1. Understand Rental Market Basics

• Annual Contract: Most rental agreements in Dubai are for 12 months.
• Ejari Registration: All rental contracts must be registered through Ejari (Dubai Land Department system). This protects your rights legally.
• Payment Terms: Expect to pay in 1-4 post-dated cheques. The more cheques you offer, the better flexibility, but fewer cheques may give you a better rental rate.

2. Choose a Good Location

• Affordable Areas: Consider Al Nahda, Deira, International City, Al Qusais, or Muhaisnah – these are popular among Filipino expats.
• Near Work or Metro: Proximity to a metro station or your workplace can save money on transport.
• Shared Accommodations: Many Filipinos opt for bed spaces or room shares to reduce costs, especially in central areas.

3. Budget Wisely

• Initial Costs: Be ready to pay:
  • Security deposit (5%)
  • Agency fee (5%–7%)
  • DEWA (utility) connection
  • Ejari registration fee (~AED 215)
• Monthly Bills: Budget for DEWA (water/electricity), internet, and AC charges (sometimes separately metered).

4. Watch Out for Red Flags

• Avoid:
  • Unregistered landlords or agents
  • Verbal agreements – always insist on a written, Ejari-registered contract
  • Overcrowded units (illegal and may lead to fines or eviction)
  • Fake listings – always view the unit in person before paying

5. Legal Rights & Documentation

• Required documents:
  • Passport
  • Visa / Emirates ID
  • Proof of income (some landlords may ask)
• Read the tenancy contract carefully. Pay attention to:
  • Notice period
  • Renewal terms
  • Maintenance responsibilities

6. Use Reliable Platforms

• For rentals:
  • Bayut
  • Dubizzle
  • Property Finder
  • Kabayan Classifieds
• For shared spaces:
  • Facebook groups like “Filipinos in Dubai” or “Dubai Bedspace & Flatmates”

7. Community Tips

• Ask around in Filipino community groups.
• Many find rooms through word-of-mouth or referrals.
• Some landlords prefer Filipino tenants due to a reputation for being respectful and neat.

Employment contracts in the UAE vary based on the nature of the work and the agreed terms between the employer and employee. These contracts may specify full-time or part-time roles, with arrangements such as temporary, flexible, remote work, or job sharing.

Once the contract is signed, any changes to the offer letter terms require the employee’s consent and must comply with legal regulations. A thorough check can save you from potential issues down the line.

Receiving a job offer

When you are offered a job in the Emirates, the process includes receiving a formal job offer, signing a contract, and getting your work permit and residency visa. The job offer details the role and includes an annexe summarising important parts of UAE labour law. Both you and your employer will need to sign these documents to move forward.

Once you and your employer have signed the offer letter, it legally becomes your contract. Under labour rules introduced in 2016, employers cannot change the terms of the offer letter unless you agree to the changes; they are within the law, and your rights are still protected.

Signing the contract

Before you sign, the employer is responsible for making sure you have read and understood the offer letter. If it is proved that you did not go through the annexes properly before signing, the employer could face a fine of Dh20,000 for providing incorrect details to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre).

For workers already in the UAE, you will need to sign the offer letter before your employer can get preliminary approval for your employment from Mohre. Once the offer letter is signed, a copy is submitted to Mohre and kept in their system. Your work permit will be issued based on the details in this offer letter.

Job title and description

An employment contract in the UAE is an agreement between you and your employer. It outlines your job responsibilities and management structure in exchange for the agreed salary or benefits provided by the employer.

Ensure that your job title and description align with what was promised during the recruitment process. This impacts your role’s scope, career progression, and visa classification.

This contract is based on the job offer letter that both you and your employer sign. The employer must submit the signed contract to the Mohre within 14 days of your arrival in the UAE (using an employment entry permit) or after your visa status changes if you are already in the country and eligible to transfer.

Salary and benefits

The contract should specify the agreed upon basic salary, allowances (e.g., housing, transportation), and any additional benefits like bonuses or commissions. It is important to find out whether salary payments are specified as monthly or otherwise.

Working hours

Confirm your working hours comply with UAE labour law. According to the law, the normal working hours for the private sector is eight hours per day, or 48 hours per week. This may be increased or decreased for certain economic sectors or certain categories of workers.

Home to office commutes are not included in the working hours, except for “certain categories of workers”.

If an employee works for more than one employer, he/she may not be required to work more than the hours agreed upon in the employment contract, unless the worker agrees to do so in writing.

If the worker requests to perform work remotely, and it is granted, the employer must stipulate specific working hours.

An employee is entitled to break(s) in between working hours (if required, in intervals) which may not be less than one hour in aggregate. Further, an employee may not work for more than five consecutive hours in a day without a break.

Overtime work

Employees can be asked to work overtime, provided the number of extra hours do not exceed two in a day.

