Moving to Dubai?

Moving to Dubai was the best decision for us. We love the sunshine, the coastal vibes, the safety, and the top-notch living standards in Dubai. It’s this blend that makes living here incredible.

If you’re dreaming of the Dubai lifestyle, there are a few things you’ll need to know before you hop on the plane. Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a list of all the things you need to know before your trip.

1. Tax Free Earnings
2. Visa
3. Emirates ID
4. Secure a Job
5. WhatsApp
6. Petrol
7. Attestations
8. Bank Account
9. No Post
10. Medical Insurance
11. Rent
12. School Fees
13. Safety
14. Expat Community
15. Language Barrier
16. It’s Clean
17. Getting Around Dubai
18. Grocery Shopping
19. Too hot for Dogs?
20. Construction
21. High Cost Of Living
22. Weather
23. Driving License
24. Deliveries
25. Alcohol License

1. Tax-Free Earnings in Dubai

Yep, you’ve got it right! Your earnings remain tax-free in Dubai. Whatever you make is yours to keep—no deductions in sight. However, Dubai’s tax landscape has seen a tweak. Since January 1st, 2018, there’s a 5% value-added tax (VAT) on your purchases and services. But here’s the silver lining: your salary still escapes taxation, a major draw for folks moving to Dubai and the UAE! Quick note: if you own a company here, brace yourself for taxes after reaching a certain earning threshold.

2. Visa

It is essential to know that everyone, including babies, needs a visa to visit or live in Dubai; otherwise, you will be fined.

When you’re moving to Dubai, you’ll need to apply for one of these long-term UAE Residence Visas:

• UAE Family Visa: Issued to close relatives of UAE citizens. Your family member acts as your sponsor.
• UAE Investment Visa: Granted to foreign nationals who make significant investments in the UAE, such as starting a business or buying property. You can apply using your company or property as sponsorship.
• UAE Retirement Visa: Provided to elderly foreigners wishing to retire in the UAE, equipped with the necessary financial means.
• UAE Student Visa: Intended for foreign nationals accepted into a UAE educational institution. Your school sponsors this visa.
• UAE Work Visa: Designed for foreigners securing employment in the UAE and obtaining a Work Permit. Your employer acts as your sponsor.

3. Emirates ID

Residing in the UAE? Then you’ll need an Emirates ID—it’s mandatory. This card holds vital details, from your basic information to your photo and biometric data, including fingerprints.

To get your hands on a fresh Emirates ID, head to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security-ICP website or visit an approved typing centre. The process involves two appointments: one for a blood test and chest scan, and another for fingerprinting.

4. Secure a Job!

Here’s the thing: it’s highly advisable to have a job secured before you touch down in Dubai. If you’re moving to Dubai with a partner, ensuring they’ve also got work lined up is a smart move (unless you are sponsoring them). Be cautious of commission-only job offers—they might not be as promising as they seem. Job hunting here can drag on for months after you arrive in the country. Without a residency visa, you’ll need to exit and re-enter every 30 days for a new tourist visa.

Moreover, there are initial costs upon arrival. Being without a job can add a layer of stress. However, if you’ve got enough savings to start your new journey here, that’s a different story!

5. WhatsApp

WhatsApp is the most crucial app to have in Dubai; I’m not even sure you can live here without it! Everything operates through WhatsApp, from booking a doctor’s appointment, making restaurant reservations, scheduling a hair appointment to paying your Dewa bills! Even delivery drivers prefer location pins sent via WhatsApp.

Mobile data is a bit pricey here – check out more details on that here: Mobile Data Woes. As a result, everyone makes the most of this free messaging service. If you want to stay in the loop about your community or apartment block, don’t worry; there are bound to be one or two WhatsApp groups dedicated to it! Personally, I’ve got at least four community groups on the go, including one for pet owners!

6. You’ll never pump gas again!

In Dubai, you won’t find yourself filling your own petrol tank. If you’re new here and step out of your car to refuel, expect some puzzled looks. At every pump, there’s an attendant who’ll handle the job and even pass you a credit card machine afterward. Petrol is cheaper here compared to many other places globally. For instance, it costs us around 110 AED to fill up our Nissan Kicks (that’s roughly 22 pounds).

