Job vacancies, salaries, and requirements for foreigners in the UAE
Work in the UAE: Requirements for foreigners and in-demand specialties
Working in the UAE: Considering Cultural Traditions and Rules
Real estate in the UAE: choose the perfect option for investment
I quote the text: "Features of working in the UAE"
New legislation in the UAE: Reduction of the workweek, choice of working hours, and contracts lasting up to three years.
Search for jobs in UAE: recruitment agencies, job sites, internships.
How to obtain a work visa and residency status in the UAE?
The most in-demand professions in the UAE
High-paying and promising industries in the UAE
Salaries in the UAE: dependence on qualifications, experience and region
High salaries and benefits for Russian-speaking immigrants in Dubai
Do we need them in the UAE?
Since the discovery of oil fields in the UAE in the mid-1960s, the modest desert has transformed into a country with a developed infrastructure and a rapidly growing economy. The population of the UAE is just over 10 million people, and most of them are migrant workers. According to a survey conducted by HSBC in the spring of 2023 among 7,000 respondents worldwide, the UAE is the most popular destination for emigration. It is indeed possible to achieve a decent standard of living here. According to 36% of those surveyed, the highest salaries can be found here, and many consider this country to be a very promising place for career growth.
Each nationality among immigrants in the UAE has its own role. For example, Lebanese people mainly work in advertising, while Filipinos are hired in hotels, salons, and restaurants due to at least a basic knowledge of English. Pakistanis often work as taxi drivers, and Indians are employed in construction.
And it is not difficult for Russian-speaking people to find work in the UAE either. In tourism, for example, the Emirati authorities make a big bet. If you have spoken English and are willing to work in the service sector, there are plenty of opportunities for you. And if you also have a university degree and a sought-after profession, you are guaranteed to find a job with a good salary. This is a whole other level!
However, it is important to remember that there are also some negative aspects. Obtaining citizenship in the UAE is almost impossible. If your visa expires or you lose your job, you will have to leave the country. Even if you marry a local resident, you will not receive a UAE passport; only your children together will receive it.
Requirements for foreigners
If you have decided to work in the UAE and earn a high salary, you should consider the following four requirements.
Suitable age
Knowledge of the English language
Pleasant appearance
Diploma confirmation
Be prepared for discrimination: most employers hire candidates aged 18 to 30. For skilled professionals, the age limit can be up to 35-40 years. Exceptions occur when companies hire employees aged 45-55, but this only applies to top managers.
Knowledge of Arabic is not required, but English is mandatory. The better your language skills, the more job opportunities are available to you. There is a possibility to work with basic English or only Russian, but the salary will be lower.
Most job openings are related to service, so an attractive appearance is an important factor.
If you have a high qualification, you may need to have your diploma validated. For example, doctors who want to work in a local clinic must pass an exam, confirm their experience and education (both theoretical and practical), and have a high level of proficiency in English.
The specialization exam is held twice a year. If you want to open your clinic, you also need to obtain a license. There are three health ministries in the UAE, each of which issues permits to operate in a specific emirate.
The UAE offers a variety of job opportunities in the service sector.
If your goal is to work in the UAE, it's important to learn to consider the nuances of the culture. Since the UAE is a Muslim country, it is necessary to respect and adhere to local traditions.
Respect traditions and show respect.
One of the important aspects of the culture of the UAE is respect. Women, for example, can freely walk the streets in any clothing, but in some organizations, it may be problematic to get to work if dressed in pants or a short skirt. Additionally, during the month of Ramadan, it is forbidden to eat and drink in public until sunset.
Recognize the main prohibitions.
There are other restrictions that need to be considered. For example, it is prohibited to publicly express feelings, such as hugging or kissing. In 2020, the ban on unmarried couples living together, which had previously been in place, was lifted. Additionally, it is forbidden to take photos or record audio and video without people's consent. It is also not allowed to photograph strategic and government facilities, such as airplanes at the airport.
Restrictions on alcohol consumption
The legislation in the UAE also prohibits the consumption of alcohol in public. Violating this ban can result in penalties, including fines and imprisonment. At the same time, alcohol is allowed to be consumed in bars, restaurants, homes, or hotel rooms. When purchasing alcohol, you may be required to present a letter from your employer and your landlord confirming permission to consume alcoholic beverages.
The UAE is one of the safest countries in the world.
