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Middle East

(including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE including Dubai and Abu Dhabi)

The Middle East (encompassing the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman) is flourishing and growing at an astounding rate. The UAE is a Middle Eastern federation of seven states comprising Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. GDP for the region is comparable to any wealthy Western nation; combined with a tax-free earning environment and a high standard of living, the region is especially attractive place for expatriates. The legal market has experienced a dramatic growth period since early 2004 with top-tier UK and US firms establishing offices in the region. Firms are recruiting from Commonwealth countries and Arabic language skills are not necessarily required. Generally speaking, Dubai is more cosmopolitan than the emerging areas, but growth in areas such as Abu Dhabi and Qatar present new and exciting opportunities for lawyers looking to make a mark for themselves in these up and coming locales.

Firms in the Middle East

The Middle East is well represented by a huge variety of international and local firms, including UK Magic Circle and Silver Circle firms, major US firms and large local firms. Many of these firms are well-established and quite a few of them have several offices across the region. The quality of work is on par with the UK and the US and partnership prospects are excellent all around.

Salaries and Taxes

One of the main advantages of the region is that there is no income tax. None! The top line on your pay-cheque is exactly what you will see in your bank account. Salaries vary by firm, with some firms paying salaries equivalent to those in London, other paying slightly less than London firms but including benefits that significantly raise the value of the total package, and still others that pay similar to a net salary in London but with a full benefits package – putting you in an overall better position due to the savings on all the ‘extras’. These benefits vary by firm and can include an accommodation allowance (your rent paid in full), a car allowance (you are provided with a car), utilities paid for, a furniture allowance, membership to leisure or beach clubs and sums equivalent to pension contributions and help with relocation. Not all of these are provided as standard by all firms.

Below is a sample of the average salaries (in Pounds Sterling) by the types of firm in the region:

TOP TIER UK PRACTICES

NQ	1yr	2yrs	3yrs	4yrs	5yrs
£57,000- £65,000	£59,000-£69,000	£66,000-£80,500	£75,500-£90,700	£82,700-£96,000	£91,200-£104,700

US FIRMS IN THE REGION

NQ	1yr	2yrs	3yrs	4yrs	5yrs
£75,000- £90,000	£80,000-£95,000	£88,000-£104,000	£99,000-£116,000	up to £136,000	up to £148,000

"LOCAL" FIRMS

1yr	2yrs	3yrs	4yrs
£41,000-£57,500	£57,500-£74,000	£65,750-£82,000	£82,000-£164,000

Visas

Subject to local laws, most firms will sponsor candidates and provide you with a residency visa and a labour card – which are essential to getting yourself set up (see the “Cost of Living” section below) in the area. You do not need a visa to enter the UAE, but you are required to have a working visa to be employed.

Qualification Requirements

Currently, there is no formal accreditation system in the Middle East and no qualification requirements for employment. There is no regulatory body which governs foreign registered lawyers therefore there is no mandatory requirement to be registered.

Cost of Living

While the cost of living in the Middle East is certainly less than in London, it can still be expensive, with housing costs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai the highest in the area. Securing a residency visa once you arrive is crucial, as this will allow you to open a bank account, purchase a car, organize a mobile phone contract, apply for a liquor license and secure a driving permit. But keep in mind that Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait and Saudi all have very distinct personalities and the requirements and cost of living for each city vary.