To do an internship in Dubai, you first need to find a host company, then hold a residence and work authorisation suited to your situation, issued under the rules of the United Arab Emirates. These rules change: always check them with the Emirati authorities and the embassy before you leave. As for the agreement, a company based in Dubai can perfectly well appear on a French internship agreement.
An international city, a business hub and a strong presence of foreign companies: Dubai is a dream destination for many applicants. It's a great experience if you prepare it well, because the formalities are stricter than in a European Union country.
Why intern in Dubai?
Dubai is home to many regional headquarters and subsidiaries of international companies. You work in a multicultural environment, usually in English. For anyone in sales, marketing, finance, real estate or hospitality, it's an experience that stands out on a CV.
You also need to keep your feet on the ground: the cost of living, especially housing, can be high, and competition for internships at the best-known companies is real.
Which sectors to target?
Rather than applying everywhere, focus on areas where Dubai has long been active:
- real estate and construction;
- international trade and logistics;
- finance and banking;
- tourism, hospitality and events;
- marketing, digital and luxury.
If you're unsure which subject to focus on, our article Choosing the right course for your career plans can help you connect your project with a field.
How to find an internship in Dubai
The basics are the same as anywhere else, with a few differences:
- LinkedIn is widely used by recruiters based in Dubai. A clear, up-to-date profile in English is a must;
- French companies operating in the Emirates are often more open to French applicants and are familiar with internship agreements;
- networking matters a lot: former classmates, professional contacts, French expat communities. A direct, specific message often works better than an anonymous application.
Your CV and cover letter should be in English, short and results-focused. For the general method, see our guide Doing an internship abroad with a French agreement.
What to check before you leave
This is the most important part, and not something to improvise.
- Entry and stay: an internship isn't tourism. Depending on your nationality and the length and terms of the internship, specific authorisation may be required, and the host company is often involved in the process. Ask them clearly how they handle it, then check the official UAE websites and with the UAE embassy in France.
- Travel advice: the dedicated section of the France Diplomatie website and the French consulate in Dubai provide up-to-date information on formalities and daily life there.
- Health: take out international health insurance and check what it covers.
- Internship terms: tasks, hours, stipend, any perks (housing, transport). Get them in writing before you sign anything.
Be wary of middlemen who promise you an internship and a visa in exchange for a fee. If in doubt, don't pay anything and check with official sources.
What about the internship agreement?
Many companies ask for an agreement, even abroad. If you're no longer enrolled in a school, EDU Business Institute can issue one: you enrol in one of our 9 online courses of 200 hours, open to all profiles, for €299 (payable in 3 instalments with Klarna), and the agreement, for up to 6 months, is ready within 24 to 48 business hours once your file is complete.
For an internship in Dubai, three useful points:
- an Emirati company has no SIRET number (the French company ID): its identification details are entered directly on the agreement;
- the agreement is written in French, and it's up to the company to decide whether to accept it;
- our agreement sets the framework for the internship, but it doesn't replace a visa: you still have to handle the entry and residence formalities yourself.
If the company turns the agreement down, €250 is refunded to you (the €49 application fee is kept), on request within one month of receiving it.
FAQ
Do you need to speak Arabic to intern in Dubai?
No, it's not usually required: English is the most common working language in Dubai's international companies. A few words of Arabic are always appreciated, but a good level of English matters far more.
Are internships in Dubai paid?
It depends on the company and the type of internship. Get any amount and perks confirmed in writing before you commit, and compare them with the local cost of living, especially rent.
Can you look for an internship in Dubai from France?
Yes, and it's actually the safest way: most first interviews take place by video call. Wait until you have a written offer and have checked the entry requirements before booking your ticket.
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Has a company in Dubai offered you a place? Contact our team to check your situation, then get your internship agreement.
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