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Employment Contracts in the UAE

For those curious about working in the UAE, it pays to know about employment contracts as these are some of the first things that you will have to deal with even before you begin your actual work in the country.

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Understanding your contract’s provisions, terms, and benefits can help you enjoy a stable and fulfilling job experience in the country. Therefore, it is a must for all jobseekers to thoroughly read and understand their contracts, especially since job offers in the UAE usually last for up to 3 years for full-time employees.

What You Need to Know About Employment Contracts in UAE

To clarify some (if not all) grey lines regarding employment contracts in the UAE, we will share with you some basic information that you need to know as you begin your journey working in the UAE.

As in anywhere the world, job openings are classified as either in the public or private sector. Do note that each has its own sub-categories of employment contracts:

Public Sector Jobs

Employment contracts in this sector are authorized by Cabinet Decision No. 13 of 2012, in relation to the Executive Rules for Decree under Law No. 11 of 2008. As per Articles 9 to 16 of the decision, the different types of contracts in the public sector include:

Full-Time Employment Contract. In this type of contact, the employee puts in full working days or hours, wherein the employee receives their total salary, allowances, and benefits that come with the job.
Part-Time Employment Contract. The employee under this type of contract only puts in limited hours per working day. They receive their salary, allowances, and benefits based on the number of hours they put in at work.
Temporary Contract. Under this type of contract, the employee puts in full working days or hours for three months, and receives the corresponding salary and allowances for their work, as determined by the contract. The contract may be renewed (extended) for a similar amount of time.
Special Contract. A minister may appoint an employee for a high-profile position in the ministry or an agency. The salary and allowances to be provided are determined based on the ministry’s budget and needs. However, these benefits should not exceed the maximum amount set by the Ministry of Finance, as approved by the Cabinet. This type of contract is valid for up to two years, renewable for the up to the same amount of time.

Private Sector Jobs

As per UAE Labour Law No. 8 of 1980, the two types of private sector employment contacts are:

Limited (Fixed-term) Contract. This type of contract is binds the employee under a specific employment period, as determined by a start and end date. This type of contract typically lasts for 2 to 3 years, which may be renewed, depending on the employer’s need for certain services. The contract also includes a notice of termination.

Unlimited Term Contract. In contrast to the fixed contract, this type of contract does not bind an employee under a specific period of employment. Either the employee or employer may terminate the contract, provided that a written notice is submitted between one to three months prior to termination of the contract and that both parties follow proper procedures. Otherwise, the erring party could be held liable to the law.

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Disclaimer: This article was written for the purpose of information-sharing only. If you have specific concerns and inquiries regarding your employment contract, you may visit the Ministry of Human Resource & Emiratisation (MoHRE) website.

Important Hotlines and Contact Numbers in Bahrain

For those who are new to the Kingdom of Bahrain, it’s important to take note of agencies and local offices which you can contact in case there is an emergency or if you may be in need of certain kinds of help or services.

ALSO READ: [Guide] What You Need to Know About Working in Bahrain

While Bahrain is just a small country, the Kingdom is steadily persevering to ensure that all of its residents, a wide majority of which are foreign nationals, get to enjoy services and social benefits with the aim of “leaving no one behind.” In essence, Bahrain is among the top destinations for work among expats because of the quality of life and benefits they get to enjoy living here.

Contact Numbers to Call for Emergencies in Bahrain

But for those who are just starting out their life in the kingdom, it’s good to pay attention to some of the basic information that you’ll need based on your situation as an expat or tourist in the country. For starters, below is a list of contact information you can access depending on the services and need that you may have for them:

EMERGENCY HOTLINES

Fire accidents – 997
Medical emergencies – 998
Legal or police situations – 999
Road accidents or traffic emergencies – 199

DIRECTORATES

Coast Guard – 1770 0000
Customs Affairs – 1735 9999
General Directorate of Anti-corruption and Economic and Electronic Security – 1774 9397
General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science – 1771 2718
General Directorate of Traffic – 1787 2287
Juvenile Care Centre – 1768 1043
Ministry of Interior – 1757 2222
Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs – 1753 0902
Women Police – 1787 0302

