Explore the complete guide to Attractive Skilled Worker Jobs in the UAE With Visa Sponsorship 2026 and why you should consider UAE. This post covers tax-free salaries, Golden Visa (AED 30,000 salary requirement), Green Visa, top sectors in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, employer sponsorship, and step-by-step application process.
The UAE in 2026 Is Where Tax-Free Income Meets Global Career Acceleration
The United Arab Emirates has become one of the most compelling career destinations in the world. In 2026, the UAE’s appeal is stronger than ever: zero personal income tax on employment earnings, world-class infrastructure, a rapidly diversifying economy, a multilingual and cosmopolitan working culture, and a government that is systematically rolling out long-term visa pathways designed to attract and retain the world’s most skilled professionals.
Over 200,000 skilled workers relocate to the UAE every year. The country’s two largest emirates, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are home to some of the most dynamic job markets in the Middle East, with consistent demand for professionals in technology, engineering, healthcare, finance, construction, education, and hospitality. The introduction of the Golden Visa (5 to 10-year renewable residency for skilled professionals, investors, and exceptional talent) and the Green Visa (self-sponsored residency for skilled workers) has fundamentally changed the UAE’s immigration landscape, creating viable long-term settlement options that did not exist before 2019.
This guide covers everything you need to know about working in the UAE in 2026: the visa categories available, salary expectations in AED, Golden Visa eligibility and the AED 30,000 basic salary requirement, the most in-demand sectors and occupations, how employer sponsorship works, and a step-by-step application process from job search to UAE residence.
Why the UAE Is Attracting Skilled Workers at Record Levels in 2026
Zero Personal Income Tax
The UAE levies no personal income tax on employment earnings. Your gross salary is your take-home salary. For a software engineer earning AED 35,000 per month (approximately USD 9,500), the entire amount lands in their bank account. Compare this to the UK, where the same gross salary would be reduced by approximately 30% through income tax and National Insurance, or Germany, where the reduction can exceed 40%. The tax-free advantage compounds dramatically over multi-year careers, making the UAE one of the most financially rewarding destinations for mid-career professionals globally.
A Diversifying Economy
The UAE has invested aggressively in economic diversification over the past decade, reducing its dependence on hydrocarbons and building world-class sectors in technology, renewable energy, financial services, healthcare, tourism, logistics, and real estate. Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City, Dubai’s Silicon Oasis and Internet City, and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) financial hubs are all generating thousands of skilled professional positions annually.
Long-Term Visa Reform
The UAE’s visa reform programme centred on the Golden Visa (2019, expanded 2022 and 2024) and the Green Visa (2022) has transformed what was once a purely employer-dependent, short-term visa system into a genuine settlement pathway for skilled professionals. For the first time, foreign professionals in the UAE can hold long-term residency that is not tied to a single employer, creating a level of career flexibility and residential security that was previously unavailable.
UAE Visa Types for Skilled Workers in 2026
| Visa Type | Duration | Sponsor Required? | Minimum Salary | Key Feature |
| Standard Employment Visa | 2–3 years (renewable) | Yes, employer sponsors | Varies by role and skill level | Most common route; employer handles all visa processing |
| Green Visa (Skilled Worker) | 5 years (renewable) | Self-sponsored | AED 15,000/month | No employer sponsor needed; full job mobility |
| Golden Visa (Skilled Professional) | 10 years (renewable) | Self-sponsored | AED 30,000/month basic | Premium long-term residency; family sponsorship; no employer tie |
| Golden Visa (Investor) | 10 years (renewable) | Self-sponsored | AED 2M investment | For property investors or business investors |
| Golden Visa (Exceptional Talent) | 10 years (renewable) | Self-sponsored | No salary requirement | For scientists, doctors, artists, athletes, tech innovators |
| Freelance Visa | 1–5 years | Self-sponsored | Varies by free zone | For independent professionals and consultants |
| Job Search Visa (Talent Visa) | 60–120 days | N/A | None | Entry visa for job searching; degree from top-500 university |
For most skilled workers arriving in the UAE for the first time, the standard employment visa sponsored by a UAE employer is the entry pathway. After establishing employment and meeting the salary and qualification thresholds, workers can then upgrade to a Golden Visa or Green Visa for long-term residency and career flexibility.
