Dubai is one of the few universally recognised cities for people to move into without much doubt. Whether you wish to have a flourishing career, high-level education, or a laid-back lifestyle, Dubai checks all the boxes. What makes it attractive is its rapidly growing population, economy, and the countless investment opportunities. This guide to moving to Dubai will fill all the blanks in your mind about what it's like to live in Dubai.
As soon as you land in Dubai, the first thing you should think of is the type of visa you’ll need and then applying for it. For a smooth sailing move, you should make sure that your passport is valid for 6 months. One of the residency visas for UAE includes the visa for employment, which is issued by the employer. This kind of residency visa is valid from 1 to 3 years, changing according to your job and employment contract.
Dubai's central location between Asia and Europe, makes it an essential part of the global trade industry. As travel from Dubai to the rest of the world is easy, tourism makes up for most of the city's booming economy. Dubai is also a business destination for the British, with around 5,000 businesses already established here. British expats can enjoy a much more easy going life in Dubai along with high salaries that will provide them with the luxuries just as back home.
Dubai's weather is one of the challenges you need to be prepared for due to the frequent sandstorms and temperatures rising up to 48°C. However, some might consider Dubai's climate to be convenient with its year-round sunshine and rare temperature drops to single digit degrees.
Dubai’s people are extremely hospitable and the city has a rich culture owing to its unique heritage. There are, however, certain laws and traditions you must respect as Dubai belongs to a Muslim country. Something that might not be illegal in your home country could offend the authorities in Dubai. Swearing, profanities, alcohol in public and physical violence should be avoided at all costs. This doesn't make for an uptight lifestyle as Dubai still offers plenty of entertainment in the form of shopping and delectable cuisine along with its breathtaking coastline that comes with a variety of leisure activities. Keeping away from trouble and not drunk driving just means you'll be safe from any unfortunate incidents. All these rules are what make Dubai one of the safest cities in the world with an incredibly low crime rate.
The official language of Dubai is Arabic which means you'll see it on advertisements, television, and newspapers. Hence, it is advisable to learn some basic level Arabic to be able to adjust faster. English however is still the most widely used language in Dubai so you don't have to worry much about the language barrier.
The cost of living in Dubai depends on where you live and your lifestyle. The most popular areas towards the city centre have high rental prices but moving slightly away could get you some affordable options. There's never a lack of new properties in Dubai's real estate market so it's fairly easy to find something to your taste. Dubai Marina is known for being a popular area among expats, while families are more inclined towards Jumeirah or Umm Suqeim. Cost of living is quite reasonable with a monthly bus subscription for AED 340, water and electricity for AED 700/month, and home internet for AED 360/month. Residents and expats aren't required to pay income or capital gains taxes in Dubai, which contributes to the low cost of living here.
Dubai has one of the best healthcare systems in the world with modern and accessible facilities available either for free or very low cost. Employers are required to cover health insurance for their employees in Dubai by issuing official healthcare cards. These cards are a key to obtain a 50% discount on the basic service value.
Dubai's public education system is available for all residents and lessons are mainly taught in Arabic with English as a second language. You can also opt for one of the many private international schools in Dubai according to your education system of choice which include the British, US, Indian or UAE public school syllabus.
Schools in Dubai mostly have long waiting lists, so it is advisable to apply before getting on your flight to the city.
For a deeper dive into the entire process of moving to Dubai, feel free to contact us.