Working in the United Arab Emirates
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Average Salary
The average monthly salary in the UAE is around AED 13,000 – 14,000 ($3540 - $3812), but salaries vary widely depending on sector and level of seniority. For example, engineering roles typically range from AED 10,000 – 30,000 ($2,723 - $8,169) a month, and the energy sector is notably more lucrative – senior specialists can expect salaries of AED 20,000 – 50,000 ($5,446 - $13,615) a month.
General information
Currency
Dirham (AED)
Official language
Arabic
Conversational languages
English Hindi Urdu Malayalam Tagalog
Time zone
Gulf Standard Time (UTC +04:00)
Common types of Employment or Contracting
As of February 2022, all employment contracts in the UAE must be fixed-term, not exceeding 3 years, and renewable upon agreement. Contractor-based work is very common in certain sectors and follows specific employment or commercial arrangements.
Common types of employment
Common types of contracting
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Living in the United Arab Emirates
Living in the UAE offers a unique blend of modern convenience, cultural and ethnic diversity, and tax-free income, but it's important to be aware of the associated costs. You can expect a relatively high cost of living, especially in cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- A weekly grocery shop for a small family can cost around AED 300-500 ($82 - $136), while dining out ranges from AED 40 – 100 ($11 - $27) per person at mid-range restaurants
- Monthly childcare can cost between AED 2,000 – 4,000 ($545 - $1,089)
- Rental prices vary widely, with two-bedroom apartments typically costing AED 9,384 ($2,555) per month
- Fuel is comparatively cheap, with petrol prices around AED 3 ($0.82) per litre and diesel costing AED 2.67 ($0.73) a litre
The UAE drives on the right-hand side of the road. Short term visitors can often drive with their valid foreign licence and an International Driving Permit, depending on their home country. If you become a UAE resident, you must convert your eligible foreign licence to a local one. This involves an eye test, presenting your original licence, passport, residency visa, Emirates ID, and paying a fee (approximately AED 870 / $237).
Weather in the United Arab Emirates
The UAE has a hot desert climate, with long, scorching summers and mild winters. From May to September, temperatures often exceed 40°C, with high humidity, especially along the coast. Winters, from November to March, are much more pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging between 20°C and 30°C and cooler evenings. Rain is rare and usually falls in short bursts during the winter months.
Language and integration support
In the UAE, integration is generally straightforward due to the country’s highly international environment. English is widely used in business, education, and daily life, making it easy for expats to settle in.
Arabic language courses are available through private institutes and cultural centres for those who wish to develop local language skills. Many employers also provide onboarding support and cultural orientation, while active expat communities, networking groups, and social clubs help newcomers build connections and integrate quickly.
For any translation needs - especially those required for work permit or visa applications - our dedicated Languages team is ready to support you. They provide accurate, timely translations and can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary documents meet the required standards.
Our services in the United Arab Emirates
Across the globe, we support energy and engineering companies with the international recruitment and global mobilisation solutions they need to extend their capability and grow their businesses.
Find out about our international services
Global mobility
NRL Recruitment simplifies international employee relocation with seamless global mobility services. From visa assistance to cultural onboarding, we ensure your staff transitions smoothly across borders, minimising disruption and maximising productivity.
Payroll solutions
Managing payroll across multiple countries can be complex, but our payroll solutions make it simple. We handle accurate, compliant compensation for your global workforce, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, every time.
Global employer of record
With our global employer of record services, you can legally employ staff overseas without establishing local entities. We manage compliance, contracts, and HR administration, giving you the freedom to expand globally with confidence and ease.
International recruitment
Finding the right talent worldwide is effortless with our international recruitment solutions. We connect your business with top-tier professionals, managing the end-to-end hiring process so you can focus on growth and strategic priorities.
