The United Arab Emirates UAE has a thriving expat community to help you feel at home, as well as a subtropical climate and tax-free salaries. If you're thinking of working in the UAE take a look at some of your options. Rich in cultural heritage it's a place where tradition meets modernity. Opportunities exist all over this culturally-diverse country, but most jobs in the UAE are found in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The cost of living is fairly expensive, especially in these two cities, but you get your money's worth as the standard of living is world class.
Living and working in the Gulf region you'll be able to explore Islamic culture but to avoid getting in trouble with the law you'll need to respect local laws and customs.
There can be severe penalties for breaking these. For example, there is a zero tolerance policy towards drugs and drink driving. Relationships outside of marriage are illegal as is same sex marriage. You'll need a special licence to consume alcohol and women should dress modestly when out in public. Also be aware that swearing in public and public displays of affection are arrestable offences.
On your days off you'll be able to enjoy red-hot weather in summer and warm days in winter. You can visit idyllic sandy beaches and cosmopolitan landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the tallest building in the world and the Dubai Mall. An oil-rich country, the UAE has had to deal with fluctuating oil prices and global oversupply but on the whole, the economy is strong and has seen rapid growth in recent years. The UAE has a number of growth industries, including the energy sector, which requires science, technology, engineering and mathematics STEM specialists.
With the introduction of VAT there is also now an increased demand for tax specialists. Accountancy and banking graduates, meanwhile, will find many openings in the property and finance industries. Many expats find jobs through international companies in their home countries and where possible it's best to try to secure work before making the move.
