ME Business Operations Hub

Employee Handbook

United Arab Emirates — Internal Use Only

Recent Changes
  • 17 Aug 2026ME Business Operations Hub launched — Handbook, Finance, IT and New Business sections live.
  • 12 Aug 2026UAE Employee Handbook published with full policy content.
Contents — UAE Handbook
Introduction

Welcome to FGS Global

Welcome to FGS Global. We are a leading global strategic communications consultancy, advising the world's most influential companies, governments and organisations on their most critical communications challenges.

This handbook is your guide to working life at FGS in the UAE. It covers our policies, benefits, tools and ways of working. Please read it carefully and refer back to it whenever you have questions.

HR ContactFor any HR or People queries: sarah.bahar@fgsglobal.com · Valeriia.Ovcharenko@fgsglobal.com
Introduction

Office Locations

To fill inAdd Dubai office address, building name, floor, access card instructions, reception contact, and office hours.
Introduction

Parking

To fill inAdd parking availability, allocated bays, visitor parking process, and contact for parking queries.
Introduction

Office Etiquette

We expect all employees to maintain a professional, respectful and inclusive environment. Keep shared spaces tidy, be considerate of colleagues during calls, and dress appropriately for client-facing situations.

To fill inAdd dress code, Ramadan working arrangements, and meeting room booking process.
Introduction

Business Operations Team

Sarah Bahar
HR & People
sarah.bahar@fgsglobal.com
Valeriia Ovcharenko
HR & People
Valeriia.Ovcharenko@fgsglobal.com
Zaid Amireh
IT
zaid.amireh@fgsglobal.com
[Finance Contact]
Finance
[email]
[Operations Contact]
Operations
[email]
Working Life

Working Hours & Public Holidays

Standard working hours are Sunday to Thursday, 9:00am to 6:00pm, with one hour for lunch. Friday and Saturday are the weekend.

UAE public holidays follow the government calendar, circulated by HR at the start of each year.

To fill inAdd current year public holiday list and Ramadan adjusted hours.
Working Life

Work From Home

FGS Global operates a hybrid working model. Employees may work from home up to two days per week, subject to line manager approval and business needs. WFH days must be agreed in advance and are not an entitlement on client-facing or team days.

Working Life

Work From Anywhere

Employees may apply to work from another country for a limited period per year. This is subject to tax, legal and visa considerations and requires advance approval from your line manager and HR.

To fill inAdd maximum WFA days per year, eligible countries, and application process.
Working Life

Business Travel

All business travel requires line manager approval in advance. Book via the firm's approved travel process and submit all expenses via NetSuite promptly after travel.

To fill inAdd travel booking platform, per diem rates, hotel policy, and visa support process.
Leave

Annual Leave

UAE employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave per calendar year, in addition to public holidays. Leave must be requested and approved via HiBob in advance. Leave accrues monthly.

Leave

Sick Leave

Employees are entitled to sick leave in line with UAE Labour Law: up to 90 days per year (15 days full pay, 30 days half pay, 45 days unpaid), following completion of probation. A medical certificate is required for absences of more than one day. Report absences to your line manager and log them in HiBob.

Leave

Parental Leave

Maternity leave: 60 days (45 days full pay, 15 days half pay). Paternity leave: 5 days. Contact HR as early as possible to plan your leave and return to work.

Leave

Wedding Leave

Employees are entitled to 5 days of paid wedding leave upon their own marriage. Request via HiBob with supporting documentation provided to HR.

Leave

Bereavement Leave

In the event of the death of an immediate family member, contact HR directly. Entitlements will be discussed sensitively on a case-by-case basis.

Leave

Sabbatical

Long-serving employees may be eligible to apply for a sabbatical leave of absence, subject to approval and business requirements. Contact HR for eligibility criteria.

Growth & Wellbeing

Learning & Development

FGS Global supports your professional development through internal programmes, external training and an annual L&D budget. Discuss your development goals with your line manager.

