• The majority of workers favour a 'hybrid' model that allows them to either work from home or in the office. Getty
    The majority of workers favour a 'hybrid' model that allows them to either work from home or in the office. Getty
  • Many employers said the main challenge is ensuring staff can show they are productive long-term
    Many employers said the main challenge is ensuring staff can show they are productive long-term
  • Workers in all sectors, from government to private, are finding their bosses are more open to full or part-time working from home
    Workers in all sectors, from government to private, are finding their bosses are more open to full or part-time working from home
  • Working from home has its challenges, with the need for a proper work space and a routine - include healthy eating. Getty Images
    Working from home has its challenges, with the need for a proper work space and a routine - include healthy eating. Getty Images
  • Workplace experts say some people struggle to remain productive while working from home. Getty
    Workplace experts say some people struggle to remain productive while working from home. Getty
  • And for some it leads to feelings of isolation. Bloomberg
    And for some it leads to feelings of isolation. Bloomberg
  • Back to back Zoom meetings may be useful at checking up on employees , but can be time consuming and unproductive. Reuters
    Back to back Zoom meetings may be useful at checking up on employees , but can be time consuming and unproductive. Reuters

Dubai's new remote working scheme to attract a 'new influx of expats'


Gillian Duncan
  • English
  • Arabic

Dubai’s new drive to attract remote workers from around the world could help it bounce back from the pandemic faster, experts have said.

A programme was revealed on Wednesday night to encourage people who work remotely long-term to move to the emirate.

The scheme would enable people to live in the emirate for one year and continue to work for their overseas employer, while being able to secure the documents required to rent housing, and sign up for phone, internet, utilities and schools.

The UAE's visa system has traditionally linked a person's residency in the country to their job, although a series of recent changes have made flexible, freelance and part-time work somewhat easier.

Before Covid-19 remote work was happening to some degree, it was just never captured by any form of work permit that allowed people to do that

Murtaza Khan, managing partner for the Middle East and Africa at Fragomen, an immigration consultancy, said move followed similar schemes in Estonia, one of Europe's fast-growing tech-hubs, and Barbados.

“Before Covid-19 remote work was happening to some degree, it was just never captured by any form of work permit that allowed people to do that," he said.

“But with Covid-19 and the prevalence of remote work it has actually come to the fore. This is Dubai stepping up and putting a formal scheme around it, which is excellent.”

The government made no mention of the need for a visa and there is no requirement to set up an office or buy a business licence.

All remote workers require is a salary of $5,000 per month and proof of their existing employment.

Anir Chatterji, immigration leader at PwC Middle East, said the programme would provide opportunities for a "new wave of expat employees and their families to enter Dubai".

“The remote worker can benefit from Dubai’s strong digital infrastructure, unparalleled travel hub, safe and high-quality lifestyle and zero income tax for individuals,” said Mr Chatterji.

Companies will save on the costs associated with running an office space, while receiving access to the region. Companies based abroad would normally be required to have an office, pay licence fees and secure residency visas or work permits for employees.

Dubai’s economy, which has been hit by impacts to the air industry, tourism and other sectors during the pandemic, would also receive a boost.

“It would help support the economy, because you would have people working in coffee shops and living in apartments,” said Claire Donnelly, who co-runs HR and business consultancy MHC.

Bernard Lee has seen a rise in interest in shared working spaces. Delores Johnson / The National
Bernard Lee has seen a rise in interest in shared working spaces. Delores Johnson / The National

“The world is starting to recognise that remote working is a way of life. It’s a great message to show the government is starting to think differently.”

She said remote workers would have to take into account how long they were outside their home country for, and the tax implications that could have.

The pandemic had a major effect on the workplace, as businesses around the world were forced to introduce, or increase, remote working by governments grappling with rising case numbers.

For some companies, which recognise the cost-saving benefits, remote working is now here to stay.

Many are now downsizing as they recognise they require less space, and less investment in offices.

Enquiries about flexible workspaces have soared, said Bernard Lee, chief executive of GlassQube Coworking, a workspace operator which has four locations in Abu Dhabi.

It offers co-working, as well as private single and shared office space.

“We are getting a lot of enquiries from larger enterprise-type clients who in the past have not shown any interest in flexible workspaces," he said.

“We have one deal we are just about to sign for an entire floor in one of our locations."

The company is yet to enter the Dubai market, which has close to 50 similar operators, he said. But it is interested, if it can find the right building in the right location.

The news has made the prospect even more attractive.

“Let’s see how it unfolds,” said Mr Lee.

Panipat

Director Ashutosh Gowariker

Produced Ashutosh Gowariker, Rohit Shelatkar, Reliance Entertainment

Cast Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Kriti Sanon, Mohnish Behl, Padmini Kolhapure, Zeenat Aman

Rating 3 /stars

Various Artists 
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
​​​​​​​

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

Power: 181hp

Torque: 230Nm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Starting price: Dh79,000

On sale: Now

TICKETS

For tickets for the two-day Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) event, entitled Dubai Invasion 2019, on September 27 and 28 go to www.meraticket.com.

ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon

For more information go to www.abudhabi.triathlon.org.

JOKE'S%20ON%20YOU
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Fund-raising tips for start-ups

Develop an innovative business concept

Have the ability to differentiate yourself from competitors

Put in place a business continuity plan after Covid-19

Prepare for the worst-case scenario (further lockdowns, long wait for a vaccine, etc.) 

