If You Want to Work in Dubai, Read This First

I am far from the first USA native to relocate to Dubai for work and I certainly won't be the last. US locals are all too familiar with the job situation in America and some people are interested in moving internationally to find better opportunities. Here are a few things to know before making the move:

1. Discrimination is Legal

In America, it is illegal to not hire someone based on their background (ethnicity, age, sex). This is not the case in the UAE- employers may specify required age, ethnicity, sex, of potential candidates in their job postings. Why is this legal? My guess is because of the large expat community, certain businesses are nationality-specific to make those nationals feel more at home (e.g. American expats would likely rather be treated by American doctors than doctors of other backgrounds). 

2. There Is No Mininum Wage

And you're typically paid a salary, not hourly. Salary is paid at the end of every month so you should be financially prepared prior to moving. Fortunately there are many contract positions so you'll have job security for the next 1-3 years. Six day work weeks are the norm for some positions, so be sure to review your contract carefully.  

3. It's Illegal to Work Two Jobs

The rationale is twofold: your employer ought to be paying you enough in terms of basic wage and living allowances for you to get by, and working a second job after your primary one will make you too tired for you to do the first one well. So you need your employer's explicit consent in pursuing another position otherwise that's grounds for termination. While it's true that the same rule exists in America, it seems to be more enforced in Dubai. 

4. Westerners Preferred

Western nationals are given preference in hiring, possibly due to our education system. Generally though, preference for job positions goes first to UAE natives, Arab natives of another country, and workers of other nationalities, in that order. Be aware that many companies set a six month probabtion period in case you do not live up to their expectations, so be honest and upfront during the hiring process.

5. Market Prices Based on Market Needs

While this is likewise true in America, in Dubai you can literally earn more as a bilingual receptionist than as a nurse: http://www.dubaifaqs.com/salaries-dubai.php. Research available industry opportunities in Dubai to determine if it's a worthwhile move for your profession. 

For more information on labor laws, check out these resources-

- UAE Ministry of Labor: http://www.mol.gov.ae/newmolgateway/english/newindex.aspx

- UAE Labor Law PDF: http://tinyurl.com/o2vwsbc

- UAE Labor Law site: http://uaelaborlaw.com