(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

In the UAE, where opportunity meets ambition, networking is more than a skill; it is a career strategy. As a career coach, I often remind professionals that qualifications may get you noticed, but relationships open doors. From the first internship to executive leadership, the people you know and the connections you nurture will define how far and how fast you grow.

Think of networking as constructing bridges. Every introduction, every conversation, every thoughtful LinkedIn comment lays another plank across the water. One bridge may connect you to your first job, another to a mentor, and yet another to a business partner. The wider your network of bridges, the easier it becomes to cross into new opportunities. Without them, you are stranded on an island of isolation, relying only on luck and online applications.

Recommended For You Oman helps free Filipino, Indian, Russian crew of Eternity C from Houthis

Networking starts at home

Networking does not always begin with strangers at events. It often starts at home. Family, relatives, their friends, and extended circles are often the first connections who can introduce you to opportunities. Many professionals in the UAE secure their first internships or interviews through family networks.

However, it is important to remember that while referrals may get you an interview, they do not guarantee you a job. Employers in the UAE still look for merit, skills, and cultural fit. Networking opens the door, but what you bring to the table keeps you in the room.

Why it matters in the UAE

The UAE job market is among the most competitive in the world. For every role advertised, there may be hundreds of applicants. Relying only on job portals is like playing the lottery. Networking changes the odds. A recruiter noticing your LinkedIn engagement, a professional you met at an event referring your CV, or a colleague connecting you to a hiring manager can fast-track your career in ways no application ever could.

And this is not only true for jobseekers. Even executives need networks to grow, influence, establish partnerships, and shape industry conversations.

Take the case of a student who attended a university career fair in Dubai. She introduced herself to an HR manager, later connected on LinkedIn, and maintained occasional engagement by sharing thoughtful posts. Months later, when she applied for a graduate programme, the same manager recognised her name and profile. That small initial connection helped her stand out among hundreds of applicants, eventually landing her the role.

This is the power of networking. It is not about how many people you know but about how well you cultivate the right relationships.

Tools that work: LinkedIn and Beyond

Despite critics dismissing LinkedIn as a“matrimonial site” or a space filled with repetitive, sad posts, it remains the most powerful professional networking platform in the UAE. Recruiters, managers, and industry leaders actively use it to scout talent and share opportunities. When used correctly, through a polished profile, purposeful content, and consistent engagement, LinkedIn becomes a career accelerator.

But networking does not end online. Platforms such as Dubai Socials and Businesses (DSB) have emerged as leading networking hubs, offering professionals, entrepreneurs, and students a chance to connect face-to-face. DSB's meetups and community groups create meaningful opportunities for collaboration, referrals, and visibility, proving that in-person networking is just as valuable as digital connections.

Networking is not an optional skill; it is a career necessity. The UAE rewards those who step out, connect, and contribute. Build your bridges at home with family and relatives, expand them through LinkedIn, and strengthen them with in-person communities like Dubai Socials and Businesses.

Remember, referrals may get you into the interview room, but only your skills and professionalism will get you the job. Networking is the bridge, but performance is what helps you cross it successfully.

...

MENAFN04122025000049011007ID1110439049