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. 

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