If an employee is required to work beyond the normal hours, the pay for the extra time is hourly wage (basic) plus 25 per cent of that amount. This could increase to 50 per cent if overtime is done between 10pm and 4am. This rule does not apply to employees who work in shifts.

Leave entitlements

Review annual leave entitlements, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, and provisions for public holidays.

Employees are entitled to a fully paid annual leave of:

• 30 days, if they have completed one year of service and
• Two days per month, if they have completed six months of service, but not one year.

According to the law, the employer may not prevent the employee from using their accrued annual leave for more than two years. On termination of employment, any accrued leaves will be calculated on basic salary only.

Part-time employees are entitled to annual leave according to the actual working hours they spent at work, as specified in the employment contract.

End-of-service benefits

Check your eligibility for gratuity payments, which are based on your length of service, and whether the contract includes provisions for additional retirement or pension schemes.

Notice period

Ensure the notice period for termination aligns with the law (usually 30 to 90 days) and is fair for both parties.

Probation period

Understand the duration and conditions of the probation period. UAE law limits it to six months, after which either party must provide a valid reason for termination. When you complete the probation period and continue in service, the probation will be calculated as part of your service.

Relocation costs (if applicable)

If you are moving to the UAE for a new job, make sure the contract outlines relocation assistance, flight allowances, or repatriation benefits upon termination.

Contract language options

Since January 2016, Mohre allows a third language to be included in job offers, employment contracts, and annexes, alongside Arabic and English. Workers can choose from these nine additional languages:

Bengali, Chinese, Dari, Hindi, Malayalam, Nepalese, Sinhalese, Tamil and Urdu.

This applies to workers coming from outside and those residing in the UAE that are seeking a new job, or moving from one company to another.

source credit: khaleejtimes.com

An amendment made to the UAE labour law last week will deter employers from hiring visit visa holders, legal experts have said. Among the offences that will see fines of between Dh100,000 and Dh1 million levied are employing workers without a proper permit; and bringing them to the UAE and failing to provide them with a job.

“Previously, fines for hiring workers without a work permit ranged from Dh50,000 to Dh200,000. The new range of Dh100,000 to Dh1 million shows the seriousness of the government in protecting workers’ rights,” said Ali Saeed Al Kaabi, director at ECH Digital, adding that the amendments will ensure the legality of employment practices.

Some employers make visit visa holders work by promising them residency and work permits after their tourist permits expire. Many of them do not get paid for work done during this period. “Some visitors are mistreated with the guarantee of a job offer, only to be told to leave once their visit visa expires,” said Al Kaabi. “The federal government’s decision will significantly curb these malpractices and ensure that labour laws are followed.”

Working on visit visas

South African expat Kieran Foury was among those who paid the price for working on a visit visa. He landed in Dubai in December 2023, hoping to find a good job.

The company that hired him asked him to work till his visit visa expired. “I worked in the marketing department for over three months. They promised to get me an employment visa after my visit visa expired,” he said. “I kept reminding them about my illegal status and the only response I received from the HR was not to worry and that my visa would be issued soon.”

In March, Foury was asked to leave the company. He left the UAE on March 29 after paying Dh5,500 at the airport as penalty for overstaying. “I had nothing in my hand when I was exiting the country. I had to request my father to send the money for me to exit the country.”

The UAE government categorically states on its website that working under a visit or tourist permit/visa is illegal. If an expat is offered a job in the UAE, they can only work after an offer letter is issued by the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

Legal advisors have strongly urged employers to refrain from allowing visitors to work illegally. “If a company is found to be in breach of the law, it will entail high risks and legal consequences,” said Al Kaabi.

Protecting workers’ rights

Hadiel Hussein, senior associate at BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates, explained that the amendments create a stricter regulatory environment for employers, demanding greater compliance with the labour law.

“The substantial increase in fines, along with the possibility of criminal penalties, serves as a strong deterrent against non-compliance to the labour law. The amendments make it clear that any violation of labour regulations will result in severe consequences, thereby increasing employer accountability,” she said.

For employees, the changes offer “enhanced” protection and security. “The higher penalties imposed on employers provide a stronger deterrent against violations of employee rights, making it less likely that employees will face illegal or unfair treatment. Additionally, provisions such as extending the time-bar for filing employment claims and ensuring continued wage payments during disputes further strengthen employee protections.”

Hussein added that the amendment concerning small employment claims and the involvement of the MoHRE ensures a “more efficient, equitable, and streamlined legal process for both employees and employers”.

