Your Complete Travel Guide for a Work Trip from Ghana to Dubai

alexjames

Jul 16, 2025 - 19:04

Dubai has long been seen as a land of opportunity, especially for professionals seeking new work experiences abroad. With its rapidly growing economy, tax-free income, and diverse job sectors, Dubai continues to attract skilled workers from around the globeincluding a growing number from Ghana. Whether you're pursuing a job in construction, hospitality, healthcare, or technology, understanding the visa process and preparing for your journey is key to a successful relocation.

This article will walk you through everything you need to know before starting your work adventure in Dubai, including visa requirements, estimated costs, job sectors in demand, and helpful travel tips.

Understanding Dubai Working Visa Price in Ghana

If you're planning to move from Ghana to Dubai for employment, one of your first concerns will likely be the Dubai working visa price in Ghana. It's important to understand that in most cases, the cost of a work visa is not paid directly by the worker. Instead, your future employer in Dubai usually covers the cost of processing your employment visa.

However, if you're working with a recruitment agency or going through the application process independently, you may be required to cover part of the costs up front. Heres a general estimate of potential fees involved if handled privately or through an agent:

Job offer verification or pre-application fee: GHS 300 GHS 800
Medical test and document preparation: GHS 500 GHS 1000
Visa processing and admin fees: GHS 1500 GHS 2500
Flight ticket to Dubai: GHS 3000 GHS 5000 (depending on the season)

So, the total out-of-pocket expense could range from GHS 5,000 to GHS 10,000. Its crucial to deal only with licensed and reliable agencies to avoid scams. Also, some companies will reimburse your costs after you arrive and start work.

A Dubai work visa is usually valid for two years and includes the following steps:

Getting a valid job offer from a UAE-based employer
Approval from the UAE Ministry of Labour
Issuance of an entry permit
Arrival in Dubai and medical fitness test
Issuance of a residence visa stamped on your passport

Always clarify the exact visa process and associated costs with your recruiter or employer before making any payments.

How to Check Dubai Visa Status

Once your application is submitted and your documents are in order, the next step is to check Dubai visa status to monitor your application progress. Knowing how to track your visa status gives you peace of mind and helps you plan your departure date accurately.

Here are a few simple ways to check your visa application status:

1. Use the UAE Government Portal

You can visit the official website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP UAE). These platforms allow you to track visa applications in real-time.

Steps to follow:

Go to the Track Visa Status or Entry Permit Inquiry section
Enter your passport number, application number, and nationality
Click on Submit or Search
Your visa progress will be displayed (e.g., Under Processing, Approved, or Issued)

2. Airline or Employer Updates

If your employer or recruitment agency applied for the visa, they should also be able to provide regular updates or give you an application tracking number to follow up.

You should receive your approved visa via email in PDF format. Always keep a printed copy for your travel documents.

Preparing for Your Trip to Dubai

Once your work visa is approved, the next big step is preparing to travel. Here are a few key steps:

Book your flight: Emirates, Flydubai, and Qatar Airways offer flights from Accra to Dubai, either direct or with one stop. Book in advance to get better rates.
Pack appropriate clothing: Dubai is hot most of the year. Carry light clothing but remember to pack modest wear for public places and work environments.
Bring essential documents: Carry copies of your job offer letter, visa, passport, medical records, and educational certificates.
Money matters: You may want to carry a small amount of UAE Dirhams for immediate expenses. Its also good to have an international debit card or mobile payment option.

Accommodation and Settling In

If your employer provides accommodation, they will inform you before your arrival. If not, you can book temporary housing for the first few weeks. Areas like Al Nahda, Deira, and Bur Dubai offer affordable rooms and are well connected by public transport.

There are many shared accommodations for workers, especially those from Africa and South Asia. Renting a bed space or a shared room is common and costs much less than a private apartment.

Make sure your accommodation is near your workplace or a metro station to reduce commuting time and cost.

Job Sectors in High Demand in Dubai

Dubais growing economy has created many job opportunities across various sectors. As a Ghanaian applicant, your skills and qualifications can open doors in areas such as:

Construction and skilled labor
Hospitality and tourism
Cleaning and maintenance services
Security services
Healthcare (nurses, assistants, support staff)
Logistics and delivery services
Retail and customer service

Before applying, ensure your skills and qualifications meet the roles requirements. If possible, complete short vocational training programs in Ghana to boost your chances.

Public Transport and Getting Around Dubai

Dubais public transportation system is clean, affordable, and reliable. After arriving, you can move around the city using:

Dubai Metro Best option for long-distance travel; two lines covering major areas
Public buses Run by the RTA; good for local trips
Taxis Widely available but more expensive
Ride-hailing apps Uber and Careem are also popular

To use public transport, you need a Nol Card, which can be purchased and recharged at metro stations and convenience stores.

Cultural Awareness and Work Environment

Dubai is an international city with a strong respect for tradition and rules. When working in Dubai, its important to understand and follow the local customs:

Dress modestly in public places and workplaces
Be punctual and respectful to colleagues and supervisors
Avoid discussing sensitive topics like religion and politics
Public displays of affection and loud behavior in public are discouraged
Alcohol is allowed only in licensed places and should not be consumed in public

Following these rules will help you settle into your new work environment comfortably and avoid unnecessary trouble.

Sending Money Home

One of the key reasons many workers move to Dubai is to support their families back home. Fortunately, sending money from Dubai to Ghana is easy through: