Visiting a different country is all about learning a new culture. By seeing other people’s way of life, we gain new experiences and expand our way of thinking.
When we mean to learn about a new culture, we should take into account all aspects of this experience, and that involves a whole lot of things: gaining insight of their language, foods, social customs, as well as their religion. As the UAE is composed of various emirates and embraces a number of nationalities, visiting this country is kind of like being everywhere in just one spot. So if you’re looking to make the best of your trip here, you should look closely at what the Emirati way of life is all about. And a good place to start is the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Plan a Trip at the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai
The Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in Dubai. The mosque has adopted an ‘Open Doors, Open Minds’ policy, which practically welcomes all types of visitors of all faiths to experience and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings, as well as learn about the local culture and Islam.
But don’t worry, as the place is welcoming to guests of all faith, respect is widely observed in this important landmark for the people of Dubai. So, remember to keep an open mind when visiting this place to maximize your stay in the UAE.
Guests are encouraged to ask questions, join the discussion, and take photos while inside the mosque. / Photo: Jumeirah Mosque
What to Expect
A 75-minute guided tour is offered by representatives from the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, which aims to offer visitors an opportunity to understand the Emirati way of life and religion.
During the tour, guests will gain valuable insights on Islamic holidays, rituals, traditions, customs, as well as cuisines. There is also much to be learned about the fasting month of Ramadan in this one-of-a-kind tour.
As the tour aims to have a welcoming and educational atmosphere, guests are also encouraged to ask questions, join the discussion, and take photos while inside the mosque. Guests can even try out a number of traditional Arabic light refreshments such as coffee, dates, and other varieties of food.
The tour is not only for adults, as there are special age-appropriate programs offered for children, as well. Along with this, guests are expected to act and dress appropriately. Traditional attire is available to borrow on-site. Women will be asked to wear a scarf over their head within the building premises, ensuring that their shoulders are well-covered.
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Visiting the Jumairah Mosque
Members of the public can visit the mosque either in the morning or in the afternoon. Booking is not required but participants are expected to come at least 30 minutes before the session to register at the majlis just across the mosque.
The standard entrance fee into the mosque is AED 25 for both the morning and afternoon session. Children below 12 years are free of charge.
Mosque Visit Schedule:
The mosque is open for public visits daily except Fridays.
The morning tour begins at 10 am, and registration starts at 9:30 am.
The afternoon session begins at 2:00 pm, and registration starts at 1:30 pm.
And to make the trip more memorable, guests can drop by the gift shop inside the Jumeirah Mosque Majlis where they can shop for items such as traditional clothing for men and women, as well as for small gift items, trinkets, and choice souvenirs.
The gift shop is open daily (except Fridays) from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.
To know more about the Jumeirah Mosque, you can check out their website here, or you may reach them through the following:
Address: Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates has taken pride of its rich cultural history, diversity, and unique journey into getting where it is today.
As there are far too many beautiful places to visit in the country, visitors starting this year can list a new itinerary they can explore (perhaps) for the first time in the UAE with the opening of the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace Library.
Credits: Qasr Al Watan Twitter Page
Here’s What You Need to Know about Qasr Al Watan Presidential Library in Abu Dhabi
With its recent opening last March 11th, the Qasr Al Watan Library has become the latest addition to Abu Dhabi’s major cultural and tourism assets.
What’s also amazing about the grand public library, is the fact that it is housed in the centre of the Presidential Palace, which is now among the few open-to-public presidential palaces in the whole world. Wow!
If you’ve been to any countries in the Middle East and have seen their mosques, or important places of worship, you can expect that the Presidential Palace would not be any lower in terms of structural standard and quality.
Credits: Qasr Al Watan Website
Inside the palace, you will be welcomed into a library which features a whopping collection of at least 50,000 titles on different branches of science, as well as a wide range of literature regarding the UAE, which have all been curated for 35 years until now.
The library also provides access to reference materials on historical and geographic topics, as well as to the UAE’s social, political, cultural, and economic development of today.
Of note, guests can also get access to the government’s extensive collection of legislative material, official and historical documents, as well as on the history of the Middle East.
