Dubai is currently a hotspot for everything hot and happening. With skyscrapers towering over your heads to man-made islands, this Middle Eastern country has everything that is ready for the future. Many people still hold biases before venturing into this new world, but it is important to leave these ideas behind to start a new life in Dubai.
If you are considering moving to Dubai to try your luck, you have come to the right place! Transferring from one state to another is a herculean task. With the idea of moving to another country, it is certainly tiring. Nevertheless, if you find the right agency, you will be able to make this transition much easier for yourself.
Transitioning to this wondrous city, and by extension, to UAE, is no easy task. Especially with the COVID-19 pandemic still hanging over our backs, it is important to know the things which will help you.
There are hundreds of small differences which make Dubai unique. Before getting into the world of Dubai, it is important to go get the intricacies of living there and how to get there out of the way.
Choosing the Recruiter and setting the CV
If you are looking to work in Dubai, recruitment agencies are your best friend. It may seem like a great idea to do your own research and do everything on your own. But the vast differences that come between you and this new world will make it very difficult. In order to ensure that the transition from a Western Country to UAE is easy from the very beginning, it is important to have the Recruitment Agency, and more importantly, a Recruiter ready.
However, before the recruiter can get to work, they will require something to advertise you as a potential candidate. Here is where your CV shows its utmost importance. You will need to show your best qualities, your work experience, and other qualities to the employers. Furthermore, you need to make sure that you stand out. Thousands of people apply to work in Dubai every year. If you want to be unique and get selected, your CV needs to be unique and interesting.
Getting the Right Documentation
Documentation is very important in the UAE. Once you have received your job offer, there are different documents that you will need to take care of.
Job Offer
Every potential employee needs to get a formal job offer from the company. Once you have received it, you will have to sign an employment contract, which can be limited or unlimited. It is very important for both parties to read the contract carefully, or it could have very dire consequences.
Once this is done, employees will get a Work permit through which they can apply for a Visa.
Visa and Passport
In order to work, you will need a valid Passport and a working Visa. The Visa needs to be an Employment Entry Visa, which will be checked at the airport. In case you are already living in Dubai due to prior engagement, you will need to apply for a change of status Visa. Since people in UAE are very particular about documentation, it is important to have these matters settled way before at hand.
In case you want your family to legally reside in Dubai, you will need to have to apply for a residence visa. Your contract will determine whether your family can stay in Dubai and if so, for how long.
Other Documentation
Before the work permit is issued, all foreign nationals are required to have a medical exam. Then, they need to sign the labor contract which is included in the application for a Work Permit. Finally, an Emirates ID Card will be provided which is an extremely important piece of identification and documentation for anyone wanting to live in the UAE.
The Work Culture
The Dubai work culture is significantly different from the Western World’s Work Culture. It is important to make note of all of it before diving into the work.
To begin with, the weekends in UAE are not Saturday and Sunday, but Friday and Saturday. This is due to Friday being a holy day in Islam. It is important to be ready for the shift, and soon enough, Thursdays will become the sought-after days in the week.
The office hours are about nine hours per day, so starting from 8:30 or 9:00 am and going up to 5:30 or 6:00 PM. This means that you will be spending around 47 hours per week in the office.
Secondly, what makes Dubai great for more jobs is the fact that there is no income tax in Dubai. On the other hand, there are Value Added Taxes on items that need to be taken care of.
Arabic is the language spoken in Dubai. Though English is the second language and living in Dubai you will not have any difficulty communicating, it is a good idea to have the basic knowledge of Arabic to get by.
Another different yet interesting culture is the Brunch culture that follows every weekend. If you want to continue to grow in circles and have a better professional time in Dubai, it is important that you are ready for this new change.
Living Expense
Because Dubai is such a happening place, it is only plausible that the living expenses there are very high. From rent to groceries, everything is over the top. Thus, even a higher salary might be just enough to get by in this modern city.
Hiring a taxi is more expensive here than taking a metro. Public transportation is an important part of this city since Dubai is filled with traffic.
According to the currency, currently, 1 USD is equal to 3.67 AED. While this may seem like a great place to begin, it is still important to note that things are generally expensive in Dubai.
Build a personal network
This may seem like a piece of pointless advice, but it is very important Dubai is the accumulation of people from different corners of the world. Every Tuesday is regarded as ladies’ night. Brunches happen every weekend. In the hustle and bustle of the ever-growing city, it is important to root yourself deeply and build personal connections which can help you navigate the ever-growing crazy world of Dubai.
There are many things that you need to be very clear about before diving into the world of Dubai. You could check here for the best Dubai recruitment agencies in Dubai. By doing so, you will ensure that the things you require are moderated by someone else.
Dubai is safe for women to a good degree. Nevertheless, there are some backtracks that can put you in danger. Therefore, having a personal network to rely on is never a bad idea in this city.
While it may seem like a difficult task, it is not so much so. There are hundreds of societies, such as Dubai Roadsters and Expat Women to find connections and network among people of a similar mindset.
In case you feel overwhelmed by the number of choices presented to you, do not worry! By keeping things discussed above in mind, you will be able to easily navigate through the difficult task of transferring. At the end of the day, with the right help, you will be able to conquer everything.
