Getting a professional certification in the UAE can be a smart move if you’re looking to grow in your current job or change careers. It can even be essential if you’ve just moved to the country and you need to meet local licensing requirements.
Certifications prove that you’ve got the skills and knowledge employers are looking for, which can lead to better job prospects and higher pay—and that means you’ll have more money to send to your loved ones with Remitly.
What is a professional certification?
A professional certification is an official document that proves you’ve got the skills or knowledge needed to work in a particular industry. It’s usually awarded after you complete a course or pass an exam set by a recognised body—either locally in the UAE or internationally.
In some fields, a professional certification is a requirement. For example, you can’t work as a nurse, teacher, or electrician without meeting certain qualification standards.
In many other industries, though, getting certified simply increases your employability. It can give you an edge over other job candidates by showing potential employers that you’re serious about your career. Plus, it can also help you move up the career ladder or switch to a new line of work entirely.
Types of certifications
Certifications come in all different shapes and sizes. Some are short courses that can be completed in a few days or weeks, while others can take months or even a year. Some focus on practical skills, while others are more theory-based.
There’s also a mix of general and industry-specific certifications, like project management or health and safety training for construction sites, for example.
It’s worth noting that a professional certification isn’t the same as a university degree. A degree tends to be longer and more theory-focused, while certifications help you to develop job- or industry-specific skills. In most cases, you don’t need a degree to pursue a certification course, especially if you’re entering a vocational trade or building your real-world experience.
Whether you’re hoping to break into a new field when you move to the UAE, strengthen your CV, or meet the legal requirements for your job, a professional certification can be a helpful—and sometimes necessary—step.
Professional certifications vs professional licences in the UAE
A professional certification shows potential employers and others in your chosen field that you’ve completed training or passed an exam related to a specific skill. A professional licence, on the other hand, is a credential that enables you to practise certain professions in the UAE—like teaching, nursing, or engineering. There are also professional licences issued for businesses rather than individuals, so if you’re thinking of starting your own company, you’ll want to look into those.
You might need a certification to qualify for a specific job or prove your expertise, but you’ll often need a licence to legally do certain work. In many cases, getting licensed involves having the right qualifications along with approval from a local authority like the Ministry of Human Resources & Education (MOHRE).
How a professional certification can help you advance your career in the UAE
Getting certified can open doors in a way that experience alone sometimes can’t. In the UAE job market, a professional certification shows that you’re qualified, committed, and ready to meet local and international standards.
No matter what stage of your career you’re in, the right certification can make a big difference to your trajectory.
Boost your employability
Whether you’re looking for a corporate job or are in a vocational trade, it’s a clear signal that you’re serious about your career and have the know-how you’ll need to do your job.
These qualifications show that you’re equipped to take on more technical or focused roles, which often come with more responsibility and better pay. In more competitive industries, this kind of targeted expertise can set you apart from other potential employees and could lead to job opportunities you might not otherwise qualify for.
Open up new career paths
A professional certification gives you a structured way to learn new skills that can help you to make the transition to a new role or industry.
Many people in the UAE use certifications to move into areas like project management, human resources, digital marketing, and IT. Others use them to build on their existing skills to transition into fields like teaching, health and safety, or finance.
Build your network
Professional certification courses don’t just teach you new skills—they also connect you with other people in your field.
When you’re attending classes, going on field trips, or participating in extracurricular activities, you’ll have the chance to meet instructors and classmates who have an interest in or are already working in the industry.
These connections can lead to job referrals, open up opportunities for collaboration, or simply put you in touch with people who can give you advice as you move through your career. This can be invaluable when you’ve just moved to the UAE or are switching industries.
Popular certification programmes in the UAE
Many local universities and vocational colleges offer accredited short courses alongside their degree programmes. You’ll also likely be able to sign up with private training centres and international educational providers operating in the Emirates—especially in major hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
There’s a wide range of certification courses out there. Here are some of the most popular.
- Project management: Covers planning, budgeting, and leadership skills needed to manage projects across industries and is often required for roles in construction, IT, and business operations.
- Risk management: Focuses on identifying and managing risks within organisations and is particularly useful in finance, insurance, and compliance-related roles.
- Health and safety: Teaches workplace safety practices and compliance with UAE labour and safety laws, which is essential for the construction, manufacturing, and logistics industries.
- Teaching and education: Includes certifications in classroom management, curriculum planning, and teaching English as a second language, and is often needed for private school and training centre roles.
- Healthcare: Offers training for nurses, healthcare assistants, and medical technicians, helping them to develop clinical skills, provide better care for patients, and prepare for licensing exams.
- IT and cybersecurity: Provides upskilling in areas like network management, cloud computing, software development, and data protection, all of which are in high demand in the UAE job market.
