The harsh realities of unemployment in the UAE, as told by jobless people themselves

Unemployment: That scary word no one wants to hear, especially in a place like the UAE where the law dictates that you need to have a sponsor or a resident visa to continue living in the country as an expat. 

Besides the visa situation, there are other equally terrifying consequences of losing your job in the GCC country: lack of retirement plans, rent expenses, cancelation of your health insurance, and, of course, all the bank loans and credit card debts you racked up during the last shopping festival. 

To understand the realities of unemployment in the UAE, I spoke to four people who have been in this situation for more than six months. Each one of them had a different story and a unique experience. Their accounts have either forced them out of their comfort zones, took them on a different career path, or simply offered them a chance to reevaluate their lives and finally breathe a little. 

Initial thoughts: 

I felt very positive when I first lost my job as I was confident with the job market in Dubai and thought there will be a lot of opportunities. But the reality was different, mainly due to the lack of response from employers and recruiters. I used to spend long hours filling out applications and sending them out to potential employers without ever hearing back from them, which made me question what I did wrong. The silver-lining was that I had to become very creative in finding new ways to improve myself, upscale my CV and develop my skills and network.

Lessons learned: 

This experience also showed me how resilient, patient and positive I am and made me realize who my true friends are. 

The thing I'll splurge on when I find a new job: 

I will first pay off all my debts then I'll spend the rest of the money on traveling. 

The job scene in the UAE: 

This experience made me realize that the job-hunting scene in UAE is extremely different to the one in Europe or the UK. The recruitment agencies here are very difficult to deal with, oftentimes disrespectful and have no problem in ghosting you, which is a shame since some of the best jobs in the market are under the control of head-hunters. Another problem I faced in the UAE job scene is the big gap between the salary expectations and what is being offered. For example, one marketing manager could get offered 30,000 dirhams ($8,100) in one company while another could get 3,000 dirhams ($816) only, so there is no consistency. 

The visa: 

I have a European passport so I'm on a tourist visa at the moment but I have to look into sponsoring myself or getting a residency through my friend's company. I think that being unemployed in a place like Dubai is definitely more difficult than other parts of the world because there's no support system most of the time. 

Advice for people in similar situations: 

Put some effort into finding out what the market really needs and update your skills accordingly. Reach out directly to people on LinkedIn and attend relevant industry events.

Initial thoughts: 

I was scared because I was thinking about my visa situation and payments.

The hardest thing was: 

Not having an income, especially when I have bank loans! I also had to cut back on social life to save money.

The best thing was: 

This experience gave me the time I always wanted to do things I really like such as yoga and meditation. I also created new healthy habits, took up running and completed my first ever half marathon! 

The job scene in the UAE: 

I'd say it's really bad. No one calls you back unless you know someone who can push your CV through. Applying online is mostly useless and the results are often disappointing. 

The visa: 

I was lucky because my previous company kept my residency for a while. Then I got a temp job which luckily came with a visa. But now I do visa runs with my German passport.

Lessons learned: 

If you lose your job, you are on your own. Friends can help to a certain extent but eventually, you'll have to survive on your own. 

The thing I'll splurge on when I find a new job: 

Some pampering! My nails and hair are a disaster! I'll also fix my car. It will be weird to have extra money again.

Advice for people in similar situations: 

I think what has kept me going mentally was taking up running, otherwise I would have collapsed into depression a long time ago. My advice is to join any type of community and to have short term goals (like completing a half marathon!).

Initial thoughts: 

At first, I felt the rush of relief and freedom to finally have the luxury of time. But soon, the panic of losing a steady monthly income and having nothing to do started to seep in. 

The hardest part: 

It was hard to stay idle at first and to stop spending money after the comfortable lifestyle I maintained for 22 years, not to mention that it felt a bit depressing and lonely at times, considering all my friends were still working and I felt like an outsider.

The best part: 

Re-inventing my whole career and myself! I was able to find out where my true passion is, and so I became a life-coach. I also enrolled AND committed to going to the gym, which naturally impacted my mental and physical health positively. 

The job-hunting scene in the UAE: 

It was not extremely hard to find opportunities – maybe not the perfect ones but at least there were a few. Contacting some institutions directly was not always helpful as they kept referring me back to the online option. Nonetheless, I was disappointed at some bureaucratic requirements that really broke my wings at times and seemed judgmental and non-objective.

The visa: 

I had the option of getting a freelance visa which costs an annual fee. 

Lessons learned: 

I learned to trust my instinct and turn deaf ears to fear. This experience led me to tap into new potentials in me that would have stayed dormant if I hadn't taken the risk to leave my comfort zone and start over. Dubai made this possibility a reality. 

The thing I'll splurge on when I find a new job: 

I will buy a new car. 

Advice for people in similar situations: 

If you leave your job with no plan B don't panic. Enjoy the time off for a week or so without overthinking. Explore all your options and check the laws and regulations of the country in person and do not depend on hearsay. Invest a small amount if you can in self-development (course, coaching, gym, take up new hobby). Create a decent LinkedIn account, and always trust your instinct.

Initial thoughts: 

I was happy that I finally won't see my terrible boss every morning, but also anxious about my next step.

The hardest part: 

I found it really difficult to make use of all the extra time I had on my hand. At the beginning I often felt useless and unproductive. Being alone in my studio for long hours staring at the ceiling was not a fun experience.

The best part: 

This experience was a blessing in disguise. After months of hard work, things took off and I started getting steady work. Now I am my own boss and I will never look back.

The job-hunting scene in the UAE: 

In my opinion, it's all about connections and who you know. Don't bother with filling up applications. The salaries sometimes don't match the expectations which means that some employers are out of touch with the realities of the market. 

The visa: 

Initially, a friend of mine helped me by sponsoring me, but as soon as I had enough money, I got myself a freelance visa. This is the great thing about Dubai, there are many ways today to live and work legally in the country even if you are self-employed. 

Lessons learned: 

Never be afraid to leave a job your hate and always keep your connections alive, you never know when you might need them. 

The thing I'll splurge on when I find a job: 

When I have more disposable income, I want to spend it on a new dirt bike and a business class ticket to Madagascar.

Advice for people in similar situations: 

Respect the money you have and look after it wisely. Find something you are really good at and keep doing it and present yourself as an expert in your field. People don't want to work with someone who isn't confident about his/her talent.