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The UAE Information

Working abroad sounds like an adventure to many people. However, a job search in the UAE (the United Arab Emirates) requires more than just the obvious UAE CV with the UAE cover letter writing and translation, it requires thorough preparation. You will experience problems that probably did not even come to your mind when you made a decision to find jobs in the UAE.

Do not take too lightly the influence jobs in Emirates can have on the effect of your adventure! For instance, you will experience the different immigration rules and practices, strange job application procedures, unfamiliar job candidate selection criteria and out of the ordinary management culture.

Most visits to the UAEare trouble-free however, you should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including locations frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers like restaurants, hotels, clubs and shopping areas.
You must exercise a high degree of security awareness due to the deteriorating security situation and ongoing political tensions.
In recent years, the Emirati authorities have carried out many investigations and operations against terrorist networks.
Monitor local news broadcasts and consular messages. Ensure that your travel documents and visas are valid and secured in a safe place. Carry a photocopy of your travel documents rather than the originals. Maintain a low profile, vary times and routes of travel and exercise caution while driving. Making local contacts quickly and seeking support from other expatriates will greatly improve your comfort and safety.

Time: GMT + 4

Telephone country code: 971

Internet country code: .ae

Annual vacation: The majority of Emiratis take annual vacations during school holidays.

Primary School:

• Autumn term - Sep 8 to Dec 12
• Spring term - Jan 5 to Mar 27
• Summer term - Apr 7 to Jun 26

Secondary school:

• Autumn/spring term - Sep 12 to Jan 15
• Mid-term holiday - Jan 16 to Feb 2
• Spring/summer term - Feb 3 to Jun 13
• Summer holidays - Jun 14 to Sep 10

Public Holidays:

• 1 Jan - New Year's Day
• 7 Jan - Ashoura
• 9 Mar - Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet)
• 20 Jul - Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet)
• 21 Sep - Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
• 28 Nov - Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
• 2 Dec - National Day
• 18 Dec - Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year)
• 27 Dec - Ashoura

Business Hours:

• Offices - Sat-Wed 08:00-13:00 and 15:00/16:00-18:00/19:00, Thurs 08:00-12:00
• Banks - Sat-Wed 08:00-13:00, Thurs 08:00-12:00. Some also open Sat-Wed 16:30-18:30
• Stores - Daily 09:00-13:00 and 16:00-21:00, but many shops are open all day. Shops close for prayers Friday 11:30-13:30.

Friday is the Arabic Holy Day, so most businesses are closed.

Ramadan (holy month) occurs 11 days before the year’s Ramadan.

Background: The Trucial States of the Persian Gulf coast granted the UK control of their defence and foreign affairs in 19th-century treaties. In 1971, six of these states - Abu Zaby, 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, and Umm al Qaywayn - merged to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined in 1972 by Ra's al Khaymah. The UAE's per capita GDP is on par with those of leading West European nations. Its generosity with oil revenues and its moderate foreign policy stance have allowed the UAE to play a vital role in the affairs of the region.

Capital: Abu Dhabi

Climate: desert; cooler in eastern mountains

Ethnic groups: Emirati 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8% (1982)

Languages: Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu

Other UAE Information

To be successful in your UAE job search and get the job you want, you need to prepare the UAE cover letter and the UAE CV which you must email instantly to the prospective employers selected during a job search in the UAE.

When you receive an invitation to the UAE job interview, you may apply for a UAE visa and a UAE work permit. Then prepare yourself for a job interview and take a look at the UAE dress code because how you dress is one of the most important attributes in not being hired for available jobs.

Check the job interview dos & don'ts, job interview tips and other job search skills pages.

In addition, on the international info, job search, visa, work permit, cover letter, CV & resume, job interview and dress code pages you will find many useful tips for overseas job seekers.

Good luck with your UAE information!