Have enough cash to stay afloat for the next 12 to 18 months

Be creative and innovative to reduce expenses

Be prepared to use Covid-19 as an opportunity for your business

* Tips from Jassim Al Marzooqi and Walid Hanna

MANDOOB
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Ali%20Kalthami%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Mohammed%20Dokhei%2C%20Sarah%20Taibah%2C%20Hajar%20Alshammari%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.6-litre%2C%20V6%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eeight-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E285hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E353Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh159%2C900%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How to avoid crypto fraud
  • Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
  • Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
  • Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
  • Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
  • Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
  • Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
  • Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
FIXTURES

All times UAE ( 4 GMT)

Saturday
Fiorentina v Torino (8pm)
Hellas Verona v Roma (10.45pm)

Sunday
Parma v Napoli (2.30pm)
Genoa v Crotone (5pm)
Sassuolo v Cagliari (8pm)
Juventus v Sampdoria (10.45pm)

Monday
AC Milan v Bologna (10.45om)

Playing September 30

Benevento v Inter Milan (8pm)
Udinese v Spezia (8pm)
Lazio v Atalanta (10.45pm)

THE SPECS

Jaguar F-Pace SVR

Engine: 5-litre supercharged V8​​​​​​​

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Power: 542bhp​​​​​​​

Torque: 680Nm​​​​​​​

Price: Dh465,071

Veere di Wedding
Dir: Shashanka Ghosh
Starring: Kareena Kapoo-Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania ​​​​​​​
Verdict: 4 Stars

The Limehouse Golem
Director: Juan Carlos Medina
Cast: Olivia Cooke, Bill Nighy, Douglas Booth
Three stars

Ireland (15-1):

Ireland (15-1): Rob Kearney; Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray; Jack Conan, Sean O'Brien, Peter O'Mahony; James Ryan, Quinn Roux; Tadhg Furlong, Rory Best (capt), Cian Healy

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Dave Kilcoyne, Andrew Porter, Ultan Dillane, Josh van der Flier, John Cooney, Joey Carbery, Jordan Larmour

Coach: Joe Schmidt (NZL)

RACE CARD

4pm Al Bastakiya – Listed (TB) $150,000 (Dirt) 1,900m

4.35pm Dubai City Of Gold – Group 2 (TB) $228,000 (Turf) 2,410m

5.10pm Mahab Al Shimaal – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,200m

5.45pm Burj Nahaar – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,600m

6.20pm Jebel Hatta – Group 1 (TB) $260,000 (T) 1,800m

6.55pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 1 (TB) $390,000 (D) 2,000m

7.30pm Nad Al Sheba – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (T) 1,200m

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo

Power: 268hp at 5,600rpm

Torque: 380Nm at 4,800rpm

Transmission: CVT auto

Fuel consumption: 9.5L/100km

On sale: now

Price: from Dh195,000 

Ammar 808:
Maghreb United

Sofyann Ben Youssef
Glitterbeat 

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg

Barcelona v Liverpool, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE).

Second leg

Liverpool v Barcelona, Tuesday, May 7, 11pm

Games on BeIN Sports

Race%20card
%3Cp%3E6pm%3A%20Al%20Maktoum%20Challenge%20Round%201%20%E2%80%93%20Group%201%20(PA)%20%2450%2C000%20(Dirt)%201%2C600m%3Cbr%3E6.35pm%3A%20Dubai%20Racing%20Club%20Classic%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20%24100%2C000%20(D)%202%2C410m%3Cbr%3E7.10pm%3A%20Dubawi%20Stakes%20%E2%80%93%20Group%203%20(TB)%20%24150%2C000%20(D)%201%2C200m%3Cbr%3E7.45pm%3A%20Jumeirah%20Classic%20Trial%20%E2%80%93%20Conditions%20(TB)%20%24150%2C000%20(Turf)%201%2C400m%3Cbr%3E8.20pm%3A%20Al%20Maktoum%20Challenge%20Round%201%20%E2%80%93%20Group%202%20(TB)%20%24250%2C000%20(D)%201%2C600m%3Cbr%3E8.55pm%3A%20Al%20Fahidi%20Fort%20%E2%80%93%20Group%202%20(TB)%20%24180%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%3Cbr%3E9.30pm%3A%20Ertijaal%20Dubai%20Dash%20%E2%80%93%20Listed%20(TB)%20%24100%2C000%20(T)%201%2C000m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Why your domicile status is important

Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.

Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born. 

UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.

A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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All about the Sevens

Cape Town Sevens on Saturday and Sunday: Pools A – South Africa, Kenya, France, Russia; B – New Zealand, Australia, Spain, United States; C – England, Scotland, Argentina, Uganda; D – Fiji, Samoa, Canada, Wales

HSBC World Sevens Series standing after first leg in Dubai 1 South Africa; 2 New Zealand; 3 England; 4 Fiji; 5 Australia; 6 Samoa; 7 Kenya; 8 Scotland; 9 France; 10 Spain; 11 Argentina; 12 Canada; 13 Wales; 14 Uganda; 15 United States; 16 Russia

Charlotte Gainsbourg

Rest

(Because Music)

The biog

Age: 46

Number of Children: Four

Hobby: Reading history books

Loves: Sports

MO
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreators%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMohammed%20Amer%2C%20Ramy%20Youssef%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMohammed%20Amer%2C%20Teresa%20Ruiz%2C%20Omar%20Elba%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2018 Infiniti QX80

Price: base / as tested: Dh335,000

Engine: 5.6-litre V8

Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 400hp @ 5,800rpm

Torque: 560Nm @ 4,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 12.1L / 100km