Working In Abu Dhabi

A Profile On What To Expect When Working In Abu Dhabi

The following information may be of help in deciding whether you would be interested in a quantity surveying or construction job based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Currency

The currency in Abu Dhabi is UAE Dirhams.
The lastest exchange rates and currency conversions can be obtained by clicking here.

Political/ Religious Climate 

Most Emiratis are Sunni Muslims who follow the Maliki or Hanbali schools of Islamic law. The UAE is probably the most liberal country in the Gulf but many regard it as very conservative by Western standards.

Culture and Leisure

Abu Dhabi is one of the most modern cities in the world. It is the centre of government and business life in the UAE and the headquarters of the emirates oil operating companies and embassies are based here. Tourism is really beginning to take off and the presence of large gardens and parks, green boulevards, sophisticated high rise buildings and all the international luxury hotel chains certainly helps. There is a wide range of leisure time activities to keep you occupied in Abu Dhabi from legendary shopping experiences and cultural events occurring all year round.

A standard range of non-alcoholic drinks is widely available; alcohol is only sold in restaurants and bars attached to three-star hotels and above.

Thursday and Friday make up the Abu Dhabi weekend. Ramadan, which takes place at a different time each year on the Western calendar, is strictly adhered to throughout the UAE. This means that eating, drinking or smoking in public from sunrise to sunset is frowned upon.

Weather/Climate

The best time of year in Abu Dhabi is between November and April as the humidity from May to September is extremely high and day time temperatures can reach 40 degrees C (105 degrees F). Rainfall is fairly non-existent and the only time the weather can turn miserable is in December and January.

Accommodation/Transport/Education

Abu Dhabi has high quality accommodation in good supply throughout the city. Most houses/apartments have excellent recreational facilities, satellite television or in-house video and covered car parking. Some residential complexes provide a daily maid service.

Abu Dhabi has good public transport but it is no problem to transfer your driving license without a test to a UAE driver's license. Most makes of vehicle are on sale at affordable prices and the city has a vibrant second-hand market.

There is a comprehensive network of government schools providing free primary and secondary education to UAE nationals. For expatriate families, there are 85 private foreign schools offering a high standard of education to the curriculum requirements of the UK , USA and a number of other countries. English is usually the main teaching language.

Maxim Recruitment can not offer any type of financial, taxation or immigration/visa advice to current or intending jobseekers, however we are aware of some organisations that are specialists in offering expatriates such advice. 

Search Vacancy Database

Search our extensive database of construction job vacancies in Abu Dhabi:

Search Construction Jobs in Abu Dhabi

Newsletter

Get construction industry news relating to the UK, Canada, Asia, the Middle East and other worldwide locations.

Subscribe

Testimonial

“Trying to navigate the best time to move from a Quantity Surveyor role into the world of construction disputes can be a challenging endeavour. If you are like me, you might not have any idea where to start. That is how I found Maxim Recruitment who showed me the way in which I could make the transition. The guidance and support I received from Nilam was absolutely fantastic and I can confidently say I would not have been able to make the transition without her support. Her knowledge from the type of firm to the role and all the information I needed to make the successful transition was immeasurable. Having only three years’ experience as a QS but with a keen interest in Construction disputes paired with the guidance of Nilam secured my role as an Associate with a world leading construction disputes consultancy. Although I was a little apprehensive at first having only three years’ experience as a QS, my opinion is that it has enabled me to start with an open view and an eagerness to learn in this niche industry. The one piece of advice I would give those of similar experience (or lack of) is that if you are interested, willing to learn and certain this is the area you wish to work in then do not wait - you could make the transition sooner than you think! ”

C.S. Quantum Associate | September 2024

Send Us Your CV

Need help finding the ideal job? Want to save time when searching?

Let us find your next job.

Send Us Your CV

Register for Job Alerts

Maxim Insights

How to Attract Top UK-Based Quantity Surveyors for International Projects

We specialise in helping global firms source the best UK-based talent for overseas opportunities. Here's how to optimise your recruitment strategy and stand out in a busy construction job site marketplace.…

Read more »

The Real Cost of a Bad Hire | And How Specialist Recruiters Reduce the Risk

Whilst on the face of it, using a construction recruitment consultancy may seem to increase the cost of recruitment, if you are looking to build a high quality and profitable workforce that meets client needs, a construction recruitment consultancy service is well worth the cost. Lets take a look at this further.…

Read more »

What’s the Difference Between a Quantity Surveyor and an Estimator?

At first glance, both Quantity Surveyors and Estimators are concerned with costs. They work with numbers, evaluate drawings and specifications, and aim to ensure that construction projects remain financially viable. However, their involvement in a project's lifecycle—and the purpose of their cost-related work—differs significantly.…

Read more »

Working abroad | How international jobs can transform your life and career

Working abroad as a Quantity Surveyor isn’t just a career move — it’s a life-changing experience. Whether you’re drawn to the innovation of Norway, the tax-free rewards of Dubai, the relaxed pace of Barbados, the natural beauty of Canada, or the structured progression in the UK, each destination offers a unique blend of opportunity, growth, and lifestyle.…

Read more »

Need Fast Access to Top Talent for Open Roles?

In today’s fast-moving construction and infrastructure markets, whether you're delivering building developments in the UK, civil engineering projects in Canada, or handling international infrastructure assignments, hiring the right people swiftly makes all the difference.…

Read more »

Industry News

Hinkley Point contractors prosecuted for fatal safety failings

Three companies leading the construction of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station are being prosecuted for health and safety offences following a worker fatality.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 4 July, 02:49

Read more »

UK construction activity falls for six consecutive month

The monthly PMI had its best reading of the year so far in June but it remains in negative territory.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 4 July, 09:28

Read more »

CIRIA updates thrust restraints guidance

CIRIA, formerly the Construction Industry Research & Information Association has published new guidance relating to pipelines.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 4 July, 07:35

Read more »

East Riding stays local for professional support

East Riding of Yorkshire Council has appointed three local consultancies for a £22m framework.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 4 July, 07:13

Read more »

Gleeson Homes bins chief exec in reorganisation

MJ Gleeson has reorganised its house-building operations, resulting in the redundancy of the Gleeson Homes chief executive.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 4 July, 06:48

Read more »