POLICE STATIONS

Airport Police Directorate – 1733 0515
Budaiya Police Station – 1769 9933
Busaiteen Police Station – 1732 0045
Capital Governorate Police Station – 1729 1555
East Riffa Police Station – 1777 3158
Exhibition Road Police Station – 1755 0629
Hala Police Station – 1733 7000
Hawak Police Station – 1784 9009
Hidd Police Station – 1767 1212
Hoora Police Station – 1729 1555
King Fahad Causeway Police Directorate – 1779 6555
Muharraq Governorate Police Station – 1739 0185
Northern Governorate Police Station – 1740 3111
Northern Hamad Town Police Station – 1741 8444
Nuaim Police Station – 1725 8210
Samaheej Police Station – 1733 4401
Southern Governorate Police Station – 1766 4606
Southern Hamad Town Police Station – 1743 0300
Um Al Hassam Police Station – 1772 8229
West Riffa Police Station – 1766 4606
Zallaq Police Station – 1763 1211

HELPFUL HOUSEHOLD-RELATED NUMBERS

Household Emergencies – 8000 1810
Electricity and Water Supply Repairs – 1751 5555

And because no one can tell where and when accidents or emergencies can happen, preparation is crucial for a safe and enjoyable stay anywhere. As a tip, make sure to highlight the information relevant to your location and needs, and keep this list somewhere accessible such as next to your landline, or somewhere it can be easily seen such as your work area or kitchen (right on the fridge). And even if we hope that nothing out of the ordinary or extreme happens to us, it will only be wishful thinking if we don’t do anything about it (or at least be ready in case it happens to us or to anyone we know that we can easily help out had we been extra prepared).

As a final tip, include the contact details of your home embassy in the country in the list for specific inquiries and types of services that you may need while staying overseas.

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Bahrain Places Travel Ban on Iraq, Iran Amid Tension in the Region

Amid the growing tension in the Middle East, onlookers are expressing concern as to the welfare of their citizens in the face of yet another impending face-off between the US, Iran, and Iraq.

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Historically, there has been a fraught relationship between Iran and the US; however, the position of equally Iranian and US-backed Iraq will also come into play, should matters get out of hand. And since the countries involved are grounded by Islamic ties, neighbouring countries are closely watching the situation, not to mention its potential effect on the economic burdens the region has been experiencing in recent years.

Regional Tension Prompts Bahrain to Issue Travel Ban on Iraq, Iran

In line with this, Bahrain has ordered all of its citizens to immediately leave Iraq and Iran, amid rising tensions in the Persian Gulf, as shared in a report by Khaleej Times.

For those following the issue in the region, it can be recalled that earlier in May, the US ordered more of its naval and air forces to go into the region as a “warning” to Iran not to engage in any “provocative” acts, after Tehran had threatened shipping in the strategic Strait of Hormuz and also U.S. interests and allies.

A few days after, four civilian vessels were mysteriously attacked off the coast of the United Arab Emirates and Houthis, Iran’s allies in Yemen, targeted Saudi oil installations with drones.

The US operates two naval facilities in Bahrain and has maintained close cooperation with the Kingdom.

In an advisory released by the Foreign Ministry, Bahrainis have been banned from travelling to Iraq and Iran as concerns about a possible conflict have flared since the White House ordered warships and bombers to the region to counter an alleged, unexplained threat from Iran that has seen America order non-essential diplomatic staff out of Iraq.

In line with this, Bahrainis have also been instructed to exercise utmost caution and called on citizens living in the aforementioned countries to leave the country immediately, and to contact the following numbers for assistance:

Embassy of Bahrain in Baghdad: 009647814256980
Consulate of Bahrain in Najaf: 009647728672227
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 0097317227555

Bahrain is a small, Sunni-ruled island nation located off the coast of Saudi Arabia. It regularly accuses Iran of stirring dissent in its Shiite-majority population. Iran considers Bahrain a staunch supporter of its regional arch-rival, Saudi Arabia.

With the way things are developing, the call by the government to its citizens based in these affected nations is a precautionary measure to limit the incidences of casualties and to protect the interests of its people. At this point, the presence of warships and drones on either territory could only mean that neither of the countries involved intends to back down.

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[Guide] Cancelling a Residence Visa in UAE

For those who are planning or have already worked in the UAE, you would know that one of the basic documents that you need to obtain is a residence visa. This document is also issued to a family member or dependent, which a UAE resident (expat) must sponsor or apply for. This type of visa is valid for two to three years, and is renewable for as long as the sponsor is able to work in the country.

