Meet the Country HR Lead

Take time to read some useful information before your induction

This workflow is a high-level overview of your pre-induction process. Kindly coordinate with your Country HR Lead for more information.

List of required documents to be completed and submitted to your Country HR Lead (as soon as possible)

• Scanned coloured copy of passport

• 12x passport-size photos with clear white background (high-res electronic file is acceptable)

• Scanned copy of attested educational certificate/transcript 

• Scanned copy of the cancelled visa (if previously employed)

• NOC from the previous employer (except UAE visas)

• Completed Employee Information form 

• Scanned copy of Emirates ID (if previously employed within the UAE)

Our culture and values

At Elite, we give massive importance to having a strong culture because it helps to create a shared sense of identity and purpose among employees and guides our behaviour and decision-making. A strong culture can also help attract and retain talent, as employees are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and alignment with the company's values and goals.

Our Core Values guide employees by establishing a clear set of expectations for how they should behave and interact with each other and our customers. This can help create a sense of consistency and trust, as employees know what is expected of them and can work together more effectively. In addition, a strong culture can help align employees around a common vision and goals, making it easier to work towards shared objectives and achieve success.

This is the way, The Elite Way!

Read more of our culture and core values here >>>> 

Settling into the UAE

Preparation

Settling in Dubai is stressful, especially if you have yet to prepare in advance. The movement of ex-pats is very restricted in Dubai without a residence permit. Before you travel, you must have prepared all the documents required to enter Dubai and legally work and live.

 Documents you are required to bring along with you are:

• a passport valid for at least six months;

• at least 6 passport-sized photos with transparent white background;

• attested degree certificate, where appropriate

• attested marriage certificate (if applicable);

• attested birth certificate (include all family members if applicable); and

• attested certificate of good conduct.

All certificates must be attested by UAE diplomatic missions or overseas Customer HappinessCentres at your home country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Work permit and residence visa 

Living and working in the UAE requires a valid residence visa and work permit; as long as your residence visa still needs to be obtained, the visit visa applies to everyone travelling in the UAE. Residents of certain countries obtain a visit visa upon arrival at the airport. You will have to be sponsored by an individual or company to get a residence visa. Before the authorities issue a labour card and residence visa, ex-pats undergo medical examinations through government-controlled medical centres. The medical exam includes a general health check and a specific check for certain infectious diseases (including TB, HIV and AIDS). Anyone who tests positive will be deported within 48 hours.

 If you have a family, you will need to sponsor your dependents for them to be able to live in the UAE. The family visa is only available if you earn more than AED 6,000 a month; you can sponsor your parents, spouse and children (below 18 years old). The documents required for family visas are:

• your original passport and visa page

• your original Emirates ID

• typed application form

• passport-sized photos of dependent

• copy of the Ministry of Labour, contract or salary certificate, issued by AES

• passport copy of the dependent

• your latest DEWA bill and Ejari (tenancy contract)

• proof of relationship (attested birth certificate or marriage certificate)

• medical insurance policy

• medical exam results from the authorised medical centres

• a refundable deposit of AED 2,000

Sponsoring a maid or nanny

Documents required:

• Salary certificate (if sponsored by DIFC) or MoL contract (if sponsored by MEIB)

• Tenancy contract (Ejari)

• Passport copy of the sponsor

• Passport copy of the maid

• 6 passport-size photos with transparent white background

• An affidavit from the embassy/consulate certifying non-relationship (if the maid is from the same country of nationality)

Fees

AED 110 + typing fee - Employment entry permit application 100 - if the application is for urgent processing, an entry permit will be issued in a fewhours

AED 500 - if the maid is in the country 2000 - refundable deposit (will be refunded once you have cancelled your maid's visa)

AED 325 + 20 courier fee - average medical test cost (can be collected in 5-7 working days)

AED 420 - 48-hour service medical test cost (can be ordered in 2 working days)

AED 520 - urgent medical test cost (can be collected in 24 hours)

AED 740 - VIP medical test cost (can be collected in 4 hours)

AED 140 - Emirates ID application 5200 - for the residence visa

Living in Dubai

It is very difficult to live and work in Dubai without your residence visa yet. Your residence visa and Emirates ID are universally required when transacting with government entities.

Leasing a property 

Renting accommodation in Dubai is straightforward but requires a lot of documentation. It is wise only to deal with a registered broker/agent when looking for property to rent. Regarding the costs, you will be required to pay a 5% agency fee and write a security cheque deposit when signing the lease. Your landlord should provide you with Ejari (tenancy contract)issued by RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority).

Below are some of the documents that your landlord may require.