To fill inAdd L&D budget amount, how to request training, and approved platforms.
Growth & Wellbeing

Performance

Performance reviews run on an annual cycle with a mid-year check-in. Objectives are set by your line manager at the start of the cycle. Formal reviews are conducted via HiBob.

To fill inAdd current review cycle dates.
Growth & Wellbeing

Wellbeing & EAP

All employees have access to our Employee Assistance Programme — confidential support for mental health, financial and legal matters.

EAP Access Company Code: FGS Global  |  Balancy App Code: 322743
UAE Freephone: 800 035 704 696  |  Dial-in: +971 600 575 178
Growth & Wellbeing

Referral Bonus

Refer a candidate who is successfully hired and completes their probationary period, and you are eligible for a referral bonus. Contact HR for current bonus levels and eligible roles.

Growth & Wellbeing

Translation Hub

For document translation services, contact the Business Operations team for access and submission instructions.

To fill inAdd Translation Hub access link, turnaround times, and supported languages.

Employee Handbook

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — Internal Use Only

Recent Changes
  • 17 Aug 2026KSA Handbook section created — content to be populated.
Contents — KSA Handbook
Introduction

Welcome to FGS Global

Welcome to FGS Global. This handbook covers your working life at FGS in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — our policies, benefits, tools and ways of working.

HR Contactsarah.bahar@fgsglobal.com · Valeriia.Ovcharenko@fgsglobal.com
Introduction

Office Locations

To fill inAdd KSA office address, building, floor, access details, and reception contact.
Introduction

Business Operations Team — KSA

Sarah Bahar
HR & People
sarah.bahar@fgsglobal.com
Valeriia Ovcharenko
HR & People
Valeriia.Ovcharenko@fgsglobal.com
[KSA IT Contact]
IT
[email]
[KSA Finance Contact]
Finance
[email]
Working Life

Working Hours & Public Holidays

Standard working hours in KSA are Sunday to Thursday, 9:00am to 6:00pm. Friday and Saturday are the weekend.

To fill inAdd KSA public holiday list for current year and Ramadan adjusted hours.
Working Life

Work From Home

Employees may work from home up to two days per week, subject to line manager approval and business needs.

Working Life

Business Travel

All business travel requires line manager approval in advance. Submit all expenses via NetSuite promptly after travel.

To fill inAdd KSA travel booking process, preferred hotels in Riyadh/Jeddah, and visa guidance for visitors.
Leave

Leave Policies — KSA

Leave TypeEntitlementHow to Request
Annual Leave[X] days per yearHiBob
Sick LeavePer Saudi Labour LawHiBob + medical certificate
Maternity Leave10 weeksContact HR
Paternity Leave3 daysHiBob
Hajj Leave10 days (once per employment)Contact HR in advance
Bereavement LeaveCase by caseContact HR directly
Growth & Wellbeing

Learning & Development

FGS Global supports your professional development through internal programmes, external training and an annual L&D budget.

To fill inAdd KSA-specific L&D details and budget guidance.
Growth & Wellbeing

Wellbeing & EAP

All employees have access to our Employee Assistance Programme — confidential support for mental health, financial and legal matters.

EAP Access Company Code: FGS Global  |  Balancy App Code: 322743
To fill inAdd KSA EAP dial-in numbers.

Finance

ME Region — Internal Use Only

Contents — Finance
Team
  1. Finance Team
Day to Day
  1. Expense Submission
  2. Invoicing Process
  3. Salary & Payroll
  4. NetSuite
Process & Compliance
  1. Budget Management
  2. Purchase Orders & Approvals
  3. VAT & Tax Guidance
  4. Vendor Payment Process
Benefits
  1. Benefits & Insurance
  2. Housing Loan
  3. ILOE Scheme
Team

Finance Team

To fill inAdd Finance team members, their roles and responsibilities, and contact details.
[Finance Lead]
Finance Director / Manager
[email]
[Finance Contact]
Finance — UAE
[email]
[Finance Contact]
Finance — KSA
[email]
Day to Day