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However, for those who have no intentions of working or staying in the country any longer, they will be required to officially cancel their residence visa. In practice, this is usually done by the resident’s employer or sponsor, but if you’re going through this process anyway, it’s also a good thing to understand how the process is being carried out.

An Expat’s Guide to Residence Visa Cancellation in UAE

In this post we will share some tips and the basic guidelines on what you need to provide or do to facilitate the cancellation of your residence visa. Here’s how:

As mentioned, the employer or the sponsor typically handles this process. They start by filing cancellation papers for the worker’s labour contract and labour card at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). For this process, the employee will be asked to sign the application documents.

Also, the employee or sponsor will also file for the cancellation of the employee’s work permit. This basically involves submitting a letter indicating that the employee has been given all his/her wages and end-of-service (gratuity) pay. Similarly, this will require the employee’s signature for confirmation.

The employer will then have to proceed to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), which will process the visa cancellation of the foreign resident. Ideally, this procedure should be carried out by the same GDRFA office that stamped the residence visa at the start.

Meanwhile, for those with dependents – a sponsored parent, spouse, or children – they will need to first cancel their dependents’ visa/s before cancelling their own.

Requirements:

Cancellation form signed by the sponsor
Original passport of the sponsored applicant
Original identity card of the sponsored applicant

Note: If the sponsor is a company, the form should be signed and sealed bearing the company stamp. Also, the clearance certificate of the company issued by MoHRE should be attached, as well.

If the sponsored person is currently based outside of the UAE, the sponsor may present the original passport or a computerized extract of the applicant’s residence visa, which may be requested from the Naturalisation and Residency Department.

Procedures:

1^st Method: Amer Centres – The sponsor goes to any Amer Centre in the city, which will file the cancellation form and process it online through the respective GDFRA.

2^nd Method: Online – The sponsor can directly file the visa cancellation online via the respective GDFRA or Ministry of Interior platform. For example, those based in Dubai can file their application through the GDFRA Dubai website.

Duration and Cancellation Charges

Once all the necessary documents are provided, the process could be completed for up to a day or less. The fee for residence visa cancellation is AED 110.

Final Note:

After your residence visa has been officially cancelled, you will be given a 30-day grace period to exit the country or reapply for another residence visa (in case you change your mind). During this process, do note that your Emirates Identity Card will also be cancelled and should be surrendered to respective authorities.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article was published for the purpose of information-sharing only. To know more about the latest updates, procedures, and fees in cancelling residence visas, you may visit the official website of the Ministry of Interior or GDRFA Dubai.

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Oman to Introduce Expat Visa Ban for Senior Management Roles

With oil prices taking a hit in recent years, many GCC member countries have started to explore alternative forms of revenue, such as building up other sectors like tourism and education, and then there’s the proposal to impose the value added tax – something that has long been non-existent in the Middle East, which is also one of the main reasons why many expats opt to expand their careers in the region.

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However, as national revenues start to go down, governments could no longer support the social system they cater to, and this creates a situation requiring citizens to pay out of their pockets more to avail basic services. And for this to happen, every citizen needs to have a job. However, going back to the system wherein countries have long been dependent on foreign labourers to power an economy, we all know that something has got to change soon.

Senior Management to Get Affected by Expat Visa Ban in Oman

In line with this, the government of Oman is looking to extend its expat visa ban once again, but this time, senior management positions in the private sector will be affected as the country continues to push its Omanization policy in a bid to cut unemployment among its citizens, as shared in a report by Arab News.

Under the new provisions of the law, those expats currently working in the specified roles will be able to work until the end of their current residency visas, but will not be able to renew them, as the roles will be entirely delegated to Omanis.

The specified roles as per the Ministry of Manpower include assistant general manager, administration director, human resources director, personnel director, training director, follow-up director, public relations director, assistant manager, and all administrative and clerical duties.

However, the report did not specify how many of the current 37,299 managerial and administrative roles would be given to Omani nationals.

The expat visa ban has been adopted by Oman in January 2018 for a six-month period for certain professions.

Since then, there have been several extensions on the ban, and it has been expanded to cover other industries and professions, which enabled tens of thousands of Omanis to find work.

Historically, Gulf countries have been dependent on expatriate workers to support their economies; with a 2013 study indicating as much as 71% of Oman’s labour force were foreign-nationals.