• copy of valid passport

• copy of residence visa and Emirates ID

• Activating Utilities

• Once your Ejari is completed unless stated in your contract, you are responsible for activating your utility services like water, electricity, cooling, gas, telephone and internet. DEWA(www.dewa.gov.ae) is the only provider of electricity and water in Dubai. Depending on your property, you will be liable to pay a refundable deposit between AED 2,000 to AED 4,000. Etisalat (www.etisalat.ae) or Du (www.du.ae) are the providers of telephone/mobile, internet and cable connections. 

Documents required to set up:

• copy of valid passport

• copy of residence visa and Emirates ID

• Application form

Transportation

There a lot of public transportation available around Dubai that cater according to your needs.You can either take the Dubai Metro, the Tram, Monorail, Taxis, Uber/Careem, ferries or buses.The NOL card is a smart card that enables you to pay for the use of various transport mode in Dubai. Visit the RTA website on how to get around Dubai.

Driving and License

If you opt to drive, you can either rent on a short or long-term lease or purchase your own car. Buying a car in Dubai is easy with less paperwork and easy bank loan approval. Your car dealer will also assist you with registering your car at the RTA.

You obtain your driving licence through the RTA. There are 36 countries whose nationals can convert their driving licence without going through the training and tests. If you are to take driving classes, you can obtain your training from an authorised driving school like Emirates Driving Institute, Dubai Driving, Belhasa or Emirates Driving School. When driving around Dubai, you also need to buy and factor in the Salik cost when passing through the toll gates (“Salik” is an automated toll system operating in Dubai). Public parking is readily available around Dubai; metered parking can be paid by sending SMS [plate number space Zone number number number of hours required] to 7275. Friday is free parking.

Useful links: 

[www.dubaipolice.gove.ae; 8007777]; [www.rta.ae; 8009090].

Alcohol License

Although Dubai is a Muslim country, non-Muslim ex-pats over 21 years of age are allowed to purchase and drink alcohol as long as an alcohol license is obtained. Alcohol cannot be purchased in supermarkets but several locations and authorised shops sell alcohol all over the UAE. Hotels and clubs are allowed to serve alcoholic drinks in their bars and restaurants. You can obtain your alcohol licence by applying online through their websites (www.MMIdubai.com, www.AfricanEastern.com) or visiting the shops and filling out the application form. 

Documents required:

• filled application form (stamped by AES)

• copy of passport (front and back pages)

• copy of residence visa page

• Ejari (if the tenancy contract is not under your name, then attach a copy of the registered tenants passport and residence visa)

• Labour Contract (if sponsored by AES MEIB) or Salary Certificate (if sponsored by AESDIFC)

• NOC Letter from the sponsor or NOC Letter from the registered tenant (if the tenancy contract is not under your name)

• passport-sized photograph

Opening a bank account

It is mandatory that you open a local currency bank account to receive your monthly salary. Though cash is preferred for everyday transaction, you can request a personal cheque issuance once your account is inactive, you will need this when renting out your accommodation and other transactions. Banks that have branches in the malls normally operate from 10 am to 10 pm.

Documents required when opening up a bank account.

• copy of passport

• copy of Residence Visa (if this is not ready yet, HR can issue a letter that your residence visa is currently under process)

• copy of Emirates ID (if the card is not issued yet, you can use the Emirates ID application form, ask HR)

• original salary letter 

Be careful when issuing cheques to ensure that you do have sufficient funds in your account. Bounced cheques are considered a criminal offence in the UAE and potentially punishable by law.

Schools

Finding the right school for your children can be challenging. Though there is a wide choice of schools, state schools are not an option for ex-pat children. Private schools are common in Dubai as it caters to ex-pat communities. The majority are managed by and run for English-speaking western ex-pats. Most private schools are co-ed and cater for children from nursery to high school.

Substance abuse

The consumption of alcohol as well as any other drug or psychotropic substance, is strictly prohibited in Islam and is punishable by law. Due to the large diversity of cultures and nationalities present in the UAE, alcohol consumption is closely regulated.

Drugs - holding, consuming, buying or selling any drug - in any quantity - as well as being tested positive for any drug by the authorities in the UAE is considered a crime.

Alcohol consumption - shall be confined to designated areas (i.e. licensed restaurants and venues that serve alcohol to their clients). Being caught under the effect of alcohol outside these places can lead to a fine or incarceration.

Driving and alcohol - the UAE has adopted a zero-tolerance policy in terms of driving under the effect of alcohol. Being caught driving with even the smallest dose of alcohol can lead to a fine, incarceration or deportation.

Smoking is prohibited in government facilities, offices, malls and shops. Although you will see a lot of people smoking outside café shops and streets, generally smoking outside the designated areas is subject to fines.

Prescriptions for some medicines containing psychotropic substances are forbidden in the UAE. Their holders must carry a prescription from a UAE-licensed medical doctor.Visitors shall verify that their medicines are allowed in the UAE before entering the country.

