E-Paper
Sign In
UAE jobs: How networking can help you land an interview; 4 ways to build connections
Networking is about relationships, not transactions, and those genuine connections can open doors you never even knew existed
- PUBLISHED: Sat 1 Mar 2025, 5:30 AM
[Editor's Note: Struggling with an issue at work? Don't know how to address concerns with an employee? Send your questions to webteam@khaleejtimes.com — our HR experts will provide confidential, professional advice.]
Question: How can an employee build a strong professional network in the UAE, and why does it matter?
Recommended For You
Answer: Whether you’re job hunting, growing your business, or just staying ahead, the right network can make all the difference. Let’s talk about how to build one that works for you.
The power of networking in the UAE
Here, relationships fuel careers. A friend once sent out over 100 job applications with no response—until a former colleague referred them. Instant interview. I once needed a consultant and, instead of searching online, I reached out to my circle. A trusted recommendation landed me the perfect person.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Beyond job leads, networking keeps you informed. A former colleague pivoted into a booming sector just by attending industry events and spotting a trend early. Those insights can change your career trajectory.
How to build your network in the UAE
1. Show up at industry events
A book I'm reading highlights the 'mere exposure effect' — the more you see people, the more likable and approachable they become. Regular interactions build trust and familiarity, making industry events key to networking success. The UAE is packed with high-impact conferences — GITEX for tech pros, Arab Health for healthcare experts. Face-to-face meetings make connections stick.
2. Be active on LinkedIn
With over 8 million users in the UAE, LinkedIn is a must. Don’t just collect connections—engage. Comment, share insights, and join discussions to stay on people’s radar.
3. Join professional groups
Groups like the Dubai Business Women Council or British Business Group offer more than networking—they create communities. When I moved from London, my CIPD network helped me settle in, meet peers, and even find work. I’ve recommended jobs, received referrals, and benefited from the credibility of professional registration.
4. Give before you take
Networking isn’t about keeping score—it’s about relationships. 'Never Eat Alone' by Keith Ferrazzi and Tahl Raz reminds us that true networking isn’t using people but investing in them. Helping others—whether through mentoring, referrals, or just making an introduction—creates opportunities that naturally come back to you.
And here’s the thing: genuine networking isn’t a hustle. It’s a skill and an art. It’s about authenticity, not transactions. Understand boundaries, build real trust, and focus on long-term value, not quick wins.
Your personal brand matters
Your network is only as strong as your reputation. Whether through thought leadership, industry engagement, or a strong online presence, how you present yourself matters. Be someone others trust and want to connect with.
The 70-20-10 rule
Success isn’t just about who you know — it’s about what you do with those connections. The 70-20-10 model says 70 per cent of growth comes from hands-on experience, 20 per cent from networking, and 10 per cent from formal education.
Make networking work for you
Think of networking like the way Simba builds alliances in 'The Lion King'—he doesn’t just reclaim the throne alone, but with the help of those he’s built trust with over time. Networking is about the people who show up for you when it counts, the ones who remember your name long after the handshake. It’s about relationships, not transactions, and those genuine connections can open doors you never even knew existed.
Relationships take time to grow, but the more you invest, the greater the rewards. Some connections will pay off instantly, while others will surprise you years down the line.
So get out there, meet people, and build relationships that matter. Who knows? The next conversation you have might just change your future.
Roujin Ghamsari is an accomplished HR practitioner and fellow of the CIPD, a professional body for HR and people development. Named among the 'Most Influential HR Practitioners 2023', she excels at collaborating with C-Suite leadership to craft and implement robust people plans, enabling organisations to deliver their strategic objectives.