Work permit
In order to work legally in Dubai (United Arab Emirates), foreign nationals need a work visa and a corresponding work permit. This process is usually initiated by the employer and involves several steps. These include a health check, a medical examination at a government-approved health center is required to ensure that no infectious diseases such as HIV or tuberculosis are present. There must also be a signed employment contract containing details of the position, salary and working conditions.
It should also be noted that the work visa is tied to the employer. A change of employer requires the application for a new visa. There are different types of work visas, including temporary, part-time and project visas. The choice depends on the type of employment. After termination of the employment relationship, the employee usually has a period of 30 days to leave the country or apply for a new visa.
Labor law
Labor law in Dubai (or in the United Arab Emirates, UAE) is regulated by a federal law: the UAE Labor Law, currently in the version Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021, which came into force on February 2, 2022. This law applies to the private sector outside the so-called Free Zones, in some of which separate labor law regulations apply.
Basics of labor law in Dubai (UAE).
There are, for example, fixed-term and open-ended employment contracts. Contracts must be in Arabic (an English version is often also available). Regular working hours are a maximum of 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week. Overtime is paid at a premium rate of 25-50% (at night: 50%). 30 calendar days paid annual leave after one year of service. The so-called free zones (e.g. DIFC, DMCC, JAFZA)often have their own labor law regulations, e.g. in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
The Emirates
The United Emirates is made up of seven emirates. In addition to the capital Abu Dhabi, the economic center Dubai, these are Sharjah, Fujairah,Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Umm Al Quain. There are 10.7 million people living in the Emirates, 90% of whom are foreigners. The largest group of foreigners are Indians and Pakistanis.
Dubai has a special strategic position. Dubai is located on a major trade route connecting Europe, Asia and Africa and has developed into a central hub for international trade and logistics.
In the 1990s, Dubai's economy was heavily dependent on oil. Today, oil and gas account for less than 1% of GDP as the city has successfully diversified its economy.
Dubai has specialized in tourism, real estate, trade, technology and logistics. Major projects such as the Jebel Ali Port (one of the largest artificial harbors) and the free trade zones have made the location attractive to foreign investors.
Dubai is known worldwide for its luxury, modern architecture (e.g. Burj Khalifa) and attractions such as the artificial islands.
Dubai is one of the region's financial centers, is investing heavily in future technologies such as AI and is also known for its ongoing real estate boom.
Financial/ trading center
With the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai is a leading financial center in the Middle East. Dubai offers a platform for international banks, investment companies and corporations.
Dubai is a global pioneer in the field of Islamic banking and Sharia-compliant financial products. Its attractive tax policy and tax exemption for companies and individuals makes Dubai attractive to investors and talent worldwide.
Dubai is a global venue for major conferences and trade fairs. These include
- Gitex Global -One of the leading technology trade fairs for AI, blockchain and cloud computing.
- Arab Health - One of the largest health fairs in the world.
- World Government Summit - A platform for global government leaders and experts.
- The Dubai Airshow - presentation of the latest developments in aviation.
- Expo 2020 (2021) - A milestone in Dubai's history, promoting innovation and international collaboration.
Inheritance law and Sharia law
Dubai's legal system is based on a dual foundation: codified civil law on the one hand and the principles of Sharīʿah (Islamic law) on the other. In recent years, extensive modernizations have been made - particularly in the area of personal statutes (family and personal law) and in the decriminalization of certain types of behavior. Nevertheless, Sharia law retains a central role, particularly in family law, in morally motivated criminal offenses and in the general ethical foundation of the judiciary.
Application in inheritance law
In the area of inheritance law, Islamic law continues to apply without restriction to Muslim testators. The classic Sharia regulations apply, according to which the inheritance shares in particular are determined by law (Koran) (e.g. male descendants receive double the share of female descendants). Other rules concern, for example, testamentary dispositions for those entitled to a compulsory portion.
For non-Muslims - and under certain conditions also for foreign Muslims residing in the UAE - there is the possibility of exempting themselves from Sharia inheritance law through a so-called opt-out regulation. However, this requires a will to be drawn up and either notarized or registered with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Wills and Probate Registry.
If no corresponding will has been drawn up, Islamic inheritance law is applied by default - even for non-Muslim foreigners. This can lead to considerable deviations from the inheritance regulations of the home countries.
Significance of international conflicts of succession
Caution is required, particularly in the light of private international law (IPR) - for example in accordance with the EU Succession Regulation (Art. 21 EU Succession Regulation).
Particularly in the case of real estate ownership, company shares or cross-border family relationships in Dubai, clear and legally secure estate planning is essential.
