1. 17MaY/JUNE 2015 | www.ExEcUtivEPa.cOM
t
UAE calling
ARE YOU FED UP WITH the UK weather and seeking
a new adventure in hotter climes? Have you considered relo-
cating to the United Arab Emirates? Dubai is a sizzling hot loca-
tion, buzzing with opportunities for UK PAs. It has seen a
resurgence in popularity recently and during the last seven years
many global companies have launched an UAE office, as
their Middle East hub. Career opportunities are in abundance
for talented professionals, particularly Western-educated Exec-
utive Assistants with a solid UK employment history.
So, what attracts UK PAs to relocate here? Kate Campbell,
Sun, sea, sand and skyscrapers – have you ever considered
working in the UAE? Maria Fuller explores the possibility
TRAVEL
senior recruitment consultant at AXIZ Consulting based in
Dubai says “there is a constant interest for UK candidates to
move to the UAE. Year round sun (except in July/August when
your life revolves around air conditioning), tax free earnings,
and a luxury lifestyle are a few reasons why PAs make the move.
In recent years I’ve seen more and more global firms bring their
presence to the region e.g. top tier legal firms, construction and
engineering companies, global banks, all requiring office-
based support teams and therefore generating demand for expe-
rienced and high quality EAs.”

2. 18 MaY/JUNE 2015 | www.ExEcUtivEPa.cOM
MONEY TALKS
Whilst Arabic is the official language of Dubai, English is the
primary business language, so communication will not be a hin-
drance, although English speaking PAs with Arabic can com-
mand the highest salaries. Generally, what level of experience
are employers seeking and what salaries are on offer? Kate
Campbell comments “1-10 years’ experience is required, which
varies upon the employer’s budget and the seniority of the per-
son the EA is supporting. Salaries also reflect that, starting at
10,000 AED (£1,749) pcm to 30,000 AED (£5,248) pcm, £21k-63k
per annum respectively. Benefits can include full private med-
ical cover and annual flight tickets to your home country.” David
Morel, MD of UK-based Tiger Recruitment adds “A premium
price is paid for western secretarial staff, simply because UK
PAs are amongst the best in the world based on their experi-
ence, skills and knowledge of how to provide top PA support.”
It’s a long way for an interview though! How do recruitment
companies manage the interview process and are candidates
expected to travel for the final stage? Kate Campbell explains:
“Telephone interviews are common for the initial interviews
between employers and potential candidates, for the final stages
companies request to video conference candidates or even fly
them over.” Once successful the employer will ‘sponsor’ the
employee with their employment and residency visa.
READY FOR ADVENTURE
Whilst the lure of sand, sea and skyscrapers may be appealing,
plus the smell of all that lovely tax-free lolly, the UAE does have
its downsides. The constant heat, the travel time from the UK
(approx seven hours flight time), the separation from friends
and family and of course the cost of living. You can expect to
pay £5.51 for 1kg of cheese, £12 for an average bottle of white
wine, £57 for your monthly gym membership and as for rent –
a one-bed city centre apartment could set you back in the region
of £1,2880. The prices are comparable with central London but
what you make financially, is entirely yours. Combined with the
cultural differences, the opportunity to explore neighbouring
countries and the option to join a strong expat community, it
makes for an interesting relocation choice for today’s confident,
adventurous and ambitious Executive Assistant. E
s
Sarah Deacons
Personal Assistant, Real Estate and Compliance at Abraaj Capital, Dubai, UAE
Where in UAE do you live and how long have you resided in UAE?
Dubai, for 3 years.
Where were you based in the UK before you relocated and in which sector?
I lived in Kent and worked in London for an advisory, restructuring and
investment firm.
What attracted you to move to UAE and did it meet your expectations?
My husband was offered a job and it was a great opportunity for us both to gain
international experience. It has met my expectations... and more!
What are the lifestyle perks of being in UAE?
The weather (for 9 months of the year, anyway!), the availability of things to do
from beach activities to indoor skiing, desert safari, reaching the top of the
world’s tallest building. Plus the easy access to surrounding countries in the
Middle East and Asia.
Downsides of being in UAE?
Being away from ‘home’, family and friends. It can be a very busy lifestyle. Plus
three months of extreme heat!
Do you network with other expats in the UAE?
Yes – the expat community is huge in UAE and very sociable.
Financially are you better off in the UAE?
On the whole, yes.
Do you find accommodation expensive?
Yes, accommodation is expensive and has increased since we moved here.
How often do you return to the UK to see family/friends?
At least three times a year. Fortunately the flight isn’t too long to prevent me
from making long weekend visits.
Advice to other PAs looking to work in UAE?
Definitely try it! It’s not for everyone, but the experience is great!
WE DID IT!
We moved to UAE
for work
CASE STUDIES

3. 19MaY/JUNE 2015 | www.ExEcUtivEPa.cOM
Where in UAE do you live and how long have you resided in UAE?
