Professional Certifications List in the UAE

Introduction

The UAE, especially Dubai, has become the economic hub in the region. As a result, job seekers from across the world are dreaming about getting a high-paying job in this country.

Of course, the competition is so fierce that a university background isn’t solely enough to find a high-profile job. You need to gain experience and get some relevant certifications to prove your skills.

That’s why we’ve tried to list the most popular professional certifications in the UAE to help you find your dream job.

Why Get Certified in the UAE?

First, let’s see why you need to pass extra courses to get professional certifications in the UAE:

Global credibility, local relevance

Professional certifications are applicable at the local scale and are valid in the international job market.

For example, international certifications like PMP, CISSP, or CFA are really useful in various sectors in the UAE, such as construction, finance, cybersecurity, aviation, and more.

Salary growth & visibility

Certified professionals are usually paid up to 20% higher and receive faster promotions, especially in high-level positions like project management and finance.

Enhanced Skills and Knowledge

You might get familiar with the basics in universities, but certifications help you learn practical skills and stay updated on the latest industry trends. 

Confidence and Motivation

Having a valid certification in your resume will increase your confidence in job interviews and is a good motivation in your career path. 

Networking Opportunities

When you take part in professional courses and programs, you gain access to professional networks and communities. This way, you can connect with peers and mentors and get familiar with the complexities of the job market. 

Validation of Knowledge and Skills

You might have learned many skills during your university studies or self-study. However, without certifications, you don’t have official validation of these skills and knowledge. 

Top 10 Professional Certifications in the UAE

Now, let’s become familiar with the top professional certifications list in the UAE:

1. PMP® (Project Management Professional)

As it comes from the name, PMP is designed for professionals who want to manage projects. This is especially useful for managers in sectors like construction, IT, and infrastructure.

These are areas where the UAE is heavily investing, so you’ll need it if you want to reach a managerial position. This certification is globally recognized, and PMP holders around the world usually have 20% higher salaries and better job stability.

Here are some other benefits of getting a PMP in the UAE:

• Improved Project Success & Efficiency: PMP holders can implement methodologies that increase the efficiency and ROI of projects.
• Broader Opportunities & Credibility: Most important projects in the UAE, especially government and international contracts, require PMP-certified leaders.
• Networking & Ongoing Growth: If you become a member of the PMI UAE Chapter,  you’ll access great networking, mentorship, and learning opportunities.

The good news is that a bunch of renowned institutions in the UAE that present these certifications, and their degrees are accepted by many countries. Here are some examples:

• Amideast (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)
• Zabeel Institute (Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi)
• Anexas Europe (UAE)
• Elite Star / Elite International
• Skillogic

Overall, you might have to pay more than AED 3,000 to get this certification. If you become a member of PMI, you can use some discounts.

2. CFA® (Chartered Financial Analyst)

The CFA is an essential certification for those who want to work in sectors like finance, investment banking, and portfolio management.

It is highly valuable in the UAE’s financial centers like Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).

All banks and asset management firms in the UAE look for CFAs for senior and analytical roles. CFA lets you think of international opportunities with higher salaries and better roles.

So, if you’re looking for a professional role in these sectors, go for CFA provider institutions, like:

• Emirates Institute for Banking & Financial Studies (EIBFS)
• Zabeel Institute
• Morgan International

The cost of getting this certification can vary widely depending on the level. However, you must expect an investment of AED 5,000 to AED 15,000, which includes courses and exam fees.

3. CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

Smart cities and digital government services are on the rise, and that’s why cybersecurity is a top priority in the UAE.

So, if you’re working in banks, telecom companies, and government departments, CISSP can be a game changer in your career. CISSP-certified professionals are in demand across these industries and can earn around AED 3,65,000 – AED 8,46,000 per year.

Here are some other benefits of CISSP certification in the UAE:

• Career Advancement: If you hold the CISSP certification, you can consider various security roles, including Security Manager, CISO, Security Architect, and Security Consultant.
• Globally Recognized: The CISSP is one of the most globally recognized certifications in the information security field. So, you can be sure that you’ll find international opportunities using it.

Many reputable training providers, like InfosecTrain and Vinsys, offer CISSP certification programs in the UAE. To get this certification in the UAE, you might have to pay from AED 2,500 to AED 7,000.

4. CMA (Certified Management Accountant)

CMA is number four on our list of professional certifications in the UAE. It’s perfect for financial analysts who look for management positions in accounting and strategic business finance. Many multinational companies in the UAE require this certification for senior finance roles.

Here are some of the advantages of holding a CMA in the UAE:

• Strategic Focus: CMA is a great certification for leadership roles in budgeting, forecasting, and financial decision-making.
• Global Portability: It’s recognized worldwide and is beneficial if you plan to work in multiple countries.
• Well-Paid Positions: CMA-certified professionals can earn around AED 13,000 to 28,000 per month.

Of course, if you want to get this certification, you might have to afford to pay something around AED 8,000 to AED 12,000 for study materials and exam fees.

You’d better use valid training providers in the UAE, like:

• CMA Arabia (Dubai)
• Zabeel Institute
• University of Dubai

5. Digital Marketing Certifications (Google, HubSpot, Meta)

Online stores in the UAE are going to hit a market cap of $10 billion by 2030, and that’s why you need to think of a professional certification in this field.

These certifications cover skills in SEO, social media advertising, analytics, and more. You can start from content generation and expand your skills to other fields of digital marketing to reach high-profile jobs in this industry.

