Enjoy interesting career opportunities and a relatively higher tax-free income, while experiencing a multi-cultural, diverse and fun city.
- Great weather
- Tax-free income
- Opportunities
- Security
- Amazing shopping
- Cultural entertainment and sport events
Dubai has sunshine almost every day throughout the year. For almost nine months out of the year the city offers close to perfect weather for enjoying outdoor activities and the beach. It could rain two to three times a year and clouds are rarely present. During the summer months, the weather could be hotter than desired, however the city has plenty of air-conditioned indoor activities for you to enjoy.
Dubai offers expatriates comparatively higher salaries for specialized professionals than most European countries in order to attract Western talent and develop its economy and diversification. This in combination with the lack of income tax can make Dubai an attractive option to save money or budget for fun activities or luxuries you otherwise will go without.
As the government of Dubai has colossal plans for the future of the city and with the economy continuously growing, the city presents plenty of job opportunities for motivated individuals. Candidates are constantly sourced from various places across the world and businesses continue to expand their operations to meet the increased demands of the population. Expo 2020 is another driver of economic growth attracting local and international investments further increasing the demand for personnel.
Dubai is proclaimed as one of the safest places in the world. For a metropolitan city, crime rates are outstandingly low and the vigilant police and security services are a great deterrent to wrong doers.
The Dubai police force is non-intrusive yet present and patrolling 24/7. Officers are usually friendly and very helpful, yet strictly obeying the law. Punishments for criminal offences are quickly processed and often harsh, keeping the crime rate at one of the lowest levels in the world.
Dubai is fantastic for shopping as it offers something for every budget. From countless high-end malls with the most famous fashion brands to gold and spice souqs (markets) in the older parts of the city.
There is something to see, do or experience in Dubai every single week. Food and shopping festivals, art shows, concerts, sporting events to name a few. As the city is considered the Las Vegas of the Middle East, one can enjoy a vast selection of clubs, bars, pubs, dj parties and concerts.
Discover Dubai
Working in Dubai is more than just a job, it is an experience. Get familiar with Dubai’s culture and more.
Culture
The culture of Dubai is rooted in Islamic traditions and form the lifestyle of the local UAE nationals. Although only less than 15% of Dubai’s residents are local Emirati, it is important for expats and tourists to respect the local culture and behave suitably.
The city is famously known as the entertainment capital of the Middle East and attracts many party lovers from all over the world, especially those who are wealthy enough to splash out on the most expensive hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs. With Dubai promoting such an image, it still forbids the nationals that practice Islam to indulge in any of the entertaining services offered. In that respect these services are often located in the more touristy areas.
It is advised that visitors and expatriates do not flaunt their Western culture habits in the streets, where they can be viewed by nationals who may find it offensive. There have been various complaints in the past by locals who have expressed their views through the media about their home-land being taken over by the Western world.
Having said this, it does not mean the locals are against foreigners visiting Dubai, it is just common courtesy to respect your hosts. Emiratis are traditionally known for their warm hospitality and they are very generous when offering refreshments to guests.
Laws
Entry and exit Requirements
All expatriates are subject to UAE immigration laws. A passport is a must for travel to UAE. While nationals of certain countries are allowed to obtain visitor visas on arrival at the airport, others will have to obtain visitor visas in advance. Bulgarian passport holders do not need to acquire a visa prior to travelling to Dubai, one is issued at the point of entry. For further information, please visit www.uae-embassy.org
ID Card
The Government of UAE mandates that every person residing in the UAE should possess a national identity card. The majority of employers will assist you in issuing the national identity card. For further information, please www.eida.gov.ae.
Working Illegally in UAE
It should be noted that any attempt to work illegally in Dubai is considered a crime and can land you in prison or you may be deported. Expatriates seeking to reside and work in the UAE are required to present authenticated personal documents such as birth and marriage certificates, adoption and custody degrees, and other educational documents.
Although a local sponsor is allowed to hold an employee’s passport, it is illegal to do so as per the UAE laws. In case of any employer-employee dispute, the Ministry of Labor in UAE has established a special department for review and settlement of such labor claims.
Traffic Laws
A driving license is a must to drive in UAE and foreign driver’s licenses are not recognized. Bulgarians who wish to drive in Dubai are required to go through 10 hours of driving school and take the local written and practical exams. The associated fees are approximately 5,000 AED. Stringent penalties are imposed for certain traffic violations, particularly for drinking and driving under the influence of alcohol. In such cases, violators are often jailed for several days, and may have to go through legal procedures, black points and huge penalties. If involved in an accident, the UAE law emphasizes that you remain there until authorities arrive. For any further details on traffic rules, visit www.rta.ae.
Rules for drinking alcohol and smoking
Alcohol is allowed within an area like a hotel, bar or nightclub. Residents are free to drink in their own homes as long as they have an alcohol license issued by the municipality. It is illegal to drink in the street or in public places.
Smoking is banned in several public offices and places such as shopping malls. There are designated smoking areas in Dubai, so it is easy to keep up the rule.
Basic laws Dubai
UAE law emphasizes that possession of even trace amounts of illegal drugs can result in imprisonment for foreign nationals in the UAE. If a medication has been prescribed by a doctor in your home country, then carry a copy of the prescription when taking medicines. Certain medication and drugs are classified as narcotics in the UAE, and it is considered illegal to possess them. If you are found caught with what is considered an illegal substance, you are liable for an automatic four-year imprisonment prior to deportation. Therefore, first check out the banned substances list with the Drug Control Department or UAE Ministry of Health, before importing them to UAE.
