With exceptionally high wages and minimal taxes, Dubai is an ideal place to start a job. Having said that, moving to another country for earning purposes is not so simple. There are many complications and challenges one has to face. You do eventually settle in with time, but adapting to a country's policies and laws can take time.
This is why if you are planning to move to Dubai to find a job, it’s important that you understand numerous vital details, including Force Majeure that can affect your job.
The living conditions in Dubai are very good and it provides a very exotic and culturally rich atmosphere. A place where people take religion and law very seriously, it is necessary that one knows what he is walking into.
Here are some things you need to know if you intend to seek a job in Dubai.
Language Barrier
Arabic is the first and official language in Dubai. Most locals only know Arabic. This means that when you are out shopping, you will face difficulty if you do not know Arabic. From your place of employment to the paperwork and deal you sign with your landlord, pretty much all of it will be in Arabic. So, I advise that you learn it or at least get a gist of it.
Maintaining Proper Social Conventions
The Emirates has a Muslim majority. That means that one needs to maintain a certain decorum while being there. Men must dress formally and the women, modestly when going outside. Due to the mixture of cultures, modern clothes are somewhat acceptable.
However, some important things you need to know are,
Unlike other countries, it is illegal to eat, drink and smoke in public during the holy month of Ramadan
There is a ban on Alcohol in most places
A couple can only stay together if they are married
You need to take permission from the respective people if you wish to photograph something, like at airports, government buildings, and docks.
Working Hours
The normal or general working hours there are 8 hours a day, which makes 48 hours per week. And the maximum amount of time a person can work per day in a restaurant, hotel, and similar industries is nine hours.
Here are some other details you should know about working hours:
Working days in the UAE are from Sunday to Thursday. If you're one to enjoy parties and relax on Saturdays and Sundays, well then that’s about to change. Friday and Saturday are the official holidays of the week.
Working overtime includes additional pay which is 1.25 times the normal hourly rate of the particular job.
During Ramadan, people only work 6 hours.
Religion and Culture
The locals there are very conscious of their culture and their religion. You can know about the culture by taking part in their cultural activities. Also, never give up a chance to learn their culture. The locals are very friendly and are very enthusiastic about telling and teaching foreigners about their religion. As I said before UAE is a Muslim majority country, but the people are very friendly and welcome all beliefs and cultures.
Security and Laws
UAE is known to be one the safest places in the world. Safe in terms that the crime rate is very low and the authorities enforce and follow the laws and regulations given by the government. There are proper and appropriate punishments for people who commit a crime and there is no exception for anyone. Moreover, the UAE labour laws are quite steadfast and provide strong protection to the workers in case of unlawful termination of employment.
These are some types of things you should know before moving to Dubai for job purposes.