The UAE Golden Visa for Skilled Professionals, Full 2026 Requirements
The Golden Visa is the UAE’s premium long-term residency programme. For skilled professionals, the Golden Visa offers 10-year renewable residency that is not tied to any single employer, grants the right to sponsor family members independently, and provides stability that no standard employment visa can match.
Golden Visa Skilled Professional Requirements (2026)
| Requirement | Details |
| Minimum Basic Salary | AED 30,000 per month (basic salary only; allowances excluded). Must be demonstrated for the previous 2 years through WPS-verified bank statements. |
| Professional Classification | Must hold MOHRE occupational classification Level 1 (Managers and Business Executives) or Level 2 (Professionals in sciences, engineering, health, education, business, IT, law, sociology, and culture) |
| Educational Qualification | Minimum Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, attested through the UAE attestation process |
| Employment Contract | Valid UAE employment contract from a government, semi-government, private sector, or free zone entity |
| Salary Documentation | Salary certificate from employer + bank statements for the last 3–6 months showing AED 30,000+ basic salary deposits via WPS |
| Professional Licence | Valid UAE Practising Licence if required for the profession (e.g., physicians, pharmacists, teachers, engineers) |
| Application Portal | ICP Smart Services (federal) or GDRFA Dubai (for Dubai residents) |
| Processing Time | Typically 1–2 weeks for complete applications |
| Cost | AED 4,695 – AED 10,140 depending on category and emirate |
A critical distinction for 2026: only the basic salary counts toward the AED 30,000 threshold. As of January 2025, the UAE reversed a brief policy that had allowed gross salary (including housing and transport allowances) to count. In 2026, only the basic salary component as reflected in the employment contract and WPS bank deposits qualifies. Applicants whose total package exceeds AED 30,000 but whose basic salary falls below that figure do not meet the requirement.
Salary and Compensation: What Skilled Workers Earn in the UAE
UAE salaries are typically structured as a total package comprising basic salary plus allowances (housing, transport, education, flights). The basic salary is the contractual base figure; allowances are additional. All figures below are monthly and tax-free.
| Sector / Role | Monthly Salary Range (AED) | Annual Equivalent (AED) | USD Equivalent (Annual) |
| Software Engineer | AED 18,000 – AED 45,000 | AED 216,000 – 540,000 | $59,000 – $147,000 |
| Civil / Structural Engineer | AED 15,000 – AED 35,000 | AED 180,000 – 420,000 | $49,000 – $114,000 |
| Registered Nurse | AED 10,000 – AED 20,000 | AED 120,000 – 240,000 | $33,000 – $65,000 |
| Medical Doctor (GP/Specialist) | AED 30,000 – AED 80,000 | AED 360,000 – 960,000 | $98,000 – $261,000 |
| Finance / Banking Professional | AED 20,000 – AED 55,000 | AED 240,000 – 660,000 | $65,000 – $180,000 |
| Teacher (International School) | AED 12,000 – AED 22,000 | AED 144,000 – 264,000 | $39,000 – $72,000 |
| Project Manager (Construction) | AED 20,000 – AED 40,000 | AED 240,000 – 480,000 | $65,000 – $131,000 |
| Data Scientist / AI Engineer | AED 25,000 – AED 50,000 | AED 300,000 – 600,000 | $82,000 – $163,000 |
| Hospitality Manager | AED 15,000 – AED 30,000 | AED 180,000 – 360,000 | $49,000 – $98,000 |
| Senior Executive / Director | AED 40,000 – AED 100,000+ | AED 480,000 – 1,200,000+ | $131,000 – $327,000+ |
Standard UAE Employment Benefits
- Housing allowance: Typically 30–40% of basic salary, or employer-provided accommodation
- Transport allowance: Monthly car allowance or company vehicle
- Annual flight: One annual return flight to home country (or cash equivalent)
- Health insurance: Mandatory employer-provided private health insurance for employee and often dependants
- End-of-service gratuity: 21 days’ basic salary per year for the first 5 years; 30 days per year thereafter (paid upon contract end)
- Annual leave: Minimum 30 calendar days per year under UAE Labour Law
- Education allowance: Some employers provide school fee subsidies for dependant children
Top In-Demand Sectors and Occupations in 2026
| Sector | Key In-Demand Roles | Primary Locations |
| Technology & AI | Software Engineers, Data Scientists, AI/ML Engineers, Cybersecurity Analysts, Cloud Architects | Dubai Internet City, Silicon Oasis, ADGM, DIFC |
