Located in the eastern region of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain is the fourth biggest city in the United Arab Emirates. It has been given the title of “Garden City” due to the presence of garden oases, plantations, and natural springs. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Ain is one of the world's oldest permanently inhabited settlements. The city is rich in culture and heritage and boasts a number of historical landmarks, such as the Al Ain Oasis and Hili Archaeological Park. If you're a fan of authenticity, Al Ain is the perfect place for you.
Job hunting in Al Ain
If you want to veer away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the quiet and serene atmosphere of Al Ain might be the perfect choice for you. As most vacancies are concentrated in the two more known emirates (Dubai and Abu Dhabi), landing a job in Al Ain may not be quite as straightforward.
The city does not have a strong labor demand as the rate of economic activity here is not very consistent. Moreover, note that Al Ain is one of the UAE cities with the highest female unemployment rate.
Word-of-mouth is still a good way to hear about vacancies and obtain job referrals, especially in places like the UAE, which are constantly growing, having someone refer you for a position may be a sure way to get hired. Recruitment agencies are a popular and effective way to find a job in the UAE and a good option for finding a job in Al Ain's market. Please note that there are no fees to be settled by you should you land a job via a recruitment agency – these fees are usually handled by the employer.
Companies tend to post their vacancies online through job listing websites. Some of the more popular ones are Dubizzle, Bayt, and GulfTalent, which are frequently updated.
Another option is to browse LinkedIn for companies based in Al Ain, and reach out to them directly and ask if they have any vacancies. Some of the most popular employers in Al Ain are Mediclinic and Al Ain Hospital.
Key industries in Al Ain
Al-Ain is deemed to be the United Arab Emirates' biggest education hub. Indeed, it hosts several Emirati universities, as well as technology faculties, the Etihad Training School, and the Tawan Medical School.
If you are among the pool of English-speaking professionals such as doctors, teachers, engineers, or nurses, you're in luck. These are in high demand in Al Ain. The services sector also provides many jobs to highly skilled foreign professionals.
Finally, tourism and hospitality are quite dynamic sectors, especially due to Al Ain's proximity to Oman. If you have the required skills, you can thus try your luck finding jobs in the hotel industry, restaurants and other eateries, or even in trade.
Tourism and hospitality sector
Al Ain's history, culture, and beautiful landscapes attract visitors, both domestically and from abroad. In fact, it has been chosen as the capital of Gulf tourism for the year 2025. This naturally creates a greater demand for tourist services, accommodation, and dining options, which ultimately leads to more opportunities for work.
There are already a large number of hotels and tourist facilities across the emirate, and this is only expected to grow as they move towards increasing tourism over the next few years.
Healthcare sector
The healthcare sector has been on a steady incline in Al Ain, catering to patients from all around Abu Dhabi as well as other countries. With an abundance of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers available, healthcare professionals and researchers will find plenty of opportunities to work in Al Ain.
Some of Al Ain's popular employers in healthcare are:
- Mediclinic – A hospital that offers a range of medical and surgical inpatient and outpatient services, in addition to 20 clinics;
- Al Ain Hospital – The largest hospital in Al Ain, which offers a range of medical services and serves as an academic medical center;
- Burjeel Hospital – Offering a wide range of services from regular checkups to emergencies.
Education sector
The city of Al Ain is home to numerous universities, colleges, and schools. Its education sector provides countless employment opportunities, ranging from teaching jobs to administrative ones.
Below are the most popular employers in Al Ain's education sector:
Construction sector
Construction projects are constantly emerging in this city, opening doors for a number of different professionals in this sector. Architects, engineers and project managers will have no trouble finding work opportunities in Al Ain.
Transportation in Al Ain
Unlike the bustling cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Al Ain is not as pedestrian-friendly and may be more difficult to get around on foot — especially during the hotter summer months. Public transportation, such as buses, is available around the city, but it's important to note that buses are not always reliable and tend to be overcrowded.
Taxis are another option of public transportation in Al Ain. They are more reliable than buses, and can either be hailed from the road or booked in advance. National Taxi is a popular company operating in Al Ain, and can be booked by phone through 600 53 53 53.
You can also opt to either buy or rent a car, which is the most convenient and comfortable way to get around the city. If you do choose to drive, be mindful of the UAE's strict traffic rules and regulations, as fines can pile up!