Since the introduction of the expat visa ban, Oman’s expat population has dropped significantly, which is also a trend noted in other GCC countries with nationalization programmes such as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, among others.

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Here’s Why Water is Halal-Certified in Some Countries

If you’ve been to any Arab or an Islamic country, one of the first things you’d notice in most (if not all) of their consumable products is the halal certification logo. This logo is important for Muslims because this assures them that the food or drink they will consume does not, in any way, violate the laws of their faith.

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However, the question whether products such as Oreo cookies and other sweetened drinks are halal or haram is so important for Muslims that the debate has now spilled over to something more basic: water – plain drinking water. But don’t take this at face value, because the question bears weight for Muslims – here’s why…

Does Water Need to be Halal-Certified?

Recently, a Twitter user asked a top bottled water company if its water was halal-certified and the answer was ‘no’. The discussion continued with questions such as “How can water not be halal?” and comments like “Not that water is halal or haram because water is water”, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.

But objectively speaking, because some countries do require their bottled water to be halal-certified, the issue does not lie with the product anymore but in the process it goes through, also known as filtration.

And while the UAE is not among those countries, some of the carbonated drinks produced and distributed in the country have been halal-certified.

The issue is quite relevant, too, because halal is more than just ensuring the specific manner of slaughtering animals for meat consumption, avoiding pork and bovine-based products, and abstaining from drinking alcohol.

The halal market has now become a a multiple-trillion-dollar global industry across multiple clusters, including cosmetics, halal tourism, modest fashion, Islamic finances, pharmaceuticals and more.

So, why is there a need to certify water? According to Dr. Sirajuddin Suhaimee, director of the Department of Islamic Development’s Halal Hub Division in Malaysia, the world’s biggest halal certification body, the certification is for the process and not for the product.

He explained that the best water filters are made of pig bones. Water filtration units utilize products that are not halal, so before a product is issued a certificate, all of these have to be inspected.

In the UAE, the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (Esma) has a special Emirati system for the control of products with the ‘halal’ mark.

The body has some 34 food and beverage products, including some carbonated drinks, registered under its Halal certification, but water is not on the list. However, a number of halal certification bodies from all over the world are registered and recognised by the UAE.

According to core Islamic principles and teachings, halal is an Arabic word that means ‘permissible’ or ‘according to religious law.’ Those who have the need to consider these things in their lifestyle will do best to check out products for the halal certificate issued by a standard governing body in their place of residence to be sure about these things.

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UAE Gov’t to Offer Special Residency Visas for Entrepreneurs

Gov’t Plans to Offer Special Residency Visas for Entrepreneurs

Foreign labour has always been integral to the journey of the UAE up to the point to where it is now, and the government has always acknowledged that. Because what the country lacked for in specialized manpower, they look for in expats and pay them well.

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And in line with doing business in the country, the government is still looking for new ways to attract people of high economic and social value, which include businessmen, investors, as well as entrepreneurs.

UAE to Introduce 5-Year Residency Visas for Entrepreneurs

In line with this, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has laid out its plans to implement the UAE Cabinet’s decision to issue five-year residency visas for entrepreneurs, as shared in a report by Arabian Business.

The decision is still aligned with the national government’s vision to improve the conditions for ease of doing business in the GCC state.

For this initiative, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship will be in charge of issuing the residency visas, while HUB71 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Future Foundation’s Area 2071 in Dubai will scout eligible entrepreneurs to receive such benefits under the programme.

According to Dr. Mohammed Rashid Al Hamli, secretary-general of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the initiative comes at a time when the UAE has become a prime destination for professionals who are looking for exceptional opportunities outside their countries.

Al Hamli committed his support in establishing close integration between various government entities and the private sector to promote pro-business government policies and development programmes.

He added that the latest initiative set up by the government will create a positive effect on the economy and further solidify the country’s position as a global business hub.

Based on the standard guidelines for the initiative, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship and HUB71 will develop strategies and plans to attract entrepreneurs into doing business in Abu Dhabi.

For his part, Khalfan Juma Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), explained that entrepreneurs and their families will be provided with a five-year renewable residency visa. This will be a personal visa, which will help ensure the independence of the entrepreneur and promote a pro-business environment.

To become eligible for this special visa, the following requirements must be met by an entrepreneur:

A former business that is worth a minimum of AED 500,000; or
Has the approval of an accredited business incubator in the country
Must have their own insurance coverage and for their entire family for the duration of their residency.