“The ministry’s enhanced role in mediating disputes and its ability to issue enforceable decisions in low-value claims and disputes … ensure that employment disputes can be resolved more swiftly and efficiently with less legal costs,” added Hadiel.

credit: khaleejtimes.com

Dubai: Are you finding yourself consistently late to work? Whether it is due to lack of sleep, long commutes, or family obligations, being a few minutes late might seem harmless. But, what happens when those late arrivals start piling up and lead to warnings or even salary deductions?

Employees in the UAE may face salary deductions for tardiness, but such penalties are tightly regulated by UAE Labour Law. Wage cuts can only occur if they comply with approved company policies and follow legal guidelines, according to legal experts. Picture used for illustrative purposes

While workplace punctuality is important, it is crucial to understand your rights as an employee in the UAE. As legal experts interviewed by Gulf News highlighted, disciplinary penalties like wage deductions are tightly regulated. Before accepting any penalties, it is essential to know your rights under the UAE Labour Law and the role of company policies.

credit: gulfnews.com

“Selling your items through Kabayan Classifieds is also affordable. The platform offers competitive pricing plans that are designed to fit any budget. You can choose a plan that works best for you, whether you’re selling a high-end luxury item or a more everyday one.
Getting Started.”

If you’re looking to buy or sell goods and services online, a classified ads directory website can be a great resource. These sites offer a convenient way to connect with other users who are looking to buy or sell similar items and can help you find great deals or reach a wider audience for your own items.
One of the biggest advantages of using a classified ads directory website is the ability to search for specific items or services. Most sites allow you to search by category, location, price range, and other parameters to help you find what you’re looking for quickly and easily. This can save you time and effort compared to browsing through a variety of individual sellers’ sites or social media groups.
In addition to being a useful tool for buyers, classified ads directory websites can also be an effective platform for sellers to reach a wider audience. By listing your items on a popular classifieds site, you can increase your visibility and connect with potential customers who might not have found you otherwise. Many sites also offer features such as messaging, feedback ratings, and payment processing, which can help streamline the selling process and make it more secure for both parties.
Another advantage of using a classified ads directory website is the variety of items and services available. These sites often have a large and diverse range of categories, from electronics and clothing to real estate and job postings. This means you can find everything from everyday items to more niche or specialized products, and can even find services such as freelancers, tutoring, or event planning.

“Selling your items through Kabayan Classifieds is also affordable. The platform offers competitive pricing plans that are designed to fit any budget. You can choose a plan that works best for you, whether you’re selling a high-end luxury item or a more everyday one.
Getting Started.”

Overall, if you’re looking for a convenient and effective way to buy or sell online, a classified ads directory website can be a great choice. By providing a wide range of options, intuitive search tools, and useful features for both buyers and sellers, these sites can help you get the most out of your online transactions. So why not give one a try and see what you can find or sell today?

Advanced Features. Kabayan Classifieds also offers advanced features that make selling your items even easier. You can use the platform’s built-in messaging system to communicate with potential buyers, making it easier to manage inquiries and negotiations. The platform also offers features like instant chat, shipping options, and more.
Competitive Pricing
Selling your items through Kabayan Classifieds is also affordable. The platform offers competitive pricing plans that are designed to fit any budget. You can choose a plan that works best for you, whether you’re selling a high-end luxury item or a more everyday one.
Getting Started

To get started, simply create an account on Kabayan Classifieds. Then, create a listing for your item, including all the relevant details and photos. Finally, choose the pricing plan that works best for you and publish your listing. Once your listing is live, potential buyers will be able to see it and contact you through the platform.
In conclusion, Kabayan Classifieds is the ultimate place to sell anything. With its easy-to-use interface, wide reach, advanced features, and competitive pricing, it’s the perfect platform for anyone looking to sell their items. So why wait? Sign up today and start selling your items faster than ever before!

“It was in the 1950s that the brilliant architect Le Corbusier (“Le Corbu” to his friends) began to design a new kind of building with austere lines, marked geometry and the absence of any decorative element that might lighten the massive dimensions.”

A bit about architecture

Over the next 20 years, his idea would find its way into the designs of figures of the stature of Mies van der Rohe, Alvar Aalto and Miguel Fisac. This kind of “architecture on steroids” is still making its presence felt in huge buildings the length and breadth of the planet.

There is the Unité d’Habitation de Marseille by Le Corbusier himself; the Torres Blancas in Madrid by Saenz de Oiza, (Fisac’s impressive Pagoda was demolished in 1999); La Fábrica and Walden 7 in Barcelona, both by Ricardo Bofill; the famous Trellick Tower in London; Habitat 67, in Montreal; and the no less spectacular Geisel Library in San Diego, Boston City Hall and Freeway Park in Seattle.

