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What is Al Jalila Foundation?
- BY Emilie
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Al Jalila Foundation is a global healthcare philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives by supporting medical education, ground-breaking research, and access to treatment.
Al Jalila Foundation was founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai in April 2013. It is one of 33 member organisations under Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives which embody the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid to improve the world through humanitarian, developmental and community work.
How is Al Jalila Foundation transforming lives?
Supporting Medical Research and Innovation
Through research grants, Al Jalila Foundation supports ground-breaking research to address health challenges prevalent in the region including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, mental health, and emerging viral diseases.
Opened in August 2020, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute, a collaboration between Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) and Al Jalila Foundation, is a AED 300 million multi-disciplinary world class biomedical research institute. Located on the 7th floor of the Al Jalila Foundation, the Research Institute brings together leading local and international scientists and has already contributed to significant scientific discoveries and landmark publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Investing in Medical Education
Al Jalila Foundation is investing in the next generation of Emirati medical professionals through medical scholarships. The foundation also promotes medical education and research by investing in the UAE’s medical capabilities.
Enabling Access to Medical Treatment
Al Jalila Foundation provides financial medical assistance to UAE-based patients in need:
The A’awen (Arabic for ‘support’) patient treatment programme, in partnership with government healthcare providers, has helped hundreds of patients receive life-changing medical treatment.
For paediatric patients, the Farah (Arabic for ‘happiness’) programme, provides access to life-saving treatment, bringing hope to children and their families. The funds raised through this programme are also invested into cutting-edge research to find cures for diseases affecting children.Supporting Cancer Patients
Majlis Al Amal, opened in October 2021, is a unique ‘cancer drop-in centre’ dedicated to supporting female cancer patients and survivors.
Al Jalila Foundation’s Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital, due to open in 2026, will be the UAE’s first comprehensive cancer charity hospital. This will serve as a centre of excellence for cancer diagnosis, treatment, screening, prevention and research in the region.
Raising Breast Cancer Awareness
Every year in October, Al Jalila Foundation’s #PINKtober campaign raises awareness of breast cancer and the need for early detection, and funds for continuing research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.
Empowering Children of Determination
The Ta’alouf (Arabic for ‘harmony’) programme works in unison with strategic partners, parents, educators and the wider community to empower children with special needs or living with disabilities. Training programmes for parents and teachers are offered in Arabic and English.
Fundraising
Al Jalila Foundation’s community fundraising program, #TeamAlJalila, has raised millions of dirhams since 2013. Hundreds of Team Al Jalila members have turned their passions into unique fundraising events to support the Foundation’s initiatives to improve lives.
To find out more about Al Jalila Foundation, visit: https://www.aljalilafoundation.ae
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Lifestyle and Cost of Living in Dubai
- BY Emilie
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The main attractions for healthcare professionals working in Dubai are the great lifestyle and ability to build up their savings with a tax-free salary.
If you are considering relocating then you may be wondering about the cost of living in Dubai and how this relates to the amount you will be able to save from your salary.
Lifestyle in Dubai
In a recent Expat Insider survey from InterNations, Dubai came second in the overall rankings for the best city in the world for expats. Dubai ranked highly for feeling welcome in the city, availability of services and quality of life. Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world with a low crime rate.
Dubai has a lot to offer including year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches and deserts, great infrastructure and cutting-edge architecture. There is also a thriving arts scene with influences from both Eastern and Western cultures.
Dubai offers a wide range of shopping, entertainment, leisure and dining options depending on your budget and lifestyle expectations.
Cost of living in Dubai
In Numbeo’s Cost of living index 2023, Dubai ranked 182nd out of 540 cities, ranking higher than Madrid, Malmo and Edinburgh but less expensive than London, New York and Singapore.
See Numbeo’s Cost of Living Comparison Calculator:
There is no income tax in the UAE but VAT was introduced in 2018 at a rate of 5% (compared to 20% in the UK).