Furthermore, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship can also grant a five-year visa to three executive directors working for the entrepreneur, on the condition that they commit to working exclusively for the entrepreneur during the period of the visa.

Likewise, entrepreneurs will be allowed entry into the country on a six-month multi-entry visa as part of support provided to them to complete procedures to set up their business.

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Terminating a Marriage Contract in Kuwait

For many imaginable reasons, married couples don’t always end up “happily ever after.” Sometimes they do, but it takes a lot of work… more than you can ever imagine. However, in the event that married individuals decide against keeping their vows legally binding, and in effect, they will have to refer to the law prior to ending things once and for all.

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And since the law varies from one country to another, it pays for every citizen and foreign resident to understand what their country’s laws have to say about their circumstances. Do note, that in many other cases, individuals are fully aware about what the law maintains regarding certain types of union and marriages, by which they can use to their advantage as citizens of that state. And that’s an entirely different topic altogether.

Steps for Terminating a Marriage Contract in Kuwait

But for those living in the rather conservative Middle, East which includes countries such as Kuwait, residents will not only have to base their decisions and proceedings to the rule of the land, but also on religious laws observed in society.

And since Kuwait is an Islamic nation, terminating a marriage contract between a Kuwaiti and a non-Kuwaiti will have to be dealt with utmost care and planning to ensure that all angles have been fully considered.

It is for this reason that couples are advised to get legal counsel to assist them with this process, but once everything has been sorted out and agreed upon amicably, both parties will be required to prepare certain documents and carry out necessary steps to pursue the decision to terminate a marriage contract.

Requirements:

Civil ID or nationality of the Kuwaiti applicant
Civil ID or valid passport of the non-Kuwaiti resident applicant
For illegal residents: a letter from the Executive Committee as well as personal identification will be required of the applicant.
For widow applicants or those whose guardian is deceased: a document to support the determination of heirs will be required.
If the husband is a student, dealer, retired, or unemployed: a letter from the Public Institution for Social Security.
A certificate of divorce for the divorcee
If the husband is serving the military, a marriage permit from his superior must be presented.
A Special Power of Attorney

Procedures:

Visit the Authentication Office located at the Ahmadi Court Complex or Riggai Court Complex and submit all the applicable above-listed requirements.
Fill out the service application form, which will be provided on-site.
Pay the application service fee worth KD 7, as well as the fee for the visiting court representative (KD 6) and other fixed fees (KD 1).

As in any other place in the world, the process for terminating a marriage or filing for divorce can take up a significant amount of time to be accomplished, based on the surrounding circumstances leading to this purpose. If there is domestic violence and the children are involved, the judge will typically refer the case to professionals for counselling first. However, in the event that both parties refuse to seek counselling, both will be required to sign a document in order to bring the case to court, and only then will the legal proceedings begin.

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[GUIDE] Sponsoring Parents (Residence Visa for Father/Mother) in UAE

Foreign nationals who are planning to bring their mother, father, or both in the UAE need to understand the process and requirements for application prior to getting them their tickets or hotel bookings.

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Just like when applying for work, getting a residence visa for parents is just as important for those visiting the country under a sponsor’s name. This is necessary to thwart attempts of illegally bringing in people into the country, and to safeguard the country’s social system.

What You Need to Know About Sponsoring Parents in UAE

In line with this, it’s important to understand that there has been an update regarding the process for applying for visas. Back then, applications can only be completed by coursing them through Typing Centres. But as of November 2017, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDFRA) has replaced all 600 typing centres in the country with 50 Amer centres, a one-stop shop which allows residents to complete all visa and residency transactions under one roof.

Qualifications

To start off, here are the eligibility requirements for the sponsor when applying for a visa for their parent/s:

Minimum salary of AED 20,000
Minimum of a 2-bed room flat (for which the tenancy contract must be under the sponsor’s name)

These qualifications will reflect your capacity to financially support either or both of your parents for their stay in the UAE.