7. Attestations

As an expat gearing up to kick off life in the UAE, you’ll need to get your documents attested.

Your marriage certificate, educational papers, medical records, business documents, your kiddo’s birth certificate, and other legal paperwork—all need to be attested for that residential visa. This journey includes shipping your certificate to different government departments in your home country and finally to the UAE authorities for their signatures and stamps. This whole deal can eat up a chunk of time and some cash. It’s wise to rope in a professional attestation company for this—trust me, it’s a complex, drawn-out process. Getting your documents attested can be a bit of a mind-boggling adventure, so I recommend doing it as soon as you arrive and using a company like we did Attest.ae. 

8. Bank Account

Opening a bank account in Dubai isn’t too tricky, but it’s a crucial task to tackle upon your arrival. To set one up, you’ll need five key items: your passport, proof of employment, a letter from your employer stating your job details and income, proof of address, and your Emirates ID.

If you won’t be working, Liv is a solid option, similar to the UK’s Monzo account. You can swiftly apply online through their app without the need for a salary letter.

9. There’s No Post!

Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration. There is, of course, a postal service called ‘Emirates Post,’ but it is in no way comparable to the Royal Mail or postal services in other countries. For starters, you may notice that your door does not have a letterbox – or mailbox, for my American friends. You might also observe that your address lacks a postal code or zip code. Is the penny dropping yet? That’s because there is no standard postal service; Emirates Post will deliver the mail it receives but will charge you for the privilege. Make sure your phone number is on anything you order; otherwise, getting your hands on it might be a challenge. And a heads up to your friends: maybe hold off on those birthday cards; receiving them could turn into a pricey affair!

Sounds like a big problem, right? No, not at all. Things work differently here. Couriers handle all deliveries, and they are quite efficient. Once again, ensure your phone number is on the package, as you can expect a WhatsApp message requesting a location pin or a phone call. Don’t be alarmed if the parcel is left on your doorstep; that’s normal here, and believe me, no one is going to touch it.

What about bills? Well, everything is paid via apps or online, so you won’t need a paper copy. Of course, the upside to this is no junk mail!”

10. Medical Insurance

In Dubai, your employer is required to provide health insurance. If you don’t have an employer, you’ll need to cover this yourself. Before visiting a doctor, ensure that the medical facility is covered by your policy. You can obtain a list from HR or contact the insurance company directly.

Keep your policy number handy for the medical centre, and don’t forget to bring a copy of your Emirates ID—they usually require it upon arrival. Booking an appointment is usually straightforward, as many places accept bookings via WhatsApp, and you can often secure an appointment on the same day.

11. Rent

Renting in the UAE has its quirks. Here, most landlords prefer the entire year’s rent upfront, usually in one or two cheques (yes, cheques—I hadn’t used one since 1990 before arriving here!). If you’re accustomed to monthly payments, this might catch you off guard.

Upon signing a rental agreement, agents often collect 5% right away, along with a mandatory 5% deposit. Keep these additional fees in mind!

Budgeting for extra costs is crucial! We were surprised by the hefty deposits DEWA (the water and electricity provider) requires: AED 4000 for villas, AED 2000 for apartments. Plus, connection fees—AED 100 for small meters, AED 300 for large ones, and an admin fee of AED 30.

12. Schools

Dubai’s education can be a financial burden for families. Public schools are for Emiratis only and taught in Arabic, pushing expat kids into private schooling, which can be pricey. ‘Expat packages’ aren’t common anymore, so make sure you can budget for your child’s education. Schools offer different curricula—pick one that suits your child. Finding the right school matters. Consider proximity to dodge traffic, which is no joke during rush hour.

Choosing the right school in Dubai? Check out the ‘School Fees Fact Sheet’ by KHDA for a comprehensive breakdown of all fees, helping you make an informed decision for your child’s education. Don’t forget to explore the KHDA website for school ratings. So, before making the move to Dubai, it’s essential to do your homework on schooling.