The cost of living in Dubai varies widely depending on your lifestyle. Here are some factors to consider:
Accommodation:
Rent and house prices are generally higher the closer you live to downtown or the beach. You can save by living further away from the coast or city centre.
(Some people live in the neighbouring Emirate of Sharjah where rents are significantly less than in Dubai, but end up spending a lot of time in traffic getting in and out of Dubai.)
Depending on your employer, some contracts may include housing or an accommodation allowance. If you live in a house or villa, your utility and maintenance costs will usually be higher than for an apartment.
Food:
Grocery costs vary depending on whether you buy local or imported products and the type of supermarket you choose.
Dubai has many restaurants with cuisines from all over the world. The cost of dining out is often less than in the UK but varies widely depending on the type of restaurant and the location.
Home Help:
Employing someone to help with housework or childcare is more affordable than in Europe or North America, but is still a cost to budget for.
Transport:
Cars in Dubai are generally slightly cheaper than in the UK or USA, however this will obviously vary depending on the make and model. As elsewhere, you can make savings by buying second-hand. As the UAE is an oil-rich country, petrol isinexpensive (at least half the price compared to the UK) and maintenance costs are reasonable.
Children’s education:
If you are coming with school-aged children, school fees are a significant expense to consider. Some doctor’s contracts may include an allowance for children’s school fees. Fees increase as a child moves up through the school, so are highest for senior years. School fees were frozen or discounted during the COVID-19 pandemic, but are now increasing for 2023-24. A lot of schools offer sibling discounts of around 5 to 10% for younger sibling(s). Corporate discounts may also be available, so check with your employer.
Entertainment and leisure:
There are a wide range of leisure activities available, according to your budget. The more touristy attractions can be on the expensive side, but there are plenty of beaches, parks, and inexpensive or free museums and galleries. You can also take the opportunity to get out into the desert or visit a nature reserve.
Dubai has a lot to offer healthcare professionals and their families, including the ability to build up savings for the future.
At Allocation Assist we connect in-demand specialists with the right skills and experience with the best hospitals in Dubai and the wider UAE.
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Buying vs Renting in Dubai
- BY Emilie
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At Allocation Assist, many doctors and other healthcare professionals have asked about renting or buying accommodation in Dubai.
Most people relocating to the UAE start off renting. Buying a property is a big decision that needs careful consideration.
Factors to consider:
- How long you plan to stay in the UAE
- Your long-term job security
- Your financial situation
- State of the housing market
- Planned investments in your home country
- How you value stability vs flexibility to move
How is the housing market in Dubai in 2023?
The UAE has recovered well following the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy, including the housing market, is growing rapidly. Residential real estate in Dubai witnessed very strong growth in 2022. According to Savills, increasing demand for both rental and purchase of residential properties is pushing prices and rents up. The rate and timeline for price increases has varied across micro-markets, with prime/luxury developments across established locations with limited supply witnessing the highest increase in values.
(https://pdf.euro.savills.co.uk/uae/dubai/uae-2023-en-0703-yu—optimized.pdf)
Deloitte (Middle East Real Estate Predictions 2023 – Dubai) reports that Dubai has established its status as a safe haven for investors in the face of global economic uncertainty. Residential property prices increased by 12% and rents by 19% on average 12% between Q3 2021 and Q3 2022.
The UAE economy is predicted to keep growing over the short to medium term. However, it is always important to check the current condition of the market with a financial advisor before investing.
To Rent or to Buy?
Renting may be preferable if:
- You are not sure how long you plan to stay in the UAE
- You plan to stay for less than 5 years before relocating
- You lack the necessary funds or deposit to secure a mortgage
- You prefer the flexibility to move easily
- You prefer to invest in your home country
Buying may be preferable if:
- You plan to stay more than 5 years in the UAE
- You have a stable employment contract and good job security
- You have sufficient savings for a deposit and other up-front costs (taxes, fees, maintenance etc.)
