what do you know about UAE?

scattycarrot, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2007

Hi,

If you do a search for Dubai and/or the UAE, there are actually quite a few posts about this subject that should help you!

blabber, RN · Jul 2, 2007

hey guys.
working as a nurse in the UAE, specifically in ras al-kaimah, is one of my options right now. can anyone who has ever worked there tell me what the working conditions are like? or the culture? i am a roman catholic, by the way, so does this raise an issue with the UAE being a Muslim country? please help. or even if you haven't worked there, what do you know about the country?
thank you so much.

Hello 13th stranger! I'm also in the middle east but in KSA. UAE is far more better than where I am right now in terms of freedom because UAE is an open country. I have a friend who works in Sheikh Khalifa in Abu dhabi. She loves it there! The starting salary is a little bit higher than what we were offered here 4 yrs ago but that's about it. I'm not sure if they get a yearly increase in their salary. The benefits is also not the same as where I am working right now but as I've said, she enjoys being there because it's like living in the Philippines. You'll still be able to attend church services because there's a church and you are free to do whatever you want.

Just a little advice, before you go and sign with the recruitment agency, make sure that they are POEA accredited. Know the salary, benefits, vacation (the most important of course) days, accomodations and so on and so forth.

good luck to you and just pray!

13th stranger · Jul 3, 2007

Hello 13th stranger! I'm also in the middle east but in KSA. UAE is far more better than where I am right now in terms of freedom because UAE is an open country. I have a friend who works in Sheikh Khalifa in Abu dhabi. She loves it there! The starting salary is a little bit higher than what we were offered here 4 yrs ago but that's about it. I'm not sure if they get a yearly increase in their salary. The benefits is also not the same as where I am working right now but as I've said, she enjoys being there because it's like living in the Philippines. You'll still be able to attend church services because there's a church and you are free to do whatever you want.
Just a little advice, before you go and sign with the recruitment agency, make sure that they are POEA accredited. Know the salary, benefits, vacation (the most important of course) days, accomodations and so on and so forth.
good luck to you and just pray!

thank you so much! will definitely do that. i hope this works out.

by the way, the UAE is made up of 7 emirates, right? so, would it be correct to assume that more or less the 7 of them hold the same culture and policies?

what exactly is an "open country?":mad:

blabber, RN · Jul 3, 2007

thank you so much! will definitely do that. i hope this works out.
by the way, the UAE is made up of 7 emirates, right? so, would it be correct to assume that more or less the 7 of them hold the same culture and policies?
what exactly is an "open country?":mad:

Hello again! I'm not so positively sure about how many "emirates" are there in UAE but Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the most famous cities. Dubai is the destination of most westerners and tourist alike. It's like the New York City of the Middle East. Very modern with high rise buildings and lots and lots of shopping malls! If you want to know more about the country, google them or check out this site: www.uaeinteract.com

Open country is a term used basically to describe that a certain country is not limited to any religion, culture or beliefs (this is just my way of explaining it :uhoh3: ).

Hope I was able to answer your question.

tanita · Jul 5, 2007

Hello,

I'm looking forward to working in Dubai while waiting to go to the US.I've read threads about UAE and didn't find what the patient-nurse ratio there.And also salaries vary. I understand that for US and and UK nurses it's much higher.But for others salaries are from 800$-2500? Can anyone tell me what salary they have and how much housing and transportation allowance costs?

Thank you.

blabber, RN · Jul 5, 2007

Hello,
I'm looking forward to working in Dubai while waiting to go to the US.I've read threads about UAE and didn't find what the patient-nurse ratio there.And also salaries vary. I understand that for US and and UK nurses it's much higher.But for others salaries are from 800$-2500? Can anyone tell me what salary they have and how much housing and transportation allowance costs?
Thank you.

The salaries in the middle east (not only UAE) really vary from nationality to nationality. Americans receive $ while British, Irish, South Africans and others European nationalities receive Sterling pounds/Euros. Asians are payed much lesser of course but the workload is the same so do not expect same salaries. Housing, transportation allowances also depends on the hospital/company that you'll be working. As I've mentioned in my previous post, before signing any contract, make sure you have all the info regarding salary, housing, travel expenses and vacation leaves. Regarding nurse patient ratio, it also depends on the unit that you'll be working. ICU's are usually 1:1 but could sometimes be 1:2 depending on the cases of the patient. In the regular units/wards, 1:3-4. Well, hope I've helped in a way. Good luck!

mpoova · Jul 5, 2007

hey guys.
working as a nurse in the UAE, specifically in ras al-kaimah, is one of my options right now. can anyone who has ever worked there tell me what the working conditions are like? or the culture? i am a roman catholic, by the way, so does this raise an issue with the UAE being a Muslim country? please help. or even if you haven't worked there, what do you know about the country?
thank you so much.

stranger,

:welcome:

I have been a couple of times at Dubai, I must say comparing to other middle east countrys UAE esp. Dubai is better. Though Islamic culture, UAE rulers and people are tolerant and accept all people.

I have been to mass at St Mary's RC Church Dubai many a time where one feels at home.. I see christinas are equaly accepted there. You can see the church website http://saintmarysdubai.com/

I have some freinds there who says savings are less. Here in Kuwait, there is less entertainment opportunities and we save more. Rent, electricity charges, taxes etc. are more at UAE. Check the contract where, you get free food and accomodation is best which saves you a lot of amount. There are lot of beaches, festivals, shopping and fun.

Having said these, you must not expect the same freedom in gulf countires. Working condition is tight and rules are flexible.

Most of the FT nurses here as transit to europe or USA.

Best of luck!

tanita · Jul 5, 2007

BLABBER, thank you a lot

Good Luck!!!

precy · Jul 5, 2007

Anybody can also tell about the safety in these Arab countries? I've got two female friends who experienced sexual harassment there,one was touched in the butt and the other was nearly raped. Also a male friend was stalked by a group of men there.

jayann · Jul 5, 2007

Hi. So far there is no bad experience for me here on harassment. UAE consists of 7 Emirates (Fujairah, Sharjah,Ras Al Khaimah,Umm Al Quain, Dubai (the commercial area), Abu Dhabi (the capital city) and Al Ain. Ras Al Khaimah takes around 5 hours in going to Abu Dhabi. RAK is laid back compared to Abu Dhabi, according to my doctor who stays there.

Abu Dhabi, has a catholic church alongside the mosque and orthodox church. Practicing your religion is never a problem here. UAE has variety of Nationalities living here. The only thing here is the commodities are getting higher and the housing is getting more expensive (although they will give you an allowance for that if you want to live out from the accommodation).

There are disco houses , cinemas, pork, church, you name it. It is just like back home (Phils) and the thing is i just feel safer here. UAE had opened a lot of opportunities for me - within my two years of stay here, i was able to take exams for prerequisite in moving to USA. Hopefully when retrogression will be over (please Lord!) I'd be moving out.

Please read your contract before signing..PM me if you like.

jay-ann

tanita · Jul 16, 2007

Hello,

Can anyone tell me how long does it take from the signing the contract with UAE hospital and starting working there? I heard 3-6 months.Is it correct?

Thank you.