Between skyline and desert: elective placement in Dubai
Preparations and first impressions
Rödl & Partner is an international consulting and auditing firm with a broadly diversified service portfolio. The Dubai office specialises, among other things, in advising German companies operating in the Gulf States or planning to expand into this region. Clients are particularly frequently advised in the areas of labour law, commercial and corporate law as well as tax law. The interdisciplinary team on site combines local expertise with international know-how and thus enables comprehensive support for clients.
After I was overjoyed to have been accepted for my elective placement at Rödl & Partner in Dubai, the preparations for my stay began. I didn’t have to organise much: my trainer had provided all the important information in an online meeting beforehand and gave me reassurance. Finding furnished accommodation in Dubai was surprisingly easy, even if the rents are high. Apart from that, the cost of living in Dubai is similar to Germany, and many things are even cheaper, such as food and petrol – no wonder in a country known for its oil.
Legal system and political structure of the country
The United Arab Emirates consists of the seven emirates of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. Each emirate has a certain degree of autonomy, while Abu Dhabi plays a leading role as the capital and seat of the federal government.
The law of the United Arab Emirates is largely codified. As a Muslim society in which state and religion are united, Islam is the state religion and Islamic law formed the original basis of the legal system. However, due to the extensive modern regulations, Islamic law now only has limited practical relevance. The special free zones in turn have their own regulations. This mixture is particularly reflected in Dubai, making it a dynamic and multi-layered legal area that attracts international companies and makes legal work there extremely exciting!
I felt like I was part of the team right from the start. It was just the right mix of challenging tasks and sufficient support to help me quickly find my feet. Even in the first few days, I was able to get actively involved in the client work.
legal trainee
Dubai: where tradition meets the future
Dubai is known for its impressive skyline, luxurious lifestyle and innovative infrastructure. The city offers a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity, from traditional souks to futuristic skyscrapers. The culture and the peaceful coexistence of different cultures also left a lasting impression on me.
The endless possibilities for leisure activities are typical of Dubai. Whether you want to relax on Palm Island, admire the impressive Dubai Fountain or stroll (or get lost) through the huge Dubai Mall, the city has something for everyone. Adventure seekers can go on a desert safari, while culture vultures can visit historic neighbourhoods such as Al Fahidi. Dubai is also known for its diverse gastronomy, ranging from top international restaurants to street food from all over the world.
My day-to-day work at Rödl & Partner
I received a warm welcome on my first day at work. I was able to get to know the whole team and was given a good induction. I felt like I was part of the team right from the start. It was just the right mix of challenging tasks and sufficient support to help me quickly find my feet. Even in the first few days, I was able to get actively involved in the client work and gain exciting insights into interdisciplinary work. I was able to work on a variety of exciting tasks during the three months of my elective placement. My tasks included preparing legal opinions as well as writing articles on labour, tax and corporate law topics and preparing client meetings. I particularly liked the fact that I was able to familiarise myself intensively with local legislation, whether I was researching legal topics or examining more complex issues. Writing specialised articles was an interesting change of pace, as I had to present legal topics in a clear and precise manner.
Another exciting aspect of my work was communication: I was in contact with clients, took part in meetings and was involved in correspondence. Liaising with the local authorities was also one of my tasks and enabled me to get to know the local working environment better. It is particularly important to emphasise how seamlessly I was integrated into the team. I never had the feeling that I was just an observer but was able to actively contribute.
The working hours at Rödl & Partner in Dubai were from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, five days a week. The working languages were German and English, which made working in an international environment particularly exciting. In Dubai, English is spoken for the most part, both in business and in everyday life. This is hardly surprising when you consider that around 95% of Dubai’s inhabitants are from abroad.
Legal traineeship
We are happy to accompany you on the path to legal excellence in the legal field of your choice. With RefPerience, we offer you much more than just a station in your legal clerkship.
This elective position has broadened my perspective and will undoubtedly have a formative influence on my future career. I am grateful for the support and trust that the Rödl & Partner team has shown me and would recommend this experience to anyone who is open to new challenges and perspectives!
legal trainee
Leisure time and networking
In addition to work, my time in Dubai offered me many opportunities to discover the city and its surroundings. In my free time, I explored the vibrant metropolis, visited highlights such as the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall and enjoyed the incredible variety of international cuisine. A particular highlight was a trip to Abu Dhabi, where I visited the impressive Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the Presidential Palace, among other things.
I also took part in many events organised by the German Chamber of Commerce Abroad, which offered excellent networking opportunities. I was also lucky enough to be able to attend the popular yacht party, which was not only an unforgettable experience, but also an opportunity to make new friends and socialise with others.
Conclusion
Overall, my time at Rödl & Partner in Dubai was an incredibly instructive and enriching experience. I was able to acquire valuable legal knowledge, gain international work experience and experience the culture and dynamics of the Middle East. This elective has broadened my perspective and will undoubtedly have a formative influence on my future career. I am grateful for the support and trust that the Rödl & Partner team has shown me and would recommend this experience to anyone who is open to new challenges and perspectives!