Top 10 Nursing Jobs in UAE: In-Demand Specialties in Dubai 2025
- Aamer Jarg
- Oct 6
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 9
Introduction
Dubai’s healthcare sector is expanding rapidly with new hospitals, clinics, and specialty centers opening every year. This growth is creating strong demand for skilled nurses across multiple specialties.
If you’re planning a career in the UAE, understanding which nursing jobs are most in demand can help you focus your job search, maximize your earning potential, and secure long-term career growth.
This guide highlights the Top 10 Nursing Jobs and Specialties in the UAE: in Dubai for 2025, average salaries, and why employers seek these professionals.
Quick Overview: Top Nursing Jobs in Dubai 2025
ICU / Critical Care Nurses
Emergency / ER Nurses
Operating Theatre (OT) Nurses
Pediatric & Neonatal Nurses
Oncology Nurses
Home Care Nurses
Dermatology & Aesthetic Nurses
Dialysis Nurses
Mental Health / Psychiatric Nurses
Nurse Educators & Clinical Instructors
ICU / Critical Care Nurse
Why in Demand: Advances in intensive care technology, increased incidence of complex health conditions, and more critical care beds are fueling high demand for ICU nurses. Their expertise is essential in treating patients with life-threatening illnesses, multi-organ failure, or those recovering after high-risk surgeries. Dubai’s tertiary hospitals require round-the-clock coverage by skilled critical care professionals to maintain international healthcare standards.
Education/Certifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN)
Postgraduate Diploma or Certification in Critical Care/Intensive Care Nursing (preferred)
Valid DHA License
Mandatory BLS; ACLS preferred
Average Salary: AED 10,000 – 18,000/month
Workplaces: Government and private hospitals, tertiary care centers, ICUs
Emergency / ER Nurse
Why in Demand: Dubai’s fast-paced urban environment and frequent international events place immense pressure on emergency departments, increasing the need for specialized ER nurses. These professionals respond to acute trauma, medical emergencies, and disasters, providing rapid assessment and coordinated care in high-stress settings.
Education/Certifications:
Bachelor’s degree or a recognized Diploma in Nursing
Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) recommended
Valid DHA License
BLS and ACLS certifications required
Average Salary: AED 8,500 – 15,000/month
Workplaces: Emergency rooms, trauma centers, ambulance services, urgent care clinics
Operating Theatre (OT) Nurse
Why in Demand: Growth in elective, cosmetic, and advanced surgeries has driven demand for OT nurses who ensure surgical safety and efficiency. Their expertise is crucial for operative preparation, instrument handling, and patient care before, during, and after surgery.
Education/Certifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent diploma in Nursing
Postgraduate Certificate in Operating Theatre Nursing (preferred)
Valid DHA License
Average Salary: AED 9,000 – 16,000/month
Workplaces: Operating rooms, day surgery centers, specialty surgical hospitals
Pediatric & Neonatal Nurse
Why in Demand: A rising birth rate and rapid population growth among young families increase the demand for pediatric and neonatal nurses. These nurses deliver specialized care to infants and children, helping reduce child mortality and improve developmental outcomes.
Education/Certifications:
Bachelor’s in Pediatric Nursing or BSN with pediatric/neonatal certification
Valid DHA License
Clinical experience in pediatric wards preferred
Average Salary: AED 8,000 – 14,000/month
Workplaces: Children’s hospitals, NICUs, pediatric wards, maternity units
Oncology Nurse
Why in Demand: The expansion of cancer treatment centers and an increase in oncology cases require nurses specialized in administering chemotherapy, supporting patients, and managing complex treatment protocols. Oncology nurses are vital to patient education and multidisciplinary cancer care.
Education/Certifications:
Bachelor’s in Nursing
Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN®) preferred
Valid DHA License
Average Salary: AED 9,500 – 17,000/month
Workplaces: Oncology centers, cancer hospitals, chemotherapy units
Home Care Nurse
Why in Demand: Rising demand for chronic disease and elderly care in home settings is fueling the need for trained home care nurses. These professionals provide personalized, continuous patient care, facilitating recovery and reducing hospital readmissions.