Expense Submission

How to Submit Expenses

  • Collect a receipt for every expense (digital or physical)
  • Log in to NetSuite
  • Navigate to Expenses → New Expense Report
  • Select the correct cost code or client matter number
  • Upload receipt and add a clear description
  • Submit for line manager approval
  • Approved expenses are reimbursed in the following payroll cycle
ImportantExpenses must be submitted within 30 days of the date incurred. Late submissions may not be reimbursed.
To fill inAdd expense policy limits (meals, taxis, hotels), cost code list, and Finance contact for queries.
Day to Day

Invoicing Process

To fill inAdd client invoicing process, billing cycles, how to raise an invoice in NetSuite, VAT requirements for UAE and KSA, payment terms, and Finance contact.
Day to Day

Salary & Payroll

Salaries are paid monthly, typically at the end of each calendar month, directly to your nominated bank account. Payslips are available via HiBob. FGS Global complies with the UAE Wage Protection System (WPS).

To fill inAdd exact payroll cut-off date, process for updating bank details, and Finance contact for payroll queries. Add KSA GOSI deduction details separately.
Day to Day

NetSuite

NetSuite is the firm's finance and ERP system, used for expense reporting, billing and financial management. All expenses must be submitted here with receipts and line manager approval.

To fill inAdd NetSuite login URL, step-by-step guide for common tasks, and Finance contact for access issues.
Process & Compliance

Budget Management

To fill inAdd budget cycle dates, how to request budget for projects or L&D, approval thresholds, and who owns budget sign-off at each level.
Process & Compliance

Purchase Orders & Approvals

To fill inAdd PO process: when a PO is required, how to raise one in NetSuite, approval thresholds by spend level, and turnaround times.
Spend LevelApproval RequiredProcess
Under [X] AEDLine Manager[Process]
[X]–[Y] AEDFinance Director[Process]
Over [Y] AEDRegional Lead + Finance[Process]
Process & Compliance

VAT & Tax Guidance

To fill inAdd UAE VAT rate (currently 5%), how VAT applies to client invoices, expense claims and vendor invoices. Add KSA VAT rate (currently 15%) and any differences in process. Include Finance contact for tax queries.
Process & Compliance

Vendor Payment Process

To fill inAdd vendor onboarding requirements before payment can be made, payment terms (e.g. 30 days), how to submit a vendor invoice for payment, and escalation process for overdue payments.
Benefits

Benefits & Insurance

BenefitProvider / PlatformDetails
Medical InsuranceYomlyComprehensive cover — card provided on joining
Life Insurance[Provider]Contact HR for coverage details
ILOEUAE GovernmentDeducted from monthly salary per UAE law
Housing LoanFGS GlobalInterest-free — contact HR for eligibility
Referral BonusFGS GlobalContact HR for eligible roles and amounts
EAPBalancyCode: 322743
Benefits

Housing Loan

FGS Global offers an interest-free housing loan to eligible UAE employees to assist with rental deposits or advance rent payments. Applications are subject to approval.

To fill inAdd eligibility criteria, maximum loan amount, repayment terms, and application process.
Benefits

ILOE Scheme

The Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) scheme is a UAE government-mandated insurance programme. Contributions are deducted from your monthly salary in accordance with UAE law.

To fill inAdd current contribution rate and link to UAE government ILOE information.
👥

HR — Coming Soon

This section is being prepared. Check back soon for HR policies, processes and contacts.


