The UAE labor market is oriented based on the qualifications and skills of the employees to differentiate them. It’s important for anyone applying for a job in the UAE or currently working there to understand these categories of labor. This guide will break down each skill level and the professions that fall within each category. At the end of this blog, you will be well aware of where your skill set fits and what pay grade to anticipate.
In this guide, I will guide all about UAE Labour and all Categories of labor in UAE.
What is the UAE Labour Category System?
The UAE labor category system of categorizing jobs is done according the educational standards and proficiency level. The categories range from highly skilled professionals with university degrees to general labor workers. The classification makes equality in remunerations and correct application of employment relationships all over the globe.
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) uses five main categories:
- Skill Level 1: Well-qualified master’s degree holders and other senior professionals
- Skill Level 2: Skilled workers with diplomas
- Skill Level 3: Semi-skilled workers with high school certificates
- Skill Level 4: Unskilled workers performing manual tasks
- Skill Level 5: Basic workers in elementary jobs
As we know there are different levels of services ranging from Level 1 to Level 5, but here we will look at the four most used categories.
Skill Level 1: Professionals with University Degrees
The first skill level refers to professional workers with university qualifications. Such jobs entail skills and other persuasive knowledge and on average pay up to AED 12,000 – AED 15,000 per month.
Types of Professions in Skill Level 1
1. Managers
- Finance Manager
- Sales Manager
- Human Resources Officer
2. Engineers
- Civil Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
3. Medical Professionals
- Surgeons
- Doctors
- Pharmacists
4. Academic Professionals
- Professors
- Teachers
5. Administrative Roles
- Administration Officer
- Executive Secretary
- Reservation Officer
6. Design and Creative Fields
- Advertising Designer
- Graphics Designer
- Draughtsman
7. Legal and Marketing Roles
- Lawyers
- Marketing Specialist
- Public Relations Officer
8. Technical Roles
- Computer Operator
- Quantity Surveyor
Key Points for Skill Level 1
- Requires a university degree (Bachelor’s or higher).
- High-level responsibilities and decision-making roles.
- Salaries are typically AED 12,000 to AED 15,000.
- Ideal for individuals with specialized skills and experience.
Skill Level 2: Diploma Holders
Skill Level 2 applies to people with high skills, including those with a diploma or equivalent qualifications. These roles require the incumbent to possess certain technical content knowledge and practical expertise. The pay of this category of workers is between a base pay of AED 5,000 and a max pay of AED 8,000 per month.
Types of Professions in Skill Level 2
1. Technicians
- Architectural Technicians
- Telecom Technicians
2. IT and Web Development
- Web Developers
- Software Developers
3. Mechanics
- Auto Mechanics
- Industrial Mechanics
4. Technical Support Roles
- IT Support Specialist
Key Points for Skill Level 2
- It Is practical and is performed by technicians.
- Involves hands-on work and technical expertise.
- The salary scales are between 5,000 to 8000 AED.
- Appropriate for people with certain training or vocational education.
Skill Level 3: High School Certificate Holders
Skill Level 3 refers to the semi-skilled workers trained up to the higher secondary or High school certificate. These include secretarial and general clerical and all positions that require the individual to have contact with customers. The pay scale is offered in a band of AED 4,000 to AED 5,000 per month.
Types of Professions in Skill Level 3
1. Sales and Retail Staff
- Sales Staff
- Sales Supervisor
- Sales Representative
- Sales Demonstrator
2. Administrative Roles
- Documents Controller
- Documentation In-Charge
- Administration Clerk
3. Customer Service Roles
- Call Center Agents
- Customer Service Representatives
- Receptionists
4. Clerical Positions
- Archive Clerk
- Ticketing Clerk
- Cash Desk Clerk
5. Support Staff
- Storekeeper
- Site Supervisor
- Switchboard Operator
6. Logistics and Transport
- Customs Clearing Clerk
- Customs Representative
Key Points for Skill Level 3
- They can be either administrative or sales and service jobs.
- The pay scale usually lies between AED 4,000 and AED 5,000.
- Salaries typically range from AED 4,000 to AED 5,000.
- Ideal for those with strong communication and organizational skills.
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Skill Level 4: General Labour and Manual Work
Avant-garde level IV includes workers with no skills; these are usually involved mainly in manual and supporting roles. This category comprises occupations such as cleaning, construction, and manual labor. The wages paid for jobs in this category are below 4000 AED per month.
Types of Professions in Skill Level 4
1. General Labour Roles
- Labourer
- Ordinary Labourer
- Blue-Collar Worker
2. Domestic Services
- Nanny
- Maid
- Cleaner
- Office Boy/Girl
3. Construction and Maintenance
- Plumbers
- Painters
- Steel Fabricators
- Construction Workers
4. Salon and Beauty Services
- Hairdresser
- Beauty Salon Worker
- Barber
5. Drivers and Messengers
- Driver
- Messenger
6. Loading and Unloading Staff
- Loading & Unloading Workers
Key Points for Skill Level 4
- No formal education is required, though basic skills are necessary.
- Involves manual labor and support services.
- Salaries typically below AED 4,000.
- Suitable for jobs that require physical work and basic tasks.
How to Identify Your Skill Level
If you’re not sure where you fit within the UAE labor category system, consider the following steps:
Step 1: Check Your Qualifications
- University Degree: Skill Level 1
- Diploma: Skill Level 2
- High School Certificate: Skill Level 3
- No Formal Education: Skill Level 4
Step 2: Evaluate Your Job Role
Think about your current responsibilities:
- Decision-Making and Management: Skill Level 1
- Technical Skills and Support: Skill Level 2
- Administrative or Sales Support: Skill Level 3
- Manual Labour: Skill Level 4
Step 3: Review Your Salary Range
Compare your salary to the typical ranges:
- AED 12,000 to AED 15,000: Skill Level 1
- AED 5,000 to AED 8,000: Skill Level 2
- AED 4,000 to AED 5,000: Skill Level 3
- Below AED 4,000: Skill Level 4
Benefits of Knowing Your Labour Category
Understanding your laboratory in the UAE helps you in multiple ways:
- Salary Negotiation: You can ensure fair pay based on your skill level.
- Career Planning: Assists you to plan achievable targets and move up in your line of work.
- Visa Applications: Your labor category determines the visa processing and the jobs that are available for you.
- Legal Rights: This is important as you can know what your category entails and therefore what your protection is under the UAE labour law.
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Final Words
Like any other system in the UAE, the labor system is a way through which the flow of employment is well structured to ensure fairness. Depending on whether you are a technophile, a specialist, or a worker, it is important to know where you stand in these categories. For development in your career, negotiating wages, and learning your legal rights as a worker, it is helpful.
By knowing your category, you can better plan your career and make informed decisions while working in the UAE.
