INFRASTRUCTURE
Dubai has excellent infrastructure in terms of roads and availability of automobiles. It also has world class telecommunication facilities which are provided through Etisalat, a State-owned company. Telephone usage within Dubai is free of charge. It has excellent water and electricity facilities. Dubai, in spite of offering the best of entertainment and leisure facilities, has a strict and well-monitored law and order.

COMMUNICATIONS
Railroads None. Roads 4,750 Kms. Major ports 2 (Jebel Ali and Rashid) Major airfields- 1

WORK ATMOSPHERE
Overall, professional with people of British, American and Indian origin at the top executive level. Naturally the larger MNC's have a more organized working atmosphere. Irksome as it may seem, given the same or lesser levels of expertise it is said professionals of white western origin are paid more for the same job than Asians . In recent times natives of the Emirates have successfully adapted to modern education and are doing very well. A large part of the population seems to be from India/Pakistan/Bangladesh.

Working in Dubai --some useful tips
Since it is a compact country distances are not a problem. Working hours vary quite dramatically within the Emirate, based on straight-shift and split-shift timings. Split-shift allows for an afternoon siesta and timings are generally 08:00 - 13:00 and 16:00 - 19:00. Straight-shift timings vary from government organizations 07:00 - 14:00, to private companies observing 09:00 - 18:00. Some companies work the traditional 5 day week with a Thursday afternoon/Friday weekend, although more private companies are adopting a five day week, with a Friday/Saturday weekend. Public holidays are set by the government and religious holidays are generally governed by the moon.

During Ramadan most organizations reduce their working hours, with the public sector working a six hour day.

Taxation
The UAE levies no personal income taxes or withholding taxes of any sort. The only noticeable taxes you are obliged to pay as an expatriate are; in hotel food and beverage outlets, which constitute 10% municipality tax and 15-16% service tax; 5% municipality tax of rental accommodation and 30% tax on alcohol.

Banks
Dubai has many large banks. (international) with all the standard facilities.. There are plenty of ATM machines around Dubai, location details can be obtained from the bank - most cards are compatible with other Dubai based banks - some also offer global access links.

To open a bank account in Dubai you need to have a residence visa, or to have your residency application underway. You will need to present the banking advisor with copies of your passport - personal details and visa, original passport, and a NOC from your sponsor. Most banks set a minimum account limit - usually around Dhs.2,000 for a deposit account and Dhs.5,000 for a current account.

Opening hours
Sat-Wed 8am-1pm, Thurs 08:00-12:00. Some banks such as Mashreq and Standard Chartered also open in the evenings from 16:30-18:30.

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