As young people struggle for jobs in the UK, Dubai offers graduate scheme and chance of a tax-free salary

Back in 2004, the government of the United Arab Emirates began borrowing heavily as it looked to launch a major expansion drive in Dubai. 

In the same year, some 700,000 births were registered in the UK.

Fast forward 21 years, the city of Dubai is flourishing, its economy growing robustly and the skyline of 2004 is now unrecognisable for the countless skyscrapers that have shot up in the intervening years.

In other words, Dubai is experiencing a boom time. Not so some 5,500 kilometres away, where the lustre of Britain is looking somewhat tarnished for many young people.

Some of the hundreds of thousands born in 2004 have been graduating from university into a job market that is stuck in the doldrums.

The proportion of young people who had secured a job in the February before they graduated fell to 27 per cent this year, from 33 per cent two years ago, according to data from High Fliers Research.

Now, there could be an opportunity to get a graduate job in Dubai – though winning accepted could be easier said than done.

Training ground: Graduates are being offered an opportunity to get a graduate job in Dubai – though winning a place could be easier said than done

Dubai Business Associates, which offers a fully-funded nine month graduate training programme in Dubai-based businesses, has opened applications for its twelfth cohort of graduates.

The programme will give graduates the chance to receive training in strategy consulting, finance, and data analytics, offering placements at partner companies such as the Dubai District Fund and Dubai Future Foundation.

Those on the course will be able to work on consulting projects for the likes of Emirates Airlines, dnata, Dubai International Finance Centre, and Dubai Economy and Tourism.

However, entry is extremely competitive with an acceptance rate of just 0.5 per cent. 

The scheme also isn’t paid, though graduates’ living costs are funded.  

Rami Tafiq, director of Dubai Business Associates, said: ‘We are proud to attract exceptional talent from around the globe. Our associates bring fresh perspectives and a shared commitment to positively impact business and society.

‘With a 0.5 per cent acceptance rate and an international cohort of future leaders, DBA is a truly prestigious graduate programme.’

Dubai Business Associates is funded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai.

While the course doesn’t promise a job role upon completion, graduates of the course will have built up practical experience and an extensive network of contacts.

Dubai also has no personal income tax, meaning that those who do find a job in the city after completing the course would be able to cash in on their new salary.

Applicants need to have graduated from a bachelor’s degree, and to have worked for fewer than three years.

The last cohort comprised 6,660 applicants from across 146 different countries, with only 26 graduates admitted. The programme typically accepts between 30 and 40 graduates each year.

Applications are open until 1 March, with the programme beginning in September 2026. 

One alumnus of the course, Surkhel Yousafzai, who graduated from the course in 2022, said: ‘DBA’s practical experience was a major appeal, offering the opportunity to work with many innovative companies. 

‘DBA opened my eyes to what a dynamic city Dubai is, and gave me the skills, confidence, and global perspective to thrive professionally.’

The Government of Dubai also launched a first-time buyer scheme earlier this year which offers young Britons the chance to get on the housing ladder with a complete mortgage offer, if they can secure residency in the emirate.