Working in Abu Dhabi

The expatriate workforce in Abu Dhabi is one of the largest in the world. With 10 percent of the world’s oil reserves, Abu Dhabi’s wealth and its expat work opportunities are centred on the thriving oil and gas industry.

Despite some sectors being reserved exclusively for Emiratis, there are still many work opportunities for expats in Abu Dhabi, including the non-oil sectors of construction, media and healthcare. Work and residency visas are easy to get once you have a confirmed job offer. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find work in Abu Dhabi after arriving. The official policy of Emiratisation means that private companies in are encouraged to hire locals for white collar jobs. The more specialised your skills, the better your chances to find work in Abu Dhabi.