Expat jobs, chosen by hand. Every Monday.
Every Monday, a handful of expat jobs an editor thinks are worth applying to.
What we're doing here.
Most job boards work for the recruiter, not the applicant. For someone moving from Manchester to Dubai, that means thousands of listings — most closed to expats, most written for people already in the country.
We work the other way. Every Monday, an editor publishes the roles worth your time — company vetted, visa checked, description rewritten if the original didn't cut it. If we wouldn't recommend it to a friend, it isn't in the issue.
About expat jobs in the UAE
The UAE remains one of the most active markets globally for UK professional hires, driven by the tax-free income, the concentration of multinational corporate headquarters in Dubai, and government investment in fintech, AI and financial services. British and Commonwealth candidates are actively sought at both mid and senior levels.
№ 01Sectors hiring UK expats in the UAE
- Finance and financial services, particularly at DIFC-registered banks, asset managers and fintechs
- Real estate development, construction and infrastructure
- Technology — regional headquarters of global firms plus a growing fintech and AI sector
- Hospitality leadership at the region's luxury hotel groups
- Professional services — the Big Four, magic-circle law firms and management consultancies all have large UAE offices
№ 02Visa routes for UK professionals
- Standard Employment Visa — sponsored by the employer, typically for two-year renewable terms
- Golden Visa — 10-year residency for high earners, investors and specialists in target sectors
- Green Visa — five-year self-sponsored option for skilled professionals
- Freelancer Permit — available through the various free zones for independent consultants
№ 03Salary and compensation
Tax-free income is the market's defining feature. Senior finance roles in the DIFC typically pay AED 60,000–150,000 per month (approximately £13,000–£33,000 GBP equivalent, tax-free), plus housing allowance, education allowance for children and annual home flights. Take-home compared to London for equivalent roles is often 40–70% higher.
№ 04Cost of living
Dubai has become notably more expensive since 2022 — a two-bedroom apartment in Downtown or Dubai Marina runs AED 12,000–20,000 per month; villas in Arabian Ranches or Palm considerably more. International schools cost AED 60,000–90,000 per child per year. Healthcare via employer-provided insurance is world-class. Abu Dhabi is meaningfully cheaper for housing.
The weekly issue focuses on genuine hiring opportunities rather than recruiter-listed ghost roles, which are common in the UAE market. Every listing has been checked for real vacancy status and confirmed sponsorship arrangements.