Finding the Right Job Abroad

Like all nations around the world, Dubai has religious and traditional aspects which affect the working world. This is an important consideration for anyone if they are considering a move to the emirate state and it is vital to ensure that such changes in daily structure will have a positive effect on both the worker and their family’s life.

Unlike the average British working week which lies between 38 and 40 hours, companies in Dubai normally have employees work from 40 to 48 hours per week. Depending on the firm workers can expect to start their shifts from between 8.30 and 9.00am and work to an evening end of 5.30 to 6.00pm. However it is also not unusual for some companies to split their day in two like many Mediterranean businesses, having employees work from 8.00am to 1.00pm before resuming work from 4.00 until 7.00pm.

Another important aspect of jobs in Dubai and their working day and week is in respect to their religious background. Whilst there are no changes to the working day length between winter and summer, the religious period of Ramadan results in Muslim employees seeing their day decrease to six hours, largely due to the fasting requirements of the period. Whilst by law this reduction should apply to all employees within a company, foreign nationals not of a Muslim background may find that they are expected to continue working a normal day. Meanwhile, in Muslim culture Friday is a day of rest, resulting in weekends falling Thursday and Friday or Friday and Saturday with international firms usually using the latter option.

Such differences in workplace practice may be beneficial or a disadvantage for individuals depending on their preferences. However with Dubai’s extensive advantages in additional income many are happy to alter their lifestyle for the length of a contract.