Migration to work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is often a great chance for many people. Many expatriates make their way to the UAE due to its non-taxable income, sociable and diverse population, and relatively new developed infrastructures. Nevertheless, the conflict between work and the family might be complicated and fruitful at the same time in this developing area. Knowing the way to approach such aspects may allow for a positive career and private experience in the UAE.
The idea of family life in UAE
Major advantages of UAE include good health care services, quality education facility for the children, and many activities that are enjoyable for everybody in the family. Camps like the ones in Dubai city, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah have quality facilities that parents can take their kids for fun activities such as parks, museums and special family fun zones. Due to high security measures and hygiene, it is safe to raise children in the country.
Diversity is a part of the UAE culture and as a result families get to experience new cultures, customs, and food. This exposure to the different countries in the world clans the children, and the children also get the privilege of transforming in a different environment. More so, the UAE community has close-knit families and many social clubs and events that will enable the families to meet and engage with other families of like mind. The first problem area that has been frequently identified is the conflict between working and obligation towards family.
It may be difficult for expatriate employees to adjust their work-life balance according to the expectations of their host company in UAE because of the nature of some fields. Due to long working hours, the projects to be completed within a short time and a competitive nature of the career, proper time management has to be observed so as to meet the family needs to the optimum. For balance between work and family it is imperative to have a schedule which makes the functioning of each department in the organization more organized.
It is also should be noted that many employers in the UAE are aware of the abilities and needs of their employees that’s why they provide, for example, flexible working hours, remote work options and etc.; There is also a great alternative in the form of favorable leave entitlements. Employers should be informed about your disabilities and these benefits should be used to the maximum.
During weekends or on public holidays time can be spent with relatives to improve relations and have fun. There are too many things to see this country with families including Burj Khalifa along with visiting Louvre Abu Dhabi as well as beach trips and desert tourism. Using services for recreation and tourism will relieve one from pressure at work, or even discover more about the country one is in.
Education for Children
Currently, there is a wide mix of schools in UAE which include international schools following British, American, IB systems and local schools that include UAE norms and Arabic language). This diversity of education opportunities guarantees that families of expatriates get the right schools depending on the standards they want in their children.
Education costs in the UAE can sometimes be a bit high, therefore, having to consider when cost of school fees is being incurred. Much of these costs are covered for by education allowances which many employers include as part of the employee package. An early search will assist in ensuring that your children get admission in the desired schools hence making the transition easy.
Healthcare and Well-being
Availability of good and quality health care is one of the benefits of being in UAE. The health system is developed and highly professionalized, and a wide array of medical services can be had in state as well as private health care facilities. All expatriates must have health insurance and although it is usually invested by their employers, they also cover dependants. So when shopping for health insurance plans to have a comprehensive plan on health insurance for your family, you will have the peace of mind.
That is the reason why emphasizing on well-being concerns goes beyond the domain of health care. Provision of ways rich in physical activities, nutritional value and involving the family in sporting activities or focusing on some shared hobbies may lead to healthy styles of life. UAE inhabitants can take advantages of numerous opportunities to be in a good physical shape: fitness centers, programs of active communal sports and outdoor facilities.
Cross Cultural Transition
Families that are resident in the UAE will therefore find it rewarding when they transition into a new culture. Despite the strong globalization orientation, it is critical to take into account local culture. Explaining the need to dress decent in public, respect local shrines, as well as obey the laws of the country makes the expatriates to be well accepted by the local community.
Kids are usually not very challenge by new environments; they easily form new friendships and even learn new languages. It helps parents that need to support their children’s adaptation to organise and attend various events in school, cultural events, and additional classes as well as programs. Another form of support, which might also be useful in establishing successful rapport, is social contacts with other such families.
Managing Money For UAE Families
There is also high importance in the management of cash, thereby making the family status stable in the UAE. On the positive note, many posts come with tax-free salaries however living expenses can sometimes be on the higher side especially if the country is located in the developed world and or large urban areas. These include; accommodation, school fares, dining and entertainment costs all of which have to be carefully planned for.
In this case, it is beneficial for expatriates to craft a financial plan that consider money-saving, money-investment, and money for unspecified uses. Many families also use the opportunity to organize holidays that add value to their everyday lives without making a lot of a significant dent on their pockets since UAE is strategically located in the Middle East with numerous surrounding international holiday destination.
Building a Support System
Most workers require support in their family life which can only be effectively provided if there is a strong support from other family members while practicing in the UAE. This might involve utilizing property relatives and buddies but will also include interacting with new people in the new place such as social and professional groups. Some of the expatriates depend on communal entertainment whereby they hang around their compatriots, or participate in social functions which include cultural/linguistic events.
maids; child care; house boys; drivers etc. are common in the UAE and a large number of families employ domestic help for performing their tasks. Garduating dependable care can help to offset some of the demands of having to fulfill family obligations while holding down a job and pursuing a career.
Final Thoughts
The management of family needs in relation to work in UAE demands balanced strategy in handling the work and family domain. The favourable policies on family, backed by strong physical facilities and various prospects makes the country a preferred nation for expatriates. Such considerations show that, people going out for outing in this culturally rich and physically growth-oriented region, with a little planning, flexibility in adoption of the new culture and the supportive network in families, they are in a right place to flourish.
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