Egyptians living in United Arab Emirates

Out of 195 countries in the world, expats have found the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the best country to settle for work and enjoy a good life with their families. Besides a diverse population, the UAE also offers various cultures and social norms adopted by other nationalities. Among those nationalities, Egyptians are not left behind.

They have found amazing economic prospects to grow their careers in all directions. There are approximately 400000 Egyptians living in the UAE and they are contributing in the UAE’s thriving economy. Egyptians have various reasons to settle their lives and families in the UAE. Let’s have a look:

• Better Career Growth

It is never too late to relocate for better job opportunities. The UAE has created an international image for many expats by allowing other nationalities to work in the UAE with exemplary labour and employment laws. Egyptian expats are recruited in the banking, education, and healthcare industries of the UAE.

• Zero Income Tax

In the UAE, income is not taxed. Egyptians take this opportunity to save money or invest in better things for the future.

• Prospects for Businessmen/Entrepreneurs

Egyptian expats also run their own businesses in the UAE. Due to its friendly business dynamics and flexible laws for expats, many companies have expanded in the UAE, operating in the free zones of the Emirates.

• Geographical Proximity

The flights to Egypt from the UAE are not too long. Therefore, expats see the opportunity to visit their families often, at least twice a year. Expats always highly consider this factor while leaving for other countries.

• High Living Standards

The UAE has developed over time as it has made digital transformations and made commuting easy with amazing road systems. However, it has also invested in the education sector by introducing international schools in the Emirates.

• Familiarity with the Culture

Egyptian expats already know the language and culture of the UAE because they have the same values and culture in their country. Therefore, they do not take too much time to settle in the UAE.

Knowing the fact that Dubai is an economic leader for the UAE. The emirate has enhanced the international status of the UAE. The job market is competitive in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. However, it does not discourage Egyptians from applying for jobs in those emirates. Consequently, depending on their skills and experience, they are hired in the tourism department or healthcare and education sector. The nature of the job is also affected by the choice of emirate that the Egyptian expats would choose.

The Egyptian workforce is diverse, and the labour sector has unskilled and skilled workers. They have different opportunities to work for. Some Egyptians are really good architects, so the construction and engineering sectors hire them. Others have studied medicine for a long time and have become medical specialists in the UAE. Some Egyptian teachers teach various courses in different schools and universities in the UAE.

Egyptians are familiar with the culture in the UAE because both countries share the same religious values and social norms. However, they still have communities in the UAE where they can interact with other Egyptian expats and learn about their lifestyle. This helps them make good relationships that can help them in their careers or even offer them business collaborations in the future. For administrative matters, the Egyptian Embassy is helpful.

No matter if, the Egyptian expats are familiar with the cultural and religious values of the UAE, they still face challenges in various aspects:

• High Cost of Living

Accommodation and education expenses are too high in the UAE. Although the country has no income tax policy, Egyptians cannot save much money due to other maintenance costs.

• Visa Status

Egyptians usually apply for work visas in the UAE. However, they must know the UAE labour laws to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations regarding sponsorship and work permits.

• Competitive Job Market

The job market in the UAE is competitive, not only for Egyptian expats but also for other foreigners. To earn well in the UAE, one needs a strong profile. This means an Egyptian with poor skills and qualifications may not survive for too long in the UAE.

• Working Hours

The working hours in the UAE are long because people are dealing in the international market. They have to work in a robust system to ensure optimum productivity and efficiency. Egyptian expats may not find a work-life balance in the UAE.

If you are an Egyptian and thinking of moving to the UAE, there are a few things that you should already know:

• Visa Rules

You should know which type of visa would help you settle in the UAE because citizenship is not easy there. In most cases, you will have to have a valid job sponsorship from an employer in the UAE.

• Accommodation

Real estate is expensive in the UAE. Therefore, you should get the services of a real estate lawyer, or you can look online for rental properties in the emirate you have chosen to live in.

• Rules and Regulations

The UAE laws could be different from the laws in Egypt. Therefore, you must know the basic legal system and understand laws that are relevant to you. It includes labour laws and civil laws.

• Calculate Your Budget

A budget should be made on a monthly basis because expenses are really high in the UAE, especially if you are living with your family. The fees for school and rent for accommodation are the most important expenses to cover in daily life.

• Meet Other Egyptian Expats

Community groups in the UAE can help you learn more about living there. Joining those expat communities would be a great opportunity to network for collaboration and find emotional support in difficult times.

• Egyptian Expats in the UAE

Egyptian expats should stay updated with the latest laws in the UAE. This helps them make informed career decisions. Moreover, they should socialize with community groups to stay connected with the news in Egypt and keep up with their traditions and customs by celebrating important days in Egypt.