The UAE is known for its safety and strict punishment for crimes. Thanks to the installed surveillance cameras, even at public transport stops, criminals are quickly identified. Many residents are so accustomed to the safety that they often don't even lock their front doors when leaving home. The country also has restrictions on freedom of expression. For example, it is prohibited to publicly insult the Sheikh, publish negative reviews about the state, or spread negative rumors. The UAE places great importance on its positive image, and violators of these rules can be fined or deported.
Examples of real estate in the UAE
Horizon Realty is pleased to present this beautiful South Bay townhouse in Dubai. This property features numerous amenities, such as a wellness center, beach clubs, a kayak club and café, a mosque, an IB-certified school, a shopping mall, Lake Park, and a public park. It is also conveniently located near Expo Road and the Crystal Lagoon.
DDA Real Estate
DDA Real Estate offers an apartment in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This property is located in the resort community of Yas Golf Collection on Yas Island. It has high rental income potential and offers a variety of amenities and infrastructure, including a wellness center with a fitness pavilion, gym, fitness area, and spaces for yoga and pilates classes.
The second apartment offered by DDA Real Estate is located in the luxurious residential complex Pantheon Elysee II in JVC. This property promises guaranteed returns and features a diverse infrastructure, including sports facilities, running tracks, and cycling paths.
The third apartment, also offered by DDA Real Estate, is located in the new residential complex Reem Five on Al Reem Island. It provides comfortable living and is an excellent investment option. The apartment is also equipped with a smart home system. The complex's infrastructure includes a rooftop infinity pool, a fitness center, concierge service, and smart home technology.
Metropolitan Premium Properties
Metropolitan Premium Properties offers apartments in various areas of Dubai. For example, there are apartments in an iconic architectural project in the Meydan area, located between Dubai Creek and Meydan. Another property is located in the city center and provides access to culture, shopping, and entertainment. There are many options for choosing apartments, and each offer has its own advantages.
LESKOVICA Properties Dubai
LESKOVICA Properties Dubai also offers apartments in various areas of Dubai. For example, the Cloud Towers residential complex is located in JVT and offers furnished apartments. The complex provides various payment plans. Another property is located in the Jumeirah Lake Towers area and is suitable for both living and renting out.
TEKCE
TEKCE offers apartments in an iconic architectural project in Dubai. They are located on the city's main road and close to various attractions. This project will represent the perfect blend of comfort and elegance.
Colibri consulting & Realty Turkey
Colibri Consulting & Realty Turkey offers apartments located in the heart of Dubai. They provide access to the city's cultural and shopping centers. The location of these apartments makes them an ideal choice for true connoisseurs of Dubai.
Spiridon Real Estate
Spiridon Real Estate offers cottages in various areas of Dubai. For example, the Verona complex in Damac Hills 2 features elite townhouses with spacious balconies and terraces. Another residential project, May in Arabian Ranches III, offers a collection of standalone townhouses with different bedroom options.
Invest Group Overseas
Invest Group Overseas presents the premium Society House complex in the Downtown Dubai area. It features furnished residences of various sizes. This complex offers luxurious conditions for comfortable living.
All these real estate listings showcase a variety of choices and investment opportunities in the UAE. Considering the different infrastructure and features of each property, everyone will be able to find the perfect option that meets their needs and desires.
Features of working in the UAE
Regardless of citizenship and position, all employees in the UAE are entitled to a paid 30-day vacation. If the employer did not provide vacation in the current year, then the following year, you can take 60 days. The company cannot deprive you of vacation for more than two consecutive years.
When an employee comes to work in the UAE from abroad, the company often covers their accommodation, health insurance, and sometimes meals.
All employers in the UAE set a probation period when hiring, which can last up to six months. If the candidate does not meet the requirements, they can be dismissed at any time.
After officially being hired, either party has the right to terminate the employment contract. If the employer dismisses the employee at their own initiative, the notice period must be given depending on the length of service: if the employee has worked for less than three months, they can be notified of the dismissal with 7 days' notice; from three months to five years – 30 days; and more than five years – 90 days.
If an employee wants to resign voluntarily, they must send a notification to the employer (the type of notification is specified in the employment contract). However, if less than a year has passed between signing the contract and the resignation, the company has the right to demand compensation for all expenses related to employment (document processing, airfare, etc.). Moreover, if the employer does not agree to the early termination of the contract, they may be prohibited from finding employment for six months to a year. In some cases (for example, if you decide to leave without explanation), the employment ban could be lifelong. If the contract is terminated with the consent of both parties, it is recommended to request a no objection certificate from the employer.
There are no trade unions in the UAE. If a conflict arises between an employer and an employee, it is addressed by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs (GDRFA) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The decision can be appealed in court.