In all these creations the overwhelming presence of an emphatic material stands out: exposed or raw concrete – in French, betón brut. This “brut” ended up giving its name to the architectural movement we know today as Brutalism. Famous for the sheer size of its buildings and the polarized reactions they generate (people love them or hate them), the ripples of this architectural school resonate, decades later, beyond the enormous concrete walls that characterize the style. Specifically, we see the echoes on publicity materials and on many of the screens we look at every day. In fact, in the absence of pixelated concrete, more and more visuals are opting to throw information in the rough, just as it lands, splat, on the interface or the poster of the moment.

Redesigning Brutalism in 2D

In a more or less logical reaction to super happy designs and derivatives, those creators in search of the umpteenth way to innovate and attract attention find in the Brutalist manifesto the answer to their prayers for a profoundly anti-aesthetic aesthetic (at least in terms of appearance) for their visual approach to posters.

It might seem that these designers are working to put any number of spokes in their own wheels. They resort to a visual conception with an ugly, rough, cold approach – as unwelcoming as the concrete blocks of Brutalist architectural landmarks. In the absence of concrete, designers make use o

Advanced Features
WPClassify offers advanced features that make selling your car even easier. You can include up to 30 high-quality photos in your listing, as well as a detailed description of your vehicle. You can also use the platform’s built-in messaging system to communicate with potential buyers, making it easier to manage inquiries and negotiations.
Competitive Pricing
Selling your car through WPClassify is also affordable. The platform offers competitive pricing plans that are designed to fit any budget. You can choose a plan that works best for you, whether you’re selling a high-end luxury car or an everyday vehicle.

Getting Started
To get started, simply create an account on WPClassify. Then, create a listing for your vehicle, including all the relevant details and photos. Finally, choose the pricing plan that works best for you and publish your listing. Once your listing is live, potential buyers will be able to see it and contact you through the platform.
In conclusion, WPClassify is the best place to advertise your vehicle if you want to sell it quickly and efficiently. With its easy-to-use interface, wide reach, advanced features, and competitive pricing, it’s the perfect platform for anyone looking to sell their car. So why wait? Sign up today and start selling your car faster than ever before!

One of the most popular types of adventure is travel. Whether it’s backpacking through Europe, exploring the rainforests of South America, or driving across the United States, travel allows us to experience different cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. It can also be an opportunity to challenge ourselves, such as by trying a new activity or navigating unfamiliar terrain.

Another type of adventure is outdoor recreation. This includes activities such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting. These activities allow us to connect with nature, challenge ourselves physically and mentally, and experience the thrill of overcoming obstacles.

For those seeking even greater thrills, there are extreme sports such as skydiving, bungee jumping, and base jumping. These activities require a high level of skill, training, and risk management, but can provide an unparalleled rush of adrenaline and a sense of accomplishment.

Of course, not all adventures need to be extreme or physically demanding. For some, simply trying new things or stepping outside of their comfort zone can be an adventure in itself. This might mean taking a dance class, trying new cuisine, or learning a new language.

Ultimately, the definition of adventure is subjective and can vary from person to person. What’s important is that we all have the courage to pursue our passions, try new things, and embrace the unknown. Whether it’s traveling to a new destination, exploring the great outdoors, or simply trying something new, there’s no limit to the adventures that await us.

Access to a wider audience: One of the main advantages of selling through a platform is that you have access to a larger audience than you might be able to reach on your own. Platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and Shopify have millions of users who are actively searching for products to buy. By listing your products on these platforms, you can tap into that existing audience and potentially reach new customers who wouldn’t have found you otherwise.

Built-in trust and credibility: When you sell on a platform, you’re leveraging the trust and credibility that the platform has built up with its users over time. For example, Amazon is known for its reliable shipping and customer service, so customers may be more likely to trust and buy products that are listed on Amazon compared to a brand-new website that they’ve never heard of before. Similarly, platforms like Etsy are known for their handmade and unique products, so customers may be more likely to seek out and buy products from that platform specifically.

Lower barriers to entry: Building and launching your own website can be a time-consuming and expensive process, especially if you’re not familiar with web design and development. By contrast, selling on a platform can be a much simpler and more affordable way to get started. Most platforms have user-friendly interfaces and provide tools and resources to help you set up your store and start selling quickly.

Marketing and advertising support: Many platforms offer marketing and advertising tools to help you promote your products and reach more customers. For example, Amazon offers advertising campaigns that can help you target specific audiences and boost your sales. Etsy offers promoted listings and social media integration to help you reach more customers.

Greater visibility in search results: When customers search for products on a platform, the platform’s algorithms determine which products to show in the search results. By optimizing your listings with relevant keywords and high-quality images, you can increase your chances of showing up higher in the search results and getting more visibility for your products.

Overall, there are many reasons to consider selling your products through a platform rather than on your own. By doing so, you can reach a wider audience, benefit from built-in trust and credibility, lower barriers to entry, get marketing and advertising support, and increase your visibility in search results. generate sales by selling products through a platform rather than on your own.