What should you study to score a top 10 career in the UAE?

What should you study to score a top 10 career in the UAE?

Lifestyle : 8 October 2024

The UAE is a prosperous, future-focused country. Today’s students have a great deal to look forward to as tomorrow’s highly skilled professionals.

What courses should you take to get into the top career areas in the United Arab Emirates? Is it cutting-edge technology? The intricacies of finance? Perhaps the dynamic world of healthcare? 

Well, here are academic options that can unlock doors to lucrative careers, depending on experience, qualifications, company size, and KPIs! And many of them are offered at University City in Sharjah, just a stone’s throw away from epic student housing and terrific facilities at Nest.

Don’t forget to network and gain valuable internship experience once you hit the job market. Mastering languages helps in a cosmopolitan country like the UAE, too, where many graduates are bilingual or polyglots. Read on and get inspired!

(Note: *Salaries mentioned are a guide and not meant to be taken literally. They depend on skills, experience, and many other factors).

10. Sustainability Specialists

The UAE’s commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation opens doors for experts specializing in renewable energy sources.

Potential salary range: AED10,000 – AED25,000+ per month*.

Here’s what to study: Environmental Science, Sustainable Development, Business, Social Science, Environmental Policy, Corporate Social Responsibility, Social Impact Assessment, Sustainable Business Practices, Environmental Law, Circular Economy, Green Marketing.

9. Blockchain Developers

Blockchain technology is gaining traction in the UAE, with potential applications in finance, government, and supply chains.

Potential salary range: AED 15,000 – AED 40,000+ per month*.

Here’s what to study: Computer Science, Software Engineering, Blockchain Fundamentals, Smart Contracts, Cryptography, Distributed Systems, Cybersecurity, Fintech, Supply Chain Management.

8. Virtual and Augmented Reality Developers

VR/AR technologies are being adopted in various sectors in the UAE, including entertainment, education, and training.

Potential salary range: AED10,000 – AED25,000+ per month*.

Here’s what to study: Computer Science, Software Engineering, 3D Design, Digital Media, VR/AR Development, Computer Graphics, Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience Design, Game Development, Storytelling, Psychology of Perception.

7. Healthcare Professionals

The UAE’s healthcare sector is expanding, and there is a growing demand for specialized skills, including highly skilled managers, to run hospitals and clinics efficiently. 

Potential salary range: AED 15,000 – AED 60,000+ per month*.

What to study: Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacology, Public Health, Genomics, Precision Medicine, Telemedicine, Health Informatics, Bioethics, Healthcare Policy, Clinical Trials.

6. Robotics Engineers

The UAE is embracing robotics in various industries, from manufacturing to healthcare.

Potential salary range: AED 12,000 – AED 30,000+ per month*.

What to study: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Robotics Systems, Control Theory, Computer Vision, Machine Learning for Robotics, Sensor Fusion, Artificial Intelligence, Human-Robot Interaction, Biomimetic Robotics.

5. Bioengineers and Biotechnologists

Biotechnology is a growing field in the UAE, with applications in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental science.

Potential salary range: AED 10,000 – AED 25,000+ per month*.

What to study: Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Genetics, Cell Biology, Biomaterials, Biomechanics, Synthetic Biology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering.

4. Renewable Energy Engineers

The UAE is investing heavily in renewable energy, creating a wealth of opportunities for skilled engineers.

Potential salary range: AED12,000 – AED30,000+ per month*.

What to study: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Thermodynamics, Power Systems, Renewable Energy Technologies, Energy Storage, Sustainable Design, Environmental Policy, Energy Economics.

3. Data Scientists

Data analysis is essential for making informed decisions in various sectors across the UAE, making data scientists key players in growth.

Potential salary range: AED10,000 – AED35,000+ per month*.

What to study:  Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Mining, Data Visualization, Statistical Modeling, Machine Learning, Big Data Technologies, Social Network Analysis.

2. Cybersecurity Experts

With the UAE’s growing digital landscape, cybersecurity experts are in high demand for safeguarding sensitive data and systems from digital threats.

Potential salary range: AED12,000 – AED40,000+ per month*.

Here’s what to study: Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Security, Cryptography, Ethical Hacking, Penetration Testing, Incident Response, Forensics, Cyber Law, Cloud Security.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning Specialists

The UAE invests heavily in AI, drivning transformation across industries, making AI specialists highly sought after. 

Potential salary range: AED15,000 – AED50,000+ per month*.

Here’s what to study: Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Algorithms, Natural Language Processing, AI Ethics, Robotics, Cognitive Science, Philosophy of AI.

Honorable mentions:

Software Engineers: From developing apps to creating complex systems, software engineers are vital to the UAE’s digital transformation.   

Finance Analysts: Financial hubs in the UAE offer enticing prospects for finance graduates.

Architects and Urban Planners: As cities expand and shape the UAE’s skyline and infrastructure, there is increased demand for skilled professionals. 

Digital Marketers: As businesses embrace online platforms, marketing experts are essential for building brand awareness and driving sales.

Supply and Logistics Management: The UAE’s strategic location makes it a global logistics hub, creating opportunities for those who can efficiently manage the flow of goods.