- Why would I go to work in the United Arab Emirates?
- Is English spoken in the hospitals?
- Who will my co-workers be?
- Where will I live?
- What is the social life like?
- Can women drive in the UAE?
- What is availible in the UAE?
- What is the food like?
- What television channels can I get in the UAE?
- How am I paid?
- Do people keep their money in their UAE bank accounts?
- What does "tax-free income" mean?
- Can I use my credit card in the UAE?
- Can I use my ATM card in the UAE?
- What about schools?
- Are there any English newspapers?
- Is the internet available?
- How would I contact my country's embassy or consulate in the UAE?
- What happens if I don't like it?
- What if I feel I need to leave due to the international situation?
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Why would I go to work in the United Arab Emirates?
- tax-free income;
- free, furnished, air-conditioned accommodations;
- medical coverage;
- generous vacation time;
- easy access to exciting travel destinations in Europe, Africa, and Asia;
- Free flights;
- Opportunity to immerse yourself in an ancient culture;
- Opportunity to work with people from around the world.
Is English spoken in the hospitals?
English is the working language in the hospitals. Translators, and ward clerks who act as translators, are always available to assist in communicating with patients who do not speak English. Healthcare staff quickly pick up basic Arabic phrases related to their jobs.
Who will my co-workers be?
Your co-workers will be from around the world: Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanese, South Africa, the Philippines, Malaysia, and more.
Where will I live?
You will live in hospital-provided accommodation.
What is the social life like?
The social life is what you make it. Recreational activities include: shopping festivals; boat cruises; desert safaris; horse/camel racing; golf; sand-boarding; etc.
Can women drive in the UAE?
Yes. Women are allowed to drive in the UAE. When in the UAE on a Residency permit, they first need to obtain a UAE driver's license. When in the UAE on a visit visa, they can drive on an international driving permit.
What is availible in the UAE?
Pretty much everything.
Alcohol - although the UAE is a Muslim country, purchasing and drinking alcohol in a licensed club, bar, or restaurant is legal for non-Muslims who are over 21. To buy alcohol for home consumption one must have a personal liquor license, which can only be obtained once the person has residency status, which can take 4-8 weeks. The cost is approximately 105 Dh (approximately $30US). (Obviously, while drinking is permitted as described, being drunk and/or disorderly in public is not permitted!)
Clothing - "regular" clothing, and high-end designer clothing and sportswear is easy to find, but you can't always try it on! Bathing Suits - these are easier to find in the UAE than in Saudi Arabia, but you will want to bring at least one with you.
Electronics - electronic stores abound, selling the latest in computers, audio, and video equipment. Videos and DVDs are also available, but these may have been censored.
Jewelry - jewelry shopping in the gold souqs is very popular for expatriates (and locals) and rarely does an expat leave without a sizable gold collection.
English-Language Books - English reading material can be found at book stores and grocery stores,
Food - (see below).
What is the food like?
The UAE has a wide variety of restaurants, allowing expatriates to go on a culinary world tour, sampling Arabic, Italian, French, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Filipino, Mexican, Turkish, Indian, Pakistani, etc. cuisine. Supermarkets provide all sorts of food which you are accustomed to buying at home, from ketchup. Fruit and vegetable souqs (markets) provide excellent fresh produce, although fresh produce is also readily available at supermarkets.
What television channels can I get in the UAE?
You can purchase a package of cable TV services that includes stations such as CNN, BBC, the Movie Channel, etc. Packages are not expensive.
How am I paid?
You are paid monthly by direct deposit into a local bank. You are paid in UAE Dirhams (Dh).
Do people keep their money in their UAE bank accounts?
People transfer their money off-shore, since no interest is paid on accounts in the UAE. Any bank will transfer money for you, as this is common practice for expatriates. Most people only keep basic spending money in their UAE account.
What does "tax-free income" mean?
No income tax is deducted in the UAE, and there is no sales tax.
Can I use my credit card in the UAE?
Yes. Major credit cards (e.g. VISA, American Express) are used throughout the UAE, but not all shops accept them.
Can I use my ATM card in the UAE?
Yes. ATM machines accept cards from all over the world via systems like Cirrus and Plus. You can also get an ATM card for your local account.
What about schools?
Children's Education - If you are eligible for a married status contract (generally only doctors and senior managment), the contract usually covers education of 2-3 dependent children (depending on the employer). The amount of coverage is capped, so the full cost of education may not be covered depending on the child's age and the institution the child attends.
Also, coverage is only from grade one to 12. Preschool and kindergarten classes are available but are not covered in the contracts. Please see useful links for school websites
Are there any English newspapers?
There are three: Gulf News, the Khaleej Times, and The Gulf Today.
Is the internet available?
A person can apply for internet access from home once they have obtained residency status and obtained a personal phone line. There are also internet cafes in the cities and computers at the hospital. All internet traffic in the UAE is processed through centralized servers that filter content that is contrary to Islamic values, so some sites will not be available, such as those with sexually explicit content, some entertainment sites, etc.
How would I contact my country's embassy or consulate in the UAE?
Abu Dhabi is the name of the capital city of the UAE. As the capital city, Abu Dhabi is home to all of the government ministries and foreign embassies.
What happens if I don't like it?
If after much thought you feel that you do not want to complete your contract, you are free to return home. However, if you break your contract, you will be responsible for the cost of your flight home and you will not receive your end-of-year bonus.
What if I feel I need to leave due to the international situation?
All of our client hospitals were very concerned for the physical and emotional wellbeing of staff in the current situtation Regular meetings are held to provide staff with updated information. Also, staff members can always contact their embassy or consulate (see question above) for updates on the international situation and their government's recommended response.
