Working in UAE oil ang gas: high wages for low-skilled and professional for the rest

Today we travel to UAE, favorite destination of thousands of highly qualified professionals attracted by higher salaries and privileged conditions embark on the adventure in the Persian Gulf. Oil and gas have made possible the economic takeoff of a country where luxury coexists with the humility of the population and in which citizens quote worldwide occur. Welcome to Arabian adventure, reserved, yes, a senior professionals.

After being colony and British protectorate in 1971 was incorporated as UAE state, as its name suggests, the union of seven Arab emirates (Ajman, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm al-Quwain ). Each emirate is ruled by an emir and retains a remarkable political, economic and judicial independence. It is a constitutional monarchy in which the country's president is usually the emir of Abu Dhabi and Prime Minister Emir of Dubai.

With an area of 83,600 square kilometers with a population of 9,205,651 people. It is number 29 in the world economy Volume of gross domestic product (GDP). The standard of living of its inhabitants is good: in 2012 the per capita income was 32,415 euros, ranking it number 20 in a ranking of 181 countries.

As for unemployment, the latest data we found correspond to 2012. Then the unemployment rate stood at 3.8%.

The Power of Oil

Oil is responsible for the development and industrialization UAE, destination of thousands of people from around the world in search of job opportunities.

Oil and natural gas make up 20% of GDP. The conversion of Emirates in the first energy producer Persian Gulf and one of the largest gas producers in the world, has also caused many companies and investors are installed in UAE. Much has to do also, with its impressive natural resources, the fact that it is a duty free zone.

The sectors with more jobs

The sectors that offer more job opportunities in the UAE are logically the oil, construction, tourism, finance, marketing, information technology, culture, health and aeronautics. Other sectors still little explored as alternative energy, recycling, trade or theater also have many possibilities in this area of the planet.

There are many job opportunities in the UAE, especially in Dubai. Especially for young people with qualifications to master several languages. In this Arab country where English is also an official language, there is a great demand for qualified personnel in all sectors quoted earlier. Wages are based on the sector and cargo, although often high for skilled professionals. The highest paid jobs are for architects, engineers, designers, sales and marketing experts, computer scientists, doctors and pilots.

If you have a relatively unskilled, Emirates is not a suitable destination. In this country there are thousands of Indian immigrants, Egyptians and Pakistanis who perform these low-skilled jobs for very little money. For example, many of these immigrants work in construction, household services and similar tasks for less than 200 euros a month and no holidays, no rest, even when sharing bed.

Working in the UAE

Emirates, unlike other states in the area, is quite flexible regarding working conditions. To work in the UAE, you must have a work visa. Local company manages the visa and determines the time during which you can work.

Once established in the country, and obtained work and residence permit, you can change jobs without problems, so chances are professionally thrive. A high salaries qualified professionals typically earn other benefits such as housing, mobility, health and nutrition without added cost.

As I mentioned, fluency in English is essential. If you also have some knowledge of Arabic, increase your chances of promotion and many more doors will open. Education is valued also particularly. When hiring someone, are taken into account good manners and courtesy. Being Spanish is an advantage in United Arab Emirates, a country in which awaken sympathy.

If you seek business opportunities in the UAE, in addition to the links that we offer at the end of this report, we advise that you consult the website of the Network of Economic and Commercial Offices of Spain Abroad. Here you will find information and links to work in the country.

Another culture, another climate. A number of peculiarities UAE must consider. First climate, dry and very hot.

Then Islamic culture. Although Western aires, there are very different customs. For example, many older men and young people use the thawb or dishdash, a white ankle-length robe. Women wear yet little black abaya over their other garments. It is important to note that Western clothing is very popular and is socially accepted. Of course, keep in mind that people even hospital is conservative and considered disrespectful skirts too short and very plunging necklines. Also rude or overly expressive gestures can offend UAE citizens, so it is advisable to avoid them in public.

No eating, drinking or smoking in public during the month of Ramadan. Emirates laws are very tough on drugs including some analgesics bought without problems in Western countries are included. Despite being the capital, Abu Dhabi is more conservative than Dubai, more permissive in some aspects such as drinking city.

The UAE is a safe place to live, with a very low crime rate instead. Perhaps the main risk with foreigners can be found in traffic is quite chaotic.

Please note also the cost of life that grows especially in Dubai. Inflation worries residents of the emirate. Cities like Abu Dhabi and Doha are cheaper today.

In summary, despite religious and cultural differences, foreigners are not troubled to live and work in this country. Just be discreet and respectful attitudes that are otherwise desirable when it comes to travel, live and work anywhere in the world.