Business
Emiratisation in CX is natural call for this Dubai BPO
Data Direct Group urges UAE private sector to hire more local talent
Dubai-based leading BPO organisation Data Direct Group has urged the UAE’s private sector to follow the recent guidelines established by country’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and hire more local talent to boost Emirati employment rates.
The Ministry earlier this month announced that around 79,000 UAE nationals were working in the private sector. In September 2022, UAE’s authorities set out quotas for hiring Emiratis for the first time and gave private companies deadlines to reach them.
Private sector companies with at least 50 employees needed to ensure 3 per cent of their workforce was made up of Emiratis by July 7. Four days later on July 11, MoHRE announced a new update to the rules, whereby private companies with 20 to 49 employees are now included in the government’s Emiratisation drive with the new rules now applicable to companies across 14 economic sectors including property, education, construction and health care.
“This is the time to infuse the current market with a great new talent pool that is homegrown and localised. Emirati employment rate is projected to increase to 10 per cent in 2026 with a steady growth every year and it is the time for private businesses of the country to step up by reaching targets laid down by the MoHRE,” said Rajiv Dalmia, the chairman and founder of Data Direct Group that today employs close to 1,500 professionals from over 25 nationalities working in four countries.
“We achieved outstanding results in going beyond to fulfill the government’s targets for hiring Emirati talent. A major part of that success is due to the fact that Emiratisation has always been a part of our role to keep local clients happy while enhancing the customer experience.”
Rajiv Dalmia
As part of the company’s commitment to support the nation’s vision and foster local talent, Data Direct been implementing strategic initiatives since the company’s inception in 2002, and much before the UAE government started ‘customer happiness centres’ across the country to serve the local population. An internal audit by DDG after the first half of 2023 has shown staff representation among Emiratis at nearly 5-7 times the minimum required, especially in certain departments.
“We do not see Emiratisation as a minimum quota to achieve just for the sake of representation,” added Dalmia. “The more the merrier, and there is a constant endeavour to seek out local talent first before we look at other options.”
Elaborating on the MoHRE data, recruitment consultancy Qureos has said sectors such as business services (14% growth year on year), construction (13%), and commerce and repair services (10%) are among the new frontrunners in Emirati hiring, coming neck-to-neck with the traditional BFSI (banking, financial services and insurance) sector. Data Direct serves many clients in the services and banking sector.
Qureos data also suggests a massive 75% increase in college enrolment for banking studies. The graduates are due to be incorporated in the near future where the HR departments of companies such as Data Direct stand to benefit. “Employees within our team setup and familiar with the work culture at Data Direct Group provide good referrals to future employees. References are our best sources for talent,” said Nona Sharma, HR head at DDG.
“The accomplishment in surpassing Emiratisation targets is a testament to our commitment to the UAE’s socio-economic growth and vision for a prosperous future. By empowering local talent, we also strengthen our own organisational capabilities.”
DDG has been working with many government entities to enhance the customer experience during interactions. Meanwhile, the rise of Gulf countries’ economies has also seen a surge in hiring local talent. “A collaboration with Talabat in Bahrain, for instance, has happened due to our track record on this and their requirements to keep 100% staff local. In Oman, it is 80% of our strength while the highly cosmopolitan nature of UAE means we have about 35-40 locals who cater to clients, including key government agencies. Having talented local colleagues is not tokenism for us. They are, in fact, the guiding light for us in many cases,” Dalmia added.
Dubai continues to attract professionals, families, and digital nomads seeking long-term apartment rentals, thanks to its strong economy, modern lifestyle, and world-class infrastructure.
However, for newcomers, finding the right apartment that fits both budget and lifestyle can feel overwhelming.
Here are some of the top areas in Dubai for long-term rentals, based on tenant preferences, amenities, and rental trends:
Think luxury
- Dubai Marina
Still one of the most in-demand expat hubs, prices vary a lot by tower, view, and furnishing.
