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Working in Dubai...

I'm trying to find job in Dubai...
 
May 13, 14 3:13 am
A.I.

Market is hot right now, and firms are hiring left and right.  You shouldn't have any problems if you have strong credentials.  Where are you applying from?

 

I'm based here in Dubai now if you have any questions.

May 13, 14 3:15 am  · 
 · 

Hello Mr A.I., i am applying through job search sites to firms in Dubai, its not helping me out.

Is there any other way to get to the employers?

Oct 5, 19 2:17 am  · 
 · 
A.I
I'm ignorant to the culture in Dubai. Could you please email me at ply.abraham@gmail.com. I'd like to learn more from someone with first hand experience in architecture profession. Thanks.
May 13, 14 11:24 am  · 
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minabolis
A.l.... I'm applying from USA, how can I get a company in Dubai to start with!! I know it's a hot market but still have a problem....
May 13, 14 10:21 pm  · 
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minabolis
A.l.... I'm applying from USA, how can I get a company in Dubai to start with!! I know it's a hot market but still have a problem....
May 13, 14 10:21 pm  · 
 · 
A.I.

Well I would decide what type of company you would like to work for first of all.

Second of all it' important to note that in Dubai, Architectural offices are all encompassing design & engineering offices with Architects in charge.  Meaning that there are no offices that are solely architectural design.  By law, they have to have teams of mechanical, electrical, structural, etc. engineers working on the full scope of a design project to provide a full delivery, which is quite different than what you have in the United States. (Unless of course you work for a massive design & engineering firm like SOM).

 

Please keep in mind that the information I have written in this post by no means makes me an expert.  I've only been here for about 2 years (moved from the US).  This is just my own personal understanding of the architecture business and the firms that are here in Dubai.

The primary options are divided as follows:

-American - Satellite Office

-British - Satellite Office

-European - Satellite Office

-Expat Arab - Local Office

-Local Arab - Local Office

-Expat Mix - Local Office

-Expat British - Local Office

-Expat American - Local Office

-Expat European - Local Office

-Government - Public Sector

*Expat Local Offices are defined as offices that were opened in Dubai and headquartered here by expats*

*Satellite Offices are defined as extensions of large architecture & design corporations with offices opened here but still reporting back to headquarters*

*Expat Arabs are primarily defined, in Dubai, as being from the 'Levant' but living in the Gulf: Lebanese, Syrians, Jordanians, Palestinians, Egyptians, Iraqis*

*Local Arabs are primarily defined as either being Emirati Citizens or from other Gulf Arab States (GCC) like Qatar, Bahrain, or Saudi*

 

The firms I have listed below are NOT the only firms within their categories, they are just listed to give you a quick idea of what is available in Dubai.

Satellite American:

-HOK:  http://www.hok.com/about/locations/dubai/

(HOK has 2 positions open in Dubai now: https://hok-openhire.silkroad.com/epostings/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobsearch

-Callison: http://www.callison.com/contact/locations/dubai

-tvsDesign - (rumored to be opening an office here 1st quarter 2015)

 

Local American:

-Ae7 - http://www.ae-7.com/about_us.html

 

Satellite British:

Atkins - http://www.atkinsglobal.com/en-gb/middle-east/

Kettle Architects - http://kettle.co/

 

Local British:

-GAJ:  http://www.gaj-uae.ae/GAJWebNew/homepage.aspx

 

Local Arab:

X-Architects: http://www.x-architects.com/

 

Expat Arab/American:

Naga Architects: http://www.naga.ae/

 

Expat Local - New Zealand/Australia/South Africa

AKDesign: http://www.akdesign.com/home

 

A typical office in any architecture firm is almost always incredibly diverse.  Expect to be working with Europeans, Americans, Arabs, Iranians, Indians, Pakistanis, Filipinos, Indonesians, and and endless list of nationalities all in the same office.  I would argue that this is probably one of the most interesting aspects of practicing Architecture in Dubai.

The government here has also endorsed BIM as of 2013 as a legal basis for future projects and delivery (finally); and Architects & Engineers with BIM backgrounds and skills are in HIGH demand right now.

Dubai won the bid to host the 2020 World Expo (HOK's design was the winner) which has generated much speculation and has given a much needed boost to demand in our field.  I would argue that the recession here is pretty much over and the economy has entered full throttle.

As an American expat, you wouldn't be required to pay an taxes (unless you make over $98,000/year) and would receive standard packages of 30 days vacation per year, roundtrip ticket to the US every year, and healthcare coverage.

 

Good luck and let me know if you have any more inquiries.

May 14, 14 4:14 am  · 
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Hi, I am planning to come next month to Dubai for Job Hunt and I'm an Indian citizen..i am told there is decreased salary to Indians compared to others and that we're treated badly. is it so?

Aug 3, 17 8:26 am  · 
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jyount10
There are a number of US firms that would happily hire you & send you over there. A prior employer of mine did that with a few people.
May 15, 14 2:08 am  · 
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minabolis
A.l.... Really really thanks for all that information u provided, I'll check them and let u know if I need more inquiries... :)
May 15, 14 1:29 pm  · 
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minabolis
Jyount10.... What US firms!!!
May 15, 14 1:29 pm  · 
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jeannettethomke

Do architects have to have Credentials to work in Dubai?

Jan 14, 19 12:10 pm  · 
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randomised

All they need is a total disregard for basic human rights, good luck!

Jan 14, 19 12:19 pm  · 
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Non Sequitur

and a penis

Jan 14, 19 12:24 pm  · 
 · 
jeannettethomke

And funds to secure a job?

Jan 14, 19 12:11 pm  · 
 · 
Non Sequitur

no need, you can just pillage the required funds from the nearest slave camp.

Jan 14, 19 12:25 pm  · 
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