Dubai is not only the ideal place for travelers but it has been a favorite destination for job seekers looking for greener and even better pastures. Most expatriates working here appreciate the growth oriented working atmosphere. As the earnings in Dubai are tax free, the professionals have the luxury of sending more money to their families living in their home countries. Seeing the supportive environment and growth potential, many multi-national companies are setting up their headquarters in this region and creating opportunities for jobs in Dubai.

To ensure their estimated growth rate, these companies are hiring the best professionals neglecting the boundaries of origins, religion, culture and gender etc. Finding an ideal job in Dubai is not that hard neither is it so easy. During the past couple of years, new trends and modified business environments have transformed the Dubai job market. If you are aware about these changes and future trends, your may prepare yourself accordingly to grab the opportunities.

During last few years, UAE and Kuwait made highest top job cuts and pay raise drops. According to research conducted by GulfTalent.Com, while the pay increase in real estate was the lowest, audit professionals got the highest pay increase during 2009 (December 2009. Gulf Jobs and Pay Raises Hit By Downturn, But Remain Ahead of Most Markets). GulfTalent.com in its 5th annual survey report entitled “Employment and Salary Trends in the Gulf 2009-2010″, presented the first comprehensive details of after effects of recession on recruitment and pay.

The study reveals that average salary increase across six Gulf countries during one year till August 2009 came down 6.2%, while it was 11.4% during the same period of last year till August 2008. The drop was highest in UAE largely because of the slow recovery in real estate sector. Kuwait too saw considerable drop in pay raise. During this period, HR professionals received lowest pay increment that was just 4.8%. Average Pay raise in Saudi Arabia in 2009 was 6.5%, while it is expected 7% in 2010. The expected pay raise in Oman is more encouraging. The following table presents the future of jobs in Middle East region.

According to a survey report of Naukrigulf.com that appeared in Maktoob Business newsletter on Jun 21, 2010, more than 52 % out of 170 sampled recruiters expect that oil and gas sector will create more jobs during second half of 2010. The survey report highlights that nationality is no more a serious issue for recruitment (Maktoob. Jun 21, 2010).

Another survey report jointly released by Pink Slip Dubai and Insight Discovery, stated that as businesses are recovering after the recession, they need more qualified and competent professionals, who could help them to achieve growth target without fail. The report highlights finance, sales and marketing and human resources fields as more promising (Aarknet.org Blog. 23/06/2010). Nielsen Group released a Consumer confidence index report in May 2010. In this report, UAE has been placed at the top among the 10 most optimistic markets of the world. During this survey, a marked rise was noticed in the sentiments of UAE consumers.

Hence, all the survey reports indicate that Dubai is going to remain the hot spot for job seekers in the coming years too. New business developments will create more job opportunities in almost every sector and industry present. Now, employers will look for more specific qualification and experience. The performance of everyone would be accounted more precisely. Therefore, to retain the job or to get better promotion, you will have to deliver the results consistently.