TFS Gulf 
- The introduction of Corporate Tax in the UAE on June 1, 2023, has sparked the interest of many job seekers.
- Many are looking to build their careers in tax, but what about those who don’t have prior experience in taxation?
- They may come from a finance or auditing background.
- To gain valuable insights, we reached out to Hany Elnaggar, Associate Tax Partner at WTS Dhruva, for the Middle East and GCC region.
Starting from Scratch
It is indeed possible for someone to build a career in Corporate Tax in the UAE, with no prior experience in taxation. But the truth is, you might have to start from scratch or a few notches lower!
You have to initially start in a junior position rather than a senior and wait patiently for a couple of years (min 2-3 years) to build a solid foundation.
Hany says, “When I moved from Egypt to Saudi Arabia (KSA), I joined at the same level at ACWA Power. But I didn’t insist on becoming a head of tax because I had 6-7 years of experience in Egypt.”
You may have five years of experience in your country, but when you are moving to the UAE, be prepared to learn.
This decision allowed me to integrate smoothly into the new market and adapt to the local industry practices.
Importance of Local Experience in the UAE
If someone plans to move from their home country to the UAE, and from one function to another, they should be prepared to sacrifice three to four years of their experience.
The UAE may consider them fresher candidates due to the presence of many local professionals with similar qualifications.
Local experience holds significant value for companies in the UAE, making it advantageous for them to hire someone already familiar with the market.
Seize the opportunity, but don’t worry about the salary
If you find a reputable company or firm with a promising scope and opportunity, don’t let it get away.
Don’t look at the salary, especially if you are thinking from a long-term perspective.
While it may take some time to establish a solid foundation, great opportunities await those who are determined and open to growth.
The key is to be a good performer and be ready to learn. You’ll be hired at the level that you deserve with two-three times your current salary, in no time.
And as Hany suggests, “Surviving and proving yourself in the new country will not be easy, so learn to be persistent.”
