subject: Top Tips To Negotiating Your Contract In Abu Dhabi [print this page] Negotiating an expat contract in the UAE is an art that can levy the luxurious lifestyle you expect as an expat, or one that can make for a frustrating experience that leaves you down and out in unfamiliar territory.
Employment contracts in Abu Dhabi cover the basic terms and conditions mandated by the UAE Labour Law, regardless of your particular profession. Having the effective negotiating skill to make sure you receive the expat perks youre entitled to can make or break your experience working in Abu Dhabi.
In a nutshell, expats moving to the Emirate should demand the following contract features:
Accommodation
Annual Leave
Air Ticket
Personal Life and Accident Insurance
Medical Treatment
Sick Leave
The expat that is well prepared and conducts in-depth research about the ins and outs of living expenses in the UAE can often negotiate the following:
Relocation Assistance
Educational Assistance
Duty Meals
Transportation
Laundry
Telephone Allowance
Accommodation
Accommodation in Abu Dhabi is incredibly expensive, even when compared with other cosmopolitan centres across the globe. Rental prices have descended slightly since the recession rocked the Emirate in 2008, but this is still an important factor to have a handle on when negotiating your expat package.
Some companies provide their expat employees with staff accommodation, and others grant a housing allowance. Expats that come to fulfil top management positions are even provided free furnished flats or lavish villas.
The monthly water and electricity bill is oftentimes paid by the company for company provided accommodation. The need for air conditioning is paramount in summer, thus dont underestimate the value of including this expense in your package.
It is important to consult expat forums, bulletin boards and information dense sites like Expat Arrivals.com to find out if whats being offered aligns with the standard of accommodation you expect. Be prepared to confront your employer with hard facts and figures to square away this portion of your contract.
Annual Leave
Employees in the UAE are entitled to a whopping 30 days of leave, or 2.5 vacation days per month. Public holidays are not working days, and in industries where staff are required to work, employees are compensated through overtime or with another off day.
Expats enticed by this point specifically should refrain from leaving on a jet plane so soon, the work week in Abu Dhabi is 6 days.
These details should be stipulated in your contract, but be sure to double check all is accounted for.
Personal Life / Accident Insurance / Medical Treatment
Expat health insurance is an employee benefit that all employers must provide by law to workers and their families. Insurances can have different co-pays and premiums, so do make sure that the provider your employer has selected is comprehensive and suits your needs.
Be sure to discuss emergencies and evacuation procedures in the case when repatriation is necessary to receive appropriate care.
