Every month, my team here at Doctors in Dubai speak to hundreds of Doctors (and other healthcare professionals) who are looking for a medical job in the UAE. For many, this will be the first job in the UAE that they’ve ever had, so they have lots of questions about relocating.
There are certain “myths” about working as a Doctor in the UAE that we hear all the time; so I thought it would be worth taking a few minutes to do some “myth busting” and help you to separate the fact from the fiction!
I won’t be able to drink alcohol
False. You will be permitted to buy and consume alcohol in licensed venues across Dubai. If you want to consume alcohol at home, you will need a liquor license (available from liquor stores) and you will also need the license to transport the alcohol home.
The roads in Dubai are very busy
True. Rush hours are especially busy as most people own or rent cars. Petrol is cheap in Dubai and because many “expats” move on after staying here for a bit it is often possible to get “almost new” cars relatively cheaply. If you don’t wish to drive you can pick up taxis from almost anywhere and there is also a fully automated metro rail system and bus services.
It’s very hot
True. If you start working as a Doctor in Dubai then the majority of the time you are here you’ll be greeted with blue skies and high temperatures. However Dubai is very well equipped with air condition in every corner including bus stands! During the winter there are very occasional sandstorms, though these are infrequent. Rainfall is also infrequent although lately, more than any of the years I have been here! Most of the time you’ll be able to enjoy the glorious sunshine and top up your tan!
My income will be tax-free
True. This is one of the biggest perks of working in Dubai – everything you earn is yours. Whether you’re employed or running your own clinic, you will pay zero tax on your income!
I hope that this information will be of use to you if you are thinking about taking your first healthcare job in the UAE. I will post some more “myth busting” questions again next month! In the meantime, if you want to take the first steps towards working in the UAE you can email us on licensing@doctorsindubai.ae.
Kaneez Nabijee
CEO
Doctors in Dubai