If you’re tired of wet winters, slow-growing plants, and low pay in the UK, the idea of working in Dubai might have crossed your mind. But before you book a one-way ticket, here’s a practical guide on what to expect — including pay, taxes, visas, and real-life pros and cons.
🌞 Why Dubai Appeals to Gardeners
- Sunshine all year round – no grey winters. Plants grow continuously (with plenty of irrigation help).
- Exotic plants everywhere – tropical palms, hibiscus, bougainvillea, frangipani, and even imported temperate species in luxury developments.
- High-scale landscaping projects – resorts, golf courses, public parks; you’ll see gardens you could only dream of in the UK.
- Good pay and perks – salaries are often higher than the UK, and many employers provide visa sponsorship, accommodation, transport, and medical insurance.
- Tax-free salaries – Dubai has no personal income tax, meaning your salary goes further than the same gross pay in the UK.
⚖️ The Downsides (Be Realistic)
- Extreme heat – summers regularly hit 40–50°C. Outdoor work is mostly early mornings or evenings; mid-day is often off-limits.
- Work intensity – tropical and imported plants require constant care: irrigation, shading, and soil management. Mistakes can be costly.
- Cultural adjustment – Dubai has strict labour laws and a diverse workforce. Understanding local customs and professional expectations is essential.
- Cost of living – while salaries are good, rent, schooling (if moving with family), and general living expenses can be high.
🛠️ Practicalities Before You Move
- Visa & Work Permit
- You must have a sponsored work visa. Working on a tourist visa is illegal.
- Most horticulture employers provide visa sponsorship, including your residency visa and Emirates ID.
- Qualifications & Skills
- Experience with tropical, ornamental, or high-maintenance plants is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of irrigation systems, soil management, and pest control is a huge advantage.
- English is usually essential; Arabic can help in some companies.
- Living Conditions
- Accommodation varies: some employers provide housing, some allow private rentals.
- Outdoor roles are early morning; summers can be intense, so hydration and sun safety are crucial.
💰 Tax and Salary Reality
One of Dubai’s biggest draws: no personal income tax. Unlike in the UK, you keep 100% of your salary, which can make even a modest increase in pay feel significant.
- Example: A horticulturist earning £2,500/month in the UK might only take home around £1,900 after tax. In Dubai, the same salary (AED ~12,500/month) is yours in full.
- Other perks: Many jobs include accommodation, transport, and health insurance, effectively adding thousands to your take-home “benefits package.”
However, note: you may still have UK tax obligations if you keep UK residency or bank accounts. Consult a tax adviser before moving permanently.
🔍 Where to Look for Jobs
You don’t need live listings to get started:
- Job sites: Indeed UAE, Bayt.com, GulfTalent — search “gardener,” “horticulturist,” or “landscape supervisor.”
- Recruitment agencies: Many specialise in landscaping, resorts, and facilities management and handle visas.
- Company websites: Large resorts, golf courses, hotels, and landscaping contractors often post vacancies.
- Professional networks: LinkedIn, UK horticulture forums, and gardening groups. Networking can open doors faster than applications alone.
💡 Tip: Build a Dubai-friendly CV, highlighting irrigation skills, tropical plant experience, and any supervisory experience.
✅ Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros:
- Year-round sunshine
- Exotic plants and high-profile projects
- Higher pay + tax-free salary
- Perks like visa, accommodation, transport, insurance
- Unique professional experience
Cons:
- Extreme heat in summer
- Plants need intensive care
- Cultural and regulatory adaptation
- Cost of living can be high
- Less romantic, more technical gardening
💡 What to Do Next
- Research the market — decide what kind of horticulture suits you (resorts, landscaping companies, nurseries, public parks).
- Update your CV and portfolio — highlight irrigation, tropical plant experience, and any management skills.
- Network — LinkedIn and UK gardening forums are excellent for making Dubai contacts.
- Prepare for the move — consider climate, housing, travel, visa timelines, and tax planning.
- Set realistic expectations — Dubai is exciting but challenging; gardening here is more technical than the UK.
Working in Dubai is a career adventure for gardeners willing to embrace heat, exotic plants, and a highly-managed landscape. With careful planning and a tax-free salary, it can be a life-changing move — just make sure you know what you’re signing up for.
More Facts About Working in Dubai (What People Don’t Always Tell You)
🕒 Working Hours & Contracts
- Most contracts are 8–10 hours per day, typically 6 days a week.
- Outdoor roles often start very early (5–6am) to avoid peak heat.
- Contracts are usually 2 years, renewable.
- Overtime policies vary — some roles include it, others don’t.
📜 Employment Law Basics
- Employment is governed by UAE Labour Law, not UK-style employment rights.
- There is no trade union system.