| Construction & Infrastructure | Civil Engineers, Structural Engineers, MEP Engineers, Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors | Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Northern Emirates (Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah) |
| Healthcare | Physicians (GPs, Specialists), Registered Nurses, Pharmacists, Dentists, Lab Technicians | Dubai Health Authority, SEHA (Abu Dhabi), private hospital groups |
| Financial Services | Investment Analysts, Risk Managers, Compliance Officers, Fintech Developers, Insurance Actuaries | DIFC, ADGM, Downtown Dubai, Abu Dhabi |
| Oil, Gas & Energy | Petroleum Engineers, Drilling Engineers, HSE Managers, Renewable Energy Engineers | Abu Dhabi (ADNOC hub), Ruwais, Habshan, Fujairah |
| Education | Primary and Secondary Teachers, University Lecturers, Special Education Needs Specialists | International schools across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah |
| Hospitality & Tourism | Hotel GMs, F&B Directors, Revenue Managers, Executive Chefs | Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah resort developments |
| Logistics & Supply Chain | Supply Chain Managers, Customs Analysts, Warehouse Operations Directors | Jebel Ali, Dubai South, Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi Industrial City |
The UAE’s economic diversification strategy, anchored by Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030 and Dubai’s D33 programme, is driving aggressive hiring in technology, renewable energy, healthcare, and financial services. Construction remains a perennial high-volume employer given the UAE’s continuous investment in infrastructure, real estate, and mega-projects.
How Employer Sponsorship Works in the UAE
The standard pathway for international skilled workers entering the UAE is through employer-sponsored employment. The UAE operates a straightforward employer-led visa system managed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for mainland companies and by individual free zone authorities for companies registered in free zones.
The Standard Employer Sponsorship Process
- Job offer: You receive a formal offer letter from a UAE employer specifying your role, salary, and benefits package.
- Labour approval: The employer obtains a labour approval (work permit) from MOHRE or the relevant free zone authority. This permits the employer to hire you as a foreign national.
- Entry permit: The employer arranges an entry permit (entry visa) for you to enter the UAE legally for employment purposes.
- Medical examination: Upon arrival in the UAE, you undergo a mandatory medical fitness test at a government-approved health centre. The test screens for communicable diseases including tuberculosis and HIV.
- Emirates ID biometrics: You visit an ICP service centre to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) for your Emirates ID card, your primary identity document in the UAE.
- Residence visa stamping: Your residence visa is stamped in your passport (or issued electronically) and linked to your Emirates ID. This confirms your legal right to reside and work in the UAE for the duration of your employment contract.
The entire process from job offer acceptance to residence visa typically takes 2 to 4 weeks when all documentation is in order. Employers typically handle the administrative process through their PRO (Public Relations Officer) department or an outsourced government relations service.
Free Zone vs. Mainland Employment
The UAE has over 40 free zones including DIFC, DMCC, Dubai Internet City, Abu Dhabi Global Market, and Jebel Ali Free Zone, each with its own employment and visa administration. Free zone employees receive visas through the free zone authority rather than MOHRE. The practical experience for the employee is largely identical, though some free zones have slightly different processes and timelines. The key distinction is that free zone employment restricts your work to the free zone entity, while mainland employment permits broader commercial flexibility.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Step 1: Define Your Target Sector and Emirate
The UAE’s job market differs meaningfully between emirates. Dubai is the hub for technology, finance, hospitality, and media. Abu Dhabi leads in oil and gas, government, healthcare, and defence. Sharjah offers more affordable living with growing education and manufacturing sectors. Identify which emirate and sector best matches your professional background before beginning your search.