Credits: Qasr Al Watan Website
The library also offers an integrated reading experience, as materials are offered in both Arabic and English, as well as other languages.
Through a membership programme, members can borrow copied materials and other resources, for which titles can be found online on the Qasr Al Watan’s official website.
Other than the library, guests can go on a tour, dine, and purchase souvenir items at the Visitor Centre, as well as enjoy a light and sound show at the Presidential Palace.
The Palace is open daily, from 10 am to 8 pm. Guests can opt for a Garden Ticket only, which would allow you entry to the Palace Garden and Visitor Centre only, OR a Palace and Garden Ticket, for which you get additional access to the Main Palace, exhibits, public areas, and all zones within the premise.
Here are the ticket prices for each adult or junior visitor:
Garden Only Ticket: AED 25 (Adult) / AED 12 (Junior)
Moreover, guests can opt to upgrade their Palace and Garden Ticket with a Guided Tour, for an additional standard fee. Guided tours are directed every 30 minutes by an in-house Palace tour guide.
Prices are as follows:
Standard Guided Tour (English/Arabic): AED 30
Private Guided Tour (English/Arabic): AED 600
For more information on promotions and special offers, you may refer to the following information:
QASR AL WATAN
Location:Al Ras Al Akhdar – Abu Dhabi
PO Box 128717
United Arab Emirates
Other than witnessing one of the UAE’s monumental landmark buildings, a trip to the Qasr Al Qatan Library will also give visitors an insight into the country’s rich historical and political heritage, that, in itself, is an experience surely not to be missed!
Just recently, Dubai has announced that it will build its own Dubai Central Park. If you ever dreamed of visiting the New York’s Central Park but stuck here in Dubai for some reasons like work or insufficient time and money to travel, now is your chance to get the central park’s experience in this city!
Dubai is really making big steps to make a more entertaining environment for its residents. This is not just beneficial to the citizens of UAE but as well as to expats living and working in this city. When in Dubai, you won’t feel like you are a foreign national because the environment is designed for all the people of different countries.. No one would feel out of the place in this place. To know more about the future Dubai Central Park, here’s the things you need to know.
Location of Dubai Central Park
The Dubai Central Park will be located in City Walk. This is will be inspired by the original New York’ Central Park. If you always spend your time in City Walk, this will be a new attraction perfect for your entertainment cravings.
Everything About Dubai Central Park
The Dubai Central Park will be a 230,000 SQM establishment in the heart of City Walk. This will include a 12 mid-rise residential buildings with terraces. The 40,000 SQM of this place will be designated for private park. This tourist attraction will have tennis and basketball courts, several cafes, swimming pools, spa salon, and a large multi-purpose complex for games and plays.
Dubai has not released the date of the completion of the said central park yet. As far as we know, the residential buildings will compose of 187 units with one to four bedrooms where people can watch over the park and nearby establishments. There will also be large lobby with concierge and two huge rooftops that will be filled with different flowers and plants. What a great them, right?
Dubai Central Park is going to be a big hit for the city. For sure, there will be more tourists visiting its location upon its completion. The said attraction is just near City Walk’s retail malls and Dubai Arena that will be built soon. If you are a concert goer and shopaholic citizen of Dubai, this establishment will satisfy will surely satisfy your being!
There are certain rules and policies that you should follow when using social media or doing online activities in the UAE. Just like other Middle East countries such as Qatar, Saudi, etc., the UAE has strict laws and imposes Fines and penalties if somebody complains about what you post. So please check out these rules to be aware how to behave online.
Internet is indeed one of the greatest millennial invention. Because of the internet, we are able to access files and data whenever and wherever we are. We are able to communicate with our loved ones across the globe as well. In fact, some people have found the life of their lives via online. These are just few helpful things among many the technology has produced for us. Do you wonder what our life would be without the internet?
Learn about online activities and social media policies in the UAE.
6 Major Rules of Using Social Media in UAE
Commonly, people used social media platforms in order to connect to the online world. Popular apps such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram have gained billions of user, still counting. If you are frequent user of these apps and happened to be in United Arab Emirates, you must know that there are some rules to follow when you use social media. For better understanding, we listed 6 common rules an expat in UAE should be aware of.
