French Expats living in UAE

France is a vibrant city to live in. Yet, many French people have moved to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for better opportunities. The UAE has become a multicultural country with excellent economic growth, and French expats have loved working there. They have managed to engage with the dynamic environment of the UAE by putting efforts through communication skills and a share in the UAE’s economic growth.

The French people bring a different experience to the UAE public sector. With their communication skills and expertise in design, architecture and food; it enriches the culture of the UAE. However, the UAE government would encourage French cuisine and restaurants in their culinary spots. Adding diversity to the food sector, the French people also have a royal taste in architecture, making the modern infrastructure of the UAE more exquisite for tourists and residents.

French expatriates have a good experience in their personal and professional lives. Let’s discuss the opportunities for French people in the UAE:

Job Market

The UAE welcomes many expats on job visas. The French have found work ethics enjoyable as they get timely salaries and protection under the UAE employment laws. However, the UAE government has introduced French expats in different sectors, but they are mainly hired in tourism. The French have the culinary arts and design expertise the UAE looks forward to.

No Income Tax

The French people see income tax exemption as a way to save their earnings and invest for a better future. By saving money, they can have a higher standard of living in the UAE as they already have a good sense of interior design.

Higher Standards of Living

The UAE is known for its luxurious lifestyle, modern infrastructure, and accessibility to public services such as healthcare and education. French children can have an international education in French, ensuring a good academic curriculum for a better career.

Dynamic Environment

As part of the multicultural environment, French expats contribute to the diverse population of the UAE, offering opportunities in different variants. The touch of Europe in the UAE has a positive impact on the UAE residents as they get chances to try new types of cuisines, meet different types of people, and learn about cultural diversity.

Cultural Blend in the UAE

The UAE is an Islamic country where laws are made according to Sharia–Islamic principles. The French people might find the laws and culture of the UAE very different from what they have experienced in France. However, it is witnessed that the French people find the UAE culture amazing and enriching, especially when Ramadan is around the corner. The UAE gives them a pleasing gesture during Ramadan and Eid festive.

Language in the UAE

UAE nationals speak Arabic as their official language. However, the French people speak English because English is the second language in the UAE. Therefore, there is not too much of a language barrier. A few legal consultants are multilingual and have the expertise to converse in French with their clients.

Cuisine and Lifestyle

French expats are known for their great taste in food, as they bring a variety of spices and interesting food presentations. While introducing French cuisine, the UAE has also created preferences for French style and fashion to foster good relations between France and the UAE.

The French are open to adopting new ideas and inventions in the UAE. However, they still face challenges for the first few years of relocation to the UAE:

Expensive Housing

France is indeed expensive to live in, but the French people find the UAE even more expensive. Real estate in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are expensive as these emirates are known as global business hubs. Also, children’s schooling is high, especially when enrolled in international schools.

Climate Change

France has a different summer from the UAE. Europe remains colder throughout the year, unlike the UAE. Though the UAE is developed strategically, it is a desert at the end of the day, making scorching summers and pleasant winters.

Complicated Laws

The UAE laws are different from those in France. However, the UAE legal system blends international and Sharia laws. It might be difficult for the French to understand laws related to employment and immigration, but they can deal with family legal matters as per their home country’s laws.

There are various ways in which the French expats can adjust in the UAE:

Finding a French Community

New French expats can find communities specially created for them in different parts of the UAE. These are known as social groups that help them make smooth transitions in the UAE.

Apprehend the Local Traditions

The French people should be mindful of UAE traditions and social norms. For example, alcohol is popular in French culture but is prohibited in the Muslim community. Similarly, during Ramadan, when Muslims observe a fast, expats should not eat around Muslims.

Financial Planning

The finances in the UAE are very different from those in France. Both destinations have an equal share of appreciation for their infrastructure. However, the cost of living in the UAE could be expensive, especially if you are buying a house in the main areas, such as near shopping malls.

Networking

Networking skills are handy whenever you are relocating. Meeting new people from diverse backgrounds occasionally creates an aura of professionalism and positivity among the peer groups. Therefore, the French people keep their options open and find themselves extroverts in their capacity.

Legal services for French expats are available in the UAE. Lawyers who understand the French language can communicate frequently with their French clients, strengthening the relationship between France and the UAE across the borders. Moreover, the lawyers in the UAE guide French expats in disputes such as employment, property, and family matters.

The French expats can find legal representation through referrals, online reviews and meeting them in person. The law firms in the UAE provide almost every type of legal services to the French expats. A good lawyer is difficult to find, especially when you are an expat in the UAE and need help understanding the UAE laws. Therefore, French expats should understand that for every legal matter, they must hire a legal expert to live according to the UAE laws.

The UAE’s economy is booming, and start-ups in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have reached new heights in the international market. For French expats, the UAE’s commercial sector opens various avenues to earn profits and ensure a good future for their families. Even though they may face cultural differences, French expats can still adjust within their hospitality and tourism sectors.

The UAE welcomes many nationalities across the border. However, despite many challenges, the French community ensures that the ties between the UAE and the French government will be strengthened for better relationships and business ventures.