Typical rents:
Studio: Dh55,000 – 110,000
1BR: Dh75,000 – 135,000
2BR: Dh110,000 – 200,000
3BR: Dh200,000 – 350,000
Market note:
Median rent sits around Dh130,000 across unit types
Waterfront views and newer towers push prices to the top end.
Palm Jumeirah (Palm Islands)
This is a completely different tier—think luxury, beachfront, and limited supply.
Typical annual rents:
1BR (apartments): Dh 140,000 – 200,000
2BR: Dh 250,000 – 350,000
3BR apartments: Dh 500,000 – 700,000
Best for families with quality living
- Dubai Hills Estate:
Green, peaceful, and family-focused. Popular for expat families, with top schools and long-term tenant stability.
Typical rents:
- 1BR: Dh80,000–120,000
- 2BR: Dh130,000–190,000
- Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC):
Affordable, community-driven living with parks and strong rental yields. Ideal for families seeking quiet suburban life.
Typical rents:
- Studio: Dh45,000–65,000
- 1BR: Dh65,000–95,000
Best for professionals and city life
- Business Bay:
A central business hub with high demand, perfect for young professionals and entrepreneurs.
Typical rents:
- Studio: Dh60,000–85,000
- 1BR: Dh85,000–130,000
- Downtown Dubai:
Premium urban lifestyle near offices, dining, and entertainment. - 1BR: Dh110,000–180,000
- 2BR: Dh180,000–280,000
- Dubai Marina:
Vibrant waterfront living with high-rise apartments and strong rental appeal. - Studio: Dh70,000–95,000
- 1BR: Dh95,000–140,000
Best for affordable rentals and value
A practical choice for professionals working in tech or nearby zones. Known for quieter living and relatively lower rents.
International City
Remains one of Dubai’s most budget-friendly areas, popular for first-time expats or singles.
Typical rents:
- Studio: Dh30,000–45,000
- 1BR: Dh45,000–65,000
Al Barsha
Well-connected (especially via metro) and still offers decent value compared to newer developments.
Typical rents:
- 1BR: Dh70,000–100,000
- 2BR: Dh100,000–150,000
Discovery Gardens
This is firmly in the ‘affordable but spacious’ category. This neighbourhood is popular with expats who want bigger apartments without Marina-level prices.
Typical annual rents:
- Studio: Dh 30,000 – 55,000
- 1BR: Dh45,000 – 72,000
- 2BR: Dh65,000 – 110,000
- 3BR: Dh90,000 – 120,000
Market reality:
- Average rents sit around Dh 54,000 – 68,000/year, depending on unit type
- Studios start at Dh 47,000, while 2BR units can go up to Dh 110,000
- Still one of the best ‘space-for-money’ areas in Dubai, with larger layouts than newer buildings
How it compares
- Discovery Gardens: Budget-friendly + bigger units + metro access
- Cheaper than JVC and much cheaper than Dubai Marina
- Trade-off: Older buildings + less ‘premium’ feel
For expats prioritising affordability, older central neighbourhoods such as Al Karama, Bur Dubai, and Deira continue to offer relatively lower rents compared to newer communities.
On the fringe
Further savings can be found in areas like Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, and outer residential zones, where rents are more accessible, but often at the cost of longer commute times and fewer modern amenities.
Typical budget range (older areas):
- Studio: Dh28,000–50,000
- 1BR: Dh45,000–75,000
Why Dubai is still ideal for long-term rentals
- Flexible payment options (1–4 cheques or annual upfront)
- High-quality amenities (gyms, pools, parking in most buildings)
- Strong, expat-driven rental market
- Wide mix of luxury, mid-range, and budget communities
How to choose if you’re new to the city
With rising rents, the decision often comes down to trade-offs:
- Want energy and convenience? – Business Bay, Downtown, Marina
- Want space and community living? – Dubai Hills, JVC
- Want affordability? – Silicon Oasis, International City, Deira
In 2026, several residents are compromising on location to gain space or save 15–25% on rent, especially with hybrid work becoming common.
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