No to online prostitution. Online prostitution is considered illegal in UAE. So if you don’t want to be fined and serve time in jail, better use social media as conservative as you can.
Respect each other’s privacy. Although the internet can be too open sometimes, privacy should still be observed. If you are caught violating this rule, you will have to pay up to AED 1,500,000.
Rumors or gossips are as bad a crime. Using the social media to post rumors and gossips are not allowed in UAE, especially when it involves the security, peace, and order of the country. Avoid this so you don’t have to spend a second in jail.
Get consent first before posting someone’s picture or information. The sentence is as clear as sky. Getting one’s permission post is a must. If you happen to break this rule, you are going to pay up to AED 150,000 and even spend time in prison. Better yet, just avoid posting photos of others.
No sharing or posting of information that are against the Islamic moral and values. When you use the social media, use it rightly. We should be aware that anything that will hurt the Islamic moral and values is an offense and has an equivalent punishment.
No to illegal online sites. There are apps that are banned in UAE, Skype and Facetime for example. If you’re caught using illegal channels or without a license to use those apps, you’re going to face at least 1 year in jail or pay fine equivalent up to AED 250,000. VPNs area also illegal in the UAE.
Be careful what you post as it can get back to you if you post something negative, demeaning and invading other’s privacy. This is done with extra caution if you are in the gulf region as there are corresponding (and sometimes ridiculously huge) fines and sanctions for violators.
Social media platforms are a big help to all of us. If users remain responsible, there won’t be any problems with its usage. You must be aware of the rules wherever you are because knowing the rules can save you. After all, you don’t want to end up in jail or pay these penalties.
Before accepting a job offer in the United Arab Emirates, please read this article. We share some important details on what you should expect and what your rights are. Better learn and go through the details listed to get an idea about certain rights and rules as per UAE Labour.
Expatriates preparing to travel to the UAE for business ought to equip themselves with workers’ rights – a lot of legitimate rights identified with connections administering laborers with bosses. These rights identify with transactions on workers’ wages, motivations, and safe working conditions.
When you get your work offer, your business operator or the business you have contracted with ought to clarify the terms and states of your work before you land in the UAE. It is mandatory to take note of the terms and states of the activity offer, including your activity title, duties, pay, benefits and point by point states of work before you sign the activity offer.
Great if you received a job offer to work in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or the rest of the emirates in the UAE. But be advised of your rights and responsibilities and be aware of the law to protect yourself.
UAE Labour Guide: 9 Tips to Follow Before Travelling to UAE for Work
Each activity offer will have the itemized add appended to it which will place you as your rights and obligations stipulated in the UAE Labor Relations Regulatory Act and the choices made. In particular, approach your manager for a duplicate of the activity offer and keep it with you in a protected place.
1. Employees don’t have to pay travel and recruitment cost
The policy of the Ministry of Labour is that an employer is responsible for the costs of taking on an employee. The expense of a trip to get to the UAE is frequently paid by a employer, particularly if an individual won’t land to get a legitimate employer related visa from the beginning. It isn’t unprecedented for nationals of countries where tourist visas are accessible on entry to enter on that premise and for a business to deal with the full residency visa in the coming weeks and it is lawful to take a shot at two conditions: right off the bat the application for the residency visa ought to be made following the worker begins work and furthermore the procedure must be finished in under 60 days. UAE Labor Law allows a most extreme probation time of a half year, so anybody utilized for longer than this naturally turns into a permanent employee. On the off chance that SM is on an unlimited contract, he may leave whenever, but doing so within one year would result in an employment ban in the UAE.
2. Keep a duplicate of your signed job offer.
Prior to your work in the UAE, your manager ought to clarify the states of the agreement. You should see each important details like your duties and different advantages. Above all, you have to watch that the first job offer matches the agreement.
3. The employer must pay the residency permit
All expatriate employees must be sponsored by a local UAE entity for UAE work permit and residency visa purposes. UAE nationals are required to have an appropriate and valid work permit regulating their employment in the UAE. There are no mandatory requirements for:
expatriates to be employed under fixed-term contracts; or
employment to be tied or equal to the duration of an expatriate’s residency visa or work permit.
