Comprehensive guide about living and working in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Emirates
Main Cities
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah
Currency
UAE Dirham (AED)
Language
Arabic (English widely used)
Working Week
Monday to Friday (most companies)
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a premier destination for Filipino workers, offering tax-free salaries, modern infrastructure, and diverse opportunities. With over 700,000 OFWs in the UAE, Filipinos are valued for their professionalism, English skills, and work ethic. The UAE combines traditional Arabic culture with modern cosmopolitan lifestyle.
UAE salaries are tax-free and competitive. Housing allowance often included or provided. Exchange rate: 1 AED ≈ ₱15 (rates fluctuate)
| Position | Monthly Salary (AED) | Approx. PHP |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Worker | AED 1,200 - 1,800 | ₱18,000 - ₱27,000 |
| Retail Sales | AED 2,000 - 3,500 | ₱30,000 - ₱52,000 |
| Customer Service | AED 3,000 - 5,000 | ₱45,000 - ₱75,000 |
| Restaurant Staff | AED 1,800 - 3,000 | ₱27,000 - ₱45,000 |
| Nurse | AED 5,000 - 10,000 | ₱75,000 - ₱150,000 |
| Engineer | AED 8,000 - 18,000 | ₱120,000 - ₱270,000 |
| IT Professional | AED 10,000 - 25,000 | ₱150,000 - ₱375,000 |
| Marketing Manager | AED 12,000 - 30,000 | ₱180,000 - ₱450,000 |
* Salaries vary by emirate, company, experience, and qualifications. Dubai and Abu Dhabi pay higher than other emirates.
Studio Apartment (Shared)
Usually provided by employer
AED 1,500 - 2,500/month
Meal at Restaurant
Food courts cheaper (AED 15-25)
AED 25 - 50
Groceries (Monthly)
Cooking at home saves money
AED 500 - 800
Metro/Bus Pass
Excellent public transport
AED 100 - 300/month
Mobile Plan
Good network coverage
AED 50 - 150/month
Utilities (if not included)
AC expensive in summer
AED 300 - 600/month
Tip: Most employers provide accommodation or housing allowance. Food and transport are your main expenses. Budget wisely and aim to save 30-40% of your salary.
Most international, fast-paced lifestyle, highest salaries but also highest cost of living.
Best For:
Career growth, hospitality, retail, finance
Capital city, more traditional, competitive salaries, slightly lower cost of living than Dubai.
Best For:
Government jobs, oil & gas, healthcare, education
More conservative, significantly cheaper than Dubai (30-40% lower rent), good public services.
Best For:
Budget-conscious workers, education, manufacturing
Smallest and most affordable, quieter lifestyle, many workers live here and commute to Dubai.
Best For:
Low-cost living, small businesses
More relaxed than other Gulf countries, but still conservative. Cover shoulders and knees in public. Beach resorts have relaxed dress codes.
No eating/drinking/smoking in public during fasting hours. Work hours reduced by 2 hours. Many restaurants remain closed during the day.
UAE is very diverse with over 200 nationalities. Tolerance and respect for all cultures is valued.
Many businesses closed or have reduced hours on Friday morning for Jumma prayers.
UAE has strong labor laws. All employees must have written contracts. Know your rights and don't hesitate to file complaints with Ministry of Human Resources.
Despite high salaries, cost of living is high. Create a budget, cook at home, use public transport, and send remittances regularly.
Your residence visa is tied to your employer. If you change jobs, you need new visa. Overstaying visa results in fines (AED 25-100 per day).
Browse available jobs from verified agencies or learn more about the deployment process