In the meantime, contact the HR team directly:
sarah.bahar@fgsglobal.com
Valeriia.Ovcharenko@fgsglobal.com

IT

ME Region — Internal Use Only

Contents — IT
Getting Started
  1. IT Contacts
  2. IT Onboarding Checklist
  3. Equipment Requests
  4. Remote Working Setup
Tools & Access
  1. MyFGS
  2. HiBob
  3. Yomly
  4. Fergus
  5. Mobile Phone
Process & Security
  1. Software Access Requests
  2. Password & Security Policy
Getting Started

IT Contacts

Zaid Amireh
IT — UAE
zaid.amireh@fgsglobal.com
[KSA IT Contact]
IT — KSA
[email]
Global IT Help Desk
Global Support
Via MyFGS portal
Getting Started

IT Onboarding Checklist

Before Day One

  • IT equipment request submitted to Zaid
  • FGS email address confirmed with HR

Day One

  • Laptop received and powered on
  • Microsoft 365 login confirmed using FGS email
  • Microsoft Teams installed and signed in
  • Outlook email configured and tested
  • VPN installed and tested
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) set up on personal mobile
  • SharePoint and OneDrive access confirmed
  • Printer connected — ask Zaid for network details

First Week

  • HiBob access confirmed
  • MyFGS intranet access confirmed
  • NetSuite access set up with Finance
  • Yomly benefits platform registered
  • Fergus AI assistant access confirmed via MyFGS
  • Any role-specific software access requested (see Software Access Requests)
Getting Started

Equipment Requests

For new equipment (laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, headset, or other peripherals), submit a request to Zaid Amireh. All equipment requests require line manager approval.

To fill inAdd standard equipment provision list by role, replacement policy, process for damaged or lost equipment, and lead times for new orders.
Equipment TypeWho to ContactApproval Required
Laptop / ComputerZaid AmirehLine Manager
Monitor / PeripheralsZaid AmirehLine Manager
Mobile PhoneZaid Amireh + HRLine Manager + HR
Software LicenceZaid AmirehLine Manager
Getting Started

Remote Working Setup

What you need to work remotely

  • Laptop fully charged or plugged in
  • VPN connected before accessing firm systems
  • MFA app available on your mobile
  • Stable internet connection (minimum 10 Mbps recommended)
  • Microsoft Teams for all calls and collaboration
  • Headset or earphones for calls
VPN is mandatoryYou must connect to the FGS VPN before accessing any firm systems remotely — including email, SharePoint and NetSuite.
To fill inAdd VPN download link, connection instructions, and troubleshooting steps. Add IT support hours for remote assistance.
Tools & Access

MyFGS

MyFGS is the FGS Global intranet — your central source for company news, org charts, policies and firm-wide announcements. Log in using your FGS Microsoft credentials.

To fill inAdd direct MyFGS URL and key pages to bookmark.
Tools & Access

HiBob

HiBob is our HR system. Use it to view payslips, update personal details, submit leave requests and track time off. Log in at app.hibob.com with your FGS email.

Access issues?Contact Zaid Amireh or the HR team if you cannot log in to HiBob.
Tools & Access

Yomly

Yomly is the UAE benefits management platform. Use it to access and manage your medical insurance and other employee benefits.

To fill inAdd Yomly login URL and instructions for accessing insurance documents.
Tools & Access

Fergus

Fergus is FGS Global's AI assistant, developed by FGS Labs. Use it for research, drafting, analysis and knowledge retrieval. Access via MyFGS.

ImportantDo not input confidential client information without checking the AI usage guidelines on MyFGS.
Tools & Access

Mobile Phone

Certain roles are provided with a company mobile phone or mobile allowance. Your line manager will confirm whether this applies to your role.

To fill inAdd mobile phone policy, which roles are eligible, SIM provision process, and personal use guidelines.
Process & Security

Software Access Requests

To request access to any software or system not set up during onboarding, submit a request to Zaid Amireh with line manager approval.

To fill inAdd list of standard software available to all staff, software that requires additional approval, and any procurement process for new software tools.
SoftwareWho Has AccessHow to Request
Microsoft 365All staffSet up by IT on Day 1
NetSuiteFinance + relevant rolesRequest via Finance team
HiBobAll staffSet up by IT on Day 1
FergusAll staffAccess via MyFGS
[Other software][Roles]Email Zaid + line manager approval
Process & Security

Password & Security Policy

Password Requirements

  • Minimum 12 characters
  • Include uppercase, lowercase, numbers and a special character
  • Do not reuse previous passwords
  • Change your password every 90 days (prompted automatically)
  • Never share your password with anyone, including IT support

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA is mandatory for all FGS systems. Set up the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile phone on Day 1 with IT support.