Employers have a statutory obligation to repatriate expatriate employees on cancellation of their visa sponsorship (limited exceptions apply).
4. Keep the receipts of all payments you made
All receipts that you paid for must be kept, you may require these receipts for evidence of every one of your costs in the UAE.
5. You are entitled to keep your personal documents (passport, etc.)
Passport retention is illegal in UAE. Your passport is generally the property of the government that issued it (as referenced in the little print in your passport, which normally contains words to that impact), and every passport holder is in charge of its supervision.
The passport is a personal document of its holder, and its last authority is the issuing government. It is an official document that guarantees holders’ character and citizenship enabling them to travel abroad under its assurance. In this way, it is all the more an individual report, to be kept possessing the holder.
Holding passport is actually illicit in the UAE, despite the fact that the training is across the board, particularly among organizations that enlist expansive number of expat laborers.
In spite of the fact that it is alright to handover your passport to different authorities, for example, fringe control authorities, government offices and offices of different countries, police offices and so on. sAround the globe if the circumstance requires it, you shouldn’t handover your passport to unapproved bodies. What’s more, your boss isn’t an approved body to hold your passport.
6. Have a problem at work? Report it to the Labour Office (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation – MOHRE)
An employee or an employer can file a case in the court for employment-related issues inside a time of one year as per Article 6 of the Federal Law No. 8 of 1980 (the ‘Work Law’) managing Labor Relations in the UAE, which states: “Without prejudice to the provisions concerning collective labour disputes stated in this Law, if the employer or the worker or any beneficiary thereof raised a claim concerning any of the rights accruing to any of them according to the provisions of this Law, he shall submit a request thereof to the labour department concerned. ” This office will call the two parties to the debate and will take whatever it esteems important to settle the question genially.
7. Keep a photocopy of the signed contract
When you signed your labour contract, make sure to have a copy for safety.
8. You can leave your place of employment and make sure to follow legal steps to do as such
Regardless of whether you are miserable or have discovered another chance, you shouldn’t be guilty if you’re looking for a superior position, a greater pay-check or an increasingly palatable job. This is what you have to remember. Before you make it official, know your rights Ensure you uncover your work contract and read it cautiously. It ought to contain details of your pay, tip, travel, and so forth. Ensure you’re not disregarding any confidentiality agreements you’ve signed with your current employer.
9. You can contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), for help and assistance.
You can contact this agency through the following options:
Dubai
62 Doha Road
P.O. Box: 5025
Tel 971 4 7023333 Fax 971 4 4494293 Email[email protected] Working Hours From 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM Direction
Longitude : 55.3779605 Latitude : 25.2802057
Abu Dhabi
Sultan Bin Zayed the First Street
P.O. Box: 809
Tel 971 4 7023333 Fax 971 4 4494293 Email[email protected] Working Hours From 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM Direction
Longitude : 54.391797 Latitude : 24.459942
You have rights as an employee so you should become knowledgeable about them to help protect yourself in case of unfortunate instances in your employment. Knowing your rights as well as your responsibilities before accepting that job offer will definitely guide you in having a smooth transition as you build your career in this country in the Middle East.
UAE or the United Arab Emirates is a hub for many job seekers from different places around the world. It is lucrative for many for its huge opportunities, modern and advanced lifestyle, and the rapidly growing economy. And a tax-free earning, working surroundings, and living environment are suitable.
Working in UAE can be a life and career opportunity to anyone. However, it still imperative to keep in mind that UAE is still an Arab country and the culture is completely different. So, you may need to accustom yourself gently to its culture and know precisely what you are walking into and what will you need to anticipate from the place. These are some noteworthy things you need to know before deciding to work and move in UAE.
Guide to understanding the work and life set-up in the UAE before moving there for employment.
What You Need to Know Before Working in the UAE (or any Gulf Country)
This comprehensive list below will guide you in getting a better understanding about policies, rules and traditions in this Islamic country. Whether in the UAE, or the rest of the countries in the Middle East. Please be informed to avoid using ignorance as an excuse for breaking laws (which is really not an excuse in the first place).
1. Getting A Job
Finding a job in UAE is not as easy as what you think it is, but it is not impossible to get a job either. That is why it is essential that you learn how it works in the Emirates.
