What are the part-time jobs in Dubai for international students?

Before we get into part-time jobs in Dubai, it is important to keep in mind a few points. Some of these jobs might require you to have work experience in a similar role before and the amount of experience required can vary depending on the industry, position and level.

However, some part-time jobs in Dubai don't require any previous experience at all. On the other hand, there are part-time jobs in Dubai that may require you to have special licenses, especially if you want to work as a rideshare driver, coach, or tutor.

1. Translator

• If you are a bilingual student who wants flexible hours and can use your language skills, you might find working in translation beneficial.
• Various organisations, like higher education institutions and banks, often hire freelance translators.
• In Dubai, the most common languages for translation are English and Arabic.
• Students doing translation work can expect to earn around 4,000 AED per month.
• Common minimum requirements for translation work include being a native or highly proficient speaker of English and Arabic, having access to a computer and the internet and having some experience in translating or transcribing.

2. Call centre worker

• Your responsibilities may include making cold calls for marketing, assisting with customer support and using multiple languages for international clients.
• Call centre jobs are favoured by English-speaking international students.
• Students can expect to earn between AED 2,000 to 3,500 per month in this role.
• Common requirements for call centre positions include some prior experience, language skills and customer service abilities.
• Many call centres don't require a higher education degree and may not prioritise experience.

3. Electrician

• Although beneficial, a college degree is not always required to work as an electrician in Dubai.
• Part-time electrician work includes providing electrical installation and repair services to various entities like businesses, government agencies and households.
• Students can typically earn a monthly salary ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 AED, along with some benefits as part-time employees.
• Common prerequisites for this job type include technical skills and experience in the field.

4. Waiter or host

• Part-time waiter or host positions include greeting restaurant guests, seating them, taking orders and clearing tables.
• Students can earn a monthly salary ranging from approximately 1,500 to 2,500 AED, depending on the number of hours worked.
• Typical requirements for this job include having some experience in waiting tables, although certain restaurants may not have any requirements.
• This job is a popular choice among students in Dubai.

5. Grocery or retail cashier

• Part-time cashier positions in Dubai include responsibilities such as customer service, processing orders and managing inventory.
• Students typically earn a monthly salary ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 AED.
• Generally, there are no specific job requirements for this field, aside from having some minimal experience in retail.

Below in this section, we have enlisted the eligibility criteria for students who wish to do part-time jobs in Dubai. To work part-time in Dubai, here are the rules you need to follow:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must be enrolled in one of the 23 academic institutes in Dubai's creative clusters.
• Your higher education institution must sponsor you.
• You must meet the academic criteria set by your academic institution.
• You must get a visa from the Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA).

If you meet the requirements mentioned above, you should contact the career services centre at your academic institution. They will give you a student eligibility confirmation application to fill out and submit to KHDA for approval. You'll receive an email if your application is successful.

Part-time employment process in Dubai

• The career services centre at your higher education institution will let you know if there's a job opportunity available at one of the 4,500 companies in Dubai's creative clusters.
• If you're chosen for the job, the employer will apply for a part-time work permit for students on your behalf.
• You'll need to sign the student part-time employment standards form with your employer.
• Your employer will submit this form along with the permit application.
• If everything goes well, you'll receive an email letting you know you've been approved.

If you are looking for part-time jobs in Dubai, worry not. We bring some simple tips in this section for you that can make your search easier.

• Make friends with other students, professors and locals.
• Sign up for your institution’s career service centre and other organisations that can help you find work.
• Aim for good grades in your course.
• Try to learn some Arabic, as it can be helpful in many jobs.
• Before applying, do some research on the job you're interested in.
• Create a customised resume for the job you're applying for.
• Keep your social media profiles, like LinkedIn, up to date so employers can find you easily.

Study with GBS Dubai:

GBS Dubai is a well-known higher education institution. The institution is known for its industry-specific courses in areas such as business, accounting, education, healthcare and more. GBS Dubai is dedicated to its mission of “changing lives through education”.

The institution partners with top higher education providers to offer vocational, undergraduate and postgraduate courses in numerous fields. Students who take courses at GBS Dubai receive qualifications that are recognised globally.

In the UAE, GBS Dubai is approved by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and all their academic qualifications are certified by KHDA and accepted by both public and private entities in Dubai.

Interested in learning about the courses offered by GBS Dubai? Contact the student support team.