Behavior and dress code
Islam is the main religion throughout the UAE. Expatriates follow their own religions and that is tolerated. But, anything that is anti-Islam will not be tolerated at any level.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, and hence eating, smoking or drinking in public places during this month may not be acceptable.
Emiratis tend to dress in their traditional clothes influenced by their Islamic belief. Most men prefer the traditional dishdasha or khandura (a long white shirt-dress), with ghutra (a white headdress) and agal (a rope worn to keep the ghutra in place). The Emirati women tend to wear an abaya (a long black cloak), which is worn over conservative clothes, with a sheyla or hijab (a scarf used to wrap around the face and head).
Expatriates and visitors are advised to dress appropriately; trousers or a dress should be worn to cover below the knee, when circulating the city, especially at historical sites. However, they can wear what they wish when they are in a hotel, bar or club and swim wear is tolerated by the pool or at the beach.
Islamic Law (Sharia)
In Sharia Law, just as in other legal systems, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Both the plaintiff and defendant are equal in the court of the law. Under Islamic law, crimes that carry definite penalties are apostasy, murder, fornication, adultery, homosexuality and theft.
On the whole, if you want to live and work in the UAE, you will have to abide by the laws of the land, and accept the rules by which Emiratis live. As an expatriate you are bound to the laws of the country you live in.
Dubai located inside the Northern desert belt presents a typical desert climate. The country provides an enjoyable climate from October to May. During summer it is humid, very dry and hot, where the average temperature goes beyond 40°C during the day time and the night temperature averages around 30°C. During the winter the day time temperature hovers around 23°C and the night time temperature is maintained around 14°C. The country enjoys sunny weather all through the year. There is irregular rainfall and it gets scanty rain during the months of December, January, February and March.
Dubai is the entertainment capital of the Middle East and one of the most happening cities in the world. It can easily be compared to famous cities such as New York, Paris and London offering plenty of things to do. From dessert safaris to shopping, parks, restaurants, word class bars and night clubs, to skiing and skydiving. Visit www.timeoutdubai.com and www.whatson.ae for more details.
Finding accommodation in Dubai could be a challenging task, especially if you do not have the required knowledge. The city hosts many different communities that vastly range in price and offering. Finding the right place for you and your family that matches your budget is essential to having the right lifestyle. In order to help you with this task, Cassia has a dedicated team member who will assist you in the search for the right rental property. Patsi Collins has over 15 years of experience in the City and will charm you with her friendly and helpful attitude. Get in touch with us for further details.
Setting up a bank account is one of the first task you will have after your move. It is required in order for you to get your salary transferred automatically at the end of each pay period. Setting up an account is easy and fast and the majority of the banks offer credit facilities and developed technology (mobile and internet banking) for you to manage your finances better. Cassia works with a dedicated banking agent, who will perform most of the work in setting up your bank account.
There are frequent flights to Dubai from pretty much any world destination. Take a look at Emirates Airlines, WizzAir, FlyDubai or Qatar Airways to begin.
Dubai is an extremely family friendly place. It is one of the safest cities in the world and there are plenty of activities and amenities catered towards families with children. There are plenty of primary, secondary and post-graduate school offering various programs and teaching languages. However, certain schools are expensive and difficult to get into. If you have children, familiarize yourself by visiting www.whichschooladvisor.com.
Cassia is not just a recruitment agency, we are a people’s company and we believe in the well-being of the individual. We not only want to ensure that the you find a rewarding job, but also experience Dubai in a positive way. We have created a community of Bulgarians working in Dubai who help and support each other. We are here to answer your questions, whatever they might be. You can either email or call us or join our online community and share your experience or inquiry.
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FAQ
Why trust Cassia?
The Cassia team is experienced in Dubai. We will match you to the right job, help with your CV, negotiate a fare salary, be there when you arrive. Find more details in the Process page.
If I do not see the right vacancy for me, am I still a candidate?
Yes absolutely! We maintain an extensive database of candidates and continuously post new job vacancies. As soon as one matches your profile, we will be contacting you, please submit your CV here.
I have applied for a job online, are my details sent to the employer?
No, we screen all applications and call only the suitable applicants to discuss the position. Review our recruitment process in detail here.
I have a CV, but I am not sure that it is done right?
You can download our Cassia CV template, fill in your profile and submit it to us. If we decide that you are eligible for a position we will format your CV as a Cassia applicant.
Do I have to pay Cassia to find me a job?
No. We do not charge candidates for the recruitment.
Can Cassia help get my medical license?
Yes. We will assist you through the licensing process. Find more information here.
Can I get my medical license online?
Yes, the application is online but for some specialties you may need to take test in person.
How long does it take to get a medical license?
From four weeks to five months, depending on your position.
Do I have to pay for the medical license application?
Yes. The fees range between 1,425 AED (670 BGN) for Nurses to 1,975 AED (935 BGN) for doctors and dentists. The fees are for application, document submission, diploma verification and the assessment test required by the Dubai Health Authority. Your employer will cover the cost of your actual license.
Will Cassia help me find accommodation?
Yes, we have a dedicated Cassia member in Dubai that will help you find the right accommodation.