- You are looking to make a financial investment
- You prefer the stability and comfort of owning your own home
You may find this calculator from propertyfinder.ae useful: Rent vs buy calculator – Dubai
Buying a property is a big financial decision, wherever you are in the world. It is essential to take expert financial and legal advice from before investing.
Whether you choose to buy or rent, Dubai has a very diverse range of properties of all types and for all budgets.
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CV Tips for Specialist Doctors applying to work in...
- BY Emilie
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Are you a highly skilled specialist doctor seeking to relocate to Dubai, or elsewhere in the United Arab Emirates?
A CV that showcases your skills and experience, relevant to the position you are applying for, is essential if you want to secure an interview.
The medical sector in the UAE requires specialist doctors who are self-motivated and flexible. Western-trained doctors, especially those with advanced fellowships post-specialisation are sought after to bring new skills and techniques to the region.
If you have teaching experience this is also beneficial.
Follow these CV tips to get noticed by potential employers:
- Use a short summary on the first page of your CV to highlight your skills and experience that align with the job description and person specification for the position you are applying for.
- Include your CCT, general medical council and specialist registrations, as well as any professional memberships and affiliations.
- If you have obtained your registration (proving your eligibility to work in the UAE) or medical licence if you are already working in the country, then don’t forget to include details.
- Mention if you speak additional languages apart from English. Arabic, being the local language, is especially appreciated, but also European or Indian languages, Mandarin or Russian.
- Highlight your training, clinical experience and research related to your speciality.
- Give brief details of relevant audits and quality improvement plans you have been engaged with.
- Mention if your clinical outcomes have been evaluated or certified by an independent agency.
- List any peer-reviewed publications, books, book chapters, and presentations you have given at conferences.
- If you have started a new service in previous posts, be sure to mention this.
- Highlight any teaching or management experience.
- List any prizes, awards or accolades you have received, related to your speciality.
- Mention any medical voluntary work, such as with NGOs or charities.
The UAE’s dynamic healthcare sector offers highly skilled and motivated doctors the chance to:
- Be part of a growing and innovative medical sector
- Increase your savings – with a tax-free salary!
- Enjoy a vibrant international culture
- Live in one of the safest countries in the world
- Enjoy security with the Golden Visa
- Discover a convenient, and family-friendly lifestyle
Interested? Find out more about Allocation Assist’s Recruitment Platform:
https://www.allocationassist.com/allocation-assists-recruitment-platform/
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Opening a bank account when you relocate to the UA...
- BY Emilie
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If you are a doctor or other healthcare professional relocating to the UAE, you may be wondering about how to open a local bank account.
The UAE has a robust banking sector with many local and international banks, all regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE in order to meet international standards and requirements.
How can I open a new current account in the UAE?
For expats coming to work in the UAE, the process of opening a current account is simple once you have your residence visa. Bank account opening can be done in person or through an agent from the bank, who will visit your home or place of work. Some UAE banks even allow residents to open accounts over the internet via a smartphone app once you have your Emirates ID. Most debit cards issued in the UAE work at a range of local ATMs, as well as internationally. Residents are issued with an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) and Swift code, making international transfers easy.
What documents do I need for a resident’s current account?
- Your original passport plus a copy
- A copy of your visa page proving you are a resident of the UAE
- A salary certificate, or a copy of your contract or appointment letter
- Your Emirates ID, or a copy of your Emirates ID registration form if you have not yet received it.
Can I open a UAE bank account before I get my residence visa?
Only UAE citizens, GCC nationals, or UAE residents are permitted to open a current account in the country. Before you get your residence visa, it is possible to open a savings account. These accounts usually require a relatively high minimum balance and allow you to have a debit card but not a cheque book. To apply for a non-resident account in a UAE bank, you should visit the bank in person. If you are a customer of a major international bank with branches in the UAE, such as HSBC or CitiBank, they may allow you to open a UAE account before landing in the UAE.
What happens if I leave the UAE?
