Working In Dubai

A Profile On What To Expect When Working In Dubai

The following information may be of help in deciding whether you would be interested in a quantity surveying, engineering or project management job based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Currency

The currency in Dubai 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 it is still very conservative by Western standards.

Culture and Leisure

There is a wide range of leisure time activities to keep you occupied in Dubai from legendary shopping experiences, a variety of water sports including sailing, sand skiing, camel rides and desert safaris as well as tennis, golf and other sports which can be played in breath-taking locations.

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 Dubai 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.

Accommodation/Transport/Education

Dubai 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.

Dubai 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 through our extensive database of construction jobs in Dubai here: 

Search Construction Jobs in Dubai

Newsletter

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

Subscribe

Testimonial

“Steve and Nilam at Maxim work very hard to research, interview and present suitable quantum and delay candidates for consideration. As a result of their introductions, we have added high calibre professionals that strengthen our team. We enjoy working with them and can recommend them for their integrity and attention to detail.”

SPECIALIST DISPUTE CONSULTANCY CLIENT | UK | 2023

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

Living and Working in Canada for QS, Construction, Engineering and Claims Professionals

For UK-based professionals considering relocation, Canada offers a combination of career progression, competitive salaries, and clear immigration pathways. At Maxim Recruitment, we regularly support candidates exploring construction contractor and engineering and cost consultancy roles across the Canadian market.…

Read more »

The Magic Formula for Successful Professional Construction Recruitment

We share our magic formula to support both jobseekers and employers for the best outcomes with the investment of time and effort in long-term relationships and how that human approach is strengthened by the careful use of the latest recruitment technology. …

Read more »

Professional Construction Talent Acquisition in Competitive Canada

This article outlines how Maxim Recruitment supports Canadian construction employers through long-term recruitment partnerships, rather than reactive hiring. It explains how a combination of sector specialism, market insight and responsive recruitment support from us can helps employers compete for high-quality talent in tight labour markets.…

Read more »

Key Career Opportunities in 2026

With over 25 years of experience in UK and international construction recruitment, Maxim Recruitment is well placed to identify where demand is growing, and where construction professionals can successfully transfer their skills into new, rewarding career paths.…

Read more »

Clerk of Works FAQ | Simple Answers about being a Clerk of Works

Clerks of Works are in-demand throughout the UK, with many top construction companies actively looking for the right skilled individuals. This article answers many of the common questions about Clerks of Works and to how become one.…

Read more »

Industry News

Condition monitoring surveys to be compulsory for water companies

The government has published a long-awaited white paper setting out proposed reforms for regulation of the water industry.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 20 January, 08:23

Read more »

Mace Construct to rebrand

It has emerged that Goldman Sachs is not just buying Mace’s consultancy business – it is getting ownership of the brand name too.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 20 January, 07:41

Read more »

Strabag acquires transmission specialist

Strabag UK is targeting growth in the energy sector with a strategic acquisition.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 20 January, 07:21

Read more »

MBO for Cardiff M&E consultant

Cardiff-based DRAC Consulting has been taken over by the son of one its founders.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 20 January, 07:08

Read more »

Construction completes on HS2’s longest tunnel

Civil engineering works have completed in the Chilterns on HS2’s longest tunnel.

Source: The Construction Index Last updated: 20 January, 06:50

Read more »