The United Arab Emirates is composed of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. Each emirate operates under the federal government but has a degree of autonomy in labor and business regulation.
When considering a move to the UAE for work, especially in sectors such as domestic work, retail, and skilled trades, it’s crucial to assess which emirate aligns with your occupation, financial goals, and lifestyle preferences.
Thousands of migrants from the Philippines, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and parts of Africa travel to the UAE annually in search of better-paying jobs. But not all emirates offer equal opportunities. Let’s explore the best options for each occupation based on industry demand, cost of living, and employment protection frameworks.
Best emirate for domestic workers: Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, offers one of the most secure and regulated environments for domestic workers. In recent years, the emirate has intensified its labour law enforcement, especially in line with the Federal Law No. 10 of 2017 on domestic workers, which provides better contracts, weekly rest days, and access to dispute resolution mechanisms through the Tadbeer system.
According to the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), there are currently around 23 licensed Tadbeer centres operating across the UAE, with several located in Abu Dhabi. These centres provide a regulated, transparent process for recruiting domestic workers, ensuring legal placement in homes with standardized contracts and reducing the risk of contract substitution or abuse.
While Dubai is also a major hub, reports from Migrant-Rights.org suggest that some domestic workers find the cost of living in Dubai overwhelming, and the density of population can result in longer work hours and less privacy.
Why Abu Dhabi?
- Higher regulation and enforcement of domestic worker rights
- Access to embassies and legal aid centres
- Generally higher wages compared to smaller emirates
Best emirate for retail workers: Dubai
Dubai is undeniably the retail capital of the UAE. From world-famous malls like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates to traditional souks and an ever-growing network of international brands, the retail sector in Dubai employs tens of thousands of foreign workers, especially from South and Southeast Asia.
According to data from the Dubai Statistics Center, the retail trade sector contributed around 22% to Dubai’s non-oil GDP in recent years, indicating strong consumer spending and continued job growth. The city also hosts major shopping festivals, such as the Dubai Shopping Festival, which increases short-term job opportunities.
Retail jobs in Dubai often come with fixed contracts, clear working hours, and incentives such as commission-based bonuses, particularly for staff working with high-end brands. Dubai’s infrastructure also allows for ease of commute, and there’s greater access to housing options in shared accommodations.
Why Dubai?
- High demand for sales assistants, merchandisers, cashiers, and store supervisors
- Exposure to international brands and training
- Consistent hiring, especially around tourist seasons and major festivals
Best emirate for skilled workers: Sharjah and Dubai (depending on sector)
For skilled workers—such as electricians, mechanics, IT technicians, welders, and HVAC specialists—the choice of emirate can depend on the sector. While Dubai offers higher salaries, the cost of living is also significantly higher. Sharjah, on the other hand, has become a strategic alternative, especially for those working in manufacturing, logistics, construction, and light industries.
According to the Sharjah Economic Development Department, the emirate has seen substantial investment in industrial zones like the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone), offering thousands of jobs in production and maintenance roles. Skilled professionals find Sharjah attractive due to more affordable rent and food costs, while still being within commuting distance to Dubai for work or leisure.
For highly specialized skills (like tech, engineering, or healthcare), Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain the best bets due to the presence of multinational firms and hospitals. But for blue-collar skilled work, Sharjah offers a balance between job availability and living costs.
Why Sharjah (for skilled blue-collar workers)?
- Affordable cost of living
- Rapid industrial growth
- Proximity to Dubai job markets
Why Dubai or Abu Dhabi (for tech or white-collar skilled roles)?
- Presence of multinational companies
- Higher salary scales
- More structured employment benefits
Other considerations: visa status, wages, and housing
Regardless of the emirate, migrant workers should be aware of the labour contract terms, visa sponsorship status, and minimum wage expectations, which can vary across occupations.
Domestic workers are often housed by their employers, while retail and skilled workers usually have to arrange for shared housing—factoring in commute times and budget.
Always verify your contract through your country’s embassy or a Tadbeer center, and avoid direct hiring through social media unless verified. Workers should also register with their embassy or consulate upon arrival in the UAE for assistance in case of emergency.
Final thoughts
The best emirate for you depends largely on your occupation and priorities. Domestic workers benefit from Abu Dhabi’s protective framework. Retail workers thrive in the bustling retail sector of Dubai.
Skilled workers can weigh the balance between Dubai’s wages and Sharjah’s affordability. For those willing to research, verify contracts, and understand their rights, the UAE remains a land of opportunity.
If you are considering a move, consult with local recruitment agencies licensed by the government or your respective country’s labour board, and always cross-check job offers through government portals and verified recruitment partners.