Live in Dubai and work anywhere in the world

Dubai has launched a Virtual Working Programme to tap in on the global trend of employees working from home due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Dubai launched the Virtual Working Programme in October which will enable professionals from overseas to do remote work for their employer in their home country while living in Dubai. Under the program remote workers can relocate with their families to Dubai for a year.

This will allow these employers to take advantage of Dubai’s good digital infrastructure, excellent wireless connectivity, high-quality lifestyle, global networking opportunities etc. This new program is expected to be a good value proposition for start-ups, entrepreneurs and SMEs.

It will be an attractive alternative for those who wish to take a break from working from home in their own country.

Safety concerns

As for the safety protocols followed in Dubai for the pandemic, the UAE and particularly Dubai have been recognized for the efforts to deal with the pandemic. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has awarded Dubai the Safe Travels Stamp in recognition of its efforts to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Dubai has also introduced the ‘Dubai Assured’ stamp which certifies establishments that have implemented all public health protocols required for the pandemic.

 Eligibility requirements for the program

Applicant must have

• Passport with at least six months validity.
• Health insurance valid in the UAE.
• Employment proof from the employer with a contract of at least one year with a minimum salary of USD 5,000 per month.
• Pay slip of the previous month and bank statements of the previous three months.
• If owner of a company the applicant must have proof of ownership of the company for at least one year or more with an average income of USD 5000 per month and bank statement of the preceding three months. 

Cost of the program

The program costs USD 287 with additional processing fees per person and medical insurance costs.

 Facilities of the program

Individuals using this program can have access to all the public utilities in Dubai and can access schooling facilities for their children

Those who come to Dubai on this program cannot work for any local employer and provide any services to any local company or business.

With this program Dubai wants to offer the services of its superior digital infrastructure and promote its advantage as a travel hub of the Middle East.

The remote work program is an initiative to support Dubai’s economy which has been impacted due to the pandemic.

Countries such as Bermuda, Estonia, Barbados, and Georgia have already implemented such programs and Dubai is the first country in the Middle East to do so.