Society
7.12.2022
Working in the United Arab Emirates: what you need to know
The United Arab Emirates, a new Eldorado? What is certain is that this country on the Arabian Peninsula offers great professional prospects and has significant advantages, such as not being taxed! Visas, job search and working conditions, here is everything you need to know before going to work in the United Arab Emirates.
The work visa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
There are three documents needed to work in the UAE when you are a foreigner: a visa, a work permit and a job offer. Start by starting your research and applying for the jobs that interest you from your home country. If your profile interests recruiters, you will be contacted for an interview. The classic job search process! Have you landed your dream job? Your employer will then sponsor you in the process of obtaining a visa and will generally cover the corresponding costs (this should be checked according to your employment contract). Your employer will also manage the application for a resident visa when you are officially hired.
As visa requirements are constantly changing, it is advisable to contact the French Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the UAE Embassy in Paris.
Good to know: it is quite possible to make your steps on the spot by arriving in the Emirates with a tourist visa valid for 90 days from the day of arrival. This visa is issued directly to French or European citizens.
Finding a job in the United Arab Emirates
Once the administrative framework has been established, one question will certainly be on your mind: how to look for and find a job in the UAE? Several possibilities are available to you! You can consult government job portals, but also register with approved recruitment agencies. Do not hesitate to consult the “Join us” and “Career” web pages of the companies or organizations you are interested in. Finally, there is always the good old word-of-mouth if you have local contacts.
Good to know: local online newspapers, such as Gulf News or Khaleej Times, sometimes have sections dedicated to job offers.
Labor laws in the United Arab Emirates
Finally, before you start your job search, it’s a good idea to know the working conditions in the UAE. The labor code is less rigid than in France, which makes it easier to hire but also easier to fire! This is why you may have to change employers several times. The legal working time is 48 hours per week spread over six days, with Friday as a day off. Nevertheless, many companies are now tending towards a 5-day week, adding Saturday as a day of rest. What about vacations? Well, you are entitled to 30 days of annual leave in the UAE.
Good to know: expatriates generally benefit from numerous advantages such as partial or total coverage of their accommodation, moving expenses and sometimes even a cell phone package. All of these benefits must be negotiated when you sign your employment contract.
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