Dubai is one of the richest, largest, and safe cities in United Arab Emirates including the whole world. It offers hundreds of job opportunities for foreign workers especially for Filipino workers. It is also the most open place in Middle East. Majority of its population are foreigners and only few locals. However, the presence of Arab traditions and Muslim religion remains to be dominant. Many OFW enjoyed working in Dubai. Here are the major reasons:
- 1. You can observe and practice your own religion. Dubai is called the free city in the East, and despite being called a Muslim city, Filipinos can still practice and observe their own belief. If you will go to Dubai, you will see different house of worship for Buddhists, Christians, Sikhs, and Hindus.
- You can wear comfortable clothes. You are allowed to wear comfortable clothing without following the Muslim traditional attire. However, you are not allowed to wear revealing outfits because it remains offensive and prohibited in their culture.
- You can eat non-Muslim food in Dubai. Despite of being a Muslim city, you can eat non-halal food. It means that you can eat food like pork. There are several restaurants and markets in Dubai that sell non-Muslim food.
- You can enjoy and chill-out in Dubai. There are lots of places for enjoyment in Dubai like halls, bars, and amusement parks. Many Filipinos gather and hang-out during day-off and weekends to those places.
| Area | 4.114 km |
| Population | 2 million plus |
| Foreign Residents | Filipino, Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi |
| Major Language | English, Arabic |
| Currency | Emirati Dirham |
| Currency Exchange | 1 Dirham = 11 pesos |
| Area Code | +971 (country of UAE) +4 (area code of Dubai) |
| Time difference | Philippines is 4 hours ahead of Dubai |
| Weather | Tropical Climate |
National Holidays in Dubai
- International New Years Day – January
- Ascension of the Prophet – June
- Beginning of Ramadan – June
- Eid Al Fitr – End of Ramadan – August
- Al-Hijira – Islamic New Years Day – November
- UAE National Day – December
Hotel and Restaurant, Gaming and Amusement, Information and Technology, Construction, Oil, Gas, and Petroleum
Job Opportunities for Filipinos in Dubai
1. Building and Constructions – e.g. engineers, electrician. mason, architect.
2. Hotel and Restaurant – e.g. housekeeper, receptionist, bartender, waiter, waitress, barista, butler.
3. Personal Services – e.g. domestic helper, caregiver, barber, family driver.
4. Education – e.g. university instructor, English teacher, Math teacher, Science teacher
5. Health – e.g. nurse, physical therapist, physician
How to apply for a job in Dubai
Getting a job in Dubai is getting tougher. Many employers in Dubai expect a lot from foreign workers, and it makes Filipinos stand out among the crowd. If you want to work in Dubai, then you must upgrade or improve your skills and education. The best way to get a job is to apply for a legitimate recruitment agency. It must be POEA licensed. You can check the accredited POEA agencies here. You can also register in this site, and find accredited jobs in Dubai.
Working and living in Dubai
You need a work permit or working visa to become a legitimate foreign worker. A working visa is valid for two years or the total of months indicated in your contract. Once your visa is expired, you are not allowed to extend your stay in Dubai. In some cases, Dubai issues an employment before coming to Dubai. The employer must process your working visa within 30 days or the period stated. If you have a Tourist or Visit Visa, then you are not allowed to work in Dubai. An OFW or a foreign worker can sponsor his / her immediate family, but his/her salary must be AED 3,000 – 10,000.00 monthly. The cost of Visit Visa is AED 120.00 for a year.
You cannot work in Dubai if you have the following diseases:
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatits B
- leprosy
- tuberculosis
- hypertension
- diabetes
- cancer
- psychiatric disease
- physical disabilities
Things that you CAN DO and CANNOT DO in Dubai.
Do’s in Dubai
- Bring a copy of marriage certificate if you are with your spouse.
- Always bring your passport and "'Pataka”. You can show this to the authority in case they will ask your identity and residential permit.
- Always apply sunscreen to your skin and wear sunglasses to protect yourself against heat.
- Use your right hand when greeting someone. Left hand is considered dirty to Muslims.
- Respect Muslim religion. Do not make fun of their culture.
- Do not eat in public places or in front of Muslim during Ramadan.
- Avoid public display of affection with your partner.
- Do not wear revealing outfits especially for ladies.
- Do not curse or say bad words. If caught you will be detained.
- Do not take pictures of government properties, locals, especially ladies without proper permission.
- Unmarried couples are not allowed to live together in one roof, according to Sharia Law.
- Do not carry prohibited items when you enter Dubai. Example of these objects are pornographic materials, drugs, and alcohol.
It is very important for you as a foreigner to know the labor laws of the country you will be working. This is to prevent problems as a foreign worker. Here are the following information:
- There is no income tax in Dubai.
- Work days are during Saturday – Wednesday (8 hours a day).Thursday and Friday are weekends for Muslim.
- You are entitled for benefits like health insurance, food and housing allowance.
- The minimum period of employment contract is 2 years.
- A foreign worker is entitled for a 14 day leave with pay a year.
- Contract must be sent and signed before you go to UAE.
- Your contract must be in English version aside from the Arabic version.
- Muslim employees should only work from 9 am to 1 pm only during Ramadan. Non-Muslim are allowed to report but is entitled to receive overtime pay.
- Employer will shoulder your hospitalization bill once you are admitted to the hospital,
- You will still received a full salary during your sickness recovery that will not exceed six months.
www.workabroad.ph, www.dubaifaqs.com, www.mol.gov.ae
