Finding MR Jobs in UAE

Almost every week, someone in my LK network asks me for tips on relocating to the UAE. I usually share my thoughts with them via chat. I thought writing a post based on my knowledge would be beneficial.?

I hope it helps someone!?

Entry Level Jobs:

Finding a job in the UAE will be very difficult if you are new or have limited experience. Please note that the UAE has never evolved structures or processes to groom raw talent like in your countries. Hence, realistically, finding a job for someone with less than 2-3 years of experience will be very difficult.

Client-Side Role:

Unlink India, the client-side opportunity is very limited in UAE.

The UAE population is only 10 million; hence, the number of people needed to do some key roles is also very limited. Due to limited churning, the number of open client-side jobs is also very limited. The best way to get a client-side role is by working in a local UAE agency.

Also, unlike in other countries, the UAE's population is not homogenous. There are close to 100+ nationalities residing in the UAE. Hence, people with local market experience who understand the demographic nuance are preferred for client-side roles.

Nationality:

UAE is home to a multinational crowd. Hence, this leads to a pecking order in hiring—Nationals first, bilingual Arabs & Western Expats second, and then Asian Expats. That being said, the MR industry is dominated by people of Asian descent (mostly due to its low-paying nature). Hence, there is always some opportunity for the right talent (3+ years of exp). Be mentally prepared to accept the pay disparity in the market for different nationalities.

Agencies:

The big three (IPSOS, Nielsen & Kantar) are the biggest hirers of MR resources. It is good to join them early, with fewer experiences in a research analyst or associate manager role and little to no business development targets. If you want to move from other countries with 15+ Years of experience, you will get a senior role with BD targets, most of which are very unrealistic.?

Several boutique agencies – 4SiGHT, 6th Factor, etc.- are also doing reasonably well. Some tech-based agencies – Entropic, Metrix Lab, Digital of Things, etc.- have recently started operations in the UAE market. They do some good work. It will be good to explore opportunities in these agencies as well.?

The best route would be to take internal transfers to move to UAE. I heard that it is getting difficult off late.?

Approach:

All these agencies are active on LinkedIn, posting job vacancies on the site. It will be good to make an exhaustive list of agencies and follow them in LK. Reach out to people at the directors' level and above in these companies to look for opportunities.

Network like crazy without being too needy. More than your skills and nationality, who you know in UAE will make a big difference in your career.?

Beware:

A few agencies in the market are unethical in their dealings with candidates. They usually offer a 3–6-month internship and promise to convert it into a full-time role if you work out. Avoid those agencies; they will only keep you as an intern with reduced pay and will never convert you to a full-time employee with full benefits.?

Also, you can avoid companies that ask you to travel to UAE with your money and then promise to give you a role. It is illegal and not the right way to start your career in UAE.?

Travelling on a tourist visa and looking for a job has worked for a few people. However, many people end up not getting the desired job and in an unrelated job due to low bargaining power in negotiation. I advise you not to take this route.

Compensation:

Do your research before you accept anything offered by the agency!

Typically, a resource with 3+ Years of experience should earn around AED 13-15K, or else living becomes difficult in UAE. Don't take any lowball offers. Most people abroad come with the perception that they will take the lowball offer to enter the market and shift jobs after coming to UAE. That usually never happens, and you will be stuck in a low-paying job for a long time.

Work from Abroad:

A few agencies have started hiring resources remotely for their UAE businesses. This is also a potential way to enter the market. You work remotely for some time to learn the local market and then move to UAE through the same company or by finding a job in another agency. Since you now have local market experience, you have a better chance of getting a job quickly than someone without local market experience. Here, make sure to demand good pay. There is no point in remotely working without the right salary.

End Notes:

The above points are guardrails, but there is a very clear exception to all of them. People have come at a higher pay than the range I have provided, and people have also directly found a job on the client side. Please don't go by that exception and expect it to happen to your career, too. If it happens, that would be good; otherwise, you need a realistic expectation of looking for a job offer in UAE.?

Also, look beyond UAE - KSA is doing reasonably well and slowly shaping up to be an expat-friendly nation. Looking for opportunities in KSA is also a good way to move to this region.

These are my thoughts; it would be great if other regional MR professionals shared their thoughts in the comments below.?