Essential Links

There are many expat sites and forums on the net, with a wide phelora of advice and interests. You many want to check some out.

Here is our guide to help you find your way in UAE.

Work permits and visas
Taxation
Buying a home
Your money
A guide to banking
Doing buisness in the Middle East
School listings
Language schools
Hospitals
Emergency numbers
Driving in the Middle East
Marriages, births, deaths
Transportation
Shopping
Expat groups
Embassies and Consulates

Advice

Issues that can affect the expat worker

Working abroad in any country can be a tough assignment for seasoned professionals. However, many workers are international novices while the Middle East presents unique challenges. What are some essential issues that affect the expat worker here?

Career Prospects. When offered an international post, the first question to ask yourself is: What are my goals, and will I have the resources to achieve those goals in the post? Take note that many companies have problems bringing employees back into the fold after a foreign posting. What assurance are you given that there will be a position waiting for you on re-entry? See Going Home

Legal Issues: Some expats have experienced significant delays in obtaining a legal work visas from their employer, as well as payment of salary.

Family Issues. The biggest reason for a failed relocation comes down to family. A foreign assignment can be an exciting family experience, but any family problems you have at home will be worse abroad. Spouse and family issues account for 90 percent of employees who leave a foreign post early. Know what support systems are available to you. Families want language training, resources for finding schools, places to shop and doctors. See Links

Timeframes. Although many people are sent for a "short-term assignment" of less than two years, those deadlines are often lengthened. Do the expectations of the home office and the host country conflict? Do employees in the host country feel that you have come to train them so that operations will eventually be handed over to a local person? What training your company will give you to handle intercultural encounters. (Material courtesy of Kevin Voigt, of CareerJournalEurope.com)