Step 2: Search for Sponsored Positions
| Platform | URL | Best For |
| LinkedIn UAE | linkedin.com/jobs (filter: UAE) | Professional and senior roles; direct recruiter contact |
| Bayt.com | bayt.com | Middle East’s largest job board; all sectors and levels |
| GulfTalent | gulftalent.com | Senior and specialist roles across the Gulf region |
| Indeed UAE | ae.indeed.com | Broad search; use ‘visa sponsorship’ filter |
| Naukrigulf | naukrigulf.com | Strong for South Asian professionals targeting UAE roles |
| Dubizzle Jobs | dubizzle.com/jobs | Dubai-specific listings across all sectors |
| Glassdoor UAE | glassdoor.ae | Company reviews + salary data + job listings |
| Free Zone Portals | Various (difc.ae, dmcc.ae, etc.) | Roles within specific UAE free zones |
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Documents
- Updated CV (2–3 pages; tailored for the UAE market; include nationality and visa status)
- Cover letter tailored to the specific role and employer
- Certified and attested educational qualifications (UAE attestation chain: home country → UAE Embassy → MOFA attestation)
- Professional certifications and licences (attested as required)
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
- Professional references from previous employers
- Passport-sized photographs meeting UAE specifications
Step 4: Accept the Job Offer and Review Your Contract
UAE employment contracts are regulated by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (UAE Labour Law). Review your contract carefully for basic salary, allowances, probation period (maximum 6 months), notice period, non-compete clauses, and end-of-service gratuity terms. Ensure the basic salary figure meets your needs and, if you intend to apply for a Golden Visa in future, that it meets the AED 30,000 threshold.
Step 5: Complete the Visa Process Through Your Employer
Once you accept the offer, your employer initiates the labour approval and entry permit process. You will receive an entry permit (electronic or stamped) allowing you to travel to the UAE. Upon arrival, complete the medical examination, Emirates ID biometrics, and residence visa stamping within the required timeframe (typically 60 days of entry).
Step 6: Register for Essential Services
After receiving your residence visa and Emirates ID, register for the following essential services:
- UAE bank account: Required to receive your salary via the Wages Protection System (WPS)
- Health insurance: Mandatory; employer-provided in most cases
- Driving licence: Convert your home-country licence or obtain a UAE driving licence (varies by nationality)
- Mobile phone and internet: Etisalat (e&) and du are the two national providers
Step 7: Plan Your Golden Visa Upgrade (If Applicable)
After establishing employment in the UAE with a basic salary of AED 30,000+ for 2 years and meeting the MOHRE Level 1 or 2 occupational classification, you become eligible to apply for the 10-year Golden Visa. This upgrade provides long-term residency security and removes your dependence on a single employer for visa status.
Cost of Living in the UAE & Financial Planning Guide
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (AED) in Dubai | Monthly Cost (AED) in Abu Dhabi | Notes |
| Rent (1-bed apartment, city) | AED 5,000 – AED 10,000 | AED 4,000 – AED 8,000 | Often covered by housing allowance |
| Groceries | AED 1,500 – AED 2,500 | AED 1,200 – AED 2,000 | International groceries widely available |
| Transport (car payment + fuel) | AED 2,000 – AED 4,000 | AED 1,800 – AED 3,500 | Public transport limited; car ownership common |
| Utilities (AC, water, internet) | AED 800 – AED 1,500 | AED 700 – AED 1,200 | Air conditioning costs peak in summer |
| Health Insurance | Employer-provided | Employer-provided | Mandatory under UAE law |
| Dining Out | AED 1,000 – AED 3,000 | AED 800 – AED 2,500 | Wide range from casual to luxury |
| School Fees (per child) | AED 20,000 – AED 80,000/year | AED 15,000 – AED 70,000/year | International school fees vary enormously |
| Total Monthly Estimate | AED 10,300 – AED 21,000 | AED 8,500 – AED 17,200 | Before school fees; reduced with employer allowances |
With employer-provided housing allowance, health insurance, and annual flight, the effective cost of living for a single professional in the UAE is considerably lower than the raw figures suggest. Many skilled professionals report saving 40% to 60% of their gross salary, a savings rate that is extremely difficult to achieve in equivalent roles in Europe, North America, or Australasia.
