Work in the UAE
We select the best doctors, medics and nurses from around the world
Working in the UAE
The UAE is a friendly and fascinating place, with a rich culture and a bright future. The government has an inspiring vision for its healthcare system to become amongst the best in the world and is investing heavily in the medical sector particularly medical research and cutting edge technology. This is very evident in the hospitals and clinics where standards are extremely high, with English-speaking and internationally trained medical staff. Overseas professionals are made to feel very welcome and rewarded with a lavish lifestyle. They contribute highly to the add on value and to the high-quality service reputation of the medical system.
Why choose the UAE?
As well as having a highly significant role to play in this innovative country, there are many reasons why medics choose to move to the UAE. Chief among them are lucrative financial benefits that may include:
Living in the UAE
The UAE offers a fantastic lifestyle to all demographics. The year-long sunshine, crystal clear waters and a wide range of outdoor activities and interests, means there’s something to suit everyone’s taste, whether you like extreme sports, sailing or just hanging out on the beautiful beaches. The UAE is also home to spectacular theme parks, luxury hotels, global sporting events and world famous artists in concerts. The UAE is a “culinary capital” for food lovers, the influence of a multicultural and international workforce has left an indelible mark on the wide choice of food. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are amongst the most liberal states in the Middle East and provide a society where security is high and crime rates low. The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken and whilst Islam is the main religion, the UAE is very tolerant of the practice of other faiths.
The Medical System
Since the formation of the UAE healthcare system it has always been a top priority for the government with respect to infrastructure and the service provided to patients. Everyone living in the UAE is covered with universal medical access and the healthcare system of the UAE is comprehensive and continues to be well funded and resourced. The latest technological advances are available along with state-of-the-art equipment. The system comprises large hospitals, specialist facilities and a network of clinics with a large number of expat staff and expat jobs available. The medical and hospital facilities are expanding at a fast pace with substantial financial investment in the latest equipment and world-class facilities such as the modern and stunningly designed Cleveland Clinic. There is an increasing demand and focus on recruiting a wide range of specialist roles.
Accommodation
The UAE has an amazing range of modern architecture and this is certainly true of the housing and accommodation options. Choices range from modern apartments with huge windows and light-filled rooms, to villas in the suburbs in leafy compounds. Facilities usually include access to a swimming pool and gym. Generally speaking, while Abu Dhabi is slightly smaller, cultural, and more family-orientated, Dubai is vibrant larger-than-life and buzzing with nightlife options. Both cities offer an equally high standard of accommodation and a similar number of entertainment venues, dining-out options and excellent international schools.
Tax free – Income
As well as the incredible weather and laid-back lifestyle, the financial benefits of living in the UAE can be extraordinary. Not only is there no income tax, national insurance or pension contributions but the standard of living is very high and generally less costly than other developed countries. This enables many expats to make significant cost savings while maintaining a lavish lifestyle. Overwhelmingly many who work in the Emirates within the healthcare sector have the experience of a lifetime and return home financially secure. Any other taxes in the UAE are also very low, such as VAT which is currently set at just 5%. This enables many expats to save significant amounts of money while living here. Many who work in the Emirates have the experience of a lifetime and return home financially secure.
Relocation Packages
Highly skilled overseas healthcare staff who choose to come to the UAE are supported very well practically and are offered lucrative relocation packages. On top of your base pay and private health cover, packages may include accommodation, subsidized private schooling for your children, travel or utility allowances and a bonus scheme on completion of contract. Packages vary greatly, and the level of package you are offered very much depends on your employer and the skills and qualifications that you bring to the role.
Working Arrangements
The average working week for overseas medical staff in the UAE is set by the Ministry of Health to between 40-48 hours per week. You can also expect a generous annual leave allowance. Expats can expect a good work/life balance, and the expat population is very welcoming to newcomers. In the month of Ramadan, the working day is shorter as hours are reduced to help Muslims to fast during daylight hours. Friday is the Muslim day of rest and therefore the weekend is on Friday and Saturday.
A Typical Working Day
Hospitals and clinics are patient, service-led. Flexible and out of hours opening times are used to facilitate a choice of a flexible appointment time. There is a high ratio between the staff per patient. There is generally a very generous staff-to-patient ratio and medical staff work shifts and share the responsibility for the on-call roster. Any overtime is dependent on your role and place of work, and any additional payments will be outlined as part of your total package within your employment-contract.
Medical Establishments
Healthcare in the UAE is known to be among some of the finest in the world. In fact, it’s estimated there are 181 doctors per 100,000 residents. As a guide, In the Emirate of Abu Dhabi alone there are 944 medical centers, 60 hospitals and 700 clinics, and the government further plans to add more state-of-the-art facilities and advanced specialist medical centres in the next phase of development.
Working Culture
The working culture in the UAE is based on team work, collaboration and colleague support. With set working hours and a generous staff-to-patient ratio, patients can get high quality care and attention while you are more likely to enjoy a good work/life balance.
Qualification Requirements
The Emirates have very strict policies for the minimum qualifications required for healthcare workers, which differ per profession, but generally include an academic degree and a number of years of experience. Please contact us to find out about the specific requirements for your role. To work in the UAE you will need to have all your qualification certificates attested and translated into Arabic.
Recruitment Process
Having diligently identified the suitable candidate and undertaken the vigorous screening process, we shortlist the candidates for interview. If succesful, we take care of the entire placement process, from negotiating the offer to arranging for relocation, licensing and visas. Once a candidate is confirmed, our team focuses on the relevant but strict vetting and background checks carried out by the UAE health authorities. However, it will take approximately 6-8 weeks to complete your application and confirm your visa before you can start. Discover Medics will support and guide you through the recruitment process, right up until your first day at work.
Licencing Process
The Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) is a standardized licensing document developed by the UAE health authorities – The Ministry of Health and Prevention, Department of Health Abu Dhabi and Dubai Health Authority – to set out the necessary minimum requirements for licensing of healthcare professionals who want to practice in the UAE, in accordance with the federal laws and international best practices and standards.
Discover Medics uses the services of an UAE-based licensing specialist, who could assist with your application and expedite the process. There is an additional fee for this service.
Visa Application
To apply for a UAE working visa, most overseas nationals first need an entry permit, also called a pink card. This will be sponsored by your employer prior to arrival in UAE. Once in the UAE, you can apply for the residence visa and work permit. Most companies will complete all visa requirements for you, including covering your fees. In many cases, companies will sponsor the visas of an employee’s immediate family as well.