Artificial intelligence (AI)
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has set itself the goal of generating around 40% of its gross domestic product through AI by 2031. A 100 billion US dollar sovereign wealth fund has been set up to finance AI initiatives and attract international talent.
A central element of the strategy is the "Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence" (DCAI), which supports government authorities in the implementation of AI technologies.
The "Dubai AI Campus" in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) serves as an innovation center for AI companies. Over 120 companies have already set up shop there. By 2028, there should be more than 500 companies, creating over 3,000 jobs and attracting investments of USD 300 million.
From the 2025/26 school year, AI will be introduced as a compulsory subject in all state schools in the United Arab Emirates, starting in kindergarten through to year 12.
The "One Million Prompters" initiative is an ambitious educational program launched by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI). The aim is to train one million people worldwide in the fields of AI prompt engineering and generative AI within three years.
Quality of life
The high standard of living in Dubai is reflected in the excellent infrastructure, first-class healthcare and safe environment. This attracts many expats, who make up almost 90% of the population.
People from over 200 nations live and work in Dubai, making the city culturally diverse and giving it a cosmopolitan flair. Luxury shopping, first-class restaurants, desert safaris and water sports are among the many leisure activities on offer.
Wealthy people move to cities and countries that offer quality of life, security and business opportunities. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) attracted almost 7,000 millionaires in 2024, putting it ahead of the United States, Singapore and Canada in the global ranking.
Partner & Network
A strong partner network is a critical success factor when relocating business operations to Dubai. Not only does it provide access to local knowledge and key resources, but also support in navigating the complex legal and cultural requirements. Investing in building and maintaining a network can save time, money and resources in the long run while significantly increasing the chances of success.
Dubai offers special opportunities and possibilities. It is important to get involved with Dubai and its culture, its traditions and its special success model and to understand its particularities. It is essential to have the right contacts. This sometimes requires years of personal contact in order to develop a basis of trust.
In order to ensure that the step or transition into this market is as smooth as possible for you, we are happy to provide you with our partners who have built up precisely this network for a wide variety of areas.
Below we present the most important aspects of networking
Local knowledge and expertise
Dubai has a complex regulatory environment, including different requirements for free zones and mainland companies. A local partner network can provide valuable insight into the legal, cultural and business specifics to ensure compliance and avoid potential pitfalls.
- Regulatory support: Partners can help with company registration, licensing and regulatory compliance.
- Market entry: A network of local consultants, lawyers and tax experts makes market entry much easier
Access to customers and business opportunities
An established network in Dubai opens doors to potential customers, investors and partners. This is particularly important in a highly competitive market like Dubai, where relationships are often the key to success.
- Business connections: Local partners can help to establish the right contacts, be it with suppliers, customers or other stakeholders.
- Networking events: Many partners have access to key industry events and can help you establish yourself in the Dubai business community.
More efficient business processing
A strong partner network helps to speed up business processes and make them more efficient by providing access to local resources and services.
- Minimize bureaucracy: Local partners know how to deal with authorities and which documents are required, which significantly reduces the administrative burden.
- Logistical support: Partners with local connections can help with logistics, recruitment and the search for suitable offices or production facilities.
Cultural understanding
In Dubai, understanding the local culture, including business etiquette and traditions, plays an important role. Local partners can help overcome cultural barriers and build long-term relationships.
- Building trust: Relationships are often based on trust and personal contact. A local partner can act as a bridge to build trust with business partners.
- Negotiations: Partners with cultural understanding can help in negotiations, avoid misunderstandings and ensure that your offers are well received.
Risk reduction
A partner network can reduce risk by informing you of potential challenges and proactively offering solutions.
- Market risks: Partners can help to better assess market risks such as competitive pressure or economic fluctuations.
- Compliance: Working with trustworthy partners ensures that you always act in compliance with the law.
Project 2024
The long-term development plan "Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan" aims to make Dubai one of the most sustainable and liveable cities in the world.
The following priorities are pursued:
- Expansion of green spaces by 60%.
- New residential and leisure areas.
- Promotion of renewable energies and sustainable construction methods.
- Expansion of autonomous means of transportation.
As part of the project, the population and GDP are to be doubled. Education and healthcare infrastructure are to grow by a quarter.
Furthermore, there is massive economic promotion for the development of innovation centers and technology zones and, in particular, investments in future technologies. These are above all
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Dubai was one of the first cities to have an AI minister and is investing heavily in AI solutions.
- Blockchain - The aim is to create the world's first blockchain-based government.
- Renewable energies. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is a prime example of Dubai's commitment to green energy.
- Autonomous mobility. By 2030, 25% of means of transportation are to be operated autonomously.
Projects such as the Mars colonization (Vision 2117) and the Emirates Mars Mission ("Hope Probe") underline Dubai's ambitions in space travel.