It is important to note that the UAE has a special Wage Protection System (WPS) in place, which ensures that expatriates receive their salaries even if their employer is dishonest.
In the United Arab Emirates, employees have full protection under the law.
In the past year and a half, a number of major changes have been implemented, leading to significant innovations in the field of employment.
For example, the work week has been shortened to four and a half days, allowing for rest in the second half of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Initially, this innovation only applied to government structures, but many private companies followed suit.
Working hours have also been reduced - from 48 hours a week to just 40.
Employees are allowed to choose their own working hours.
share work responsibilities with other employees,
and also collaborate with several companies at the same time, but not with direct competitors of the employer.
Cancellation of indefinite contracts and introduction of fixed-term contracts
One of the new changes is the cancellation of indefinite contracts.
Employees are transitioning to contracts lasting up to three years with the possibility of extension.
Changes in the dismissal of foreign workers
When an employee is terminated at the initiative of the employer, a foreigner is allowed to stay in the country and look for a new job for 180 days, instead of the previous 30 days.
The company is required to pay the employee severance pay within 14 days after termination, otherwise a fine will be imposed.
If an employee dies, the employer must pay benefits to the family members and cover the costs of transporting the body back to their homeland.
Introduction of mandatory unemployment insurance
In 2023, unemployment insurance became mandatory.
All employees in the UAE must enroll in the national social security program.
The insurance scheme is designed for two categories of employees - those who earn up to 16,000 AED per month and those who earn more than that amount.
For the first group, 60 AED is withheld from the social reward per year, while for the second group, it is double that amount.
The maximum payouts are 10,000 AED and 20,000 AED, respectively.
Employees do not receive insurance if they were dismissed for disciplinary reasons, resigned, moved to a new job, or left the country.
If you want to find a job in the UAE
There are several ways that can help you. One of the simplest options is to contact a recruitment agency that specializes in finding candidates for jobs in the UAE. Among such agencies, you can highlight Global Vision, Work Emirates, "Perun," and Jetexpo.
Another way to search for jobs in the UAE is through job vacancy websites.
On platforms like Bayt, Dubizzle, Edarabia, Indeed, DubaiJobs, Dubai, and Dubai Duty Free, you can find all the current job vacancies. The job search process is simple: you find a suitable position, send your resume in English with a photo, go through an online interview, sign a contract, and wait for your visa to be processed. This method is one of the most common and easiest.
An internship can also be a great option for finding a job in the UAE.
Especially for young people who want to work in the hotel, restaurant, or tourism industry. Many companies offer the opportunity to intern in positions such as waiter, bartender, hostess, supervisor, receptionist, and cook. Employers handle the work visa and cover the flight, medical insurance, accommodation, and meals during the internship. Additionally, interns receive a stipend of at least $300 per month. Requirements for candidates include being between 18 and 29 years old (up to 35 for managerial positions), proficiency in English, the ability to work for more than a year, and good communication skills. Internship programs usually last from three to six months but can extend up to two years. In case you are not selected for a permanent position after the internship, you will still receive a certificate and a recommendation letter, which can be quite useful.
To search for internships, you can contact a specialized agency.
Which is focused on the employment of young specialists. Useful information about internships can also be found on the official websites of the companies you would like to work for, or on specialized online resources. There are many opportunities for work and development in the UAE; you just need to find an option that suits you and your goals.
The Rotana Jumeirah group, also popularly known as "Jumeirah City," located in the UAE, is the perfect place for all travelers who want to enjoy comfort and luxury. This unique complex offers its visitors a wide range of amenities and services that allow them to enjoy their stay in the UAE.
Work visa
To work in the UAE, you will need a work visa; a tourist visa is not suitable. However, local legislation does not prohibit you from looking for a suitable job while you are in the country as a tourist. If you find a suitable option, you can discuss the processing of a work visa directly with the potential employer on-site. Additionally, this process is entirely the responsibility of the hosting party - you will only need a properly filled out application form (in English), a copy of your passport, and two color photographs.
The processing takes two to three weeks, and confirmation will be sent to your email. Your task is to print the document on a color printer and present it to the customs officer when crossing the border. The document is valid for up to 60 days.
Resident status
The next step after arrival is obtaining a residence visa. The processing takes about a month. To get it, the employer must send the original passport, diploma (if required), and contract to the immigration service. An important point is that the medical examination is covered by the company: tests for hepatitis, HIV, and a chest X-ray must be done, and for women, a pregnancy test is also mandatory.
Along with the resident visa, you will be issued a plastic identification card. The visa is valid for three years, but the employer can extend it.