13. Safety

Before moving to Dubai, I was unaware of how safe it is here! During my three years in Dubai, feeling safe has been a constant. Whether it’s day or night, worries about muggings or attacks are really rare. Thanks to Dubai’s strict laws and more cameras than a Hollywood set, I can casually stroll home or catch a late-night taxi without a care The crimes to be aware of are usually cybercrimes involving scams and bank fraud, so staying vigilant in these areas.

Dubai’s safety game is strong! People here casually leave keys, purses, and phones to secure food court tables, showcasing a daily magic show of trust and safety. Additionally, lost items are often returned; a friend left her iPhone with her credit card in a taxi, and it miraculously reappeared within 2 hours.

It’s not just safe for adults but also for the little ones. Kids here live a different life than I did in the UK. They play outside, even in the dark, and it’s a really heart warming sight.

14. Expat Community

Dubai’s community is growing faster than a cactus in the desert! It’s a top spot to call home, attracting folks from all corners of the globe. Imagine this: about 85% of Dubai’s population are expats! So, if you’re considering moving to Dubai for a fresh start in a land where making friends from every nook and cranny of the planet is the norm, you’ve hit the jackpot here! Dubai isn’t just a city; it’s a melting pot of cultures, waiting for you to dive in and join the global fun.

15. No Language Barrier

When relocating to a new place, grappling with a new language can be a challenge. Luckily, if Dubai’s on your radar, ease those worries! Arabic isn’t the only language ruling here; English is a star player. No need for fluent Arabic; you’ll find English widely spoken. Go here for more on “What language do they speak in Dubai?” Oh, and just to mention, the only stumbling block we encountered was the question ‘Your good name?’—right? Well, it just means ‘What is your first name!’ They ask it a lot, so you can thank me later!

16. Its Clean!

Dubai is spotlessly clean; I mean everywhere is clean. You’ll see cleaners dusting the rails and playgrounds in the park. Wherever you are, there is someone sweeping, dusting, and wiping away.

Not only that, but it smells divine here – everywhere you go, especially in malls, you’ll catch the most alluring scent of oud. It’s almost addictive! The locals layer themselves in oud, and when they walk past, the scent is just heavenly!

Need the loo? Don’t worry; the public toilets, again, smell divine and are spotlessly clean. Going to the toilet in Dubai is a pleasure, trust me – so much so that my husband toyed with the idea of starting an Instagram page called ‘Toilets of Dubai’ because some are seriously impressive.

As a matter of fact, the only negative is when I leave the UAE and visit another country; we all know the pleasures of using a public toilet!

17. Getting Around Dubai

Getting around here is a breeze. The Dubai Metro runs right along Sheikh Zayed Road, reaching all the way to the Airport. There’s a tram connecting you to the beach and Marina area, while taxis are super affordable if your destination isn’t covered by public transport.

If you don’t own a car, no worries! Renting one is both easy and pocket-friendly. Brace yourself for the roads—they’re a bit wild compared to home. Most main roads have a whopping 6 or 7 lanes, and cars zip by at speeds of up to 140km an hour. The secret to survival? Embrace the crazy driving, just like everyone else! Go here for more on – Driving in Dubai.

18. Grocery Shopping

Another fantastic aspect of living in Dubai, particularly for expats, is the easy availability of most home comfort foods in supermarkets. There’s literally nothing I miss from home; we can even buy Greggs sausage rolls here, albeit at a much higher price! However, grocery shopping can become quite expensive if you’re not savvy. Groceries and dining out might give your wallet a workout, thanks to those sneaky import taxes on many goodies. But hey, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to slice those grocery bills! Want to know more click here – Grocery Shopping in Dubai.

19. Too hot for dogs?

Despite the challenges, our dog is living his best life here in Dubai. He’s particularly thrilled about the minimal rainfall – a perk he adores. During the winter, long walks are a joy, while summer keeps us indoors, limiting toilet breaks to a swift 5 minutes during the daytime. We’ve adjusted our walking routine to pre-sunrise and post-sunset to beat the heat. Dubai is evolving for our furry friends; there are now numerous dog parks, some dog-friendly beaches, and a growing number of cafes and restaurants that welcome pets. Doggy day-care here is next level, featuring indoor parks with air conditioning and even swimming pools. We’re fortunate to live in a villa within a pet-friendly community – a crucial check, as areas like ‘The Marina’ have designated pet-free zones. All in all, Dubai is becoming a more welcoming place for our four-legged companions!

