Frequently asked questions

Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia

We work with clients in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Our clients are Luxury Hotels, Restaurants and Nightlife Venues.

CARA Talent does not charge you any fee – our fee is paid by the client.

To really benefit from the experience of moving to a new country a minimum of two years is what you should consider being away from home (of course holiday and vacation you can travel home but it is costly).

  • Working hours per week are 48hrs.
  • Employers offer a 5- or 6-day working week.
  • Accommodation or an allowance to cover housing (accommodation) is provided as part of the package/ pay. Accommodation will often be sharing accommodation. Accommodation for more senior staff can be their own apartments/ houses.
  • For line level/ junior roles it is advised to take a role that includes accommodation till you get to know the city you move to better.
  • Meals are provided on duty and the employee food is varied to suit all cultures.
  • Uniforms are provided and often laundered / cleaned for staff.
  • Transport to work is provided from accommodation.  Note staff accommodation can be up to 45 minutes from work.
  • Economy flights are provided to move to  your new role / country.  A return  economy flight or flight allowance  is provided by your employer every 2 years. This may vary depending on the contract.
  • It is my experience that staff who work well progress quickly in the Middle East.  Majority of living costs are covered which allows you to save and send money home.
  • The Currency in the United Arab Emirates which is pegged / linked to the dollar, so it is a strong currency.
  • Accommodation or allowance for accomodation.
  • Transport to work
  • Flight to start work
  • Uniform
  • Health insurance
  • Flight home or allowance for vacation.
  • Salary
  • Training & Devolpment
  • Meals on duty
  • Visa / Medical costs paid by employer (note some may charge you if you leave early)
  • Staff to join the team who have some experience preferably in a 4 or 5 star hotel.
  • Important that you are well presented as you represent the luxury business as a staff member.
  • You must have very good English and an advantage to speak French/ German/ Russian/ Arabic.
  • Excellent customer skills
  • An advantage is having a hospitality education.

To work in the Middle East, you will require a visa.  This is organised by your employer.

  • A police Clearance may be required.
  • Medical Check for your visa – bloods/ x- ray
  • There is no cost to you for the visa (but if you leave before 12 months please read your contract as many employer’s charge you if you leave before the contract finishes to cover the costs of flights/ visa). Please ensure your passport is valid for 3 years before you apply for a role.
  • It is very hot 6 months of the year.  The hottest months are May – October.
  • You can drink alcohol at designated outlets/ can be purchased from off- licences.
  • Alcohol is not served or can not  be purchased in Saudi Arabia
  • The Middle East is a safe place to live.  There is very little crime.
  • If you do break the law the police are very present and rule breaking is treated very seriously
  • It is very multi – cultural and all religions are accepted.  Muslim is the Middle East’s primary religion.
  • Tourism is a fast-growing business in the Middle East so it’s a very exciting industry which offers lots of opportunities.
  • The Middle East is very multicultural and there are a lot of Expats.  It is a great country to meet people and travel.
  • There are great outdoor activities…  Hatta Mountains, Al Qudra cycle track, Mangroves in Abu Dhabi, Kite beach in Dubai and my favourite are the beaches in Abu Dhabi.
  • Social life in the UAE/ Middle East offers everything from the tiny vendor with the best falafels, chai tea from a little tea shop or the glamorous restaurants of the 5 star hotels.
  • Shopping in the World’s Largest Mall ( yes there is an Aquarium with Sharks in the Mall) to a ski slope in the Mall of the Emirates.  My favourite is the indoor cinema in the Sno Cinema in Ski Dubai.
  • Saudi is a growing and exciting destination for talent.  It is a country that is modernizing and welcoming talented expats.
  • There are some great opportunities in Saudi where we work with some great clients.
  • Saudi has beautiful mountains, beaches and it is very much the new tourism frontier.  Neom City promises to WOW.