The Middle East has quickly become a popular destination of choice for legal secretaries looking to advance their career internationally.   Many projects including construction and infrastructure that were put on hold in Dubai and Abu Dhabi during the financial crisis are now back underway.  The rolling affect of this has seen an increase in work in the legal market in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

2011 is set to be an exciting year ahead with a prediction that legal jobs are on the increase in the Middle East. With the uncertainty of 2009 and early 2010 well behind us, legal secretaries are once again finding confidence in the market and are also able to capitalise on much cheaper property prices than the boom of 2007/2008.

So what can you expect if you decide to move to Dubai or Abu Dhabi?  It is likely that you will be working for a top international law firm with head office in either the UK or the US.  The firm will pay for your visa and all medicals associated with this.  Many firms will pay for your flight to the Middle East and as a benefit also provide you with a return flight to your home country once a year.  Your full medical insurance is paid for during your employment and many other benefits are on offer such as an interest free loan towards the cost of your rent.

Salaries are currently at around 18,000 AED/mth for secretaries without experience in the local Middle East market.  For those who have been living there and have local experience, salaries are up to 22,000 AED/mth.

The cost of living in Abu Dhabi is higher than that of Dubai and as such, some firms reflect this in higher salary and benefits packages.  However it is important to note that this is not always the case with all firms.

The most important benefit of a move to the Middle East for any legal secretary is what it will do for your career! International experience is highly sought after by many top tier and mid tier law firms in Sydney and across Australia.  You will find that your CV is widely received and interviews are booked quickly.  It is often the case that international experience will bode well in your favour to negotiate a slightly higher salary as well.