Abu Dhabi has one of the largest expatriate populations in world, all drawn to the immense employment opportunities that the oil-rich nation threw up in the 1970s. Abu Dhabi holds 9% of the world's oil reserves, and a large percentage of its expatriate population is employed in the oil and gas industry.

Tax free salaries pulled all levels of professionals from South and South East Asia, the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Besides the oil industry, expats are employed in other sectors of the economy too, though some sectors are now being designated exclusively for Abu Dhabi nationals.

Despite the policy of Emiratization of the public sector which has shrunk the opportunities for expatriates to some extent, jobs for skilled and semi-skilled foreign nationals are still aplenty. Abu Dhabi has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world, 3.5% in 2005. The high growth rate of Abu Dhabi's economy, brought about by the upsurge of activity in the construction and other non-oil sectors will continue to create opportunities for foreign nationals.

A host of recruitment firms for jobs in Abu Dhabi open opportunities for foreign nationals to work in Abu Dhabi. The information and communication technology wing of the Government of Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Committee (ADSIC) runs a virtual job market at jobs.abudhabi.ae that covers vacancies in both public and private sectors.

For more information on job opportunities in Abu Dhabi try www.abudhabi.ae