a global scenario is the best use by students who are thinking
of
The Benefits of Dual Degree Programs for International Students .
Challenges International Students May Face (And How to Overcome Them)
While the pros are very obvious, it is nonetheless very important that all stakeholders
should also know and be ready for minor challenges:
Cost of Living: For instance, major cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi are characterized by a
high cost of living, especially when it comes to accommodation.
Strategic Advice: Suggest that students apply early for on-campus housing or if they decide to
get a job, advise them to use the newly introduced policies to help by offsetting their living costs.
Cultural and Legal Environment: The UAE is very tolerant and modern, however, it still follows
local laws and customs that should be respected and the person has to be aware of them.
Strategic Advice: Guide students about the necessity of cultural assimilation and being
professional especially in public places (Source:
Emirates - UAE Culture and Customs ).
Job Competition: Due to the high growth, the top talents are attracted from all over the world,
therefore competition for elite graduate roles is very fierce.
Strategic Advice: The main focus should be on getting a work placement and at the same time
creating a strong professional network which will be very helpful after graduation.
Conclusion
So, we have identified the reasons why UAE is such a fascinating place to launch your
career. The fact is: you obtain a high-standard, worldwide-recognized education and then make a step
straight into a rapidly-growing job market, at the same time, you are living in one of the safest and most
vibrant places on the planet. The UAE must be at the top of your list if you are really serious about
creating a career with a big impact in the international arena. It is the right time to move beyond the
conventional study locations and place yourself in the future.
If you need more advice regarding degree options or visa applications, stay updated by
reading our latest insights ! We are
available to support you in making that big move.
26-05-2023
American University of Ras Al Khaimah 
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