As of now, the IT sector and innovation jobs are dominating the highest-paid jobs in Dubai. The companies which are hiring are willing to compensate very handsomely because they want qualified people on board as soon as possible so that they can not only start working with them but also develop a long-term business relationship that promises mutual benefits. All the professions listed above are expected to pay significantly more than what they did a couple of years ago, and this has how Dubai evolved over the course of the last decade or so.
For expats, the options of being involved with Free Trade Zones are limitless. This is where a majority of the international companies have invested millions of dollars. From Dubai Internet City to Dubai Media City, there are jobs in broadcasting, advertisement, publishing, production, IT-related, and more.
Places like Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) remain at the top for banking, finance, and insurance type companies and jobs. Those who want to continue in that field can look at DIFC as a possible destination.
Dubai Maritime City covers Maritime industry whereas Airport Free Zone is where you can land jobs related to imports/exports.
Probably the oldest free zone of all, Jebel Ali Free Zone offers job opportunities in Biotechnology and Research Park, Healthcare City, Logistics City, or Knowledge Village.
The point is, if you are a qualified candidate then finding a job in Dubai remains an easy task. However, you might have to struggle with making connections and getting into the business sphere at first. But once you do, Dubai could be a potential goldmine for you personally.
Working in Dubai – Tips and Facts
Relocating is never easy but if your employer asks for it then you are left with little choice. Having said that, there is perhaps a no better place to relocate to than Dubai due to its selling points.
Moving on, if the employer asks you to relocate then it is better to iron out the employment package beforehand. Because Dubai is not a cheap place to live; there are high relocation costs, accommodation costs, children’s education costs, along with other similar things which can factor into your decision.
Working in emirates is not at all difficult if you can manage a visit visa. You can perhaps do an online study beforehand and start applying for jobs online before actually moving to Dubai and then looking for jobs. This will not only save you time but also a lot of hassle. In the modern-day and age, companies often finalize their recruitment process through online applications, and interviews are taken in person.
The importance of labour card is also very significant whereas your employer will also need to sponsor your visa; this will alert the authorities that you have a job in place and thus making your visa application process much simpler. You can then sit back, wait for your visa application to be accepted after that.
In case you lose your job within 30 days then you will need to find a new job in the meantime. You will require that workplace to sponsor you as well. If you cannot manage to find a job which also sponsors you then, unfortunately, you will have to leave Dubai. This is especially important because the next time you apply, you will have to explain the reasons why you had to leave the job and they will refer to the company which hired you to confirm your claims.
Remote Work Visa in Dubai
Dubai recently announced a new visa program called “Remote Work”. This was yet another initiative by the Dubai authorities to bring a more inclusive approach to the Dubai culture. By applying for a Remote Work visa, you can travel to Dubai and remain there for a year while being self-employed or for your employer abroad.
Some visas have restrictions on what you can and can’t do. However, through a Remote Work visa, you can even rent a house in Dubai, have complete access to the schooling systems and if you have any children then they can go to school in Dubai as well.
It is important to understand that you can be self-employed or work with your employer abroad but you won’t be allowed to search for a random job.
You will also need to have health insurance in Dubai. This was a well-thought decision by the authorities and has helped a number of people already.
Retirement in Dubai
Dubai has also started a scheme through which you can potentially retire in Dubai. This scheme can into effect from September of 2020, which means that it has almost been a year already.
This retirement scheme enables all eligible residents who are aged 55 or over can fill out the application and apply; it is renewable every five years according to the official announcement.
Here are some requirements you will need to fulfill in order to qualify:
- Monthly income of over 20,000 dirhams, which is around $5,500
- If not that, then you should have 1 million dirhams in savings
- If not either of the above, then you must have property ownership in Dubai which has a net worth of over 2 million dirhams
These are all schemes that Dubai has introduced to lure people into opting to stay in Dubai, even if it is after your retirement. Dubai has been aiming to increase the influx of people who are willing to choose Dubai as their destination of choice.
General Lifestyle in Dubai
If there is anything Dubai guarantees, it is a lifestyle like no other place; if a simple word could be used to explain the lifestyle in Dubai then it would be extravagant.
This lifestyle is what lures tourists to visit Dubai and this is something expats will never complain about. Due to the warm weather, majority of the activities are limited to indoor air-conditioned activities.
There is a wide range of theme parks which you can visit with you and your family. If that is not your cup of tea then private beach clubs are something which is really fascinating as well. There are world-renowned shopping malls and an abundance of renowned fast-food chains. There are other indoor activities such as snowboarding, music festivals, and various cafes where you can just relax and take your mind off things.