If you relocate away from the UAE at the end of your employment, you will need to inform the bank and clear any due payments. You can continue to keep a non-resident savings account. Many banks allow you to convert an existing resident account to a non-resident account
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The Complete Guide of DHA License for Healthcare P...
- BY Emilie
Dubai is a land of opportunities for healthcare professionals as it offers higher salaries and work-life balance to professionals, but…
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Earning potential for Doctors in Dubai
- BY Emilie
Read ArticlesAlthough Doctors can still more than double their current salaries, (mainly due to the non-taxation), not all hospitals in Dubai are providing accommodation and education allowance for children and I just felt to explain our understanding of why this is.
It takes at least 6-8 months for a new Doctor to start getting established, build up a patient base and become known in the market. Therefore, effectively the hospitals are making an investment when they employ new Doctors, as well as taking a huge risk if that Doctor then decides to move to another hospital once generating revenue.
Although Doctors can still more than double their current salaries, (mainly due to the non-taxation), not all hospitals in Dubai are providing accommodation and education allowance for children and I just felt to explain our understanding of why this is.
It takes at least 6-8 months for a new Doctor to start getting established, build up a patient base and become known in the market. Therefore, effectively the hospitals are making an investment when they employ new Doctors, as well as taking a huge risk if that Doctor then decides to move to another hospital once generating revenue.
As your patient base grows, many doctors then go on to profit share contracts rather than salaried contracts. This allows for a higher earnings in comparison to a salaried contract. Some doctors also go on to start their own clinics and businesses once they have learnt about the market.
However it’s important to first become established in the Dubai Healthcare system, learn the culture and adapt to the way of working here. You need to show the hospital that you are committed and serious about your intentions.
Nothing in life worth having comes easy. Dubai is such an amazing and vibrant place to live, there is so much opportunity here and the way of living is relaxed and stress free. If the year round sun isn’t enough to convince you, the central location and highly developed airport makes for a number of opportunities to travel around the globe. Dubai is a multicultural city that has everything you need.
Although Doctors can still more than double their current salaries, (mainly due to the non-taxation), not all hospitals in Dubai are providing accommodation and education allowance for children and I just felt to explain our understanding of why this is.
It takes at least 6-8 months for a new Doctor to start getting established, build up a patient base and become known in the market. Therefore, effectively the hospitals are making an investment when they employ new Doctors, as well as taking a huge risk if that Doctor then decides to move to another hospital once generating revenue.
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What to expect at Expo 2020 Dubai?
- BY Emilie
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Dubai is gearing up for the world’s greatest show beginning on 1st October, after being postponed by one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. World Expos have showcased innovations and fostered collaboration between countries over the past 170 years but this is the first time the event has been hosted in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.
Expo 2020 Dubai will run for 6 months from 1st October 2021 to 31st March 2022. The theme is ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ and it is set to be a thrilling spectacle bringing the world together to create a better tomorrow.
What can visitors expect at Expo 2020 Dubai?
The Expo site in the Dubai South district, spanning approximately 4.4 square kilometers, is well-connected to national and international travel routes. It is home to over 200 pavilions, each with unique architecture and cultural offerings from 191 countries as well as commercial partners and non-governmental organisations. Pavilions also focus on the Expo themes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability. There will be a festival atmosphere with over 60 shows daily, including theatre, music, art and dance. Foodies can also enjoy international flavours from over 200 restaurants.