Culture and social ethics

It is important that as an ex-pat, you are aware of and understand Arab customs and traditions. The interaction of a large number of cultures and nationalities characterises the UAE. However, the culture, customs and traditions of the UAE and its people shall be respected by adopting courtesy and moderation and avoiding all types of improper behaviour.There are certain unwritten rules that you must observe in order not to offend local sensibilities.

The symbols of the state - it is the duty of every citizen, resident and visitor to show respect for the symbols of the UAE's rulers, flag and national emblem. The abuse of any of those symbols is a crime and is punishable by law.

Dress - an official business or business casual dress code shall be adopted by all visitors of official government buildings. Access to government office buildings may be denied if the dress code is considered inappropriate (i.e. above knee skirt, transparent shirt, etc.). Arab women wear dress according to their religious customs; some may be fully covered, and others may not.The Abaya is the traditional black overgarment worn by Arab women, while the Thobe is the traditional white robe worn by Arab men. Ex-pats are not expected to wear traditional clothing but appropriate dress codes for the occasion (beachwear, business setting, special occasion, etc.). It is advisable to dress formally if visiting any government department.

Beaches - men and women shall wear proper swimwear acceptable to Dubai's culture.Swimwear shall not be worn outside the beach, as a decent dress is a rule in the rest of the city.

Public display of affection - whether married or not, in public places does not fit the local customs and culture. Holding hands for a married couple is tolerated but kissing and petting are considered an offence to public decency.

Photography - photos of people, especially women and families, in public places shall not be taken without their permission, as Emiratis find it a sensitive issue in their local culture.

Greetings - When greeting clients/guests in meetings, it is important to note that Arab men and women do not always shake hands when greeting. It is advised that you wait for the guests to extend their hands to signify they would like to shake hands: the alternative, in this case, is to place your hand over your heart.

When offered refreshments or food, always accept it with your right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean. When sitting with crossed legs, you should avoid showing the soles of your shoes or feet, which implies that you think the other person is "dirt", which is highly offensive.

Religion - The official religion in the UAE is Islam. Islam is not just a religion but a way of life.Devout Muslims perform obligatory prayers five times daily.

Prayer time - Muslims pray five times a day (Salat). Each prayer is announced from the mosques by a call to prayer (Adhan). When Adhan is heard, music shall be turned off in all public places and bars, and Muslims shall be allowed to perform their prayer duty.

Ramadan – Muslims must also fast during the Holy Month of Ramadan (no water or food during daylight). Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims and is therefore regarded as one of the most sacred months of the year. Muslims believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Quran. If you work in our Business Bay office, the working hours are reduced by 2 hours; for DIFC-sponsored team members, this only applies to fasting Muslims.It is illegal for all adults (not just Muslims) to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight. Most restaurants are closed all day until Iftar; others are open for take-out or delivery, while some remain open discreetly behind curtains/screens. Be particularly cautious when driving during Ramadan, as drivers may be incautious even by Dubai standards

Islamic Holidays - There are quite important dates in the Islamic calendar. Lunar sightings determine Islamic holidays. Therefore, exact dates are difficult to predict. There is a difference between the duration of holidays in the public and private sectors, and it is traditionally announced through local newspapers and radio. The dates shown below are public holidays.

New Year's Day - 1 day

Islamic New Year - 1 day

Eid Al-Fitr - 2 days

Eid Al-Adha - 3 days

Prophet's birthday - 1 day

Al Isra and Al Miraj - 1 day

Martyrs' Day - 1 day National Day - 1 day

The stress of Dubai

Everybody finds Dubai stressful sooner or later. It is utterly different in many ways from living in the UK or elsewhere, and the potential stresses should not be underestimated. The stresses can apply particularly to spouses who are not working since they may find themselves dealing with Dubai’s bureaucracy, coping with absence from family and friends and potential loneliness at home: they do not have the familiarity and comfort that working colleagues provide. The sooner a non-working spouse can begin making friends and contacts, the better. For those with children, this may come naturally via the school gate, which can help.

The first summer can prove particularly stressful, as going outside for anything beyond brief periods is unpleasant – one is confined inside for much of the time. Electricity costs also tend to rise hugely over the period, from air-conditioning costs.

The cost of living in Dubai should not be underestimated either. Dubai is not cheap, tax-free salaries notwithstanding. It is easy to let costs run out of control, and credit card interest rates can be eye-watering by UK standards.

Many find driving stressful in Dubai – many drivers are incautious, not to say reckless (driving while texting is common in Dubai, although illegal). It can take a while to adapt to the local driving style. A word of caution about alcohol and driving – this is completely unacceptable, and even the lowest level can result in a conviction. It is safest not to mix the two at all.