Dubai first established itself as a tourist haven, which meant focusing on things that all tourists would love and shopping is one huge part of it. Dubai offers an extravagant experience when it comes to shopping as the largest mall in the world also exists here. From buying international-quality goods, you can also purchase IKEA furniture to traditional textiles. This speaks very highly about the variety Dubai offers to all the customers.
Things purchased in Dubai are also tax-free, excluding the importation costs. It is worth mentioning that VAT was introduced in Dubai back in 2018 at a rate of 5 percent; this however does not include food items, healthcare, and education.
For expats, they can be assured that even if they offload everything in their home country, they will easily be able to purchase goods and kick start their life in Dubai with ease.
Lastly, people are always advised to monitor the rush hours when it comes to shopping, and Friday night is perhaps the most jam-packed in Dubai for shopping.
Cost of Living in Dubai
As extensively discussed beforehand, there are many tradeoffs when it comes to living in Dubai and an expensive lifestyle is one of them.
Accommodation Cost
When we talk about the accommodation in Dubai, the cost can rise up to £15,000 per year; this is for a decent rental value of an apartment that is located in a good location. The bad news? The amount has to be paid upfront otherwise you might not find many good listings in decent locations.
When it comes to actual purchasing of a property in Dubai you will have to wait quite sometime before you are able to find an off-plan apartment or villa to be completed. Otherwise, you will have to pay top dollar for a resale property and that can be extremely costly even for people who have money to spare.
In case if you already own a property in Dubai then you are in good luck because you can easily achieve yields between the percentages of 8 to 11 percent.
School Cost
Moving on to the cost of schools, it is important to note that there is a law in place which restricts the school administrations to fix the school fee inflation to between 16 to 20 percent. This is something which can give you a rough idea as to how much money you will require one year or two years onward. The schooling remains expensive, however, as the schools add on extras which can force the inflation of the school fees up to 50 to 60 percent. This is something you will have to think long and hard about before making your official move.
Other Costs
The medical in Dubai is relatively expensive but compare to the quality, the costs are justified. Dubai has also been at the forefront of creating some exceptional hospitals for its citizens and the expats have been very happy with the services.
The groceries are the same as pretty much anywhere else. However, alcohol is expensive. For the fuel costs, not only the fuel is cheaper but the cost of vehicles is also lower than some of the places such as the UK.
Shopping costs remain stable and reasonable despite the introduction of VAT at a rate of 5 percent, which is the lowest in the entire world.
Healthcare in Dubai
Dubai has made health insurance mandatory in Dubai which means that every resident has to get their insurance; whether it is provided by the employer or you purchase it on your own. While applying for a residency visa, you will also need to show valid health insurance in order for your application to be processed.
Making insurance mandatory as a means to a) lower the number of applicants, b) ensuring that people who are migrating to Dubai do not possess a threat to others. This is especially an important factor especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since Dubai is a completely different climate from many other countries, you will be faced with the hurdles of dealing with the temperature and also different local bugs and health threats. You will need to follow a set standard protocol prior to moving to Dubai.
Cultural Norms and Laws in Dubai
As you prepare for a new place, you must look at their cultural values and other laws which are imposed by the government and relevant authorities so you don’t get in trouble.
Here are some things which are unique about Dubai and rules which must be followed:
- Dubai has no tolerance policy when it comes to adultery; the act is punishable by prison and subsequent deportation
- This also applies to getting in debt or having a cheque bouncing
- DUIs are very strictly punished as well as taking non-prescribed drugs
- Dubai is very adamant about maintaining a proper and decent dress code in public places
- The local religions are expected to be respected. You need to develop a tolerance for other cultures, traditions, and religions
Recent Changes in UAE Legislation
2020 was a prominent year as it brought several changes to the cards. The aim of these changes was to either safeguard UAE’s own interests or boost the country’s economic and social standing.
Here is a complete list of recent changes which expats living in Dubai need to be aware of:
- “Honor killings” and even harassment of women is now strictly punished
- Drinking alcohol without a license is now permitted
- It is no longer considered illegal to live together outside of marriage
- Expats in UAE have the right to follow their home country’s law when it comes to divorce or inheritance
- Foreigners can now own a local company without the need of having an Emirati sponsor, which not only reduces cost but also gives them a lot of direct control
- This, however, does not apply to energy and hydrocarbons, telecommunications, and transport sectors
Transport in Dubai
In the last couple of years, Dubai has invested heavily to ensure that they expand the metropolis to cater to the holidaymakers and also the expats from across the globe. Dubai has very strict rules and regulations when it comes to obeying traffic rules and they should be the first priority for everyone.
If you are looking to purchase your very own vehicle it is worth mentioning that you must have a driving license beforehand. However, renting a car is possible with an international license as well. Most expats rent a car until they can get their local license made.
