Working In Dubai
By Rhiannon Williamson, Thu Dec 8th
Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is one of the world’s fastestgrowing employment hotspots in the world. Up to 20 new companiesestablish themselves in the emirate’s free trade zones everyweek and since 2002 some 650 companies have registered in theDubai Media City free trade zone alone. Particularly in the fields of tourism, IT, media and financethere are significant job opportunities for qualified personneland if you’re interested in working in Dubai here’s a guide toemployment in the most exciting, tax free, fastest growing multicultural location in the world. Yes, you heard me right, Dubai is tax free – if you live andwork in the emirate your income will be paid to you gross andfurthermore, if you buy a house to live in you will not besubject to property taxes because direct personal taxation isagainst the law in Dubai!
The emirate currently has 15 free trade zones and 7 more are inthe planning stages. The free trade zones are where foreignbusinesses can establish themselves and grow without therestriction of corporate taxation for example and without havingto submit to a local majority shareholding structure. As adirect result of all of the incentives offered to overseasbusinesses, take up in the free trade zones has been incredibleand employment opportunities for foreign personnel are beingcreated within them on a weekly basis. To work in Dubai you require a work permit and a residency visaand the majority of employers arrange these for their expatriatework force when they appoint them. If you’re planning ontravelling to Dubai to look for work you can enter the countryon a temporary visa and then as soon as you secure employmentyou can apply for your work permit and visas. Rules relating tothe period of time you can remain in the country on a temporaryvisa vary depending on the country you herald from and youshould check with your local UAE
embassy on rules that apply toyou before you travel. Most business in Dubai is done on a networking basis and so whenyou first arrive it can feel a little alien to have toimmediately get out there and start introducing yourself topeople. But don’t worry, you soon get used to it. Just make sureyou have a pocketful of business cards to hand whenever youleave your accommodation as trading in business cards is thefirst step to successful networking! Once you’ve settled into the different working hours in Dubai –many businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon and nolocal people take appointments on a Friday – and once you’vesettled into the fast pace of your social life you will begin tolove your new surroundings. The quality of life achievable inDubai for expatriates is quite possibly inimitable elsewhere assuch emphasis has been placed on creating a paradise whereforeign workers can work hard, play hard, live life to the fulland experience everything in one day from skiing on an indoorslope to playing golf to diving to camel riding in the desert. Expatriates make up 94% of the population in Dubai and as adirect result you can almost guarantee you’ll make friends veryquickly and easily. The environment in Dubai is so multicultural, open and free and there are a great deal of socialclubs and events designed for people to meet up and makefriends. These all help ease new residents into their brand newlife. Everyone makes a great effort to get along in Dubaibecause they are all in the same boat together – working awayfrom home but enjoying being in a country that offers firstclass business opportunities and a tax free lifestyle – couldyou ask for more? About the author:Rhiannon Williamson is a freelance writer whose many articlesabout living and working abroad have appeared in expatriatepublications around the world. To read her latest articles aboutDubai visit this link: Living in Dubai |