Companies spend an extensive amount of money in the employment process
Based on UAE Law, once you already have an employer, they will be the one who will pay for your visa and flight costs, medical insurance and housing benefits. Again, not you – it must be your employer.
Visa and Passport
Of course, you must bring your Passport and Visa with you. You are required to have a working visa with a minimum of 3 months to enter and work in UAE, your employer will process your visa and working permit, you just have to give the required documents.
Although a tourist visa is a good way to enter the Emirates for your job hunt, let me tell you, it is kinda critical though. It is either you will get a working visa or leave the country before your tourist visa expires. The reason for that, if you got caught working without working visa or if it’s expired you can be deported, jailed or pays the fine for overstaying.
However, once you found a job, you will worry no more about the processing of your working visa because your employer will take care of everything, the complete visa process, and your sponsorship.
Know Labor Laws
When you already have your work contract, you need to make sure you get the entire gratuity you should get in your field of work.
Working Hours
The maximum working hours is eight hours per day, 48 hours per week. And the maximum hours for those who work in hotels, restaurant and other certain industries is nine hours. Working overtime shall be paid rate at 1.25 times the regular hourly rate. And during Ramadan, working hours will be reduced by 2 hours.
Working week for both private and public sectors operates from Sunday to Thursday. Though some of the companies operate 6 days a week having only Friday rest. Know that Friday is an official rest day.
Vacations
For the annual leave, it is usually 22 working days or 30 calendar days.
2. Tax-free lifestyle Minimal VAT Tax, But Salary is Still Tax-Free
Minimal tax, so far. An update, Dubai and the UAE is no longer tax-free. A Value Added Tax (VAT) of 5% was introduced to commodities, services and merchandise. However, you can still earn your keep without worry because salary is still tax-free.
One of the reasons that allure people to UAE. is because of TAX-FREE lifestyle. Yes! You read it right. TAX-FREE.
Which means you don’t need to pay for tax on your salary, groceries and etc. This lifestyle can help you to save a lot of money for long-term in nature. Though you may find some hotels that add 10-15% on your bill for the service charge.
3. Living In A Flat
In UAE, houses are very rare because properties are very expensive and most people choose to live in a flat. Aside from its cheaper, it is also well developed with spacious living areas which means you can have 2 – 3 people to live with you and share with the rent. In some cases, workers tend to share accommodation and apartments can get crowded. If you have your own accommodation (flat) in the UAE, you are quite lucky.
4. The Weekends Are Different
If you enjoy parties every Saturday and Sunday, well it is time to make changes! In UAE weekend days held on Friday and Saturday. Which means you can enjoy having a nice sip of drink at the beach and you can assure that Saturday nights will never be blue.
5. Study Some Arabic Words and Phrases
Most people that you will meet in UAE will be from different parts of the world. English is widely spoken though as you work in UAE, learning few Arabic words are always going to be handy and useful. After all, it’s good to always immerse yourself in the language of the country where you are currently residing.
6. Religion And Culture
Emirati people are patriotic. They are proud of their culture and lifestyle, which is prominent.
So, take a chance to learn and understand their culture. As you work in UAE don’t forget to take part with their culture, with their occasions, there are a lot of celebrations happening in there so enjoy!
Though UAE is a predominantly Muslim country, still all religion and beliefs are welcome!
You can practice religion
Yes! Regardless of your religious beliefs and your faith they will respect it the same way you respect their values and beliefs. They have religious freedom when it comes to expatriate population. Also, they don’t have just mosques, they also have churches and other temples. Christmas trees are abound even in malls and public places during December as this is also celebrated by many expat nationalities.
An aversion towards religion and culture is maybe one of the biggest misconception in the Middle East. Take note that even if you are able to practice your religion, please make sure that you do not proselytize (influence to convert) others to you own belief. There is a certain level of tolerance in terms of practicing your beliefs but it is only to a certain extent.
Islamic Values Shall Be Respected
Know that the Muslims pray five times each day, people are called through their speaker system when it is time for them to go to the mosque and pray. In this time, it is very important that you will turn off all music so that their daily prayers won’t be disturbed.
