Manama: Dubai has launched a new program allowing overseas remote working professionals to live in the emirate while continuing to serve their companies whose headquarters are outside the country.
The new initiative, “virtual work program”, aims to encourage foreign professionals who work remotely across the globe to relocate to Dubai on an annual basis.
Remote workers and their families can take advantage of all services in Dubai, including digital connectivity, global networking opportunities, utilities, and schooling. They will also benefit from the tax-free salaries afforded to UAE residents.
Officials said the scheme is in line with a rapidly-developing digital drive in the workplace, prompted by the onset of Covid-19.
The programme costs USD 287 (around RS. 21097) plus medical insurance with valid UAE coverage and processing fee per person.
Dubai, and the UAE, have been recognised for setting a global model for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Dubai is the first major global destination to fully open up its meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector internationally, providing opportunities for networking events and face-to-face engagement, which are vital factors in accelerating the revival of key sectors.
The emirate, which opened itself to international tourists on 7 July, has implemented vigorous safety and hygiene protocols that enabled the reopening of most sectors across the city, including hotels, restaurants, attractions, water and theme parks, beaches, shopping malls, educational institutions.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) awarded Dubai the Safe Travels Stamp as token of its efforts to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and COVID-19 precautionary measures. The emirate recently introduced the ‘Dubai Assured’ stamp to certify that establishments have implemented all public health protocols for the prevention and management of COVID-19.
Dubai is exceptionally positioned to offer a safe, dynamic lifestyle opportunity to digitally savvy workers and their families while they continue to work remotely, whether it is for a couple of months or an entire year, said Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.
Sami Al Qazmi, director general of Dubai’s Department of Economic Development, noted that with its advanced infrastructure, global connectivity and pro-business ecosystem, the virtual working programme gives Dubai a significant opportunity to enhance business practices and maximise growth.
To obtain approval for virtual work programme, the following documents needs to be furnished: Passport with minimum 6 months validity, Health insurance valid in the United Arab Emirates, proof of employment from current employer with a one-year contract validity, a minimum of $5,000 per month salary, last month’s pay slip and a bank account statement for the last three months.
If the applicant is a company owner: proof of ownership of the company for one year or more, with an average monthly income of $5,000 per month, and last three months’ bank statements.
Applications can be submitted via the website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/sc7/travel-planning/travel-tools/work-remotely-in-dubai
