Financial Advisor looking to move to Dubai

Zaheer · #1 (**permalink**) 15th March 2008, 05:47 AM

Greeting all,

My name is Zaheer, I am a 24 year old Financial Planner working for the Commonwealth Bank in Sydney, Australia. I have been in the Financial Services industry since i was 17. i currently hold a Advancwd Diploma in Financial Services and am currently studying my Graduate Diploma in Applied finance and Investments. I have been blessed with a sucessful start and wish to take the next step by moving to Dubai and expand horizons. I am fluent in speaking English, Urdu, Gujrati and Hindi. in sydney I advise on Investments, Personal and Business insurance, Retirement Planning, Superannuation (RSP). Looking at some advice on how I should go about applying. Noit sure if this matters, however i am Muslim. I was in Dubai in 2005 and loved it.
If I could recieve any information, I would be grateful.
Thanks.

Geordie Armani · #2 (**permalink**) 15th March 2008, 07:30 AM

you need to speak to Ephaba, she should be on later. Do a search as she has offered lots of advice on the subject.

Elphaba · #3 (**permalink**) 15th March 2008, 09:56 AM

Yes, please do a search as I keep having to repeat myself!!

There are roles out here, but most are not salaried positions. Income is generally commission only and you have to be a self-starter and source your own clients. It is a role for the meek or inexperienced.

Zaheer · #4 (**permalink**) 15th March 2008, 11:01 AM

And out of curiousity, how is the response when people are told the roles are commission only? i find it hard to believe someone would be prepared to leave everything and come to a country to work on commission only.

Elphaba · #5 (**permalink**) 15th March 2008, 11:42 AM

A bit like yours - disbelief. I have to say that it is frustrating when people argue when told facts about Dubai.

I am a successful IFA in Dubai (& the UK). I knpw a number of people who have done the right research and moved out to re-start their careers. It isn't that hard if you have some money behind you.

There are some employed positions with a few banks, and some international insurance companies have offices here, but I keep telling everyone this is not the UK and the industry is not the same.

Sir Tristram · #6 (**permalink**) 15th March 2008, 07:25 PM

If I was a prospective employer the first thing I would suggest is a visit to www.howtospellwordssoimakeagoodimpression.com

This will be the first step !

Osh · #7 (**permalink**) 15th March 2008, 11:39 PM

Elphaba, do you know much about the banking (mainly lending) industry in Dubai? I have checked a few of the job sites and they seem to mostly want UAE males. I'm an Australian female, would I be wasting my time looking in this field?

Stravinsky · #8 (**permalink**) 16th March 2008, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir Tristram

If I was a prospective employer the first thing I would suggest is a visit to www.howtospellwordssoimakeagoodimpression.com

This will be the first step !

He speaks 4 languages ..... thats a good enough impression!

Geordie Armani · #9 (**permalink**) 16th March 2008, 04:15 AM

Jack of all Trades, Master of none.

Elphaba · #10 (**permalink**) 16th March 2008, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Osh

Elphaba, do you know much about the banking (mainly lending) industry in Dubai? I have checked a few of the job sites and they seem to mostly want UAE males. I'm an Australian female, would I be wasting my time looking in this field?

An initiative was introduced last year with the aim of finding more work for Emiratis (making them work basically) This is probably why the banks want UAE nationals. That and the fact that fluent Arabic is required.

There are roles in UAE banks for non-Emiratis, but usually only at senior levels.