Dubai continues to be a magnet for British businesses and professionals seeking tax advantages and career growth in the Middle East. This comprehensive guide explores genuine British companies operating in Dubai, along with valuable insights for UK citizens looking to relocate to this dynamic emirate.

Top 10 Companies Hiring in Dubai (2025)

1. Deloitte Middle East (British-Founded)

Industry: Professional Services & Consulting
Salary Range: AED 22,000-60,000/month ($6,000-$16,300)
Popular Positions: Management Consultant, Financial Advisory, Audit
You can register your application in Deloitte UAE Career Opportunities

2. HSBC Bank Middle East Limited

Industry: Banking & Financial Services
Salary Range: AED 20,000-45,000/month ($5,400-$12,200)
Popular Positions: Wealth Management, Commercial Banking, Financial Analysis
You can register your application in HSBC Middle East Careers

3. Jaguar Land Rover MENA

Industry: Automotive
Salary Range: AED 18,000-42,000/month ($4,900-$11,400)
Popular Positions: Sales Management, Marketing, Engineering
You can register your application in JLR Career Portal

4. Haus & Haus

Industry: Real Estate & Property
Salary Range: AED 10,000-40,000/month ($4,100-$10,900) Commission based
Popular Positions: Property Management, Real Estate Investment, Valuation
You can register your application in Haus & Haus page

5. Standard Chartered UAE

Industry: Banking & Finance
Salary Range: AED 18,000-45,000/month ($4,900-$12,200)
Popular Positions: Relationship Management, Treasury, Risk & Compliance
You can register your application in Standard Chartered UAE Jobs

6. Atkins Middle East

Industry: Engineering & Infrastructure
Salary Range: AED 25,000-55,000/month ($6,800-$15,000)
Popular Positions: Project Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture
You can register your application in Atkins Middle East Opportunities

7. Shell UAE

Industry: Energy & Oil
Salary Range: AED 28,000-65,000/month ($7,600-$17,700)
Popular Positions: Petroleum Engineering, Supply Chain, Sustainability
You can register your application in Shell Jobs in UAE

8. Marks & Spencer UAE

Industry: Retail
Salary Range: AED 14,000-30,000/month ($3,800-$8,200)
Popular Positions: Retail Management, Operations, Merchandising
You can register your application in M&S International Careers section

9. Knight Frank Middle East

Industry: Property Consultancy
Salary Range: AED 16,000-45,000/month ($4,400-$12,200)
Popular Positions: Property Valuation, Commercial Real Estate, Investment Advisory
You can register your application in Knight Frank UAE Careers section

10. Carillion Alawi (Now part of KCA Deutag)

Industry: Construction & Facilities Management
Salary Range: AED 22,000-48,000/month ($6,000-$13,100)
Popular Positions: Project Management, Construction Engineering, Facilities Management
You can register your application in KCA Deutag Career Portal

British Professional Services Firms in Dubai

BRITISH JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN DUBAI

Dubai hosts numerous prestigious British professional firms that offer career opportunities for UK expatriates:

  • PwC Middle East (British-founded): Offering positions in audit, tax consulting, and management advisory with competitive salaries ranging from AED 20,000-55,000 monthly.
  • EY Middle East (British co-founded): Hiring for roles in financial services, consulting, and risk management with compensation packages between AED 22,000-50,000 monthly.
  • Clifford Chance: Premier British law firm with opportunities for qualified British solicitors at AED 30,000-70,000 monthly.

Highest-Paying Industries for British Expatriates in Dubai

1. Oil & Gas

Average Salary Range: AED 30,000-80,000/month ($8,200-$21,800)
Key Companies: BP, Shell, Wood Group
In-Demand Positions: Petroleum Engineers, Project Managers, HSE Specialists

2. Financial Services

Average Salary Range: AED 25,000-70,000/month ($6,800-$19,000)
Key Companies: HSBC, Barclays, Standard Chartered
In-Demand Positions: Wealth Management, Private Banking, Financial Analysis

3. Management Consulting

Average Salary Range: AED 28,000-75,000/month ($7,600-$20,400)
Key Companies: Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG
In-Demand Positions: Digital Transformation, Strategy Consulting, Financial Advisory