Worker Rights Under UAE Labour Law
The UAE enacted a comprehensive new Labour Law in February 2022 (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), significantly strengthening worker protections and modernising employment regulation. Key provisions that apply to all sponsored employees include:
- Maximum probation period of 6 months; during probation, either party may terminate with 14 days’ notice
- Annual leave: Minimum 30 calendar days per year for employees with one year or more of service
- Sick leave: Up to 90 days per year (15 days full pay, 30 days half pay, 45 days unpaid)
- End-of-service gratuity: 21 days’ basic salary per year for the first 5 years; 30 days per year thereafter; payable upon contract termination
- Overtime pay: 125% of normal hourly rate for weekday overtime; 150% for weekend and holiday overtime
- Non-discrimination: Prohibition of discrimination based on race, colour, sex, religion, national origin, or disability
- Wage Protection System (WPS): All salaries must be paid through the electronic WPS, ensuring transparent and timely payment
- MOHRE complaint mechanism: Workers can file complaints against employers through MOHRE’s Tawafuq system for contract violations, unpaid wages, or mistreatment
The UAE has also abolished the previous kafala (sponsorship) exit permit requirement: employees no longer need their employer’s permission to leave the country or resign, provided they give contractual notice. These reforms represent a significant modernisation of worker protections and have materially improved the employment experience for international professionals in the UAE.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Accepting a verbal salary offer without a written contract: UAE employment law requires a written contract. Never begin work without a signed contract specifying your basic salary, allowances, job title, and terms. Your contract is your primary legal protection.
- Confusing total package with basic salary: Your ‘basic salary’ is the figure from which gratuity, overtime, and Golden Visa eligibility are calculated. Housing and transport allowances are separate. Ensure your contract clearly separates basic salary from allowances.
- Not getting qualifications attested before travelling: The UAE requires educational certificates to be attested through a specific chain: issuing institution → home country Foreign Affairs ministry → UAE Embassy in your country → UAE MOFA. This process can take 4–8 weeks. Begin it before you accept a job offer.
- Ignoring the probation period terms: During the 6-month probation period, either party can terminate with just 14 days’ notice. Plan your finances accordingly and avoid making major financial commitments (apartment leases, car purchases) until probation is confirmed complete.
- Assuming all free zones have the same rules: Each UAE free zone has its own employment regulations, visa processes, and dispute resolution mechanisms. DIFC and ADGM, for example, have their own independent court systems and employment laws separate from mainland UAE labour law. Understand which regime governs your employment before signing.
- Not budgeting for school fees: International school fees in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are substantial and are the single largest family expense for many expatriates. Clarify whether your employer offers an education allowance, and research school costs in your target emirate before relocating with children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is there income tax in the UAE?
No. The UAE does not levy personal income tax on employment earnings. Your salary is paid entirely to you without tax deduction. The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on business profits above AED 375,000 from June 2023, but this applies to companies, not to individual employees. There is a 5% VAT on goods and services, but no personal income tax, capital gains tax, or wealth tax on individuals.
Q2: What is the Golden Visa salary requirement in 2026?
The Golden Visa for skilled professionals requires a minimum basic monthly salary of AED 30,000. As of January 2025, only basic salary counts, housing, transport, and other allowances are excluded. Applicants must demonstrate this salary level for the previous 2 years through WPS-verified bank statements and a salary certificate from their employer.
Q3: Can I change employers in the UAE without losing my visa?
Yes. Under the 2022 UAE Labour Law reforms, employees can resign from their current employer by giving the contractual notice period (typically 30 to 90 days) and transfer their sponsorship to a new employer. You no longer need your current employer’s permission to change jobs. Green Visa and Golden Visa holders have even greater flexibility, as their residence is not tied to any single employer.
Q4: What is the Green Visa and how does it differ from the Golden Visa?
The Green Visa is a 5-year self-sponsored residence visa for skilled workers, freelancers, and investors. For the skilled worker category, the minimum salary is AED 15,000 per month. It does not require employer sponsorship and permits full job mobility. The Golden Visa offers 10-year residency (vs. 5 for the Green Visa), requires a higher salary threshold (AED 30,000 basic), and is targeted at a more senior professional tier. Both remove dependency on a single employer for residence status.