Some highlights include:
- A 3D-printed replica of Michelangelo’s David statue in the Italy pavilion ● Hanging Gardens modelled on the Gardens by the Bay nature park in the Singapore Pavilion
- A unique environment with a floor covered in refrigerated water and shows projected on the walls and ceiling immersing you in the atmosphere of the Rio carnival or Amazonian rainforest, in the Brazil pavilion
- A model of Europe’s first Hyperloop, a futuristic mode of transport that can travel up to 1000km, in the Spain Pavilion
- A chance to leave a collective message for aliens in collaboration your fellow visitors, famous poets and artificial intelligence, inspired by a project from the late scientist Stephen Hawking in the UK pavilion
- Discussions on how to create a better world through collaboration and innovation, in Mission Possible – The Opportunity Pavillion
- The world’s largest mobile platform elevator that can carry up to 160 passengers at a time, in Alif – The Mobility Pavilion
- Terra – The Sustainability pavillion, a net-zero energy and water building with rotating solar e-trees, focusing on real-world solutions for the future of our planet ● The largest 360-degree projection surface in the world on the dome of Al Wasl Plaza – Expo’s jewel designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture.
After the Expo is finished, the site will evolve to become District 2020 – an accessible smart, sustainable, human-centric city for generations to come.
Opportunities for learning and collaboration
Expo 2020 Dubai will host ten theme weeks with conferences addressing global challenges.
For those involved in the health sector, Health and wellness week, from 27th January to 2nd February 2022, will include a focus on applications of virtual reality, robotics, artificial intelligence, 3D printing and wearable technologies for health.
Safety protocols
As Expo 2020 is taking place in the context of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, every care has been taken to ensure that the event will operate safely. Rob Cooling, Expo 2020’s vice president of health, safety, quality and environment, says that guidelines have been developed in conjunction with Expo partners, contractors, and government authorities, with mentorship and support from the UK Health and Safety Executive.
Safety measures include:
- Mandatory vaccination of all staff—including contractors, their supply chain, volunteers, and pavilion teams
- Social distancing and mask-wearing around the Expo site – guidelines may be updated during the event.
- Proof of COVID-19 testing or vaccination is not required to enter Expo site. However, all passengers traveling to Dubai from any country currently need a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before their departure.
- A smart booking system will help to avoid queues and bottlenecks, with people able to book directly online to reserve a specific time slot to visit a venue
- An onsite emergency medical facility ready to cope with the demands of an expected 25 million visitors.
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) have implemented strategies to provide for the needs of all visitors through its well-integrated network of hospitals and clinics.
Opportunities for the Healthcare Sector beyond Expo 2020
The event will showcase Dubai’s growing healthcare sector on an international stage, creating opportunities for investment into the emirate’s medical tourism and innovation strategy.
Visit expo2020dubai.com to find out more and book tickets.
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UAE opens 10-year ‘Golden Visa’ scheme...
- BY Emilie
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UAE opens 10-year ‘Golden Visa’ scheme to all resident doctors
In recognition of their dedication and contributions to the healthcare sector, and efforts to protect the emirate against Covid-19, all doctors licensed by the UAE health regulatory bodies can now apply for the golden visa until September 2022.
What is the golden visa scheme?
The golden visa long-term residency scheme was launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai in 2019. Golden visas are granted to experts in various fields to recognize their key role in supporting the nation’s progress.
What are the benefits of the golden visa?
Most expat workers receive residence visas on the basis of their employment, which must be renewed every two or three years.
Golden visas are issued for 10 years and easily renewable, as long as the recipient continues to meet the conditions of the visa. This long-term visa allows foreigners and their immediate family to work, live and study without needing an Emirati sponsor.
The scheme will benefit the UAE’s health sector by encouraging the best talent to remain in the Emirates long term.
How are golden visas different from Emirati citizenship?
Emirati citizenship confers naturalization and an Emirati passport. Citizenship can only be granted to individuals nominated by government or royal court officials. People eligible for nomination include investors and highly skilled professionals who offer specialized talents or expertise to the country.
How can doctors apply for the Golden Visa?
All doctors licensed by the country’s health regulatory bodies can apply for the golden visa from now until September 2022 via the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website smartservices.ica.gov.ae. Doctors licensed in Dubai can apply through smart.gdrfad.gov.ae.
Dubai is a fast-paced, highly competitive tourism & business hub and is not suited to everyone!
To find out more about working in this dynamic and growing healthcare sector, contact Allocation Assist
