The United Arab Emirates has long been a magnet for ambitious sales talent. With its booming events sector, tax-free salaries, endless blue skies and lively social scene, it’s no wonder people flock here! As a major business hub of the Middle East, plenty of media and event companies are eyeing the region for growth. 

But hiring salespeople in Dubai isn’t a simple copy-paste of your UK model. There are cultural, legal and practical nuances to get right. It helps to access the wisdom of recruitment agencies in Dubai that understand what hiring involves from the frontline (or under the pool umbrella). 

If you're planning to expand your media or event sales team in the UAE, here's what you need to know. 

Understand the Nuances of the Market  

Yes, English is widely spoken. Yes, Dubai is packed with expats. But that doesn’t mean business culture is identical to London, Paris or Frankfurt. There are a few broad differences to consider before you start hiring. 

For professionals in media sales and event sales, relationship-building takes centre stage in Dubai. Cold pitching won’t get you far without investing time in trust. 

Regional experience carries weight here. Candidates who understand the etiquette and quirks of doing business in GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) markets will bring faster ROI. 

Another thing to be mindful of is that job titles and responsibilities might look familiar, but the scope of roles can differ. In markets like UAE, you can expect to find more generalists than specialists, owing to the relative size of the market compared to London. Sales jobs in Dubai can involve the wearing of more than one hat. 

Visa and Labour Law (Don’t DIY This Bit) 

Hiring in Dubai means navigating local employment regulations, which can be complex if you’re new to the region. These include work permits, work visas (separate to permits), entry permits (also separate), Employer of Record (EOR) status, and end-of-service benefits. As you would expect in any other jurisdiction, the legal framework is specific and non-negotiable! 

Some key points to keep in mind about employment regulations: 

• Employers sponsor visas in Dubai. If you're hiring directly, you’ll need a local business licence and infrastructure. 
• Or, use a Global Employment Organisation (like Savvy Global!) to employ staff on your behalf. It’s faster and takes the compliance headache off your plate. 
• Be aware of employment contract differences: Dubai offers limited (fixed-term) and unlimited contract types, each with different termination and gratuity rules. 

Get Commission Structures Right 

Sure, salespeople in media and events are motivated by exciting opportunities. But you’ll need to localise your packages to stay competitive. 

Base salaries are often lower than UK equivalents. (Expats don’t qualify for a mandatory minimum wage in the UAE). The trade-off is that commission potential is high. This is a foundational point to keep in mind when you’re planning a hire and getting budget approval for a role. 

Candidates will expect tax-free earnings and certain benefits related to their expat status, like housing allowances, annual flights home, and medical insurance. 

Essentially, it’s wise to be upfront about targets, cycles and earning potential, especially when hiring people who are relocating to the region. 

Understand The Vast and Diverse Talent Pool 

The Dubai talent market is a true melting pot, and many expats love the diversity of the teams they get to work in. But sourcing the right people for media sales jobs and event sales roles still takes insider knowledge. 

Top candidates may come from the UK, South Africa, Lebanon, India or within the UAE itself. A good sales recruiter with an international reach will know how to tap into these talent networks. 

As you would in any other market, look beyond the job titles and responsibilities on candidates’ CVs, as these don’t always tell the full story. Look for candidates who can demonstrate they have both the hustle factor and cultural intelligence. Salespeople need to be adaptable, polished and respectful of the local customs. 

Good Onboarding Is Essential 

When hiring people for sales jobs in Dubai, it helps to have a more high-touch approach to onboarding. We recommend investing in proper onboarding that explains the region’s unique business environment as well as your company. 

Especially if they’re far from home, making the effort to help a new hire settle in pays off. (Don’t underestimate the phenomenon of the relocation transition curve!) Giving international hires support with the transition can support your employee retention.