The UAE Market

UAE Salary Packages / working hours

Abu Dhabi: A very similar story to Dubai with regard to salary levels, however, the GFC had the opposite effect on the property market. Because of this, more firms are still supplying a housing loan to help you with the yearly rent demand. Packages can include allowances but this will again depend on the firm, your skill and your experience. Speak to a GR Law international consultant for more detailed information on salary bandings for your skills and experience. The working week in Abu Dhabi is the same as Dubai so it tends to vary between 40 and 48 hours, depending on the particular company’s policy. Office hours are usually from 8.30 or 9.00 am to 5.30 or 6.00 pm. Friday is the Muslim rest day and, if your company has a five-day working week, the other day off will probably be either Thursday or Saturday. Saturday is the more popular choice for international companies, as taking Thursday off would mean a reduction in the number of operational days in common with much of the rest of the world. Conversely, other companies insist on Thursday, as the school ‘weekend’ is Thursday and Friday.

Dubai: During the global financial crisis (GFC) salaries generally fell across the region. Since the region started to pick up again late 2010 salaries have slowly started to move up again. Most firms will offer housing and other benefits for fee earning positions but since the GGFC most are now not offering this to support staff. The direct effect of the GFC on the housing market have made this a lot more affordable so a housing allowance is not always needed. Most firms will offer a fight home in your salary package. Speak to a GR Law international consultant for more detailed information on salary bandings for your skills and experience. The working week in Dubai tends to vary between 40 and 48 hours, depending on the particular company’s policy. Office hours are usually from 8.30 or 9.00 am to 5.30 or 6.00 pm. Friday is the Muslim rest day and, if your company has a five-day working week, the other day off will probably be either Thursday or Saturday. Saturday is the more popular choice for international companies, as taking Thursday off would mean a reduction in the number of operational days in common with much of the rest of the world. Conversely, other companies insist on Thursday, as the school ‘weekend’ is Thursday and Friday.

Oman: In addition to their salary, contract workers are awarded an ‘indemnity’ at the end of the contract period. Indemnities are end-of-contract bonuses which are required by law to be paid to expatriate workers as monetary ‘thank-yous’ for being of service to the state. They are also sometimes known as ‘end of service benefits.´ Indemnities usually amount to 15 (in some cases 20) days of pay per year of employment for the first three years, and a month’s salary per year of employment after that. . Speak to a GR Law international consultant for more detailed information on salary bandings for your skills and experience.

The working week in Oman tends to vary between 40 and 48 hours, depending on company policy. Office hours are usually from 8.30 or 9.00 am to 5.30 or 6.00 pm. Friday is the Muslim rest day (the equivalent of Sunday in most western countries). If your company has a five-day work week, your other day off will probably be either Thursday or Saturday. Saturday is the more popular choice for international companies (taking Thursday off means reducing the number of operational days in common with much of the rest of the world). Still, some companies insist on Thursday, since the school ‘weekend’ is Thursday and Friday.

Qatar: In the past, remuneration packages were split into various elements: basic salary, car provision or allowance, housing provision or allowance, medical cover, education for children and air tickets for home visits. Today, however, employers tend just to pay a salary, which covers all these expenses, although in some cases there are other bonuses. Speak to a GR Law international consultant for more detailed information on salary bandings for your skills and experience. The working week in Qatar tends to vary between 40 and 48 hours, depending on the particular company’s policy. Office hours are usually from 8.30 or 9.00 am to 5.30 or 6.00 pm.