I have lived in Dubai since January 2015
Where were you based in the UK before you relocated and in which sector?
I was based in Leeds working as a PA to the Director of IT at the University of
Leeds.
What attracted you to moving to UAE and did it meet your expectations?
My sister living in the Middle East and a better quality of life attracted me to the
UAE and yes it has met my expectations.
What are the lifestyle perks of being in UAE?
Definitely the nice weather, being able to go to the beach at the weekend,
having a swimming pool at my apartment block and the tax-free salary package!
Downsides of being in UAE?
You do miss family/friends and the heat can get too much June-August
What differences do your recognise between UK and UAE?
Obviously the weekends are different here so you are on leave Friday and
Saturday. I do think they expect you to work a bit harder. I work longer hours
than I used to and my job is busier but we are developing the company and
growing fast.
Is there anything in your current role you didn’t used to do in UK?
I have a lot more variety. I’m involved in business development and managing
other PAs. I do sometimes run personal errands for clients but we also have a
company driver that does a lot of that for us.
How did you find your first position in the UAE?
I found this role through my sister. My current boss managed an event for my sister
and said she was looking for an Office Manager/Personal Assistant and my sister
recommended me. I had a brief telephone interview and provided 2 references.
Do you speak any languages?
Only English
Do you network with other expats in the UAE?
Yes I go to a few networking events like the IBWG (International Business
Women’s Group) and I’m a member of Leading Links which is a group of small
business owners and entrepreneurs which meet to discuss opportunities, provide
each other with referrals and general business advice/tips.
Do you find accommodation expensive?
Yes and a lot of places require a few months’ rent at least, upfront.
How often do you return to the UK to see family/friends?
Twice a year if not more.
Advice to other PAs looking to work in UAE?
Join LinkedIn, apply for as many jobs as you can in your area of expertise, network
as frequently as you’re able and visit the country and try to arrange a few
interviews whilst here. There are agencies in the UK which deal with jobs in the
UAE so also research them online.
Helen Grant
Office Manager, My PA Outsourced, Dubai UAE
Sadie Green
Executive Assistant & Research Co-ordinator at Derwent Executive, Dubai, UAE
Where in UAE do you live and how long have you resided in UAE?
I relocated to the UAE in October 2010. I currently live in Tecom, which is fairly
central and is a great location for the metro, shops and nightlife.
Where were you based in the UK before you relocated and in which sector?
I was living in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire working at Murco Petroleum as a
Marketing Accounts Assistant.
What attracted you to moving to UAE and did it meet your expectations?
My partner relocated to the UAE and after a lot of thinking I took a huge risk
and decided to follow. I moved without a job and only 30 days to find myself a
job. After several interviews, I managed to find work. After trying a couple of
different roles, I started job no. 3 in the recruitment sector and this is an industry
I absolutely love. The plan was – 1. Be tanned (benefits of living in a hot country)
2. Lose weight and 3. be saving lots of tax free cash.
Theoutcomeafter5years:Ihaveneverbeensopale!Ihaveputonweightdue
toallthechanges,homesick,comforteating,easyfastfood–Ihavebecomerather
‘chubby’andasformoney…No,Idonothavegreatsavings!Ibelievethatmost
expatslivefortheweekendandeverythingnicealwayscomeswithapricetag!
What are the lifestyle perks of being in UAE?
Living in the UAE has many perks! As much as it’s sometimes too hot to look
good, there are many nights out and always something happening. There are
ladies nights, great acts performing most weekends; beach days to unwind over
the weekend and of course there are the famous Friday brunches.
Downsides of being in UAE?
Idomissmyfamilyandfriends,IgetenviouswhenthereareeventsintheUKwhich
Iammissing.Ithasnotbeeneasyformeandprobablytakenmoretimethanothers
toadjustandgetsettled.However,thememoriesandexperienceispriceless.
Financially are you better off in the UAE?
My salary is better than what it would be in the UK. However, due to the cost of
living, it is very difficult to save and there is always something happening during
the weekend and as you work so hard out here, it is always difficult to say no.
Do you find accommodation expensive?
Yes and no… Each year rent is increased. However, I am extremely lucky to live in
an apartment where the landlord will accept 12 monthly cheques. This makes
living much easier as most of the time, the landlords want 1, 2, 3 and 4 cheques
in advance.
How often do you return to the UK to see family/friends?
I do love spending Christmas at home! Christmas in a hot country, with Father
Christmas parachuting onto the beach and then riding a camel, just did not do it
for me. So I try and travel back home 2 or 3 times a year.
Advice to other PAs looking to work in UAE?
If you are looking to relocate, then definitely look into it. However, do not rush
into anything and do not take the first job you get offered. Ensure to do your
research on the company youre interviewing with and always aim for large
international organisations.