Requirements

Application Form (issued on site)
Tenancy Contract of Sponsor (attested by Ejari)
Emirates ID of Sponsor
Certificate of Salary of Sponsor
A letter of confirmation from your Consulate (an affidavit mentioning that the sponsor will support and is able to sponsor their parent/s in the UAE)
Bank statement with stamp (must cover at least 3 months)
DEWA Bill
IBAN number
Passport Copy and Visa Page of Sponsor
A photocopy of the parent’s passport
Passport-size photo of the parent/s

Procedure/s:

Visit any of the Amer Centres located all over the country and provide all the necessary documents listed above.
Pay the processing fee for the residence visa (AED 440).
Wait for an SMS notification from the DNRD.
Pay the deposit (AED 5,000). Shortly after the parent visa has been approved, you may then prepare booking a flight for the parent to the UAE.
Have the sponsored (parent) undergo a medical exam upon arrival in the UAE. The medical exam fee and service processing fee cost AED 530, and the process will usually be completed within 48 hours.
Apply for Visa Sticker Stamping. Upon approval and issuance of your visa application, the next thing to do is to apply for visa stamping. You will need to present the following requirements for the stamping of your visa:
1. Original entry visa of parent
2. Passport of parent
3. Emirates ID application document
4. Medical Test Result (sent via e-mail)
5. Processing fee (AED 390 – urgent processing, AED 310 – regular processing)
Have your parent’s passport stamped by an officer at the Amer Centre.

After being granted a residency permit for your parent, which would allow them to stay in the UAE for up to a year, you will then need to apply them for an Emirates ID as well as health insurance for the duration of their stay in the country. You can easily do this at any Amer Centre nearest your place of residence or work.

Disclaimer: This article serves as an information guide only. Should you have any specific and individual queries, you may reach out to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for services or concerns they may be of particular help to you.

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[Guide] Shopping Festivals in Dubai

There’s no question that Dubai has already established itself as a go-to shopping destination of shoppers in the country as well as in the region. With the retail industry cementing itself as a cultural part of the Dubai travel experience, there’s no doubt that a large selection of brands can be found in the emirate, along with unique local items of high quality and value such as perfumes, gold, and carpets.

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But even though we know there’re plenty of things we can buy in Dubai, where exactly do we look? Or when should we travel to the emirate if we’re coming from a different emirate or country for that matter?

A Guide to Dubai’s 3 Biggest Shopping Festivals

In this post, we will share some tips and basic information about the biggest shopping festivals held in Dubai, so you can maximize your shopping experience when visiting the emirate.

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)

If you’re visiting during the winter, you will find huge discounts and a wide selection of products on sale in shops around January. The DSF is a mega shopping event held in the emirate annually, where various shops participate in and offer extravagant prizes, such as luxury vehicles like Infiniti and Bentley cars, real estate apartments, cash prizes, and gold!

Other than your retail therapy, coming out for the DSF with the kids will be a treat because here you will also find the DSF carnival, where parks transform into outdoor entertainment stages for theatres and plays, enticing thousands of people to go out and bask in the nice weather during this time of the year.

Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS)

During summer in the UAE or sometime in July, people don’t usually go out because of the intense hot weather, which could reach up to 49 degrees at times. And just around after Ramadan, the Dubai Summer Sale takes place, where establishments design ways to get people to spend their time across various shopping complexes all over Dubai.

For one, seeing Modhesh (the DSS worm mascot) usually signals the beginning of summer in Dubai. This means that people can start heading over to the shopping centres in the city and find out what stores have to offer for the season.

Alternatively, you can also go to the World Trade Center for the Modhesh World – a fun and interactive fun fair for children and those young at heart. Expect competitions, fun rides, educational activities, parades, stage shows, and a food fest, among others.

GITEX Shopper

Aside from retail sales, there are also special kinds of shopping festivals in the emirate, one of which is the GITEX (Gulf Information Technology Festival), which is the great IT sale in Dubai. From gadgets, consumer electronics to all things related to IT, there are plenty of huge discounts and promotions for almost all kinds of tech merchandises.

And for those who wish to get an upgrade for their TV, laptop, smartphone, tablet, home appliances, etc. – this is the place to be. Residents of Dubai can even hold off their tech purchases up until this time, when various shops would put their items on huge discounts and promos, like getting a free 50” TV for a smartphone purchase, or a free tablet when you buy a laptop.

While almost every gadget shop in the emirate offers GITEX promos, the best deals can be sought in the culminating area at the Dubai World Trade Centre, but expect to brave through waves of large crowds on site.

Where these kinds of events are hosted, industries other than retail such as F&B, tourism, as well as services are sure to benefit the most. This means that there are more for the entire family to enjoy when shopping in Dubai!

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