It makes sense that ambitious men and women wishing to progress in their professions are drawn to Abu Dhabi, given its advantageous location and safe, tax-free environment. You might be wondering what it’s like to be a working woman in Abu Dhabi if you’re a woman hoping to launch a business or accept a job offer there.
We’ll discuss some of the special advantages Abu Dhabi has to offer as well as what it’s like for women to work there now. We’ll also encourage you to use job search sites like Layboard, which offers a huge list of job openings for women.
What’s it like to live and work in Abu Dhabi as a woman?
You’re going to discover more about the lives of women who work in Abu Dhabi’s public and private sectors as well as those of female entrepreneurs and business heads. Learn more about childcare, gender equality, safety, and job options for working women in Abu Dhabi by continuing to read.
Safety
The safe atmosphere of Abu Dhabi is one of the things that attracts women to work there. According to a recent ranking, Abu Dhabi is among the world’s safest countries and Sharjah ranking in the top ten cities with the lowest rates of crime. Abu Dhabi is a fantastic option for ladies looking to live and work in a family-friendly and safe environment.
Abu Dhabi is a simple place for women to travel, whether on private and public transportation. The majority of Abu Dhabi’s public transportation options, including the RTA public buses, Abu Dhabi Metro, and Abu Dhabi Tram, have designated seating areas or compartments exclusively for women. Additionally, women operate “pink” cabs, which provides working women in Abu Dhabi with more comfort and convenience.
Gender Equality in the Workplace
A statute guaranteeing that men and women who fulfill comparable work in Abu Dhabi and other emirates was adopted by the UAE Cabinet in 2018. This illustrates how gender equality and women’s empowerment are valued in the workplace.
Even if there are certain cultural distinctions, female expats’ daily lives in Abu Dhabi are mostly the same as those in any other metropolis. For instance, women with current driver’s license GCC nationals, freehold property ownership is restricted to specific locations.
If you match the qualifications, you as a female worker in Abu Dhabi can sponsor your spouse or children’s residence visa. Don’t waste your time, start your job search using https://layboard.in/vacancies/jobs-in-uae/ and you will succeed!
Maternity Leave and Child Care
Additionally, Abu Dhabi and other Emirates’ working moms are covered under the statute. The labor legislation in the United Arab Emirates states that when a female employee has worked for a year, she is entitled to 45 days of paid maternity leave. In the UAE, female workers with less than a year of work experience will receive half the amount of days of paid maternity leave.
One further factor that makes working in Abu Dhabi easier for women is the availability and affordability of domestic help. In the UAE, one choice is to submit an application for a maid sponsorship visa. As an alternative, you might work with one of the numerous agencies to employ maids or nannies on a part-time basis.
Career Opportunities for Women
In Abu Dhabi, the female labor force is growing. The Abu Dhabi Women’s Establishment reports that women occupy 66% of jobs in government, with 30% of those positions being leadership roles. Furthermore, 75% of jobs in the health and education sectors are held by women. AED 50 billion is the total value of the initiatives undertaken by 23,000 Emirati businesswomen! Women in Abu Dhabi are likely to find employment in a range of private sector fields, including finance, real estate, healthcare, education, and more.
Rules for Working in Abu Dhabi as a Woman
When thinking about working in Abu Dhabi, there are certain rules and conventions to be aware of, some of which are gender-neutral.
First, confirm that you possess the appropriate kind of Abu Dhabi visa, which enables you to operate in the emirate. For instance, if you hold a tourist visa, you are not allowed to work in Abu Dhabi. You need a work visa, which necessitates that your employer or business sponsor you.
In Abu Dhabi, if you’re a businesswoman who is female or business owner, you may obtain a three-year investor or partner visa, but you will need to fulfill specific financial conditions.
However, in order to work in Abu Dhabi, if your spouse is sponsoring you, you will need to get a labor card from the government. In order to work in Abu Dhabi on a spouse visa, a letter of recommendation from your spouse will also be necessary.
Follow the Dress Code
Respecting local faith and customs and dressing appropriately is one of the key guidelines for foreigners living in Abu Dhabi. Although it is not mandatory for working women in Abu Dhabi to cover their hair or wear the traditional abaya, it is nonetheless advisable for them to dress modestly. Generally speaking, you should cover your shoulders and knees with your professional or business attire.
Follow the Labor Laws
Make sure you are aware of some of the UAE Labor Law’s rules for female employees. For instance, unless they work in management or technical positions, the medical profession, or other fields that do not demand manual labor, women are frequently denied the right to work at night for longer than 11 hours at a time.
As you can see, Abu Dhabi is a flourishing, safe, and energetic business center where women may achieve their aspirations and professional objectives! It is simple to feel at home in Abu Dhabi because of its diverse populace. This implies that people in Abu Dhabi speak English most of the time, but you may still establish positive working ties with locals by learning a few fundamental Arabic phrases!
How Can Women Succeed in Their Careers in Abu Dhabi?
In Abu Dhabi, women may achieve professional success in a variety of ways. Joining a group or business that provides leadership or mentorship programs especially for women is one approach. These courses can assist women in gaining the abilities and information required to be successful in their chosen areas. Networking with other accomplished women in Abu Dhabi might also be beneficial.
Women need to be bold and self-assured in their professional aspirations if they are to succeed. It’s critical that women stay current of current developments and trends in the field. Women may demonstrate to employers that they are capable and devoted workers by assuming the initiative and demonstrating it. Anything is achievable with effort and commitment, including achieving professional success in Abu Dhabi!
Frequently Asked Questions
The responses to a few of the most popular queries regarding what it’s like to be a woman in Abu Dhabi may be found here!
Is it safe for women to work in Abu Dhabi?
2020 saw Abu Dhabi placed in the top 15 most livable cities by the Knight Frank City Wellbeing Index and among the top 10 safest cities in the world by Numbeo. Low crime rates, which have also been gradually dropping for many years, are advantageous to the city. This emphasizes Abu Dhabi’s allure as a secure and safe workplace for people of both genders.
Can a woman without a job work in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, as long as she has the proper visa, an unmarried single woman residing in Abu Dhabi is able to work.
In Abu Dhabi, should women cover up?
No, you are not required to cover your hair or wear the traditional abaya when you are a Abu Dhabi -based lady.