Dubai launches 'virtual work program'

The Emirate of Dubai announced the launch of a "virtual work program" that provides the opportunity for foreign professionals who work remotely, to reside in the emirate while continuing to carry out their work tasks with the companies to which they belong and are based outside the country.

The program, which has a duration of up to a full year and is renewable based on the submission of a new application, provides people working remotely as well as their families the opportunity to reside annually in one of the most distinguished global destinations in the fields of tourism and business, which has a sophisticated digital infrastructure with high efficiency and reliability that contributes to facilitating Their businesses, as well as the safe environment that Dubai provides with a modern lifestyle.

This step comes in light of the success of the United Arab Emirates in general and the Emirate of Dubai in dealing with high efficiency with the repercussions of the "Covid-19" pandemic, which enabled Dubai to reopen its airports and receive tourists, starting from the seventh of July, in accordance with preventive measures and protocols. Health is recommended globally to ensure the safety of everyone, and it has resumed the activities of various vital sectors throughout the city, including hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, water parks and theme parks, beaches, shopping malls, as well as schools and universities, while maintaining the application Flour for preventive protocols recommended by the concerned authorities.

Dubai had obtained the Safe Travel Seal from the World Travel and Tourism Council, based on the strict procedures and safety and public health protocols followed by the city, while Dubai also launched the “Dubai Guarantee Seal” initiative that was granted to establishments that have demonstrated full compliance with health and safety guidelines.

Hilal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in Dubai, "Dubai Tourism" said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the entire world and changed the way we live and work. This has prompted major international companies as well as emerging ones around the world to adopt digital solutions in Its operations, as well as reconsidering the importance of the physical presence of employees at its headquarters to accomplish their work and responsibilities.

He added, "Public health and safety remain at the forefront of everyone's priorities while ensuring an effective and positive balance between social and work life. Therefore, Dubai is the ideal destination that has a unique location, advanced infrastructure and technology that provides unique opportunities for people who are able to work remotely with their families as well. A safe environment, and enjoying a modern lifestyle that enables them to conduct their business, whether for a few months or throughout the next year.

On his part, Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of Dubai Economy, said: “The Virtual Work Program greatly contributes to strengthening Dubai’s position as a global business center, and it also reflects the future outlook to ensure that the city maintains its high competitive advantages within the global scene that is witnessing a rapid change. Dubai is ranked second in the list of the best cities in the world for remote work, issued recently by the American magazine "CEO World", which included 60 cities around the world, thanks to the advanced infrastructure of the emirate, its connection to various destinations of the world, as well as its support system For businesses, the Virtual Business Platform supports the acceleration of successful business practice and the creation of new areas for cooperation. "

Hamad Buamim, Director General of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry emphasized that the launch of the "virtual work program" comes to reinforce Dubai's position as a leading global destination for attracting talents, skilled people and investors, especially with the changes taking place in the business environment, and the importance of changing and developing business practice models, considering that Dubai proves Again, it has a clear vision for the future business industry, facilitating business practice and enhancing its competitiveness, especially for groups working remotely, as this virtual program provides the opportunity for a large segment of skills and entrepreneurs to move to a dynamic city, and to experience an advanced level of professional and personal life in an environment that values ​​talent and ideas. Innovative business.

Buamim said: “The United Arab Emirates recently ranked first in the list of the best countries in the field of electronic infrastructure in the world according to the Quality of Digital Life Study for 2020, which reflects the vision of the wise leadership to invest in modern technologies and smart transformation to support the business sector. This program contributes to strengthening the emirate's position as a leading global destination for entrepreneurs, emerging entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises, and its reputation as a tourist destination and a place to obtain a distinguished quality of life. "

Join the program

 The cost of this annual program is US $ 287 in addition to valid health insurance in the United Arab Emirates and the application fee for each person. Applications can be submitted via the website:

https://www.visitdubai.com/en/sc7/travel-planning/travel-tools/work-remotely-in-dubai

To obtain approval, the following documents must be submitted:

• A passport that is valid for at least 6 months

• Health insurance valid in the United Arab Emirates

• Proof of employment from the current employer with a work contract valid for at least one year

• A certificate of the last salary of no less than 5,000 US dollars and a bank account statement for the last three months.

• If the applicant is an owner of the company, he must present proof of ownership of the company for a year or more, with proof of monthly income of not less than 5,000 US dollars and a bank account statement for the last three months.

The program allows people to use all services related to residency and work in Dubai, which include, but are not limited to, communications, opening bank accounts, education and others, in order to enable them to practice their normal lives in a city that hosts more than 200 nationalities.

Note that Dubai does not impose income tax on individuals.

Top destinations

Dubai is considered one of the best destinations in which various and distinctive properties are available in the world, as it provides wide options for housing and accommodation that meet various tastes and requirements, including villas and apartments on the waterfront as well as inside the city, as well as fully equipped hotels and hotel apartments, which are managed by International operators, plus options for either short or long-term vacation homes.

Over the past years, Dubai has succeeded in strengthening its position as a leading business destination, and is able to provide many options for doing business, including offices and common spaces designated for work, as well as offering flexible packages to book meeting rooms, whether for hours, days or months.

People who are keen to expand their contacts and consolidate their relationships can benefit from the tremendous potential provided by Dubai, especially after it became the first city to resume the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector at the international level, to restore this sector its prestige and glory and open channels of communication and direct interaction face to face, which is one of the important factors To accelerate the pace of recovery of other major sectors.

This reflects the effective management of the "Covid-19" pandemic and the effectiveness of approved health and safety standards that put the safety of citizens, residents and visitors at the forefront of priorities.   

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