How long are the employment contracts?

Contracts are typically one year in duration and are renewable onsite.

What happens if I don't like living in the UAE and don't feel I can complete my contract?

If after much thought you feel that you do not want to stay, you are free to return home. But if, at a later date you decide to re-apply, it will be very difficult to get another position in UAE. Depending on employer policy, you may have to repay some money extended to you (e.g., relocation allowances).

What is the pay like?

Generally, the compensation for expatriates is based on the compensation of the country in which you are currently working. Canadians and Americans are paid the highest, but generally it is less than the compensation being earned in North America. However, because the income is tax-free and healthcare is provided, individual's take home their entire pay check. This allows them to save many times what they do back home.

Can I bring my family?

This depends on contract and employer.

On a single-status contract, accommodations, air tickets, and medical coverage are provided for the employee only.

Can I bring a pet?

People on single-status contracts who are in shared accommodations cannot bring any pets.

People on married-status contracts in unshared accommodations MAY be able to bring a pet, depending on the rules of the housing complex, and depending on the type of animal, but the couple would be responsible for all expenses and arrangements for its transportation to the UAE and any damages the pet may cause.

Where will I live?

Depending on employer and contract, expatriate staff may be housed in hospital-provided accommodations or may be given a housing allowance. Note that housing allowances do not always cover the costs of one's chosen accommodations.

Do I have to share my apartment/house?

Physicians and most senior administrative positions are entitled to non-shared housing. All other contracts typically receive shared accommodations, with a maximum of one other housemate. A person with a housing allowance may also choose to share, since it is more economical.

What kind of healthcare coverage am I entitled to?

In a full-service hospital, typically hospital employees, and their contractually eligible dependents, are treated at that hospital free-of-charge. However, employees (and eligible dependents) may not be covered for services that are not offered at their hospital.

In Abu Dhabi specifically, employers are now required to provide health insurance for their employees. The level of insurance coverage (full coverage; 80-20% split; minimal coverage) varies depending on employer.

In the case of non-eligible dependents which may accompany an employee, the employee must pay for health insurance for these non-eligible dependents before the dependents will be granted residency. We have been told insurance is quite expensive.

What is the currency in the UAE?

The currency in the United Arab Emirates is the Dirham, commonly referred to as the Dh. The Dh is pegged to the US dollar, and the US exchange rate is fixed at US$1 = Dh 3.67.

What does "tax-free income" mean?

There is no income tax deducted in UAE. (As of 2018, there is a 5% VAT on some goods and services.) However, your foreign income may be taxed in your home country:

• Americans are excluded from paying taxes on any amount up to US$120,000 (tax year 2023), if the person was out of the country for at least 330 full days out of 365 days of a consecutive 12-month period. Exclusion amounts are subject to change, so please refer to: Internal Revenue Service; especially see "Publication 54."
• Canadians have a more complicated situation which involves severing residential ties to Canada (e.g., spouse, dependent children, non-investment property, etc.). For information, please refer to: Canada Revenue Agency's page on Non-Residents of Canada

How am I paid?

You are paid monthly by direct deposit into a local UAE bank.

How easy is it to open a bank account?

The hospital will help you open a bank account soon after you arrive. Money in this account, however, does not earn interest, so you should transfer your money to an account outside UAE. Islamic law prohibits earning interest on money; Islamic banking; however, provides another method for making your money work for you without violating Islamic law.

What should I do with my money then?

Since no interest is paid on accounts in UAE, most people keep only basic spending money in their UAE bank account. Instead, people transfer most of their savings to offshore accounts. Also, many large foreign banks (e.g., Barclays, Citi, Royal Bank of Canada, HSBC, etc.) have branches in the UAE. Internet banking is common.

Can I use my ATM card?

Yes. Most ATM machines accept cards from all over the world via systems like Cirrus and Plus. You can also get an ATM card for your local bank account.

Can I use credit cards in the UAE?

UAE is generally a cash society, but credit cards are accepted in most major department stores, restaurants, and in the gold souks (markets). Generally, mini-marts, other outdoor souks, etc., do not accept credit cards.

What television channels can I get in the UAE?

Depending on housing, a TV package may be included or you may have to pay for your own satellite TV; packages typically include stations such as ESPN, CNN, BBC, the Movie Channel, etc. The cost of the cable packages varies on the type of package purchased.

What is the voltage in the UAE?

The voltage is 220 volts, so most North American appliances will require transformers, while small electronics will just require adaptors. It is therefore recommended, if you are going into accommodations that require appliances, that you buy large appliances in UAE, and not ship them from home.

Is internet available? Should I bring my own computer?

Yes. Housing may provide internet access, but if not, a person can apply to an ISP for internet access from home once s/he has obtained residency status and obtained a personal phone line. There are also internet cafes in the cities and computers at the hospital. All internet traffic in the UAE is processed through centralized servers that filter content that is contrary to Islamic values, so some sites will not be available, such as those with sexually explicit content, some entertainment sites, etc.