The top 6 remote work platforms for MENA professionals

Post lockdowns, remote work is here to stay. Remote work seems appealing if you're working in tech or just starting your career in tech. Who wouldn't want to enjoy family cooking at home while firing off some lines of code or traveling to a bucket list destination while still making your standups?

What are remote work platforms?

Remote work platforms are websites/job sites advertising remote or remote-friendly roles. While they may offer freelance contracts, for the most part, advertising companies are looking for full-time employees.

And these platforms are plentiful. Even platforms that promote in-office roles, like LinkedIn primarily, have experienced a considerable increase in posted remote positions. And the demand is there. In Europe and the MENA region, searches for jobs with the "remote" filter increased by 60%.

So if you're part of that 60% scouring the internet for remote roles from the MENA region in tech roles like development or UX/UI, look no further. This list is for you.

Some helpful tips for finding a remote job

Before we get into which platforms are best for finding a remote job in the MENA region, let's cover some helpful tips to approach your search.

Use Boolean to search remote jobs

There are a LOT of platforms out there. And we won't cover them all, especially ones that don't specialize in remote jobs. But if you're casting your net wide and looking for a more extensive range of opportunities, consider looking outside the platforms provided here.

To ensure you find remote jobs, use Boolean search in the search bar to target the roles you want to see. Boolean search is a search style that combines keywords with 'and', 'or', or both to narrow your results. New to Boolean? Here are some of the basics for a job search.

You might want to start with a "REMOTE" OR "HYBRID". And then add potential role titles you'd be looking for with AND after each one.

Boolean is so flexible that you can use it in a Google search, and it will turn up job advertisement results. Give it a try.

Ask questions about remote

Every organization does remote differently. And there are a lot of areas in which remote varies from company to company.

Even before applying, if the role description needs to be clarified, consider contacting the recruiter or point of contact. And if you're unsure which questions to ask, we've compiled a list of the most important questions to ask before going remote.

The more questions you ask, the clearer your job search will be.

Be aware of the challenges of remote work

Remote work isn't for everyone. And you'll face many unique challenges as a remote worker.

If you're prepared for them, remote work can be a great career opportunity. If not, well, you might be left feeling that you were better off in the fluorescent overhead of an office.

If you're still on the fence, we recommend you take a short quiz to see if remote's for you. This way, you'll know what areas you'll need to brush up on before you take on the new challenges of remote work.

Create a remote branded CV

So your heart is set on remote jobs. That's great. But does your CV say that too?

Remote is a specific way of working (hello, remember all those unique challenges?). It won't hurt to highlight any experience you have working in a remote environment or branding yourself as a remote worker.

• Add "remote" next to your location
• Bold any remote work tasks and specify that they were remote
• Consider adding "remote" or "remote freelancer" (if you're already freelancing) under your name and title
• Update your LinkedIn profile to match

Just like you'd update your CV and customize it for the roles you're looking for, do the same for remote!

Our top remote work platform picks

Alright, we're ready to go. Here are our top picks for the platforms you should have on your bookmark list if you're looking for a remote role from the MENA region.

WeWorkRemotely

Suggested by Re:Coded alumni, this is a great platform to check, mainly because it has a considerable diversity of role types, and employers are very responsive (forget being ghosted). Make sure to filter based on remote location. Some employers look for applicants only in a specific region due to compliance (their ability to issue a contract legally) or timezone overlap.

arc.dev

You'll have to create a profile before accessing the available roles, but, boy, are there a bunch— for freelance and full-time. You'll also notice that some indicate the necessary timezone overlap, which is helpful when considering a potential daily schedule. There are more than a few UAE employers where Arabic may be a competitive advantage.

Flexjobs.com

Flexjobs spans multiple fields and broadly offers more than a few opportunities in the tech space. From roles like 'digital strategist' to your more straightforward 'frontend developer,' there's something for everyone there. Top tip for this platform: filter on "work from anywhere" to filter out more US-focused jobs.

Dot jobs

It's always worth giving a shout-out to the smaller platforms, especially when they're regionally focused. While they may only have 15 live roles at the time of writing, their focus on the Iraqi market is an added benefit. So if you're based in Iraq or KRI, this one is for you.

Remote Ok

Heavily development-focused, Remote Ok is a very active remote work platform. You can filter "Worldwide" and "Middle East" jobs. Make sure to check first that they're marked as open first and the positions haven't already been filled. And look out for verified employers— they're more likely to respond quickly to applications on this platform.

Oh yeah, and the salary range transparency is an extra plus. If you're still unsure of where to price yourself in other applications, Remote Ok can help you start benchmarking.

Remote.io

Remote.io boasts some big-name employers like Loom, Robinhood, and Instacart. Like other remote work platforms, check the timezone requirements and location limitations. This one also doesn't limit itself to development-only roles— who knows; you might even find a marketing role there! Don't forget to sign up for their daily email updates if you're actively looking.

Other job search platforms

Of course, if you're trying to find your dream job, you shouldn't limit yourself to remote-only platforms. Companies may advertise remote, remote-friendly, or hybrid roles in many other job search platforms. Here's our pick if you're based in the MENA region.

Job search platforms for MENA professionals

1. Bayat
2. LinkedIn
3. Indeed
4. Naukri
5. Arabijob
6. GulfTalent

Remember to make use of that powerful Boolean search (think: "remote," "hybrid," "WFH," "work from home") and filter based on your desired role.

Get applying!

CV ready, platforms bookmarked, you're prepared to get applying. You got this. And if you need that extra boost of confidence to go remote, download our Remote-Ready Checklist to ensure you smash it on your remote day one!