- Accounting and finance: Focuses on bookkeeping, budgeting, auditing, and regulatory compliance to help professionals meet the UAE’s strict financial reporting standards.
Getting a professional certification in the UAE
Getting certified in the UAE might seem daunting at first, but the process is usually pretty straightforward. From choosing the right course to submitting your application, we break down the steps you need to follow to get going.
Choosing your certification
It’s worth taking some time to think about your goals before enrolling in a certification course. For example: Are you looking to grow in your current role, or do you want to pivot into a new industry? Some certifications are designed for career development, while others are better suited to giving you a fresh start.
It’s also important to consider demand. Certain qualifications—like those related to tech and construction—are more sought-after in the UAE, while others might be more globally relevant. Doing some research to see what employers in your chosen field are looking for can be a big help here.
Another thing to consider is the structure of the course. Short-term programmes can be great for affirming the skills you already have, while longer ones might offer more in-depth training.
Review the eligibility requirements
Once you know what you want to study, it’s time to check that you qualify to enrol in the course you’ve chosen.
Some courses are open to anyone, while others require specific qualifications or work experience in the field that they’re related to. For example, you might need a bachelor’s degree to take part in a management-level programme or two years of practical experience for a technical certification.
Start the application process
The final step is to apply to join your preferred training programme.
Most institutions will ask for personal documents, like a copy of your passport or Emirates ID, proof of your previous qualifications, and your CV. For longer programmes, you might need to submit your academic transcripts or letters of recommendation from your peers or instructors.
What to expect when completing your professional certification
Going back to school—particularly if you’ve been working for a while—can be quite an adjustment. That said, knowing what to expect can make the whole experience feel a lot more manageable.
Attending lessons
How your course is convened will have a big effect on your learning experience. In-person programmes are great for engaging with your lecturers and fellow course participants, but travelling to and attending classes can take a chunk out of your day—or night.
Online courses offer more convenience and often give you more freedom to learn when you want to, but they can also require more self-discipline. Plus, you’ll need a dedicated space at home for studying.
All of that said, professional certification courses are usually designed to be taken by people who are already working, which means they usually have flexible schedules. This often makes it easier to juggle your learning with your career.
Writing exams
Not all certification courses end with an exam, but many do. This is especially true for those that give you a professional licence or globally recognised qualification.
Exams might be written online or in person, and can range from multiple-choice questions to essay writing or even practical tasks.
It’s best to stay on top of your coursework rather than try to cram all of your learning in at the last minute. Taking practice tests, joining study groups, and honing your time-management skills can also make a big difference.
Common challenges
Everyone’s experience is different, but there are a few challenges that people who are juggling their education alongside work and personal commitments often face when getting certified.
Here are some common issues and potential ways to handle them.
- Time management: Create a study schedule that fits around your existing routine and break tasks into smaller chunks to make them more manageable.
- Staying motivated: Set clear, measurable goals and reward yourself when you make progress towards them.
- Technical issues: Get a reliable laptop and fast internet connection to ensure that you’re able to access online portals and coursework with ease.
The UAE is one of the best places to study for language immersion, but this does mean that you might run into some language barriers. It’s best to choose a course that’s either delivered in your strongest language or register with a provider that offers linguistic support.
Maintaining your professional certification
Some professional certifications aren’t a once-off achievement; they need to be maintained over time. Renewing your qualification shows that you’re staying up to date, are committed to your profession, and want to actively develop your skills.
How you renew your certification will depend on the industry and certifying body that governs your field. You might need to sit an exam, complete a practical assessment, attend refresher courses, or even go through an interview process.
Be sure to check the renewal timeline and requirements for your qualification when you receive it to ensure you’re not caught off guard when it comes time to renew.
Professional certifications: a career investment
Professional certifications can play a big role in shaping your career in the UAE. Whether you’re aiming to gain new skills or take your career in a new direction, the right qualification can give you the confidence and credibility you need to move forward.
Like overcoming other challenges that you’ll face when immigrating, the right preparation and support can make it much easier.
FAQs
How can I get a professional licence in the UAE?
To get a professional licence in the UAE, you’ll need to meet the qualification criteria set by the relevant authority and submit your supporting documents. You may also need to write an exam or sit an interview.
Which course is best for getting a job in the UAE?
Project managers, healthcare workers, software developers and other IT professionals, and financial experts are in high demand in the UAE. Certification courses that help you to hone your skills in these areas are great for improving your chances of getting a job in the country.
How can international certifications benefit UAE professionals?
Internationally recognised certifications can boost your credibility, especially in competitive fields. They show potential employers that you meet global standards and can open doors to roles in multinational companies across the UAE and the world.
How can I become a professional in the UAE?
To become a professional in the UAE, you typically need to have a degree in a professional field, i.e. law, medicine, accountancy, engineering, or architecture. Following that, you’ll need to register with the correct UAE authority to recognise your skills.