New types of visas
Most often, people move to the Emirates based on employment with a local company. However, there are other options for residency that do not require a work contract.
Golden visa:5 and 10 years. Available to real estate investors, entrepreneurs, students and graduates, activists of public organizations, scholars, talented figures in culture and the arts, and researchers.
Green visa:From 2 to 5 years. Offered to investors, entrepreneurs, and qualified freelancers.
Visa for retirees:5 years. Intended for individuals over 55 years old with certain financial resources.
Visa for job search:60 days. For foreign citizens with higher education.
Visa for freelancers:1 year (starting from 2023, it is allowed to apply remotely). For individuals working remotely for foreign employers.
In the United Arab Emirates, there are various options for people looking to move to the country. It's important to know the requirements and procedures to choose the most suitable option for you. However, regardless of which type of visa you choose, the UAE is an attractive place to work and live due to its high standards of living, comfort, and safety.
In April 2022, the UAE cabinet approved new rules for the entry and residence of foreigners.
These changes in migration policy have made moving to the UAE easier and added several notable advantages. Violating labor laws can have serious consequences. Penalties for illegal work may include fines, deportation, and bans on entering the country. Companies involved in sham hiring are also subject to fines.
But there are specialties that are in high demand.
List of the most in-demand professions in the UAE:
Sales representative (manufacturing, oil, gas and mining industries, housing sector)
Document controller (retail, healthcare, technology, media)
Front-end developer (technologies, information and media, finance, real estate and equipment rental)
Online Sales Specialist (real estate sales and rentals, finance, technology, information, and media)
Realtor (real estate, finance, trade)
Back-end developer (technologies, information and media, finance, entertainment)
Blockchain developer (technology, information and media, finance, education)
Aviation mechanic (transport, logistics, supply and storage)
Immigration consultant (public administration, administrative and support services, trade)
Client Relationship Manager (Technology, Information and Media, Finance, Trade)
Analyst for combating money laundering (finance, technology, information, and media)
Financial consultant (real estate and equipment rental, finance, transportation)
Product designer (technology, information and media, finance, trade)
Head of Guest Services (hospitality, hotel management, front office)
Marketing Director (Technology, Information and Media, Finance, Entertainment)
If your profession is on this list, you have more opportunities in the job market in the UAE. This can also serve as motivation to develop your skills and seek new career growth opportunities.
The highest-paying industries in the UAE
If we talk about the highest-paying industries in the UAE, the current top five are:
Jurisprudence
Oil and gas industry
Economics and Finance
Information technology
Construction
All these industries offer excellent opportunities for high salaries and career growth.
Salary and expenses in the United Arab Emirates
The analytical internet resource Numbeo, which conducts research on the cost of living in different countries, provides the following average figures for salaries and expenses:
Average salary: after tax payment amounts to 13,048 AED ($3,552).
Monthly expensesFor one person, it amounts to 3,535 AED ($963), and for a family of four, it totals 12,295 AED ($3,347).
These figures do not include housing rental expenses, which are significantly higher in the UAE than in Russia, by about 250%.
The cost of renting housing
The cost of renting housing also varies significantly depending on the location:
The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment can vary from 3,027 AED ($824) outside the city center to 4,346 AED ($1,183) in the center.
Renting a three-bedroom apartment will cost approximately 5,626 AED ($1,532) and 7,864 AED ($2,141) respectively.
When considering the purchase of real estate, the price per square meter ranges from 7,413 AED ($2,018) to 10,603 AED ($2,887) depending on the location. Additionally, utilities typically cost around 600 AED ($165) per month.
Factors influencing the numbers
It is important to note that all these figures are averages and can vary depending on a number of factors:
Citizenship status
Floor
Nationality
Level of qualification
Region of residence
Differences in wages
Under equal conditions, local residents always receive more than foreigners. The difference can reach two to three times. This policy is related to the priority given to the citizens of the country.
Inequality based on gender
Another injustice is that men earn 7% more than women for doing the same job. This is due to the fact that there are significantly more men than women living in the UAE. Men make up about 75% of the population. This is related to the constant labor migration to the country. The number of men aged 15 to 64 is about 5.6 million, while the number of women is only 2 million.
In the UAE, the highest salaries are earned by Europeans, Americans with education, and Arabs from Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
The lowest income is among Pakistanis and Indians, as their knowledge of English is limited, and they work in low-prestige positions. The average income level is found among Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians.