Education/Certifications:
Bachelor’s or Diploma in Nursing
Valid DHA License
Preferably experience in community or geriatric nursing
Average Salary: AED 6,000 – 9,000/month
Workplaces: Home healthcare agencies, private residences
Dermatology & Aesthetic Nurse
Why in Demand: Dubai’s booming aesthetics and skincare industry has escalated demand for nurses trained in dermatology and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. These professionals are vital in laser therapy, injectables, and advanced skin care, serving a growing clientele focused on wellness and beauty.
Education/Certifications:
Bachelor’s in Nursing
Certification in Dermatology/Aesthetics (preferred)
Valid DHA License
Laser and cosmetic procedure certifications are valuable
Average Salary: AED 10,000 – 15,000/month
Workplaces: Dermatology clinics, aesthetic centers, medical spas
Dialysis Nurse
Why in Demand: Due to the increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the UAE, there is a growing need for nurses with experience in dialysis care. They are critical in managing hemodialysis equipment, monitoring patients, and intervening during complications.
Education/Certifications:
Bachelor’s or Diploma in Nursing
Specialized training or certification in Dialysis/Nephrology (preferred)
Valid DHA License
Average Salary: AED 8,000 – 13,000/month
Workplaces: Dialysis centers, nephrology units, specialty hospitals
Mental Health / Psychiatric Nurse
Why in Demand: Greater mental health awareness and new psychiatric facilities require qualified nurses for holistic, patient-centred psychiatric care. These nurses support patients coping with acute crises, chronic mental illness, and rehabilitation, often playing a key role in community prevention programs.
Education/Certifications:
BSN with specialization or postgraduate training in mental health/psychiatric nursing
Valid DHA License
Prior experience in mental health facilities preferred
Average Salary: AED 8,500 – 12,000/month
Workplaces: Psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, rehabilitation and counselling centers
Nurse Educator / Clinical Instructor
Why in Demand: Continued growth in Dubai’s healthcare sector and high recruitment levels mandate ongoing training and upskilling for new and experienced nurses. Nurse educators play a crucial role in developing clinical competency and maintaining high standards of care.
Education/Certifications:
Bachelor’s degree minimum; Master’s in Nursing Education, Clinical Instruction or equivalent preferred
Valid DHA License
Experience in teaching and curriculum development is highly valued
Average Salary: AED 11,000 – 16,000/month
Workplaces: Teaching hospitals, nursing colleges, hospital training departments
Average Annual Nursing Salary:
Experience Level | Monthly Salary Range (AED) | Annual Salary Range (AED) |
0–2 years (Entry Level) | 4,500 – 8,000 | 54,000 – 96,000 |
2–5 years (Mid-Career) | 7,000 – 11,000 | 84,000 – 132,000 |
5–10 years (Experienced) | 10,000 – 14,000 | 120,000 – 168,000 |
10-15 years (Senior) | 12,000 – 18,000 | 144,000 – 216,000 |
15–20 years | 13,000 – 20,000 | 156,000 – 240,000 |
20+ years (Late Career) | Up to 23,000 | Up to 276,000 |
How to Secure a Nursing Job in Dubai (2025)
Get your DHA License – Mandatory for legal nursing practice (Dubai Health Authority).
Prepare documents – Degree, transcripts, valid nursing license from the home country.
Apply early – Government hospitals recruit in bulk before private clinics.
Work with a recruitment agency – Nursing recruitment agencies in Dubai, like Talent Shark, can guide you through the process.
Talent Shark Advantage: Your Pathway to Nursing Jobs in the UAE
At Talent Shark, we specialize in connecting nurses with top healthcare employers in Dubai. Whether you are an ICU nurse, pediatric specialist, or aesthetics professional, we provide:
End-to-end support with DHA licensing
Access to exclusive nursing vacancies across Dubai
Guidance on salaries, contracts, and relocation
Start your Dubai nursing career today with Talent Shark
Resume Upload: https://www.talentshark.ae/resume-upload
Email Us your Resumes: apply@talentshark.ae
Useful Links:
Dubai Health Authority Licensing
Indeed ICU Nurse Salary Dubai
Naukri Gulf Nursing Jobs