Is Dubai Safe to Work?
Dubai is a safe place for office work and business. They have many international brands and businesses working in the area, as well as millions of expats, leading to a diverse crowd from many different countries.
However, while working in Dubai can be a lucrative venture because of low taxes and high wages, you need to be familiar with the different rules and customs of the region.
After all, you wouldn’t want to be on the wrong side of the law while working in Dubai.
Working in Dubai
The good thing about working in Dubai is its strategic location. Moreover, since millions of people come in from all over to visit, it’s a great place to develop your career.
The city also has a low crime rate, making it a safe place for families to live in as well. Personal taxes are also quite low, so most workers can take home more of their salary.
Moreover, the UAE cabinet passed a law back in 2018, which helps ensure that men and women receive equal wages for performing similar work. Women who have completed a year of work will also be entitled to 45 days of maternity leave with full pay.
Banking is also quite easy and convenient and it is recommended that workers open up an account when they arrive. There are a lot of reputable banking services in Dubai which you may want to consider.
Balancing professional and personal life is also quite easy as domestic help is easily accessible as well as affordable. These services ensure that your home is well-cared for even as you work in a dynamic career and ecosystem.
In case of emergencies, medical services are also plenty and accessible. Medical treatment in Dubai is quite good and you can easily find specialists for examinations, surgeries, and even sleep treatments should you need them.
Getting Around Dubai
Public transport is quite safe in Dubai. They have buses with designated seating for women and registered taxis driven by female drivers.
Facilities such as the Dubai Metro, the Dubai Tram, and many different RTA public buses are a convenient way of commuting to work and home. So, even with no private car, you should be able to get to your workplace on time.
Of course, you also have the option of buying a car in Dubai. Used cars are also available, in case you wish to save a bit while you are still getting settled in the country.
Responsibilities while Working in Dubai
If you are an employee flying from overseas for work, you’ll want to keep track of some details upon arrival. Some of these deal with compensation while others will deal with personal papers and other forms of documentation.
Having the Right Visa for Working
As a worker, you will need an employment or work visa, which is often sponsored by the employer or company. Unfortunately, you can’t work with just a tourist visa in Dubai.
For business owners and entrepreneurs though, you can also try for an investor or partner visa. Keep in mind that you will need to meet certain financial requirements in order to qualify for this.
For married women sponsored by their husbands, they will need a labour card issued by the government as well as a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the husband.
These documents will be necessary for women working in Dubai under their husband’s visas.
Travel and Recruitment Costs
When it comes to employees flying in from Dubai, employers are expected to be the one to pay for travel and recruitment costs. So this will include your plane tickets and any fees to the accredited recruitment agency of your country of origin.
Employers are also expected to pay for your residency permits, as well as any medical examinations required for the job. They should also handle all processing requirements, which is a big benefit to first-time visitors still unfamiliar with how these work in Dubai.
Contractual Obligations
While working in Dubai can yield a lot of great benefits, employees are expected to fulfil their responsibilities as stated in the contract. That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly review your papers, making sure that it matches the offer given to you back home.
Once in Dubai, you can also leave your job if you want. To be on the safe side though, it’s best if you do it via the proper, legal means.
You should still fulfil any remaining obligations you have to your employer until your last day of work.
Seeking Help from the Labour Office
Should you run into any problems or complications with your employment, you can reach out to the Labour Office for help.
The Labour Office can help with different problems such as a sudden lack of a job contract upon arrival as well as problems with your employers such as not receiving your salary on time.
Additional Tips to Keep Yourself Safe as an Employee
Knowing your rights as an employee and avoiding offences is a great step towards ensuring your own safety as well as a smooth working experience in the UAE. Still, here’s a few more tips to keep in mind in case you’re considering a career in the city.
Respect Customs and Traditions
It is important to abide by the UAE’s laws regarding modesty and respect. Avoid talking badly about Islam as well as any unruly behaviour that can endanger the general public.
Wear modest and appropriate clothing at all times, especially when it comes to important places like mosques.
Keep a Copy of Your Job Offer
Try to keep a copy of any documents regarding your employment such as the original job offer. Remember that these documents can be legally binding and you never know when they might come in handy for smoothing out any disputes with your employer.
Make a Habit of Keeping Receipts
Keep a receipt of all your expenses, especially for any that your employer asks you to pay for. Having a good record of your spending will be essential especially if you encounter any misunderstanding with your employer.
For businesses and entrepreneurs who can afford it, you can also take advantage of the many robust bookkeeping services in Dubai. This is especially important since the UAE requires registered companies to maintain books of account.
Keep Your Personal Documents at All Times
At the start of your employment term, your employer may take some of your personal documents such as your passport while applying and processing your residency visa permit.
However, once you receive this permit, then these personal documents should be given back to you. Employees have the right to keep their passport with them and employers cannot take it once you have the necessary permits.
When you abide by the necessary rules of the workplace and the region as a whole, you should be able to have a prosperous time in Dubai.
After all, working in Dubai can be quite a unique and memorable experience and abiding by these rules will ensure that you advance to even brighter prospects and opportunities in this thriving city.