Living and working in the Middle East
The Middle East is experiencing phenomenal growth with commercial and financial centres building up across Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Although opportunities exist throughout the region, the UAE is of particular interest to aspiring lawyers, Abu Dhabi being the federal capital and the largest of the Emirates.
Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have become important trading posts, with Dubai enjoying a construction and real estate boom to cater for the burgeoning tourist trade. Developments have included the Palm Islands, just off the coast where the world’s two largest man-made islands have been created, supporting luxury hotels, exclusive residential villas, apartments, marinas, water theme parks, restaurants, and shopping malls.
The legal market
There are a large number of global law firms with offices throughout the Middle East, many having been on the ground since the 1980s. The UAE has the greatest concentration of law firms and regional HQs for multinationals. A number of those international law firms not in the Middle East, or within the Middle East but not in Dubai, are actively considering opening up there within the next year or so. A number of the UK law firms such as Clyde & Co, Trowers & Hamlins and Denton Wilde Sapte have a developed law firm network within the region and are expanding across all their offices, as are many of the US firms such as Vinson & Elkins and Baker & McKenzie. Interest in the region has also resulted in some international law firms entering into alliances with leading Middle East law firms, such as Pinsent Masons with Galadari & Associates.
Leading regional law firms such as Al Tamimi and Afridi & Angell are constantly looking for new talent for their offices throughout the Middle East. Given increased activity, law firms are also expanding their operations in jurisdictions such as Oman and Qatar.
From an in-house perspective, the number of opportunities that exist are increasing, particularly in the oil and gas, banking, telecommunications and real estate sectors.
Why move to the UAE?
A move to the UAE will provide a combination of first-rate legal work with an excellent quality of life. On the professional side, lawyers tend to benefit from early responsibility and exposure to a range of work. Lawyers are often expected to provide both commercial as well as technical advice to clients thereby developing their skills still further.
On the personal side, the region offers plenty of opportunity to maintain a healthy work-life balance, giving you the chance to pursue interests outside of the office. Dubai in particular offers a vibrant social scene, great weather and beaches.
Ideal candidate profile
There is a growing need for UK or Common Law qualified lawyers on both the law firm and in-house side across the following disciplines:
- Banking / Finance / Islamic Finance
- Construction
- Corporate / Commercial
- Energy
- Projects
- Real Estate
Whilst lawyers are recruited at all levels of experience, those with at least two years’ post-qualification experience are the most sought after. There is also a need for lawyers with regional experience and although not a prerequisite, Arabic language skills are a bonus. Given the number of new law firms to the market, senior lawyers well connected in the region are also seriously considered.
Work
Within the law firms work is both locally and internationally sourced and tends to be more generalist in nature. The departments are smaller and members of the teams tend to become involved in whatever comes through the door. Business development and marketing is encouraged at all levels and junior lawyers enjoy more client contact than they would in London. The work tends to be of excellent quality so lawyers looking for a challenge with plenty of client exposure will not be disappointed. The clients come from a range of sectors including energy, finance and construction. In the UAE, although not always the case, the work in Abu Dhabi tends to concentrate on government related issues and oil and gas work, and Dubai, focuses on more commercial matters.
Career development / prospects
Given the smaller size of law firm teams in the Middle East, junior lawyers will enjoy far more support and supervision. Partnership prospects for associates can only improve given the number of global law firms looking to set up operations in the UAE to meet the demands of their clients. A move to the Middle East to join a top tier law firm does not mean compromising on the quality of work.
Hours
Working hours are typically from around 8 or 9am until 7pm with a couple of hours for lunch especially in the hot summer months. Working hours tend to be much more regular than those expected in cities like London, Hong Kong or Tokyo.
Pay and benefits
Making a move to the Middle East often offers an improved quality of life and low cost of living, although it is fair to say that property rental costs are getting higher. The UAE is a tax-free jurisdiction and salaries are provided as a lump sum to reflect a base element and allowances towards transportation and accommodation. Salaries tend to reflect London rates at a fixed exchange rate. Most international law firms cover relocation costs as well and a return air fare is usually offered.
Visas
Work visas are required for British and Australian nationals after a period of 30 days and need to be applied for by your employer. These are issued by The Ministry of Labour and are valid for three years, and then renewed for a further three.
Lifestyle
Within the UAE, and particularly Abu Dhabi and Dubai, there is a lively social scene to cater for the large ex-pat communities offering a wide variety of restaurants, clubs, cafes and bars to suit all tastes. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in all sports and several sporting festivals and events are held throughout the year. The health clubs tend to be the focal point for networking by ex-pats where various activities are organised. Dubai is known as "The Shopping Capital" of the Middle East and with the vast shopping malls and local souks you will find all your needs met. Multiplex cinemas show the latest releases and interesting museums and art galleries mean there is plenty to keep you entertained.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are amongst the most liberal states in the Middle East and provide a family-oriented society where security is high and crime rates low. The UAE also offers an excellent selection of international schools.
The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken and is often the formal business language and whilst Islam is the main religion, others are practised. Friday is the official holiday and then either the Thursday or Saturday is the additional weekend day, although Thursday is now becoming the norm. The climate is exceptionally hot and humid in summer (May – September) with temperatures hitting up to 40°C.
Conclusion
Moving to the Middle East is an extremely attractive option for lawyers looking to develop their careers and experience living and working in a different cultural environment.
If you are interested in exploring the opportunities available and would like to have a more detailed discussion about specific jurisdictions, law firms and companies within the region, then get in touch with our specialist consultants.
Contact us
Maria Coombe, Section Manager
t: +971 (0)4360 1619
f: +971 (0)4368 6794
e: maria.coombe@hays.com
Hays FZ LLC, PO Box 500340, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
