When people talk about Dubai, they usually mention the malls, the skyline, and the good salaries. What nobody talks about are the days when you’re in Deira counting dirhams, stretching groceries, and hoping your NOL card has enough balance for one more metro ride. Nobody warns you that Dubai job scams for expats are extremely common, and job hunting here can feel like walking into traps you didn’t even know existed.

I came to Dubai the same way most expats do expecting to find a job within a few weeks. But reality hit hard. My savings disappeared faster than I expected, and every morning I woke up thinking, I need something today… anything.

What I did not expect was how many people try to take advantage of that desperation.

This is exactly what happened to me.

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The Fake Agent Near Union Metro

My first opportunity came from a phone call. The guy said there was urgent hotel hiring, salary around AED 3,000, accommodation included nothing unrealistic. He asked me to visit an office near Union Metro.

I didn’t want to waste my NOL balance, so I walked from Deira. Anyone who has lived there knows those long, hot walks passing groceries, travel agency posters on walls, and groups of job seekers holding CVs outside business centers.

When I arrived, the man took one quick look at my CV and said:

Processing fee AED 500. Refund after visa stamping.

No interview.
No questions.
No explanation of the job.

Just money.

I told him I didn’t have AED 500. He did not care. He simply waved me aside and called the next person.

Check the official UAE law on recruitment fees. MoHRE Labour Law Guidelines.

That’s when I understood how easily expats can fall into scams, especially when they are new and stressed.

The WhatsApp Messages That Hit You Every Morning

If you’ve ever been jobless in Dubai, you know this part. Every morning around 9 to10 AM, WhatsApp messages start coming in from unknown UAE numbers:

Urgent Hiring
Salary 3500 AED
Free visa + accommodation
Only AED 150 interview fee
Last few vacancies

No official greeting.
No company name.
No details.
Sometimes a blurry Dp

When you’re stressed and low on money, these messages feel tempting. You know they look suspicious, yet a small part of you thinks, What if this one is real?

One guy called me nonstop until I blocked him. When I asked for the company’s trade license, he suddenly had a bad network.

The UAE Government also warns job seekers about fraud here:
UAE Government – Avoid Labour & Visa Fraud.

This type of scam is one of the biggest red flags for expats.

Ghosting – The Silent Side of Dubai Hiring

Ghosting doesn’t involve money, but it breaks you mentally.

I’ve attended interviews where employers seemed impressed. I’ve heard:

You’re a good fit.
Expect a call tomorrow.
We’ll finalize your offer soon.

I would leave hopeful, sometimes skipping lunch to save money.

Then… nothing.
No call. No message. No update.

It makes you question everything. But over time, I realized ghosting is extremely common in Dubai. Companies receive hundreds of applicants and many don’t bother updating candidates.

Still, it doesn’t make it easier.

Paid Job Portals That Don’t Deliver Much

Out of frustration, I subscribed to a paid job portal that promised:

Premium visibility
Your CV will be sent to top companies
Faster hiring

I paid the fee thinking it would help it didn’t.

I received automated emails and job listings available for free on other platforms. No real employer contacted me through the portal.

Later, I learned most real employers hire through LinkedIn, Indeed, or official company websites.

What I Learned About Dubai Job Scams for Expats

After a few weeks, I started recognizing patterns commonly found in Dubai job scams for expats.

They always create urgency.

Come now.
Last chance.
Processing ends today.

They avoid giving details.

No official email.
No office location.
No trade license.

Money appears early.

Interview fee, training fee, processing fee many names, same intention.

A real employer doesn’t charge job seekers.
Not in Dubai, not in the UAE.

How I Protected Myself From Job Scams in Dubai

These steps genuinely helped me avoid losing money:

1. Leaving immediately when money is mentioned.

No negotiation. Just walk out.

2. Checking the office location on Google Maps.

Shared business centers are often red flags.

3. Asking for a trade license.

A real company won’t hesitate.

4. Searching the company name + “Dubai scam.”

You’ll find warnings instantly.

5. Using LinkedIn instead of WhatsApp.

More trustworthy.

6. Trusting my instincts.

If something feels strange, it usually is.

The Mental Side of Job Hunting in Dubai

The hardest part isn’t the scammers it’s how the entire process affects you mentally.

Some days I woke up determined. Other days, I didn’t want to check my phone. I wondered if I had made a mistake coming to Dubai.

But seeing other job seekers in Deira walking with CVs reminded me I’m not alone. Thousands of expats go through the same struggle quietly.

It doesn’t make the journey easier, but it makes it less lonely.

FAQs – Based on My Experience

1. Are recruitment agents allowed to charge job seekers in Dubai?

No. It’s illegal.

2. Are WhatsApp job offers in Dubai trustworthy?

Most of those random WhatsApp job messages turn out to be fake.

3. How do I verify a job quickly?

Trade license + Google Maps location check.

4. Should I pay for job portals?

In my experience, no.

5. Is ghosting normal in Dubai hiring?

Yes, very common.

Wrap:

I’m sharing my experience so other expats don’t fall for the same Dubai job scams for expats that I almost got trapped in. Job hunting in Dubai is never easy, especially when you’re new and low on savings. But with awareness and patience, you will definitely find real opportunities.

You’re not alone. Stay alert. Stay patient. Keep moving.
The opportunity you’re fighting for will definitely show up and when it does, every struggle you faced will make sense.

Dubai Job Scams for Expats: My Real Experience in Deira (2025)