Reply to: Contracting in Dubai

[VillageContractor]

Thanks for the advice folks - doesn't look like the rate is enough considering the hassle.

[fullyautomatix]

I was there for a few months last year on a project being delivered by a UK company. As far as I know, you cannot contract out there and the UK company had to hire contractors in UK and ship them out there.

I think the market is pretty down at the moment and jobs are scarce. Perm jobs are there to be had, british girls are much in demand for sales jobs and I have seen some paid very handsomely.

There are some strict conditions on the work visa. You cannot leave the country without settling all your liabilities. Your bank account gets frozen the moment your employer terminates your job.

Weather in summer is unbearable. No alcohol sold and you can only drink in bars where a beer cost 50 AED. The lifestyle in the Marina parts is great but if you happen to be stationed in the old dubai ( like I was ) its not so great.

I would say, its a great experience if you go for a year or two. Income is tax free but its very expensive out there.

[northernladyuk]

And there was me thinking you looked quite fetching in the local garb.

You're not going to start wearing that belly-dancing outfit again, are you?

[northernladuk]

Maybe try a permanent job next time.

And there was me thinking you looked quite fetching in the local garb.

[northernladyuk]

That said about the heat I'd seriously consider another stint out there. It's a great experience if it's a shortish gig.

Maybe try a permanent job next time.

[Big Blue Plymouth]

Anyone done it?

A pimp got in touch with a role with a decent rate, so wondering if anyone has any experience out there?

Worked for National Bank of Dubai for 2 years in the late '90s.

The place has changed beyond recognition since then so what was pertinent then may not be so now but I wouldn't be going anywhere like Saudi / UAE without a decent ex-pat package inclusive of accommodation allowance and residency.

Otherwise you'll end up dossing wherever the client puts you up & if you're a single guy that'll probably be the Golden Sands in Bur Dubai & you'll basically be living out of a suitcase for your stay.

You'll also have to fly out every 3 months to Qatar with all the Russian hookers to renew your visitors permit.

You won't be able to buy booze from supermarkets without residency either! (though there's a "hole in the wall in another Emirate where you can buy liquor but you have to drive back through Sharjah & if you get stopped by plod & get caught with all that booze in your boot it'll be 50 lashes after Friday prayers)

Of course, all that may have changed.....

Is this a long term role i.e. 1 year+?

[MrMarkyMark]

Almost went out 5 years ago, however the day rate and allowed expenses were very generous.

The amount on offer made it worth considering.
Gig fell through, got something else.

Tha all having been said I would have also had to learn the art of alcohol distillation

[ladymuck]

Oh and my mate says the Dubai economy is going down the pan and she reckons its days are numbered. She's planning on getting out by 2020.

Some info here:
https://www.technojobs.co.uk/info/it...in-dubai.phtml

[stek]

Becoming non tax resident in UK isn't easy, check the published rules.

[northernladuk]

I assumed HMRC wouldn't be able to touch it as you'd have paid the tax in the country you earn it in?

I didn't think you paid tax in the Dubai as it's a freezone or something. Having a quick scan around it's a proper minefield. The contracts are also a difficult area. Is it a UK company and you'll just be working out there? Normal agency contract?

I think you need to do a ton of research first, ask the agent all about it and then see what you feel.

Have a dig through some of these..

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=co...ntractoruk.com

[VillageContractor]

A friend of mine has lived and worked in UAE for years. Technically, contracting doesn't exist and you won't be using your LtdCo. There's workarounds but, as the tax and employment law landscape is very different, it largely looks like contracting to us. Be more mindful of planning how to get the money back into the UK when you come home or HMRC might help themselves to a lot of it.

I assumed HMRC wouldn't be able to touch it as you'd have paid the tax in the country you earn it in?

[northernladuk]

That said about the heat I'd seriously consider another stint out there. It's a great experience if it's a shortish gig. The day rates haven't been very good in comparison for a long time from what I've seen so it would be for the experience over making any money. With the flights/accommodation/taxes etc I highly doubt it will be worth doing over a UK gig but a nice story to tell for the future. I was via a UK company on shortish assignments so can't comment on the tax situation sorry.

[ladymuck]

A friend of mine has lived and worked in UAE for years. Technically, contracting doesn't exist and you won't be using your LtdCo. There's workarounds but, as the tax and employment law landscape is very different, it largely looks like contracting to us. Be more mindful of planning how to get the money back into the UK when you come home or HMRC might help themselves to a lot of it.

[northernladuk]

If you are somewhere without A/C you are doing Dubai wrong!

The office was just round the corner from the hotel so had to walk a block to get there. My eyelids started sweating as soon as I left the hotel and was drenched by the time I got to the office. Very uncomfortable indeed!! But generally yes you are right.

[SimonMac]

Hot as hell in summer.

If you are somewhere without A/C you are doing Dubai wrong!