United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Population: 4,496,000
Area: 83,600 km²
Government: Federal constitutional monarchy
Established: 2nd December, 1971
Capital: Abu Dhab
Why move to the United Arab Emirates?
In the past 20 years, the United Arab Emirates has transformed into a cosmopolitan destination for many of us from the West. The main business centres are Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Both offer lifestyles that compare to the West. In some cases, even better than in the West.
The United Arab Emirates is a first world country full of highly educated, multilingual and multicultural people full of skilled professionals. It has a proven record of over 20 years of delivering ambitious business projects such as technology, trade, sport, travel and tourism.
The UAE has some of the best tax and other financial incentives anywhere in the world. Its lifestyle and safe living conditions make it a popular place to locate for business executives and their families. A mixture of cultures, languages and religions are present, with expats from a variety of countries filling skill gaps at all levels.
Climate
One of the big attractions of life in the UAE is the warmth of the climate. The winter (October – March) is dry and warm, with temperatures in the day ranging from 20º to 35ºC. In the summer months (May – October) it is particularly hot and humid, with daytime temperatures reaching over 40ºC during July and August.
Money
The currency in the UAE is the UAE Dirham (AED), which is divided into 100 Fils.
Passports and visas
Your visa will be organised by your employer once you have secured a job offer from them. For the duration of your stay in the Middle East they act as your sponsor, and all documents such as driving licence, bank account, health cards, etc are reliant on you being in possession of a Residence Visa, which will be organised by your employer.
In the workplace
Conservative clothing is expected within the workplace. When greeting Arab women do not offer to shake their hand unless the woman extends hers first. Try to never to sit with your feet pointing directly at someone else, as this causes offence.
Friday is the main day of prayer, so meetings should not be scheduled for this day. Depending on the company you work for, the other day making up the weekend will either be Thursday or Saturday.
Office hours are usually from 8.30 or 9.00 am to 5.30 or 6.00 pm. In the month of Ramadan, the working day is reduced to six hours for Muslims, who fast during daylight hours.