Dubai is one of the most popular destinations for expats from all over the world. It offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle, a diverse culture, a booming economy, and a sunny climate. But moving to Dubai also comes with some challenges and considerations that you need to be aware of before you pack your bags. In this article, we will cover some of the most important aspects of moving to Dubai, such as:
- Visa and residency requirements
- Cost of living and budgeting
- Housing and accommodation options
- Healthcare and insurance
- Education and schooling
- Culture and etiquette
We will also provide you with some useful resources and tips to help you make the most of your expat experience in Dubai.
Key Takeaways
| Topic | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Visa and residency | – You need a valid visa and a sponsor to live and work in Dubai – There are different types of visas depending on your purpose and duration of stay – You need to apply for an Emirates ID card and a residence permit once you arrive |
| Cost of living | – Dubai is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but also offers high salaries and tax-free income – You need to budget for various expenses, such as rent, utilities, food, transportation, entertainment, etc. – You can save money by using public transport, shopping at local markets, and taking advantage of discounts and deals |
| Housing | – There are many types of accommodation options in Dubai, such as apartments, villas, townhouses, etc. – You can rent or buy property in Dubai, but you need to follow certain rules and regulations – You need to consider factors such as location, size, amenities, security, etc. when choosing your housing |
| Healthcare | – Dubai has a high-quality healthcare system with both public and private facilities – You need to have health insurance to access healthcare services in Dubai – You can choose from various health insurance plans and providers depending on your needs and budget |
| Education | – Dubai has a diverse education system with both public and private schools – There are different curricula and languages available in Dubai schools, such as British, American, Indian, Arabic, etc. – You need to consider factors such as fees, admission requirements, accreditation, etc. when choosing a school for your children |
| Culture | – Dubai is a multicultural city with people from over 200 nationalities – You need to respect the local culture and traditions of Dubai, especially during Ramadan – You need to follow certain rules and etiquette when dressing, greeting, dining, etc. in Dubai |
Visa and Residency Requirements
One of the first things you need to do before moving to Dubai is to obtain a valid visa and a sponsor. A sponsor is usually an employer or a relative who will vouch for you and take responsibility for your legal status in the country. There are different types of visas available in Dubai depending on your purpose and duration of stay, such as:
- Work visa: This is the most common type of visa for expats who want to work in Dubai. You need to have a job offer from a licensed company in Dubai and submit the required documents to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Your employer will then apply for your work permit and entry permit on your behalf. The work visa is usually valid for two years and can be renewed.
- Residence visa: This is the type of visa that allows you to live in Dubai as a resident. You need to have a valid work visa or be sponsored by a family member who has a residence visa. You also need to undergo a medical test and apply for an Emirates ID card and a residence permit at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The residence visa is usually valid for two or three years depending on your sponsor and can be renewed.
- Tourist visa: This is the type of visa that allows you to visit Dubai as a tourist or for short-term purposes. You need to have a valid passport from one of the eligible countries or obtain a visa on arrival or online before you travel. The tourist visa is usually valid for 30 or 90 days depending on your nationality and can be extended once.
- Other visas: There are also other types of visas available in Dubai for specific purposes or categories of people, such as student visa, investor visa, retirement visa, transit visa, etc. You need to check the eligibility criteria and application process for each type of visa on the official websites of the relevant authorities.
For more information on visa and residency requirements in Dubai, you can visit the following resources:
- Dubai Visa and Entry Information
- MOHRE Services
- GDRFA Services
Cost of Living and Budgeting
Dubai is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but it also offers high salaries and tax-free income for expats. However, you still need to budget for various expenses that you will incur while living in Dubai, such as:
- Rent: Rent is usually the biggest expense for expats in Dubai. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Dubai is around AED 5,000 per month, but it can vary depending on the location, size, amenities, and quality of the property. You can use online platforms such as Dubizzle or Property Finder to find and compare rental properties in Dubai.
- Utilities: You also need to pay for utilities such as electricity, water, gas, internet, phone, etc. The average cost of utilities for a one-bedroom apartment in Dubai is around AED 700 per month, but it can vary depending on your usage and provider. You can use online platforms such as DEWA or du to pay and manage your utility bills in Dubai.
- Food: Food is another major expense for expats in Dubai. The average cost of food for a single person in Dubai is around AED 1,500 per month, but it can vary depending on your diet and preferences. You can use online platforms such as Carrefour or InstaShop to order groceries online in Dubai. You can also use online platforms such as Zomato or Talabat to order food delivery or dine out in Dubai.
- Transportation: Transportation is another significant expense for expats in Dubai. The average cost of transportation for a single person in Dubai is around AED 500 per month, but it can vary depending on your mode and frequency of travel. You can use public transport such as metro, bus, tram, taxi, etc. to get around Dubai. You can use online platforms such as RTA or Careem to plan and pay for your public transport trips in Dubai. You can also use online platforms such as Dubai Drive or Udrive to rent or share a car in Dubai.
- Entertainment: Entertainment is another optional expense for expats in Dubai. The average cost of entertainment for a single person in Dubai is around AED 1,000 per month, but it can vary depending on your hobbies and interests. You can use online platforms such as Dubai Calendar or Platinumlist to find and book events and activities in Dubai. You can also use online platforms such as Netflix or OSN to watch movies and shows online in Dubai.
You can use online tools such as Numbeo or Expatistan to calculate and compare the cost of living in Dubai with other cities.
You can also save money by using public transport, shopping at local markets, and taking advantage of discounts and deals offered by various platforms and apps such as Groupon, Cobone, The Entertainer, etc.
