Career guides
JDs, CVs, interviews, salary and moving to the Gulf: visual guides for developers.
Get hired
The essentials, mostly as diagrams.
How to read a job description
Separate real requirements from wishlists, and spot the warning signs before you apply.
4 Nov 2026
Write a developer CV that gets read
The layout, the bullet formula, and what to leave out, with before-and-after examples.
4 Nov 2026
Apply smarter, not to everything
A simple routine for choosing roles, tailoring applications, and following up.
4 Nov 2026
Prepare for developer interviews
What each stage tests, how to answer behavioural questions, and a system design framework.
4 Nov 2026
Negotiate your salary and package
Compare the whole package, know your number, and ask without burning the offer.
4 Nov 2026
Check a Gulf job offer before you sign
What to confirm in writing, and how to spot a recruitment scam.
4 Nov 2026
Moving to the Gulf
UAEUpdated 28 Oct 2026UAE work visa for developers
What happens between signing an offer and getting your Emirates ID — and who pays for what.
UAE work visa for developers
What happens between signing an offer and getting your Emirates ID — and who pays for what.
- 1Employer applies for your entry permit (3–5 working days).
- 2Enter the UAE and complete the medical fitness test.
- 3Biometrics for Emirates ID; visa stamped in 1–2 weeks.
- 4By law the employer pays all visa and medical costs.
UAEUpdated 12 Sept 2026Golden Visa for tech talent
A 10-year residence that doesn't depend on your employer. Who qualifies and how to apply.
Golden Visa for tech talent
A 10-year residence that doesn't depend on your employer. Who qualifies and how to apply.
- 1Salary of AED 30,000+/month or a recognised tech specialism.
- 2Degree attested by UAE Ministry of Education.
- 3Apply via ICP or GDRFA; decision usually within 30 days.
Saudi ArabiaUpdated 20 Oct 2026Saudi Iqama, step by step
From work visa to Iqama, plus how Saudization (Nitaqat) affects which roles are open to you.
Saudi Iqama, step by step
From work visa to Iqama, plus how Saudization (Nitaqat) affects which roles are open to you.
- 1Employer issues work visa via Qiwa; you get it stamped at the embassy.
- 2Arrive, complete medical and biometrics.
- 3Iqama issued digitally on Absher within ~2 weeks.
- 4Look for the “Nationals preferred” label — some roles are quota-reserved.
QatarUpdated 30 Aug 2026Qatar residence permit (QID)
Work permit, QID and changing jobs since Qatar removed the exit-permit rule.
Qatar residence permit (QID)
Work permit, QID and changing jobs since Qatar removed the exit-permit rule.
- 1Employer applies for work visa through the Ministry of Labour.
- 2Medical and fingerprinting at a Qatar Visa Centre.
- 3QID issued; you can change employers after notice period.
India → GulfUpdated 1 Nov 2026Moving from India to the Gulf
Paperwork to start before you resign, so your visa isn't stuck for weeks.
Moving from India to the Gulf
Paperwork to start before you resign, so your visa isn't stuck for weeks.
- 1Attest your degree: state HRD → MEA apostille → embassy.
- 2Check if ECR applies to your passport (usually not for graduates).
- 3Keep salary slips and relieving letter — Gulf employers ask for both.
- 4Open an NRE account once you land to send money home tax-free.
India → GulfUpdated 5 Oct 2026Negotiating a Gulf offer in INR terms
How to compare a tax-free AED/SAR package with your LPA salary, including housing and flights.
Negotiating a Gulf offer in INR terms
How to compare a tax-free AED/SAR package with your LPA salary, including housing and flights.
- 1Convert basic + housing + transport, not just basic.
- 2Add annual flight allowance and end-of-service gratuity.
- 3Subtract rent if housing isn't provided — it's the biggest cost.
Your move, step by step
Typical timeline from first application to having your residence ID.
2–4 weeks
Attest documents
Degree attestation and police clearance — start before you apply.
2–6 weeks
Interview & offer
Most Gulf tech hiring is 3–4 rounds, often fully remote.
3–10 days
Entry permit
Employer files it; you never pay for this.
Week 1
Arrive & medical
Medical test, biometrics, open a bank account.
Week 2–3
Residence ID
Emirates ID / Iqama / QID — then lease, SIM and car loan are possible.
Never pay for a visa
Never pay anyone for a job offer or a work visa. Legitimate employers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and India cover visa costs.