If you're curious about how the UAE classifies professions, you're in the right place. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) organizes jobs into nine professional levels, helping structure the workforce. These classifications follow international standards set by the International Labour Organization’s ISCO system. In this guide, we'll explore these nine professional levels and explain what it means to be considered a "skilled" worker in the UAE.
Understanding the Nine Professional Levels
The UAE's job classification system breaks down professions into nine levels. These levels help define the complexity and responsibilities associated with various jobs, from high-level executives to more entry-level roles. Let's take a closer look at each of these levels:
Level 1: Legislators, Managers, and Business Executives
This level is reserved for the highest-ranking professionals, including legislators, top executives, and business managers. These are the decision-makers, strategic thinkers, and leaders who shape the direction of companies and industries.
Level 2: Professionals in Scientific, Technical, and Human Fields
This category includes highly educated and skilled professionals working in fields such as science, engineering, healthcare, education, and technology. These individuals are experts in their respective fields and require advanced knowledge and training.
Level 3: Technicians in Scientific, Technical, and Humanitarian Fields
Technicians provide crucial support to professionals by applying specialized knowledge in fields such as science, medicine, and engineering. They may work in laboratories, hospitals, or technical industries, ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently.
Level 4: Writing Professionals
This level covers various writing-related professions, such as journalists, editors, content creators, and authors. Writing professionals are responsible for producing high-quality written content for different platforms and industries.
Level 5: Service and Sales Occupations
Jobs in this category involve customer service, retail sales, and hospitality roles. These positions are essential in creating positive customer experiences and driving sales across a wide range of industries, from retail stores to hotels and restaurants.
Level 6: Skilled Workers in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Husbandry
This group includes workers who specialize in agriculture, fishing, and animal care. These skilled workers play a vital role in the production of food and other essential goods, contributing to the country's food security and agricultural economy.
Level 7: Craftsmen in Construction, Mining, and Other Crafts
Craftsmen and skilled tradespeople in this level include construction workers, miners, and other artisans. These workers are skilled in specific trades and play an important role in building infrastructure and supporting industrial activities.
Level 8: Operators and Assemblers of Machinery and Equipment
Workers in this level operate machinery and assembly lines in various industries. These roles require a good understanding of machinery, equipment, and production processes, contributing to manufacturing and industrial growth.
Level 9: Simple Professions
Simple professions typically involve basic manual labor and entry-level roles. These positions don’t require specialized education or high-level skills but are still essential for the smooth functioning of various sectors.
What Makes a Worker “Skilled”?
In the UAE, a worker is considered “skilled” if they meet certain criteria set by MoHRE. To qualify as a skilled worker, a person must:
- Work in Levels 1 to 5: Only those working in higher-level professions—ranging from business executives to highly trained professionals and technicians—are classified as skilled.
- Hold a Higher Education Certificate: The worker must have obtained a certificate higher than a secondary school diploma. This could include a university degree or other recognized qualifications.
- Certificate Attestation: The higher education certificate must be attested by the relevant authorities, ensuring its authenticity and recognition in the UAE.
- Minimum Salary Requirement: To be classified as skilled, the worker’s monthly salary (excluding commissions) must be no less than AED 4,000. This ensures that skilled workers are compensated appropriately for their expertise.
The average salary for skilled workers in the UAE varies by emirate, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi typically offering higher salaries due to their booming industries, while Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah generally offer slightly lower wages.
Why is This Classification Important?
Understanding MoHRE's classification of professions is important for both workers and employers in the UAE. For workers, it determines their professional standing and eligibility for benefits like work permits, visas, and residency options. For employers, knowing the professional level of employees helps in recruitment, setting appropriate salaries, and ensuring compliance with labor regulations.
The classification also impacts the UAE’s labor market by encouraging skill development and aligning the workforce with international standards. Additionally, UAE student visas allow students to work while studying, contributing to the development of a competitive and skilled labor market.
Furthermore, understanding the classification is essential for accurately calculating leave salary and gratuity, as these benefits are often linked to the worker’s professional level and salary.
Examples of Jobs in Professional Level
To better understand MoHRE’s job descriptions, here are some examples of professions:
| Sr. No. | Designation | ENSCO Code | MOHRE Code | Certificate |
| 1 | Tourist Supervisor | 143902 | 991971 | Required |
| 2 | Tourist Information Manager | 143902 | 991971 | Required |
| 3 | Travel Agency Manager | 143901 | 214031 | Required |
| 4 | Cinema Manager | 143104 | 1948755 | Required |
| 5 | Youth Sport Manager | 143103 | 520 | Required |
| 6 | Library Manager | 143102 | 519 | Required |
| 7 | Stadium Official | 143101 | 518 | Required |
| 8 | Club Manager | 143101 | 518 | Required |
| 9 | Service Station Manager | 142003 | 3125000 | Required |
| 10 | Assistant General Manager | 142002 | 957357 | Required |
| 11 | General Manager | 142002 | 957357 | Required |
| 12 | Retail Store Manager | 142002 | 957357 | Required |
| 13 | Wholesale Manager | 142001 | 2999000 | Required |
| 14 | Catering Supervisor | 141203 | 941542 | Required |
| 15 | Catering Manager | 141203 | 941542 | Required |
| 16 | Coffee Shop Manager | 141202 | 113920 | Required |
| 17 | Food and Beverage Manager | 141202 | 113920 | Required |
| 18 | Restaurant Manager | 141201 | 51434 | Required |
| 19 | Hotel Manager | 141101 | 214011 | Required |
| 20 | Chief Fire Officer | 134901 | 41664 | Required |
For a complete list of professions, feel free to refer to this PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the nine professional levels in the UAE’s MoHRE classification system?
What qualifies a worker as “skilled” in the UAE?
Why is the MoHRE classification system important?
How does the classification impact workers in the UAE?
MoHRE’s professional levels provide a clear framework for classifying jobs in the UAE, helping employers hire skilled workers and guiding individuals in their career paths. From executives to skilled tradespeople, each role supports the UAE’s economy. Understanding these levels allows workers to navigate their careers effectively, while employers can hire the right talent. Additionally, services like Ajman Muroor, which manage vehicle-related procedures, can help both workers and employers with logistical and legal employment requirements.