- Disputes are handled through official labour channels, not courts in the first instance.
- End-of-service benefits (gratuity) are paid when you leave, based on length of service.
🏠 Accommodation Reality
- Some employers provide shared accommodation (common for entry-level roles).
- Others give a housing allowance, leaving you to rent privately.
- Renting privately often means paying rent upfront (e.g. quarterly or annually).
- Accommodation location matters — long commutes in heat can be exhausting.
🚗 Transport
- Many employers provide transport to and from work, especially for landscaping teams.
- Public transport is good in central Dubai but limited for remote sites.
- Owning a car is common but adds costs (insurance, fuel, parking).
🌡️ Heat & Health
- Summer heat is serious, not just “hot weather”.
- Hydration rules and mandatory rest periods exist, but enforcement varies.
- Sun protection is essential — hats, UV clothing, and breaks aren’t optional.
- If you struggle with heat, Dubai outdoor work will be challenging.
💰 Money, Banking & Sending Cash Home
- Opening a UAE bank account is usually arranged after your visa is issued.
- Sending money to the UK is straightforward via banks or transfer services.
- Many people save well due to tax-free income, but only if lifestyle costs are controlled.
- Dubai can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it.
🍺 Alcohol & Lifestyle
- Alcohol is legal but regulated.
- Drinking is restricted to licensed venues or private residences.
- Public behaviour standards are stricter than the UK.
- Dubai is safe, clean, and very controlled — some love this, others don’t.
🌍 Cultural Reality
- Dubai is extremely multinational — you’ll work with people from all over the world.
- Respect for local customs is expected, especially around dress and behaviour.
- It’s modern, but not Western in the UK sense.
- Adaptability matters as much as horticultural skill.
🌱 Career Impact
- Dubai experience looks strong on a CV:
- Large-scale projects
- Irrigation systems
- Tropical plant management
- Team supervision
- Many people work there short- to medium-term (2–5 years), then return home with savings and experience.
- It’s often seen as a career accelerator, not a forever move.
⚠️ Red Flags to Watch For
- Any employer asking you to work on a tourist visa
- Vague contracts with no salary breakdown
- No mention of medical insurance or visa sponsorship
- Pressure to pay recruitment fees (often a warning sign)
The Bottom Line
Working in Dubai can be financially rewarding and professionally eye-opening, especially if you’re frustrated with UK pay, weather, or limited opportunities. But it’s not a holiday — it’s structured, demanding, and heat-intensive.
Dubai suits people who are:
✔ Practical
✔ Resilient
✔ Open to different cultures
✔ Comfortable with systems, scale, and rules
Got it 👍 Here’s a clear, honest “Who Dubai is NOT for” section you can drop straight into the article. This actually builds trust with readers because it filters out the fantasy seekers.
Who Working in Dubai Is Not For
Dubai isn’t for everyone — and that’s worth saying upfront.
❌ It’s not for you if you hate heat
This isn’t “nice summer weather”. It’s relentless, energy-sapping heat for months at a time. If you struggle above 25°C, outdoor horticulture in Dubai will feel brutal.
❌ It’s not for gardeners who want a slow, natural pace
Dubai horticulture is about systems, schedules, and survival, not gentle seasonal rhythms. Plants live because irrigation, shade, and maintenance are constant. If you love working with nature rather than managing it, this can feel uncomfortable.
❌ It’s not for people who dislike structure and rules
Dubai is safe and orderly — but it’s also regulated.
Employment law, visas, behaviour, and even social life are rule-driven. If you value informality or pushing boundaries, you may find it restrictive.
❌ It’s not for those expecting a holiday lifestyle
Yes, there’s sunshine and luxury — but horticulture jobs are hard work. Early starts, long days, and physically demanding conditions are normal. If you’re picturing palm trees and cocktails after work every day, reality will disappoint.
❌ It’s not for gardeners who need strong worker protections
There are no unions, limited job security compared to the UK, and disputes are handled very differently. If you rely on strong employment protections or struggle with power imbalance, Dubai may feel uncomfortable.
❌ It’s not ideal for people who struggle with cultural adjustment
Dubai is modern, but it is not the UK with better weather. Respect for local customs, hierarchy, and workplace culture is expected. Those unwilling to adapt often struggle.
❌ It’s not for people who spend as fast as they earn
Dubai rewards discipline. The tax-free salary only works if you avoid lifestyle creep. If you’re tempted by expensive cars, eating out constantly, and high rent, savings disappear quickly.
In Short
Dubai suits gardeners who are:
✔ Tough
✔ Practical
✔ Adaptable
✔ Systems-minded
✔ Happy to work hard for a financial and career boost
It’s less suited to those chasing romance, freedom, or a slower way of gardening.