4. Legal Services

Average Salary Range: AED 30,000-90,000/month ($8,200-$24,500)
Key Companies: Clifford Chance, Allen & Overy, Linklaters
In-Demand Positions: Corporate Law, Commercial Litigation, Islamic Finance

5. Engineering & Construction

Average Salary Range: AED 25,000-60,000/month ($6,800-$16,300)
Key Companies: Atkins, Mott MacDonald, Foster + Partners
In-Demand Positions: Project Directors, Civil Engineers, Architects

6. Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

Average Salary Range: AED 22,000-65,000/month ($6,000-$17,700)
Key Companies: GSK, AstraZeneca, Mediclinic
In-Demand Positions: Medical Directors, Pharmaceutical Sales, Clinical Research
Application Link:Mediclinic Middle East clinical careers

7. Education

Average Salary Range: AED 15,000-35,000/month ($4,100-$9,500) (plus housing)
Key Institutions: British Council, GEMS Education, Brighton College
In-Demand Positions: School Leadership, British Curriculum Teachers, Education Consultants
Application Link:British Council UAE teaching positions

Frequently Asked Questions for British Expatriates

Can a UK company employ someone in Dubai?

Yes, British companies can employ staff in Dubai through several mechanisms:

  • Establishing a branch or subsidiary in a UAE Free Zone
  • Using an Employer of Record (EOR) service
  • Setting up a mainland company with a local sponsor (51% UAE ownership)
  • Operating through the British Centres for Business Dubai

Each option has different regulatory requirements and costs, with Free Zones typically offering the most flexibility for British businesses.

Can British citizens work in Dubai?

Absolutely. British passport holders receive visa-free entry for 30 days upon arrival, allowing time to secure employment. Once hired by a UAE-based company, the employer sponsors a work permit and residence visa, typically valid for 2-3 years. The UAE-UK visa requirements make the process relatively straightforward for British nationals.

How many British companies are in Dubai?

According to the Department for International Trade, over 5,000 British companies operate in the UAE, with the majority concentrated in Dubai. The British Business Group Dubai and Northern Emirates represents more than 2,100 British businesses operating in the region.

What is the average salary in Dubai for British citizens?

British professionals in Dubai earn on average between AED 20,000 to AED 40,000 monthly ($5,400-$10,900), with C-suite executives and specialized roles commanding upwards of AED 70,000 monthly ($19,000). Salaries vary significantly based on:

  • Industry (finance, oil & gas, and technology typically pay highest)
  • Experience level and qualifications
  • Company size and prestige
  • Specific role and responsibilities

Tax Benefits for British Expatriates in Dubai

One of the primary attractions for British professionals relocating to Dubai is the favorable tax environment:

  • No Income Tax: Dubai residents pay zero personal income tax on earnings
  • No Capital Gains Tax: Investment profits remain untaxed
  • Limited VAT: Only 5% VAT compared to the UK's 20%
  • No Property Tax: Though there are service charges and registration fees
  • UK Tax Considerations: British expatriates may still have UK tax obligations depending on their residence status

How to Transition from the UK to Dubai

For British professionals planning a move to Dubai:

  1. Research Visa Requirements: Understand the residence visa process
  2. Housing Arrangements: Budget AED 60,000-150,000 annually for apartments
  3. Healthcare Planning: Consider private health insurance (often employer-provided)
  4. Banking Setup: Establish accounts with British banks operating in UAE like HSBC
  5. School Enrollment: For families, British curriculum schools cost AED 35,000-70,000 annually

Conclusion

Dubai offers exceptional opportunities for British professionals seeking international experience, career advancement, and significant tax advantages. With a strong presence of British companies and a well-established expatriate community, UK citizens often find the transition smoother than to other international destinations.

For the best chances of securing well-compensated positions, focus on industries where British expertise is particularly valued, such as financial services, engineering, energy, and real estate. With proper preparation and realistic expectations about both the benefits and challenges of expatriate life, British professionals can build rewarding careers in this dynamic emirate.