Here are the benefits of having a Digital Marketing Certification in the UAE:

• Future Opportunities: A certification in digital marketing helps you find your role in the region’s growing digital economy.
• Hands-On Skills: Digital marketing offers the most diverse range of roles. So, you have the chance to start a job immediately and have income while learning more.
• Freelance & Corporate Opportunities: Digital marketing certifications are useful for both freelance and full-time job seekers.

Here are some famous centers that provide digital marketing certifications in the UAE:

• Google Digital Garage (free and paid courses)
• HubSpot Academy
• Meta Blueprint

6. NEBOSH International General Certificate

NEBOSH stands for National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health, and is a UK-based organization that provides health and safety certifications.

It offers an international general certification that is highly valuable in the UAE. As safety is a critical priority in the UAE, you can count on this certification to reach an important and well-paying job.

NEBOSH certification is the accepted standard for health and safety professionals, especially in the oil, gas, construction, and manufacturing sectors.

It’s good to note that NEBOSH is mandatory for many places on major projects, so you can be sure about your future job if you have it.

A NEBOSH-certified person can think of supervisory and managerial safety roles in many industries in the UAE.

Here are some training centers in the UAE that offer NEBOSH:

• Emirates Safety Training Institute
• Zabeel Institute
• Abu Dhabi Safety Council

You might have to invest around AED 7,000 to AED 10,000, including training and exams. It’s worth it because you can expect to earn around AED 8,000 to AED 15,000 per month.

7. Data Science & AI Certifications

Data science and AI technology will take the place of many jobs in the near future. That’s why the UAE embraces AI and data-driven decision-making.

This is a good opportunity for professionals with skills in data science, cloud computing, and AI. Fortunately, there are highly sought-after certifications in this area:

• AWS Certified Data Analytics
• Google Professional Data Engineer
• IBM Data Science Professional Certificate

The good news is that free training is widely available online. Also, many institutions, like Edstellar and Morgan International, offer courses and exams that will help you find high-profile jobs in the UAE. The cost of these certifications is usually between AED 3,000 and AED 10,000.

Here are some benefits of these certifications:

• Cutting-Edge Skills: With a data science certification, you can gain expertise in machine learning, big data, and cloud platforms.
• Cross-Industry Demand: Data science and AI certifications will enable you to reach high-paying positions in almost all industries in the UAE.
• Competitive Salary: Certified data scientists are among the highest-paid professionals in the UAE. You can expect something from AED 12,000 to AED 25,000 per month.

8. SHRM / CIPD / CHRMP (HR Certifications)

Talent management is a strategic skill in the UAE, and you can obtain it using HR certifications, like SHRM, CIPD, or CHRMP.

Using these professional certifications, you can boost your profile for senior HR roles in the UAE. Here are the benefits of HR certifications:

• Global HR Best Practices: These certifications focus on strategy, employee engagement, and compliance. So, you’ll be trained for international HR positions.
• Growing Demand: Large firms and multinational companies use certified HR professionals.
• Professional Network: When you pass these courses, you gain access to a community of HR leaders and ongoing education.

The best HR training centers in the UAE are:

• Dubai Knowledge Park
• Morgan International
• Zabeel Institute

The cost of these certifications varies but generally is between AED 5,000 to AED 12,000. Of course, after getting these certifications and a bit of experience, you can apply for high-paying jobs.

9. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM®)

Scrum and Agile methodologies are now standard for software development and other related projects. CSM certification is ideal for professionals who want to lead agile teams in the UAE.

Here are some benefits of this certification:

• Increased Project Agility: This skill helps teams deliver products and adapt to changes faster.
• Popular in Tech & Services: This is increasingly used in UAE startups and large enterprises, so you can expect a good job market.
• Good Entry Point: This certification doesn’t require prior experience to start.

You might have to afford to pay a certification cost of around AED 3,500 to AED 5,000. Here are some of the most well-known trainers in the UAE who offer CSM certification:

• Skillogic
• Anexas Europe
• Morgan International

Certification costs are usually around AED 3,500 to AED 5,000.

10. TEFL / TESOL Certifications

English is the only real international language spoken around the world. In an international market like Dubai, it’s difficult to reach success without learning this language.

As a result, teaching English has become a demanding job, and English teaching certifications like TEFL or TESOL are really popular among English teachers.

If you want to teach English in Dubai, especially in international schools, universities, or language centers, you must get these certifications.

Try to go for popular providers, like:

• International TEFL Academy (online and blended options)
• Zabeel Institute
• Berlitz Language Center

Their costs typically range from AED 3,000 to AED 7,000.

Tips for Choosing the Right Certification

Now that you know the best professional certifications in the UAE, it’s time to learn some tips when choosing one.

Research Industry-Specific Certifications

Apart from the certifications we introduced, you must find other top certifications in your industry.

Don’t stop until you feel you’re an expert in your field. Maybe you need more than just one certification to reach a high level in the industry.

Don’t Get Disappointed

Many times, students and professionals get disappointed after they fail to find a suitable job position after getting certification. You must consider the fact that many people might take these courses and get certifications. So, never get disappointed and try to think of a competitive skill.

Check Pre-Requisites

Some certifications have some basic requirements, so you can’t simply register and pass the exam. Try to check the pre-requisites and get ready for the main study materials.

Consider the Cost and the Value of the Course

You must make a trade-off between the cost of the certification and its impact on your career path. 

Final Thoughts

A professional certification can be a game-changer in your career path. Although university degrees are important, without a practical course and a valid certification, you can’t expect to find a good job position in a renowned company in the UAE. The thing is that there are lots of certifications out there. You must choose the best certifications in your industry to increase your chances of getting a high-profile job. We listed the best professional certifications in the UAE. You can also search on Shozon to find relevant jobs for these certifications.

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