Security Best Practices

  • Lock your screen whenever you leave your desk (Windows: Win+L / Mac: Cmd+Ctrl+Q)
  • Never click links in unexpected emails — report suspicious emails to IT immediately
  • Do not use personal USB drives on FGS equipment
  • Always connect via VPN when working remotely
  • Report lost or stolen devices to IT and HR immediately
Suspect a security incident?Contact Zaid Amireh immediately at zaid.amireh@fgsglobal.com or call him directly.

New Business

ME Region — Internal Use Only

Contents — New Business
Pipeline & Process
  1. New Business Process & Pipeline
  2. Conflict Check Process
  3. Proposal Templates
Onboarding
  1. Client Onboarding
  2. CRM Guidance
  3. Vendor & Freelancer Onboarding
Pipeline & Process

New Business Process & Pipeline

Overview

To fill inAdd an overview of the ME new business process from lead identification to contract signature. Include who owns each stage, key approval gates, and pipeline review cadence.

Stages

StageOwnerKey ActionsTools
Lead Identified[Owner][Actions]CRM
Qualification[Owner]Conflict check, brief reviewCRM + Conflict tool
Proposal[Owner]Proposal drafted and reviewedProposal templates
Pitch / Presentation[Owner][Actions][Tools]
Contract[Owner]Legal review, signature[Contract system]
Client Onboarding[Owner]See Client Onboarding section[Tools]
Pipeline & Process

Conflict Check Process

A conflict check must be completed before any proposal is submitted or engagement is accepted. This ensures FGS does not take on work that conflicts with existing client relationships.

To fill inAdd conflict check process: who to contact, what information to provide, turnaround time, escalation path if a potential conflict is identified, and which system or form to use.
ImportantNo proposal should be submitted and no engagement letter signed until a conflict check has been completed and cleared.
Pipeline & Process

Proposal Templates

To fill inAdd links to approved proposal templates (e.g. on SharePoint or Google Drive), guidance on which template to use for which type of work, and the review and approval process before submission.
Proposal TypeTemplateApproval Before Submission
Strategic Communications[Link to template][Approver]
Public Affairs[Link to template][Approver]
Crisis & Issues[Link to template][Approver]
Digital & Creative[Link to template][Approver]
Onboarding

Client Onboarding

Steps to onboard a new client

  • Conflict check completed and cleared
  • Engagement letter / contract signed by both parties
  • Client added to CRM with full details
  • Client matter number raised with Finance (NetSuite)
  • Client folder created on SharePoint / file management system
  • Kick-off meeting scheduled with client and internal team
  • Internal team briefed on client background, objectives and sensitivities
  • Finance informed of billing terms and invoicing schedule
To fill inAdd any KYC (Know Your Client) or compliance requirements for ME clients, contract templates location, and Finance contact for matter number creation.
Onboarding

CRM Guidance

To fill inAdd which CRM system FGS ME uses, how to log a new lead, update pipeline stages, record client interactions, and run pipeline reports. Include login details or access request process.
Onboarding

Vendor & Freelancer Onboarding

Before engaging a vendor or freelancer

  • Line manager approval obtained
  • Finance approval obtained (if above spend threshold)
  • Conflict check completed if vendor works with competitors
  • Vendor due diligence completed (trade licence, bank details)
  • Contract or SOW signed before work commences
  • Vendor added to NetSuite by Finance
  • NDA signed if vendor will access confidential client information
ImportantNo vendor or freelancer should begin work until a signed contract or statement of work is in place and Finance has confirmed the vendor is set up in NetSuite.
To fill inAdd vendor due diligence form, preferred vendor list, standard contract templates, and Finance contact for vendor setup in NetSuite.