Understanding work culture in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is an international city, and in most workplaces, you will interact and work with people of different nationalities. Every year, the capital welcomes new expats to the city because of its lucrative salaries, excellent quality of life in terms of residential areas and city life, and great compensation packages or benefits.
Reasonable salaries and excellent packages in Abu Dhabi
Most workplaces in the capital offer reasonable salaries if you are wise enough to sort through which companies pay the best. At the end of the day, expats come to the city to get at least fair pay to foster their self-worth and professional development. Good companies in Abu Dhabi will offer excellent benefits and packages that will mostly take care of an employee's basic needs.
As rent is sometimes collected annually, some employers pay the amount upfront and deduct it from your monthly salary. Additionally, some employers cover tuition fees for those moving with children.
Diverse culture in the workplace in Abu Dhabi
Being an expat means accepting the fact that one must be open-minded to different cultures
and races. This means accepting and befriending people from all walks of life because, in Abu Dhabi, you will meet a lot of them and will work with them. To adjust to expat life, you need to welcome new ideas, new cultures, and new friendships to thrive and be productive for the organization as well.
Flexible working hours in Abu Dhabi
Flexible working hours are permitted in some workplaces, such as government offices and private organizations. This benefits the employees by making working hours more convenient for them. In this day and age of digital technology, it is also easy to work from home as long as the employer permits it.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have adopted a hybrid work model, where employees work from the office for a few days a week and from home for the remainder. Some companies even give the option to be fully remote.
As Friday is now a working day in the UAE, your company may also allow for a longer midday break for employees who want to attend Friday prayer. In some cases, companies are allowing for an early finish on Fridays – which means a shorter working day!
Health insurance in Abu Dhabi
Employers are required by law to provide basic health insurance for their employees. This means that the pressure of health insurance is lifted off from the employee's shoulder, especially when an expat is unwell and away from home.
Opportunities for women in Abu Dhabi
The United Arab Emirates is a champion for women's empowerment in the region. It has been pushing for economic growth through the advancement of women. This means quality education opportunities and professional growth for women in the workplace. Equal opportunity in the workplace is one of the UAE's main focuses regarding gender balance.
Dress code in the workplace in Abu Dhabi
Dress code expectations will differ depending on where you work. Most companies will just require you to dress professionally, as you would anywhere else in the world. If you get a job at a creative agency, you'll find that they're a little more lenient and casual.
If you're working in the government sector, however, you will be expected to dress more modestly.
Language in Abu Dhabi
English is widely spoken in the workplace, so there is no need for expats to learn Arabic, unlike in other countries where learning the host's language is required. Learning Arabic will not hurt, especially when going around, but English will suffice.
Social conventions in Abu Dhabi
It is strictly prohibited to consume alcohol in public spaces, like parks, on the street, or on public beaches, so keep this in mind. Smoking is allowed in certain places as well, so best to observe or ask around before going out for a smoke.
Ramadan timings in Abu Dhabi
Eating, smoking, and drinking in public are prohibited for the whole month of Ramadan except for those with health conditions and those who are pregnant. However, there are designated covered eating areas for expats and non-Muslims, especially in the food courts at the mall. Your place of work will usually also designate an area to eat in, and some will just ask you to be mindful of those fasting around you.
Business days in Abu Dhabi
Similarly to places around the world, weekdays in Abu Dhabi begin on Mondays and end on Fridays. This means the weekends are Saturday and Sunday. Some workplaces have only one day off, while some have both weekends off for Saturday and Sunday. It is best to clarify this with the employer before accepting an offer.
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