WORKING IN ABU DHABI- Best of Both Worlds

Working in Abu Dhabi opens a great gateway to opportunities in the Middle East, with the privilege of earning a competitive salary sans the stringent environment in other parts of the Arab world and without the hustle-bustle of Dubai's traffic and high standard of living. It puts you in the midst of a fast developing city with oil as the backbone and engine of its economy. One gets the best of both worlds in Abu Dhabi: the benefits of progress and modernity as well as nature preserved for savoring old-world ambience—lush greenery and a throve of the Emiratis’ cultural legacy and ways as part of daily living. Residents, workers and tourists get to still breathe good air quality in Abu Dhabi and are not burdened by traffic and congestion. But among the most important benefits for foreigners working in that city is the chance to enjoy a good life made possible through competitive salaries. Salaries for expats in select professions such as medicine and education enjoy really attractive rates, enough for them to get house help. Expat executives also get to live their lives in luxury, some of them living in mansions that are for the affluent. Salaries paid to factory workers and office employees vary according to industry and rank.

 

Many foreign workers join industries that drive progress in Abu Dhabi. Foremost among these are oil-based and gasoline-propelled industries, including oil drilling, processing and transport; as well as other industries such as real estate and construction, travel and tourism, information technology and telecommunications, and manufacturing. With the wealth of job opportunities in this emirate, private recruitment agencies based in the UAE and countries such as Singapore, China and the Philippines, rake in big pools of manpower and good income from their business. These agencies have made the recruitment and application process so simple and convenient through online methods. Application forms and documentation requirements as well as testing for some are done online. They even provide guides for writing curriculum vitae and application letter. Phone interviews allow for tighter screening. In certain cases, employers or employer representatives visit countries with main source of manpower such as the Philippines and China and there they do final interviews and execute agency and recruitment contracts. They are referred to as “principal” by the recruitment agencies. The recruitment agencies have a social responsibility; they do not only serve as conduits of the principals. They are duty-bound to look out for the interest of their job applicants. They are expected to ensure that salaries are fair and that contracts are fulfilled. It is thus important to research on the track record of a recruitment agency before doing business with any. You should check on whether or not the agency is duly registered and whether its deployment record is high or low, as well as whether there are cases against it.

 

Abu Dhabi’s employment contracts are either in English or Arabic. In cases of dual contracts and conflict, the United Arab Emirates Labour Laws stipulate that the Arabic version must prevail. This makes the role of the recruitment agencies doubly sensitive. They must be able to understand and relay to applicants the provisions of contracts rendered in Arabic.

 

Aside from job prospects in establishments belonging to any industry within Abu Dhabi, you may also gain entry into UAE government service although UAE nationals are always the preferred option of government. Those possessing special skills needed by a certain position not possessed by local applicants within standards required, have a greater opportunity to be considered for government job openings.

Whether employed by the bureaucracy or the private sector, all workers entering Abu Dhabi or any of the emirates need to be issued a labour permit entry. Their details of employment and personal details are keyed into their labour card which they must carry around wherever they go as a valid form of identification. This is issued by the Ministry of Labour. All employers must submit a copy of all contracts of employment drawn up to the UAE Ministry of Labour.

 

Take the time to read UAE’s labour laws in the official website of the UAE Ministry of Labour. This is perhaps the most important step you should do in order to be prepared for whatever lies ahead. It always pays to know how the law has defined workers’ rights, requirements and obligations, among others, and how it can protect you.

 

For example, it is good to know that UAE’s labour law provides for equality between men and women where wages or salaries are concerned and that women are not supposed to work at night from 10 pm to 7 am. Provisions on contract violations and termination must be thoroughly understood.

 

The law also provides that workers are entitled to fully-paid public holidays on these days: one day for Hijri New Year, Gregorian New Year, Isra and Miaraj (Accession day), Prophet Mohammad's birthday and National Day, 2 days for Eid Al-Fitr and 3 days for Arafa Day and Eid Al Adha.

 

Abu Dhabi’s sustained growth in the mid-2000s has opened doors of opportunities in many of its industries. The economy is relatively stable, hence, the key to enjoying much sought after security of tenure is though excellent work performance, professional relationships and compliance with laws.

 

Dig into the internet and surf for jobs or employment in Abu Dhabi. Look also at the official site of the UAE Ministry of Labour. There are private sites and government sites that are useful for your career planning and job planning.

Happy surfing! (MVera)