A guide for expats moving to Dubai

Are you planning to move to Dubai? Congratulations! You're about to embark on a new adventure of culture, traditions, and fascinating experiences. As an expat moving to Dubai, it's natural for you to have questions about the city, its lifestyle, customs, and top-notch amenities. From finding accommodation and transportation options and selecting schools for your kids- we've got all the essential details covered in this guide created just for you. So sit back and relax as we take you through everything that'll make your transition smooth and stress-free!

Visa Requirements

The first thing you need to do when moving to Dubai is sort out your visa situation. Unless you have a sponsor in the form of an employer or family member who is a UAE national, you'll need to apply for a residency visa. The most common type of residency visa is the Employment Residency Visa, which, as the name suggests, is linked to your employment in Dubai. You can also apply for a Professional Residency Visa if you are self-employed or own a business in Dubai.

Other types of residency visas include the Investor Residency Visa, which is granted to those investing over AED 1 million in Dubai; the Retirement Residency Visa, available to retirees aged 55 and over; and the Student Residency Visa, for students studying at one of Dubai's many universities.

To apply for any of these visas, you'll need to submit a number of documents, including your passport, photographs, travel tickets, and proof of address in Dubai. You may also be required to undergo a medical examination and provide fingerprints as part of the application process. Once your visa has been approved, you'll be issued a residence permit allowing you to live and work in Dubai for three years. The process usually takes around 4-6 weeks.

Accommodation

There are a number of different accommodation options available in Dubai, from luxury apartments and villas to hotels. The most popular option for expats is to rent an apartment or villa, as this gives you more space and privacy than a hotel room. There are many different areas to choose from when renting an apartment or villa, depending on your budget and what type of lifestyle you are looking for. For example, downtown Dubai is a great option if you want to be close to the action, while Jumeirah Beach Residence is perfect for those who want to be close to the beach. Once you have decided on the area you would like to live in, several websites and agents can help you find the perfect rental property.

Apart from renting, you can also decide to invest in one of the projects by the property developers in Dubai.  Once you are looking for residential property for sale in Dubai, you’ll realise that the luxury apartments facing Burj Khalifa have the most appeal to expatriates due to the stunning view and its central location. 

Real estate investment makes the most sense, given the record-breaking market performance and comparatively cheaper price for luxury per sq. ft. when put against the cities like Chicago, New York, and London. Not to forget a favourable return on investment. 

Healthcare

As an expat, it is important to be aware of the healthcare system in Dubai and have a plan in place in case of illness or injury. The good news is that Dubai has high-quality healthcare facilities, both public and private, and you will be able to find a doctor or specialist who can meet your needs.

If you are employed by a company in Dubai, your employer will usually provide health insurance for you and your family. If you are self-employed or not working, you will need to purchase your own health insurance. There are many insurers operating in Dubai, so it is important to compare policies and make sure you are getting the coverage you need at a price that fits your budget.

There are also a number of hospitals and clinics that offer direct billing to insurers, so you can be treated without having to pay upfront yourself. However, it is always wise to check with your insurer beforehand to see if they have any preferred providers.

In terms of emergency care, there are several excellent hospitals in Dubai that offer 24/7 accident and emergency services. These include the Rashid Hospital, Al Zahra Hospital, and the American Hospital Dubai.

Education

As an expat, you will find that the education landscape in Dubai is very different from what you are used to. There are many international schools to choose from, as well as local Emirati schools.

One of the main decisions you will need to make is whether to send your children to a British or American curriculum school. There are pros and cons to both, so it is important to do your research before making a decision.

If you are looking for an international school, there are many great options in Dubai. Some of the most popular include The International School of Choueifat, Gems World Academy, and Jumeirah English Speaking School.

It is also worth considering a local Emirati school if you want your child to learn about the culture and traditions of the United Arab Emirates. These schools often have rigorous academic standards and can be more affordable than international schools.

No matter what type of school you choose, it is important to visit the campus and meet with the teachers before making a final decision. This will help you get a better sense of whether or not the school is the right fit for your family.

Bank Account

One of the most important things to do when moving to a new country is to open a bank account. This will allow you to access your money and make payments easily. There are a few things to consider when opening a bank account in Dubai:

- The first is what type of account you need. There are two main types of accounts in Dubai - savings and current accounts. A savings account is where you deposit your money and earn interest on it, while a current account is used for day-to-day transactions. You can also get a combination of both types of accounts.

- Another thing to consider is what currency you want your account to be in. If you plan on living and working in Dubai, having your account in Dirhams makes sense. However, suppose you regularly send money back home or have family and friends in other countries. In that case, it might be more beneficial to have a multi-currency account so that you can easily send and receive money in different currencies.

- Once you've decided on the type of account, the next step is finding a bank that suits your needs. There are many international banks with branches in Dubai and local banks. 

It's important to compare features and fees before making a decision. Some banks may offer special deals for new customers, so be sure to ask about this when you're opening an account.

Law

If you are moving to Dubai, there are a few things you should know about the legal system. The United Arab Emirates has a federal court system, with courts located in each of the seven emirates. The highest court is the Federal Supreme Court, which is located in Abu Dhabi. There is also a separate court system for Sharia law, which is used for personal status and family law cases involving Muslims.

The UAE has a civil law system, with laws based on the French legal system. The judiciary is independent, and the president appoints judges. Cases are tried in public courts, and there is a right to appeal. There is also a separate court system for commercial disputes.

Customs and Traditions

Although Dubai is a modern and cosmopolitan city, it is still very much a part of the Arab world. You should be aware of certain traditions and customs before moving to Dubai.

Islam is the official religion of the United Arab Emirates, and you will find that the city is very Islamic. You will see mosques everywhere, and prayer times are strictly observed. The dress code in Dubai is also quite conservative, so women should make sure to cover their arms and legs when out in public.

Another thing to be aware of is the fact that alcohol is only served in licensed establishments such as hotels and bars. It is illegal to drink alcohol in public, so if you want to drink, you will need to do so in your own home or in a licensed venue.

Regarding social customs, there are a few things to keep in mind. Greetings are very important in Muslim culture, so always greet people with a smile and a handshake. When entering someone's home, taking your shoes off at the door is customary. And finally, remember that Dubai is a very hierarchical society so always show respect to those who are older or in a position of authority.

Safety and Security

When it comes to safety and security, Dubai is one of the safest and most secure cities in the world. With a low crime rate and a strong security presence, you can feel safe walking around the city at night or taking public transportation. There are also many cameras throughout the city, so you can always be sure that someone is watching out for you.

Conclusion

Moving to Dubai is an exciting prospect that can bring great opportunities, but it also requires a bit of preparation. This guide has provided you with all the information you need to know about moving there, such as what documents you'll require, where to find accommodation and job opportunities, and local customs and etiquette.

Now that you have the facts at hand, we hope your transition into life in Dubai will be effortless!