How to Find Part-Time Work in Dubai: Complete Guide 2025
Dubai has become one of the most sought after destinations for international students and professionals who wish to combine study and work. With a vibrant and diverse economy, the city offers numerous part-time employment opportunities for those seeking international experience and extra income. This comprehensive guide will show you how to find and conquer these opportunities in the United Arab Emirates.
Legality and regulations for part-time work in Dubai
Part-time work is absolutely legal in Dubai, but with specific conditions that need to be met. Recent changes in legislation have made it more accessible for international students and residents to obtain permission to work while studying. To work legally, it is necessary to obtain a temporary work visa, valid for up to 6 months, which can be requested directly by the employer interested in your services.
International students enrolled at one of the 23 academic institutions in Dubai's creative clusters can work legally, provided they are at least 18 years old and obtain a specific visa through the Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA). In some cases, it is also necessary to present a certificate of non-objection from your current employer or educational institution. Understanding these regulations is essential for those planning study and work in the United Arab Emirates, ensuring an experience without legal setbacks.
Top platforms for finding part-time jobs
Finding part-time work opportunities in Dubai has become easier with the growth of specialized online platforms. These platforms offer thousands of regularly updated vacancies, with specific filters for part-time jobs.
- Bayt.com: One of the largest employment platforms in the Middle East, with over 4,680 opportunities in Dubai, including remote options and vacancies specifically dedicated to women.
- Indeed: It offers approximately 900 part-time vacancies, with frequent opportunities at large companies such as The Emirates Group.
- Jooble: An impressive 24,214 part-time positions were recently listed, covering positions such as PRO Officer, HR Manager, and Training Consultant.
- LinkedIn: Ideal for professional networking and vacancies in multinationals, especially in corporate sectors.
- Dubizzle: Popular for local vacancies, including more flexible and informal options.
- Naukrigulf: Specialized in vacancies for expatriates, with a section dedicated to part-time opportunities.
Most promising sectors for part-time work
The Dubai labor market is diverse, but some sectors stand out for offering more part-time opportunities with attractive conditions. The hospitality and tourism sector, including hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions, is always looking for professionals for roles such as receptionists, waiters, tour guides and attendants, especially those who speak multiple languages such as Portuguese and English.
Another booming sector is the media, creative, and design sector, which includes opportunities for designers, web developers, and photographers, with projects that allow flexible hours. Technology companies and startups are also always looking for talent for part-time roles in software development, digital marketing, and technical support, offering competitive conditions and growth possibilities. For students and professionals seeking Learn a language abroad while working, these sectors represent excellent gateways to the Dubai market.
Requirements and application process
To apply for part-time positions in Dubai, it's critical to understand the specific requirements and follow a structured process. Depending on your status (student, resident, or tourist), requirements may vary significantly.
- Basic documentation: Have your passport, residence visa (if applicable), and educational certificates ready and translated into English or Arabic.
- Suitable visa: Students need the visa granted by the DCCA, while residents may need a certificate of non-objection from their current employer.
- Adapted curriculum: Tailor your resume for the Dubai market, highlighting language skills and international experience.
- Process for students: Those enrolled at accredited institutions must maintain a minimum GPA (generally 2.2), enroll in the institution's career services, and obtain approval after the employer requests the temporary visa.
- interviews: Be prepared for in-person or virtual interviews, demonstrating knowledge about Dubai's local and business culture.
- Background check: Many employers carry out detailed checks before final hiring.
Wages and part-time working conditions
The part-time job market in Dubai offers very attractive financial conditions when compared to other international destinations. Based on recent data, the average wage for part-time roles is around 3,500 AED (approximately R$ 4,900) per month, but varies significantly depending on the sector, qualification, and hours worked. Bilingual translators (English/Arabic) can earn around AED 4,000, while English, math, or exam preparation tutors such as IELTS receive between 3,000 and 5,000 AED monthly. The typical workload for part-time work ranges from 15 to 20 hours a week, with the possibility of increasing during academic vacation periods, offering flexibility for those who wish to reconcile work and studies.
Tips to increase your chances of hiring
Achieving a part-time opportunity in Dubai requires strategy and special preparation. The market is competitive, but with the right approach, your chances increase considerably. Investing in networking is critical - make connections with local students, teachers, and professionals who can indicate opportunities or provide referrals. Personal relationships are highly valued in Arab culture and often open doors that online applications cannot.
Language skills represent a significant differential in the Dubai market. In addition to fluent English, which is practically mandatory, basic knowledge of Arabic can highlight your resume, even if it's just for greetings and simple expressions. For specific areas such as tourism and hospitality, mastering other languages such as Mandarin, Russian, or German can open doors to premium-paying roles.
Maintain a professional online presence, especially on LinkedIn, highlighting relevant experiences and locally valued skills. Companies in Dubai often search for candidates on social media before they even call them for interviews. Additionally, personalize each application to show your knowledge of the company and the local culture, demonstrating that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the opportunity.
Remote and hybrid options in Dubai
The remote work revolution has also arrived in Dubai, offering flexible alternatives for those seeking to reconcile study and work. Specialized platforms such as Remote DXB concentrate remote and hybrid work opportunities in the region, with subscriptions starting at 18 AED per month (approximately R$ 25) for access to exclusive vacancies. These opportunities are ideal for students who need maximum flexibility in their schedules.
The Dubai government has actively encouraged the hybrid work model, which has resulted in a 42% increase in vacancies with this modality since 2023. Sectors such as technology, sales, business development, and digital marketing lead this trend, offering competitive conditions even for part-time positions. For professionals interested in building an international career, these flexible work experiences in Dubai can serve as an excellent differentiator in the curriculum and open doors to future global opportunities.
Be Easy
A Be Easy Exchange offers full support for Brazilians who wish to study and work in Dubai. Our specialized programs include visa guidance, course recommendations aligned with the local market, and document preparation assistance. Get in touch today to make your dream of an international experience in Dubai a reality - our advisors are ready to design a personalized plan that perfectly meets your academic and professional objectives.
