Working
Since 2006 the official working week in the UAE is Sunday to Thursday. All offices are closed on Fridays and on Islamic holidays. Government offices open to the public from 7.30am until 2.30pm. Private company hours are normally from 9am to 5.30pm. The exception is the construction industry whose working week is Saturday to Thursday and the working hours may vary.
Salaries in Dubai are paid tax free and National Insurance contributions do not apply. As the inflation rate has been increasing over recent years, salaries have remained static. It is therefore important that you negotiate every aspect of your employment contract.
Pension law is at an embryonic stage in the UAE however companies are obliged to pay gratuity upon your departure, this is usually calculated on each year completed service.
The exception to this is where you are contracted for a specific period of time and fail to fulfil the contract. Most companies pay by cheque or will directly lodge funds into your bank account. Normally salaries are paid monthly.