Housing and Accommodation Options
There are many types of accommodation options available in Dubai for expats, such as apartments, villas, townhouses, serviced apartments, hotels, etc. You can choose to rent or buy property in Dubai depending on your budget, preferences, and plans. However, you need to follow certain rules and regulations when renting or buying property in Dubai, such as:
- Renting: You need to have a valid residence visa and a sponsor to rent property in Dubai. You also need to sign a tenancy contract with the landlord or the agent and register it with the Rental Disputes Center. You need to pay a security deposit and a commission fee to the agent. You also need to pay the rent in advance, usually in one or two cheques. You can use online platforms such as Dubizzle or Property Finder to find and compare rental properties in Dubai.
- Buying: You need to have a valid residence visa and a sponsor to buy property in Dubai. You also need to pay a registration fee and a transfer fee to the Dubai Land Department. You also need to pay a mortgage fee and an appraisal fee if you are taking a loan from a bank. You also need to pay a commission fee to the agent. You can use online platforms such as Bayut or Luxhabitat to find and compare properties for sale in Dubai.
You need to consider factors such as location, size, amenities, security, etc. when choosing your housing option in Dubai. Some of the most popular areas for expats in Dubai are:
- Downtown Dubai: This is the heart of Dubai where you can find the iconic Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain, and other attractions. It is a vibrant and modern area with luxury apartments, hotels, restaurants, and shops. It is ideal for expats who want to enjoy the city life and have easy access to public transport.
- Dubai Marina: This is a waterfront community with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and the Palm Jumeirah. It is a lively and cosmopolitan area with high-rise apartments, hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs. It is ideal for expats who want to enjoy the beach life and have a social lifestyle.
- Jumeirah: This is a residential area with low-rise villas, townhouses, and apartments. It is a green and serene area with parks, beaches, schools, and mosques. It is ideal for expats who want to enjoy the family life and have a peaceful lifestyle.
Healthcare and Insurance
Dubai has a high-quality healthcare system with both public and private facilities that offer a range of services and specialties. However, you need to have health insurance to access healthcare services in Dubai. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents and visitors in Dubai as per the Dubai Health Insurance Law.
You can choose from various health insurance plans and providers depending on your needs and budget. Some of the factors that you need to consider when choosing your health insurance plan are:
- Coverage: You need to check what services and treatments are covered by your plan, such as consultations, tests, medications, surgeries, etc. You also need to check what are the limits and exclusions of your plan, such as pre-existing conditions, chronic diseases, maternity care, dental care, etc.
- Network: You need to check which hospitals and clinics are part of your plan’s network and whether you can access them easily. You also need to check if you can use out-of-network facilities and how much you will be reimbursed for them.
- Premium: You need to check how much you will pay for your plan on a monthly or annual basis. You also need to check what are the deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance that you will pay when you use the services.
- Customer service: You need to check how easy and convenient it is to contact your provider and make claims. You also need to check the feedback and reviews of other customers who have used the same provider.
You can use online platforms such as Bayzat or yallacompare to compare and buy health insurance plans in Dubai.
Education and Schooling
Dubai has a diverse education system with both public and private schools that offer different curricula and languages. There are over 200 private schools in Dubai that cater to various nationalities and preferences. Some of the most common curricula and languages available in Dubai schools are:
- British: This is the most popular curriculum in Dubai, followed by over 100 schools. It follows the National Curriculum of England and prepares students for the GCSE and A-level exams. It is taught in English and offers a balanced and rigorous education.
- American: This is the second most popular curriculum in Dubai, followed by over 50 schools. It follows the Common Core State Standards and prepares students for the SAT and AP exams. It is taught in English and offers a flexible and holistic education.
- Indian: This is the third most popular curriculum in Dubai, followed by over 30 schools. It follows the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) or the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) and prepares students for the board exams. It is taught in English and offers a comprehensive and competitive education.
- Arabic: This is the official curriculum of the UAE, followed by all public schools and some private schools. It follows the Ministry of Education’s standards and prepares students for the national exams. It is taught in Arabic and offers a patriotic and Islamic education.
You need to consider factors such as fees, admission requirements, accreditation, location, facilities, etc. when choosing a school for your children in Dubai. You can use online platforms such as KHDA or WhichSchoolAdvisor to find and compare schools in Dubai.
Culture and Etiquette
Dubai is a multicultural city with people from over 200 nationalities living and working together. You will find a rich and diverse culture that reflects the heritage and traditions of the UAE as well as the influences of other cultures. However, you also need to respect the local culture and customs of Dubai, especially during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims.
You need to follow certain rules and etiquette when dressing, greeting, dining, socializing, etc. in Dubai. Some of the basic dos and don’ts are:
- Do dress modestly and conservatively in public places, especially in religious sites, government offices, malls, etc. Avoid wearing revealing or tight clothes that expose your shoulders, knees, or cleavage.
- Don’t display affection or intimacy in public places, such as kissing, hugging, holding hands, etc. This is considered offensive and disrespectful to the local culture.
- Do greet people with a handshake or a nod, depending on their gender and familiarity. Avoid touching or kissing people of the opposite sex unless they are your close relatives or friends.
- Don’t use your left hand for eating, drinking, or handing over something to someone. This is considered unclean and rude in the Arab culture.
- Do respect the Islamic practices and beliefs of the local people, such as praying five times a day, fasting during Ramadan, avoiding alcohol and pork, etc. Avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or playing music in public during Ramadan.
- Don’t criticize or mock the religion, politics, leaders, or culture of the UAE or any other country. This is considered illegal and punishable by law.
I hope this article has given you some useful insights into moving to Dubai as an expat. Dubai is a dynamic and exciting city that offers many opportunities and experiences for expats. However, it also requires some adaptation and preparation to make your transition smooth and successful. I wish you all the best in your move to Dubai. 😊
