Working in Dubai

Young and dynamic professionals from many Asian, African and European countries are happy to be working in the extremely professional international job market that Dubai offers. Banking, construction, real estate, tourism, hotel industry, aviation, IT and media are just some of the fields that have brought the vivacious migrants to Dubai. Dubai also supports the livelihoods of many Asian workers utilised as labours, drivers and maids.

Working in Dubai is a rather pleasant experience as the working hours are pretty fixed and commutation is not as harassing as it is in most Asian cities. Most organisations follow a five-day week, a directive recently introduced by the Labour Ministry. All these factors to some extent have allowed residents to pursue a hobby or other socio-cultural interests and build a healthy lifestyle alongside work.

Working in Dubai could also be a one of a kind experience for those whose colleagues belong to different countries. It could provide a unique growth opportunity as you interact with different nationals.

A work visa is required for an expatriate to work in Dubai. Work visa is sponsored and applied for by the hiring or recruiting company as the case may be. Some companies sponsor prospective employer’s family as well. A professional earning a minimum of AED 10000 per month is allowed to sponsor his family with a residence visa.

Salaries in Dubai are tax-free and most professions reap fees commensurate with prevailing market rates. However, incidences of Europeans drawing more remuneration than Asians for a similar position are not unheard of. The cost of living in Dubai is one of the highest in the world. So, when you are discussing your salary, don’t shy from asking for a deal to match your requirements the best.

Almost all companies provide medical insurance at least to the employee. Companies also offer a month’s paid annual leave after the employee completes one year’s service and provide return tickets to the employee and his family as the case may be. Most organisations offer gratuity at the termination of contract and some companies also grant annual bonuses depending on their policies.

Unless employed by a Free Zone enterprise, changing jobs is not easy and requires a No-objection letter from current employer. Failure to adhere to rules evokes a six-month ban from working in Dubai.

Friday is the day of rest. Work timings are shortened by two hours for Muslims during Ramadan.

However, it may be noted that no matter how long your duration of stay in Dubai may be, the UAE government does not confer citizenship on any expatriate.