Working In Dubai?

[*Kosta*]

Hi all,

I've just forwarded my CV for a job role in Dubai.

Obviously apart from being tax free, what other benefits are there to living and working out in the UAE? It's nothing i've really considered before.

I've read things in the past about employers being legally bound to provide an accomodation allowance and medical insurance. Is this still the case? Are there any other things to consider?

Thanks for your help,

Simon.

[oilydan]

*Kosta* said:

Hi all,

I've just forwarded my CV for a job role in Dubai.

Obviously apart from being tax free, what other benefits are there to living and working out in the UAE? It's nothing i've really considered before.

I've read things in the past about employers being legally bound to provide an accomodation allowance and medical insurance. Is this still the case? Are there any other things to consider?

Thanks for your help,

Simon.

These things completely depend on your contract.

My staff have their total salary broken down in their contract as a 60% salary and 40% accommodation allowance.

However, as a proper expat with a bank/oil company/engineering firm you might be lucky and get you accommodation paid for. Up to a point.

Medical insurance is required by law but, again, depending on your level can vary in benefits. My staff get UAE coverage for themselves only, the managers get worldwide cover for them and their immediate family.

Even though it is 'tax free' in the UAE there are many 'stealth taxes' to consider; eating and drinking out is subject to a 17% municipality and tourism tax, petrol (although still cheap) has risen twice this year and is set to rise again in September $0.52 per litre.

You also have to be very careful in supermarkets; picking out items like you would in the UK can lead to a costly experience, the difference between local and imported items can be up to 300%.

Check some of the threads in the Middle East forum, there are a few PHers here and most of your questions have already been answered....

[*Kosta*]

Thanks for that insight Dan. I've a couple of former colleagues who used to work out there for the company I used to work for, so i'll be sounding them out too.

Thanks