The dependence of salary on qualifications and experience
In the UAE, salary levels depend on the employee's qualifications. If you have a higher education degree but no work experience, you have a chance of earning a salary starting from 3,000 US dollars per month. A secondary education is valued at half that amount.
With work experience, it's quite simple: the more experience you have, the higher your salary. For example, with one year of experience, the monthly income will be at least 2,000 US dollars (even without a degree). Employees with two to five years of experience earn about 35% more than newcomers. As work experience increases to ten years, earnings rise by another 20%, and with fifteen years of experience, there's an additional 15% increase on top of that.
Wages of unskilled workers
The lowest wages are earned by unskilled workers, such as cleaners and landscapers. Their salary is only 400 US dollars (there is no legally established minimum wage in the Emirates). However, it is important to remember that service workers do not incur expenses for insurance, accommodation, food, and transportation to work.
Average salaries by region in the UAE
Dubai: 257,700 UAE dirhams (70,160 USD) per year
Abu Dhabi: 253,400 UAE dirhams ($68,990) per year
Sharjah: 245,300 UAE dirhams ($66,785) per year
Al Ain: 239,000 UAE dirhams ($65,070) per year
Ajman: 232,900 UAE dirhams ($63,410) per year
Ras Al Khaimah: 225,700 UAE dirhams (61,450 USD) per year
Fujairah: 216,800 UAE dirhams ($59,025) per year
Umm Al-Quwain: 209,700 UAE dirhams (57,090 USD) per year
Conclusions
This information may be useful for those planning to work in the UAE and who want to know about potential earnings in different regions of the country.
High salaries in Dubai
Based on the table, it is clear that in Dubai, the most generous employers are companies offering high salaries. The range of average monthly salaries for various professions in this city is as follows:
The highest-paid group ($9,500–10,000 and above) consists of dentists, directors, and financial directors of companies.
Managers, pharmacists, lawyers, and attorneys earn between $5,000 and $7,000.
Mechanical engineers, journalists, architects, and programmers earn a salary of $4,000 to $4,600.
The earnings of nurses, teachers, chefs, police officers, photographers, accountants, and graphic designers range from $3,000 to $3,700.
The salaries of waiters, cashiers, secretaries, and administrative assistants range from $2,300 to $2,700.
The appeal of Dubai for Russian-speaking immigrants
High salaries are one of the main reasons why a large number of Russian-speaking people live in Dubai. It is expected that by 2022 their number will reach approximately 300,000. Dubai is referred to as the "backup copy of Moscow" and the "Russian resort of the Dubai Emirate." If you are looking for a place where you can communicate in your native language, then this is the place for you. An alternative to Dubai could be Abu Dhabi, which is also attractive to Russian-speaking immigrants.
Bonuses to salary and tax benefits
In the UAE, employees are offered various salary bonuses. This can include an individual annual bonus based on the employee's performance; an annual bonus awarded by the company's management for achieving good results; as well as bonuses based on KPI metrics, which serve as a reward for the project work of an individual employee or team.
Another advantage of the UAE is the absence of personal income tax for foreign specialists, which makes the country even more attractive to them. Individuals are also exempt from taxes on interest, dividends, royalties, and other sources of income. Residents with a residency visa are also exempt from pension tax. There is no car tax; however, there is a registration fee that is charged once when purchasing a car, ranging from $100 to $150, depending on the emirate.
Starting from 2023, a mandatory corporate income tax of 9% has been established for legal entities whose annual income exceeds 375,000 AED ($102,096). Foreign companies engaged in oil and gas extraction are taxed at a rate of 55%, while branches of foreign banks are taxed at 20%. Additionally, legal entities with income at the specified level must pay a value-added tax of 5%. At the same time, other types of businesses are exempt from taxes, which encourages companies to open their offices in the UAE.
Conclusion
As the author of this article, I would like to draw some conclusions about working in the UAE. Despite certain nuances and cultural peculiarities, the UAE offers numerous opportunities for foreign workers. The Emirates are known for high salaries and career growth prospects. Russian speakers also find it relatively easy to find jobs, especially in the tourism sector. The labor reform in 2022-2023 simplified the employment process and provided new bonuses and opportunities for expats. Job seekers can turn to recruitment agencies or use specialized websites. Various types of visas, including work visas, allow for legal residence in the country. Salaries in the UAE depend on the worker's qualifications and experience, but on average, they are high. However, despite all the advantages, it is important to remember some features of the local culture and legislation. One should also not forget about the cool climate, high humidity, and hot sun of the UAE. Considering all these factors, the UAE can be an attractive place for work and achieving career goals.
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