Even they have religious freedom, you must still observe and value their Islamic beliefs. Generally speaking, any disrespectful whereabouts towards any religious beliefs and practices it is highly offensive. An in UAE it can result in fines or heavy punishments.
Dress Appropriately
I know how valuable OOTDs (Outfit Of The Day) are for those who are into fashion when they go out of your home, dressing nicely and flaunt your favorite clothes. But one thing you should consider in living or working in UAE is their dress codes. UAE still preserves the conservative dress codes.
It is essential for women that their shoulders, back and abdominal are totally covered when in public. Leave your low-cut shorts, mini-skirts and see through at the comfort of your home. As for men, they must cover their torso and their underclothing must not be seen.
However, these rules are unperturbed when it comes to hotels and beach, swimming pools that hotels owned. But topless? NO! It’s a big no in sunbathing.
Other than that, you can still wear anything that you prefer, just make sure you are maintaining modesty and be respectful in what you wear. No matter what job you got.
Premarital Relationships Are Forbidden
Part of their law and culture is having a sexual relationship outside marriage is forbidden. Yes, that’s correct. Which means even if you have been living with your partner for years, you are not allowed to live together while working and living in UAE. Even in hotels! So, do not try to risk because there will be severe punishments for people who break them. You can be jailed and then deported. YOU MUST CONSIDER THIS BEFORE YOUR JOB HUNT OR YOUR PLAN LIVING IN UAE, especially if you have a long-term partner that you plan to move with.
Public Displays of Affection Are Hardly Accepted
Along the same lines, PDA is not tolerated, hugging and kissing in public is a NO. Though, holding hands is usually okay, if you are married. It is deeply frowned upon by men to randomly speak to a woman and or take pictures of women without their consent. If you are a man looking for work in UAE, be aware of these gender expectations.
7. Shopping
If you’re working and you love shopping, welcome to shopper’s bliss! For UAE, specifically in Dubai has voluminous shopping malls, marketplaces and supermarkets to choose from that will give you a delightful shopping experience. With its real yet cheap gold and electronics, and high-quality products, UAE is the place for you!
8. Fines
One thing you must keep in mind always observed the UAE laws even in the simplest and tiniest thing like litter and spitting. This might get you in trouble and have to pay huge fines if you get caught in any act, which is not compliant with their laws, like what mentioned UAE laws are very strict.
9. Security
UAE is considered one of the safest places in the world. As for they have strict laws and norms to keep the order. So if you are anxious about safety, worry no more because stringent law enforcement has been a vital compelling aspect for the expats or who works in UAE. We cannot recall how many instances we see people leave their phones on the table inside a food court area inside a mall while they go to order from the fastfood or go to the toilet. Although still we need to practice caution wherever as there is no guarantee that crime doesn’t happen. Still, it’s important to feel safe and secure and the police are always reminding residents through official announcements that they are safe.
10. Alcohol Consumption
It is prohibited to drink alcohol in Islam, as the Qur’an stated that, “intoxicants and games of chance” were “abominations of Satan’s handiwork,” that’s why Muslims are abstaining to drink any alcoholic drink. Nevertheless, you don’t have to worry because it is allowed and legal to enjoy alcohol for non-Muslims as long as you attain a liquor license to drink.
11. Scorching Summer
Summer in UAE is not enjoyable at all. The weather is indeed scorching in summer. You can cook an egg at the road or take a taxi for a 100-meter distance because of the heat. Do expect for intense air conditioning at your work and in many establishments.
12. Islamic Holidays
There are many Islamic holidays in UAE, which is very important to Muslims. In these times, working hours are shorter and it can be days off. So you may enjoy going home early, even you don’t practice the holidays. These holidays are also based on the sighting of the moon so sometimes the dates vary. You need to keep updated with the news and wait for official announcements from public offices.
So the above points are just some of the major items we want to share and discuss with you to make your expat life a smoother transition. You are not alone in this journey as many expats before you have already adjusted to the set-up in the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE is quite welcoming to expats and you will definitely see that when you finally step foot and see the day to day experiences and life as a resident here. Good luck in your journey and we hope you find these tips useful as you set your goal in being an expat in Dubai or the rest of the emirates.
