Working In Dubai

A Profile On What To Expect When Working In Dubai

The following information may be of help in deciding whether you would be interested in a quantity surveying, engineering or project management job based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Currency

The currency in Dubai is UAE Dirhams.
The lastest exchange rates and currency conversions can be obtained by clicking here

Political/ Religious Climate

Most Emiratis are Sunni Muslims who follow the Maliki or Hanbali schools of Islamic law. The UAE is probably the most liberal country in the Gulf but it is still very conservative by Western standards.

Culture and Leisure

There is a wide range of leisure time activities to keep you occupied in Dubai from legendary shopping experiences, a variety of water sports including sailing, sand skiing, camel rides and desert safaris as well as tennis, golf and other sports which can be played in breath-taking locations.

A standard range of non-alcoholic drinks is widely available; alcohol is only sold in restaurants and bars attached to three-star hotels and above.

Thursday and Friday make up the Dubai weekend. Ramadan, which takes place at a different time each year on the Western calendar, is strictly adhered to throughout the UAE. This means that eating, drinking or smoking in public from sunrise to sunset is frowned upon.

Accommodation/Transport/Education

Dubai has high quality accommodation in good supply throughout the city. Most houses/apartments have excellent recreational facilities, satellite television or in-house video and covered car parking. Some residential complexes provide a daily maid service.

Dubai has good public transport but it is no problem to transfer your driving license without a test to a UAE driver's license. Most makes of vehicle are on sale at affordable prices and the city has a vibrant second-hand market.

There is a comprehensive network of government schools providing free primary and secondary education to UAE nationals. For expatriate families, there are 85 private foreign schools offering a high standard of education to the curriculum requirements of the UK , USA and a number of other countries. English is usually the main teaching language

Maxim Recruitment can not offer any type of financial, taxation or immigration/visa advice to current or intending jobseekers, however we are aware of some organisations that are specialists in offering expatriates such advice. 

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Testimonial

“Steve from Maxim Recruitment supported me from the very beginning of my job search as a construction planner. He was thorough and patient throughout the entire process. Taking the time to understand my background, identifying suitable opportunities, coordinating interviews with employers, and guiding me through to the final job offer. Steve was always quick to respond and highly reliable, and I was matched with a suitable role within just a few days. I’ve also heard consistently positive feedback about Steve from colleagues in the industry, which speaks to his strong reputation.”

CANDIDATE TESTIMONIAL | CONSTRUCTION PLANNER | 2026

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