Salaries in Al Ain
Salaries are an important factor when making the decision to take a job, especially when it means relocating to work. The average salary of someone who works in Al Ain is around AED 19,800 per month, and the average hourly wage is AED 110.
Salary ranges naturally differ depending on the industry and individual role. Below are a few of the most popular occupations in Al Ain, along with the average salaries that can be expected (salaries are per year):
- Registered nurse (RN) salaries have a range of AED 9,000 to AED 151,000, with the current average at AED 96,527;
- Accountant salaries have a range of up to AED 234,000, with the current average at AED 50,050;
- Civil engineer salaries have a range of AED 4,000 to AED 140,000, with the current average at AED 36,625;
- Medical coder salaries have a range of AED 5,000 to AED 139,000, with the current average at AED 41,000;
- Staff nurse salaries have a range of AED 6,000 to AED 238,000, with the current average at AED 114,000;
- Pharmacist salaries have a range of AED 28,000 to AED 100,000, with the current average at AED 72,000;
- Physiotherapist salaries have a range of AED 5,000 to AED 147,000, with the current average at AED 93,000.
Salaries in Al Ain are slightly lower than those in the bigger cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but this is due to the city's lowered cost of living.
Work permit in the UAE
Work permits are issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) of the United Arab Emirates and applied for by the employer. This work permit will allow an expatriate to enter the UAE for employment. This permit is valid for 2 months after the date of issue.
Once you're in the country, the employer sponsoring you would then proceed with completing other formalities such as medical testing, obtaining an Emirates ID card, a Labour Card, and the work residency permit stamped on your passport within 60 days. The work residency permit is issued by the Al Ain General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
If you have family members joining you, you will be eligible to sponsor them and bring them into the UAE once this process has been completed. Your employer can also help you with the process of family sponsorship.
It's important to remember that to be eligible to work in Al Ain, you must be sponsored by an employer. According to the country's law, it is illegal to work on a tourist or visit visa.
Check your passport before relocating to Al Ain for work, as your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry in the UAE if you are to apply for a work permit.
Commuting to Al Ain
Al Ain is a city that is part of Abu Dhabi, though not very close to its city center in proximity. If you land a job in Al Ain but prefer to live outside of the city, it is important to consider what your daily commute would look like. While these may differ depending on your exact location within each emirate, these are the approximate driving durations to Al Ain:
- The drive from Dubai to Al Ain is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes;
- The drive from Abu Dhabi city center to Al Ain is approximately 1 hour 48 minutes;
- The drive from Sharjah to Al Ain is approximately 2 hours;
- The drive from Ras Al Khaimah to Al Ain is approximately 2 hours 35 minutes;
- The drive from Umm Al Quwain to Al Ain is approximately 2 hours;
- The drive from Fujairah to Al Ain is approximately 2 hours;
- The drive from Ajman to Al Ain is approximately 2 hours.
Depending on where you decide to live, you can spend up to 5 hours a day commuting to and from Al Ain.
Benefits of working in Al Ain
The glitz and glamour of cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi attract large numbers of expats every year, but it's not always for everyone. There are certain benefits to working and living in Al Ain, and we've highlighted a few of them for you.
Cost of living
Al Ain offers the chance to live in a major city without having to deal with inflated prices. Unlike its UAE counterparts, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the cost of living in Al Ain is relatively affordable. The average individual would spend each month around AED 7,514. For a family of four, you can expect to pay around AED 13,337.
This makes Al Ain one of the top spots in the UAE to save money. If your long-term plan is to put away as much of your income as possible, Al Ain is definitely an option worth considering.
Comfortable lifestyle
If you're not a fan of the fast-paced hustle and bustle of the UAE's other cities, Al Ain provides a slower, more comfortable lifestyle. While it is a large city, it has not followed in the same direction as its metropolitan counterparts.
This makes Al Ain the perfect destination for those looking to raise their family in a quieter and more relaxed environment.
Immersed in culture
Concrete jungles may appeal to some, but Al Ain serves those more interested in experiencing culture. It is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities and features archaeological sites to showcase its history. It is also home to the oldest mosque and oldest hospital in the UAE.
The city's Green Oasis, for example, is a 4,000-year-old city, and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Oasis is situated in the middle of the Rub al Khali desert, a lush escape from the sand that surrounds it.
Landing a job in Al Ain gives you the opportunity to work in the booming UAE without compromising a more laid-back and comfortable lifestyle. It is a great place for families and individuals who are looking to save money while still enjoying the local culture and history.
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