We used Pawsome Pets, a pet relocation company, to manage our dog’s move, and they were incredibly helpful, guiding us every step of the way. Ensuring our dog’s vaccines were up to date was the main requirement, and if memory serves me right, that was about it. The best part? No quarantine period!

20. Construction

Dubai’s a haven for cranes—it’s said that over 30,000 cranes, accounting for 25% of the world’s total, dot its skyline!

Construction is a constant scene here. Depending on where you reside, you might even be serenaded by the symphony of construction sounds at night. Sometimes, they can only work after sundown because the daytime heat’s just too much. So, do your homework on your future neighbourhood to ensure you won’t have a skyscraper sprouting up right next door, peering into your space.

Imagine going away for two weeks and returning to a brand-new building you’ve never laid eyes on before.

21. High Cost of Living

Dubai’s all about that high life, but let’s face it—luxury has its price tag! Living here costs a pretty penny, about 100% higher than the UAE’s average. But hey, it’s still cheaper than setting up camp in the heart of London! Not everything is expensive; okay, a small glass of wine may sometimes cost Dhs60, but our gas bill per quarter has consistently been Dhs25! You can also cut costs by using discount schemes such as The Entertainer – more about that can be found here – Saving Money Using The Entertainer App.

This city’s a magnet for the wealthy bunch, no doubt. Rent prices? They’ve sky-rocketed, especially in those neighbourhoods expats drool over. And guess what?

22. Weather

Rain isn’t a frequent guest in Dubai, but when it does show up, it can cause a bit of chaos—schools and roads might close, giving a taste of the snow day nostalgia from back home. Flooding, especially in local areas and roads, are highly likely, but it usually sorts itself out within a day, so no need to worry.

Summers, oh boy, they’re a challenge. Temperatures can soar up to a scorching 50 degrees, usually hanging around 40-45 degrees, with added humidity making it feel even hotter. So, yeah, summers here are quite the ordeal! Most families take off during this season; and the the kids usually enjoy an 8-week summer break!

But winters? They’re a whole different story. Lasting around six months, they offer fantastic weather for outdoor adventures. Temperatures stay milder, rarely dropping below 20 degrees—a pleasant change if you’re used to freezing cold. From December through February, you might even feel a chill in the air after the sun goes down. In winter, you can also experience fog, which looks stunning among the skyscrapers; however, be cautious when driving.

Thankfully, every building here’s got air conditioning, a lifesaver during those blazing months. So, if extreme heat isn’t really your thing, it might be worth considering Dubai’s temperatures before making the move!

23. Driving License

Once you become a resident, applying for a UAE license is a must. If you already hold a driving license from one of the 36 approved countries (check www.dubai.ae for the full list), the process is smooth. Just bring your passport, a residence permit copy, your current driving license, a no-objection letter from your sponsor, an eye-test certificate, and pay the fee.

However, if your license is from a country not on the list, you’ll need to retake your driving test in the UAE to obtain a UAE license. Safe driving!

Go here for more on Driving in Dubai.

24. Deliveries

In Dubai, home becomes your haven with virtually everything delivered to your door – food, petrol, (yes I said petrol!) laundry, groceries, and even pharmacy items, often within just 30 minutes. It’s a city where leaving your doorstep feels optional! After all, who needs to venture out when even fuel comes knocking at your majestic doorstep?

25. Alcohol License

To enjoy alcohol in Dubai, whether at home or a friend’s place, you’ll need an alcohol license for consuming, storing, or transporting it. The good news is, getting a license is now free and takes just a few minutes at the local liquor store.

Staying within the bounds of the law is key. Even with an alcohol license, getting caught drunk and disorderly or drinking in an outdoor public setting in Dubai could result in hefty fines or, in more severe cases, jail time. So, while the process for obtaining a license is easier, responsible consumption remains crucial. Cheers, but within the bounds of the law!