University students can now work part-time in Dubai

A new regulatory authority in Dubai will enable 4,500 businesses to offer part-time employment to 26,000 university students across the emirate’s nine free zone creative clusters.

Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA) is a government free zone regulator mandated to enable businesses under its jurisdiction to access a valuable pool of student talent.

The Student Part-time Work Regulation will enable the next generation to gain critical industry experience to complement their fields of study and increase their employment prospects post-graduation.

Students enrolled in universities licensed by DCCA, primarily located within Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park, will be able to work across industries including ICT, media, entertainment, human capital development, education, life sciences, energy, environment, fashion, design and outsourcing.

Flexible working hours will be offered to students of 18 years and above. As for the minimum wage, it will be in line with the UAE Labour law.

Students can enroll on the website, which will be announced via DCAA social media channels, on Sunday.

Ahmed Bin Byat, Director General of DCCA, said: “Dubai Creative Clusters Authority seeks to foster the growth of vibrant creative sector ecosystems to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs, industry leaders and creative talent. The Student Part-time Work Regulation will anchor the nation’s ranking and align seamlessly with the Dubai Plan 2021, making it easier for organisations in the creative clusters to attract and retain talent.”

Mohammed Abdullah, Managing Director of Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), said: “We are excited about this new regulation that will allow our 23 universities to attract the brightest and the best talent from around the world. Several knowledge hubs in North America and Europe already allow students to work while they study and so with this initiative Dubai further moves towards becoming a global education powerhouse. This regulation will give us a competitive edge in the region.