You don’t need to speak Arabic to work in tech in the UAE or Saudi Arabia. Many engineering teams work in English, and many of your colleagues will be from other countries too. But Arabic is the official language, and both countries have policies to increase the number of citizens in private-sector jobs. This guide explains how to find English-speaking roles and how those policies affect tech hiring.
Where English is enough
Arabic is the official language of the UAE. English is widely used: in the UAE, all road and traffic signs are in Arabic and English, and English is one of the other official languages in the courts (u.ae).
At work, UAE job offers in the private sector must be in Arabic and English (u.ae). So you can read your offer and contract in English.
In Saudi Arabia, Arabic is used for many official processes. For example, simplified tax invoices must be issued in Arabic (ZATCA). This rarely affects an engineer’s daily work, but you may need help with some paperwork. Your employer applies for your work visa and residence permit, so HR handles most of these steps with you.
Roles where Arabic may be required
Read the language line carefully in ads for:
- customer-facing roles, such as support, sales and account management
- roles that work closely with government clients
- product and UX roles for Arabic-first products, such as content design or localisation
Each job page on our board shows the Arabic level we found in the ad. When a job needs no Arabic, we say “No Arabic required”.
How to find English-speaking tech jobs
- Filter for English-speaking roles. Browse English-speaking tech jobs. No Arabic required.
- Check the language line in the ad. “Arabic is a plus” usually means it’s optional. “Fluent Arabic required” means it’s part of the job.
- Target international employers. Look at the companies that hire English-speaking tech talent.
- Apply from abroad if you need to. Many Gulf employers hire from overseas and sponsor your visa. See jobs you can apply for from abroad and our work visa guide.
- Pick your city. See tech jobs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh.
Tips for your application
- Use a clear, one or two page CV in English. Put your current location, notice period and visa status near the top.
- Say whether you need visa sponsorship. In the Gulf this is normal, so it’s better to be clear.
- If you speak some Arabic, list your level honestly. It can help, even when it isn’t required.
Emiratisation explained
“Emiratisation” means the employment of UAE citizens. The UAE government calls it one of its highest priorities. The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, known as Nafis, runs programmes to support Emiratis in private-sector jobs (u.ae).
The rules, in brief
All figures below come from the official UAE portal (u.ae).
Companies with 50 or more employees:
- must raise the share of Emiratis in skilled jobs by 2% a year, to reach an overall increase of 10% by 2026
- have paid AED 6,000 a month since 2023 for each Emirati they should have hired but didn’t, rising by AED 1,000 each year until 2026
Companies with 20 to 49 employees in 14 sectors, including information and communications and professional, scientific and technical activities:
- had to hire at least one Emirati by the end of 2024, and one more by the end of 2025
- face annual contributions if they don’t: AED 96,000 in January 2025 and AED 108,000 in January 2026
“Skilled” jobs are those at MOHRE professional levels 1 to 5, held by someone with more than a secondary school certificate, and paid at least AED 4,000 a month (u.ae). Most tech roles meet these conditions.
What it means for you
- Companies still hire foreign tech workers. Emiratisation sets targets for hiring citizens. It doesn’t stop companies hiring foreign engineers.
- Some ads are Emiratisation vacancies. These are meant for UAE citizens, so skip them if you’re a foreign applicant.
- Free zones have their own rules. Free zone employees are generally not governed by the UAE Labour Law (u.ae). Ask your employer how Emiratisation applies to them.
Saudization and Nitaqat explained
“Saudization” is Saudi Arabia’s policy to increase the employment of Saudi citizens in the private sector. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) publishes Saudization and localisation decisions, which set requirements for specific activities and professions (MHRSD).
Nitaqat is the Saudization programme employers must comply with. How it works in detail, including the required percentages, depends on the company and its activity, and the rules are updated from time to time. For the current rules, check MHRSD’s decisions page or ask the employer.
What it means for tech workers
- Employers plan hiring around Saudization. Foreign engineers are still hired, but employers have to meet their localisation requirements too.
- Some decisions target specific professions. Before you apply for a role, check whether MHRSD has localised that profession. Your recruiter should know.
- Premium Residency can help. The main holder of Special Talent Premium Residency is exempt from Nitaqat (Premium Residency Center). Employers may see this as an advantage. See our work visa guide for the conditions.
Learning some Arabic
You don’t need Arabic for most tech roles on our board. But basic Arabic helps in daily life and shows respect for the place you live. Greetings and everyday phrases are a good start. Ask whether your employer offers language classes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a tech job in Riyadh if I only speak English?
Yes. Many engineering teams in Saudi Arabia work in English, and many of your colleagues will be from other countries. Arabic is used for many official processes, so you may need help with some paperwork, but your employer’s HR team handles most visa and residence permit steps with you. Check each ad’s language line.
Does Emiratisation stop UAE companies hiring foreign developers?
No. Emiratisation sets targets for hiring UAE citizens; it doesn’t stop companies hiring foreign engineers. Companies with 50 or more employees must raise the share of Emiratis in skilled jobs by 2% a year, to reach an overall increase of 10% by 2026. Skip ads marked as Emiratisation vacancies, which are meant for citizens.
Do small tech companies in the UAE have to hire Emiratis?
Companies with 20 to 49 employees in 14 sectors, including information and communications, had to hire at least one Emirati by the end of 2024 and one more by the end of 2025. If they don’t, they face annual contributions: AED 96,000 in January 2025 and AED 108,000 in January 2026.
What is Nitaqat in Saudi Arabia?
Nitaqat is the Saudization programme that employers must comply with. The required percentages depend on the company and its activity, and the rules are updated from time to time, so check MHRSD’s decisions page or ask the employer. The main holder of Special Talent Premium Residency is exempt from Nitaqat.
Which tech jobs in the Gulf need Arabic?
Mostly roles that deal with Arabic-speaking customers or content: support, sales and account management, roles that work closely with government clients, and product or UX roles for Arabic-first products, such as content design or localisation. If an ad says “Fluent Arabic required”, Arabic is part of the job. “Arabic is a plus” usually means optional.
Will my UAE job offer be in English?
Yes. In the UAE, private-sector job offers must be in Arabic and English, so you can read your offer and contract in English. In daily life English is widely used too: all road and traffic signs are in Arabic and English. Learning basic Arabic still helps and shows respect for where you live.