Q5: Do I need to speak Arabic to work in the UAE?
No. English is the dominant business language in the UAE, particularly in Dubai, and the vast majority of professional roles across all sectors operate entirely in English. Arabic is the official language of government and is beneficial for client-facing roles in certain sectors (government relations, local banking, legal), but it is not a requirement for most international professional positions. Many employers value additional languages such as Hindi, Urdu, Mandarin, French, or Russian given the UAE’s diverse population.
Q6: Can I bring my family to the UAE on an employment visa?
Yes. Employees earning above the applicable MOHRE threshold (generally AED 4,000 per month plus accommodation, or AED 3,000 with employer-provided housing) can sponsor their spouse and dependent children for residence visas. Golden Visa holders can sponsor family members independently regardless of salary threshold. Sponsored dependants receive their own Emirates IDs and residence visas.
Q7: How long does the UAE employment visa process take?
The standard employer-sponsored employment visa process takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks from the point of job offer acceptance to residence visa issuance. This includes labour approval (1–2 weeks), entry permit issuance (2–5 days), medical examination (same-day), and Emirates ID and visa stamping (1–2 weeks). Golden Visa processing takes an additional 1–2 weeks for complete applications.
Q8: What is the end-of-service gratuity in the UAE?
UAE Labour Law entitles all employees to an end-of-service gratuity payment upon termination of employment. The gratuity is calculated as 21 days of basic salary for each year of service during the first 5 years, and 30 days per year for each subsequent year. The total gratuity cannot exceed the equivalent of 2 years’ total salary. This gratuity is paid in addition to any final salary and unused leave entitlements.
Q9: Is the UAE a good place for engineers and IT professionals in 2026?
Yes. Engineering and IT are among the highest-demand, highest-paying sectors in the UAE in 2026. Abu Dhabi’s energy sector (ADNOC and renewables), Dubai’s construction and smart city programme, and the DIFC/ADGM financial technology hubs all generate continuous demand for civil, mechanical, electrical, petroleum, and software engineers. AI and cybersecurity specialists are among the most aggressively recruited professionals in the UAE market.
Q10: Does the UAE offer a pathway to citizenship?
The UAE introduced a limited naturalisation pathway in 2021 for investors, exceptional talents, specialised professionals, scientists, and outstanding students. However, the programme is invitation-based and not open for general application. The Golden Visa provides indefinite renewable residency but does not automatically lead to UAE citizenship. Most expatriates in the UAE hold long-term residence through the Golden or Green Visa rather than pursuing citizenship.
The UAE Offers What Few Other Countries Can – Tax-Free Income, Career Growth, and Long-Term Security
Skilled worker jobs in the UAE with visa sponsorship in 2026 combine something that is extraordinarily rare in the global labour market: world-class salaries paid entirely tax-free, a modern and efficient visa system, long-term residence pathways through the Golden and Green Visa programmes, and a cost of living that, when employer-provided benefits are factored in, leaves professionals with savings rates that are virtually impossible to achieve in equivalent roles in Europe or North America.
The UAE is not a temporary stop. For professionals who meet the Golden Visa’s AED 30,000 basic salary threshold and occupational classification requirements, it offers 10-year renewable residency with full job mobility and family sponsorship a level of long-term security that the UAE has never previously offered to international workers.
The sectors are clear: technology, engineering, healthcare, finance, construction, education, and energy. The job search platforms are well-established. The employer sponsorship process is efficient and employer led. And the financial mathematics, zero income tax, competitive salaries, employer-provided housing and insurance are compelling by any international standard.
The UAE has positioned itself as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for skilled professionals. In 2026, the combination of visa reform, economic diversification, and infrastructure investment makes that positioning real and actionable. The opportunity is there. The next step is yours.
Disclaimer: This article is produced for informational purposes only. UAE visa policies, salary thresholds, Golden Visa requirements, and labour law provisions are subject to change. Always verify current requirements at mohre.gov.ae, icp.gov.ae, and gdrfa.gov.ae before proceeding with your application.