Contracting in Abu Dhabi

[d000hg]

Can you even GET a work visa as a woman without an accompanying husband? Friends went to Dubai and even though the wife got a fairly high-grade job, it was much easier for the husband to have even a cruddy tech-support role. And that was Dubai, probably the most permissive nation in UAE...

[vetran]

Anyone done it/doing it?

Anything country specific I should be looking out for in the early stages? Been offered a few opportunities, although mostly as staff. Want to stay contractor for freedom. Any thought very welcome, thanks all!

BIL did Dubai as a permie a few years, as it opened up property prices, schools, food and extras went silly so make sure that is included otherwise if Abu Dhabi ends up like Dubai you might earn less than you spend.

Also if you are a woman as indicated by your username, you probably won't like the attitude you receive SIL didn't. If you are blonde & fair skinned expect a lot of staring.

Being non Emirate you are very much a second class citizen in the law, as a woman a third class citizen. Look on the positive side you could be 100th class citizen like their labourers are.

Dubai is apparently much more westernised that Abu Dhabi. You might even be pulled over for being a woman on her own /with a non relative male in a car.

[NorthWestPerm2Contr]

Wanted to do this for a while but found that their market is crap for contracts and there is no point leaving UK to risk it. Got one interview in AD in 5 years.

HTH

[doodab]

Did a short stint in Dubai. You may end up all over UAE depending on the gig, rates aren't great, it's full of bobs and late payment is the norm.

[TheMrs]

Anyone done it/doing it?

Anything country specific I should be looking out for in the early stages? Been offered a few opportunities, although mostly as staff. Want to stay contractor for freedom. Any thought very welcome, thanks all!