What to Expect When Moving to Dubai
Dubai is fast becoming a hot spot for tourists and expats. This high-energy destination is all about the hustle. Cranes dot the skyline and Dubai’s unofficial motto seems to be ‘higher, bigger, better – and flashier’. Expats are attracted to Dubai’s high quality of life, warm weather, booming economy, and status as an income tax-free haven.
Whether you’re seeking your fortune or just looking for a dynamic base to live and work, moving to Dubai as an expat has a lot to offer.
The Legal Requirements for Moving to Dubai
If you’re arriving in the United Arab Emirates from the UK, Canada, or most of Western Europe, you can usually obtain a visa upon arrival.
You’ll have to bring notarized copies of all important documents, including marriage licenses, bank statements, diplomas, and certificates of qualification.
For those entering the UAE without a job offer, a long-term multiple-visit visa is your best option. This visa allows you to stay in the country for 90 days with the option to renew.
Those who already have a job lined up typically have employers handle all the paperwork and visa applications on their behalf. Read more about Work Visas in Dubai.
Finding a Place to Live
For some lucky expats, their employment contract includes a provision for accommodations. For everyone else, it’s time to start a housing search.
While many apartments come pre-furnished, there is still plenty of choice for those who prefer to start with a blank slate and furnish things themselves. However, payment terms aren’t so easy. Most landlords require six to twelve months’ rent upfront.
Some companies will advance the rent costs to their employees and then deduct monthly repayments from their wages. If you agree to this arrangement, make sure you read the fine print and know if there are any fees.
A real estate agent who specializes in helping expats relocate can help you navigate the logistics. However, it’s still important to get a personal recommendation from a friend or colleague. Unfortunately, not all real estate agents operate with the philosophy that the renter’s needs must come first.
Popular expats neighborhoods in Dubai include Dubai Marina, Deira, Arabian Ranches, Jumeirah, Al Wasl, Al Safa, and Umm Suqeim.
Dubai’s Healthcare System
The United Arab Emirates, and by extension Dubai, has a mixed public and private healthcare system.
Employers in Dubai must provide health insurance for their employees. Those who are sponsoring resident dependents are likewise required to have appropriate insurance coverage.
Dubai’s public hospitals offer high-quality free or low-cost care to residents. To receive this care, you’ll need a health card. These are available from the Department of Health and Medical Services.
Although public healthcare is excellent, most expats opt for private health insurance in Dubai, such as Cigna Healthguard.
Cigna Healthguard are plans specifically designed for local nationals and expats living in the UAE. Being treated in a private facility means shorter wait times and more comfortable facilities.
Driving in Dubai
Driving in Dubai is a hair-raising experience. Locals love using their horns, and they’re downright passionate about driving fast.
Limos, flashy SUVs, and outrageous sports cars share the road with taxis, which have seen far better, safer days.
Believe it or not, tailgating is legal in Dubai, but telling someone what you think of them (in other words, flipping the middle finger…) is definitely not.
If you’re caught, your momentary flash of temper could result in jail time under Dubai law. Despite the chaotic traffic and apparent lack of rules, the police are always watching via ever-present traffic cameras.
If you’re unlucky enough to be fined, don’t be tardy in paying up, or your vehicle may just be impounded. If this all sounds like it’s too much, Dubai has an efficient, inexpensive public transportation network.
Work and Money
In general, the cost of living in Dubai is high. While it is more affordable than major cities such as London and New York, it’s far from a frugal destination.
Dubai is also a destination with a strong focus on conspicuous consumption. It’s a place to see and be seen, where expensive designer brand names are evident in everything from shoes to cars to sunglasses.
There’s no legal minimum wage in Dubai. For those employed as laborers or in unskilled or semi-skilled positions, especially in manufacturing, there are few forms of protection or financial security.
On the other side of the scale, there are many extremely high-paying jobs in Dubai when industries are booming, and certain skills are in demand.
In short, employers are free to pay whatever wages they want. This creates opportunities for some and exploitation for others.
Gender Roles in Dubai
In many respects, Dubai is more liberal and modern in its gender roles than many other parts of the UAE. It is a hugely popular destination for solo female travelers.
The city is very safe, with very low crime rates. At travel-specific destinations like hotels, there are relaxed liquor laws and dress codes.
However, expat women living in Dubai full-time face more restrictions, as they’re not exactly living the hotel life. Women’s behavior in public is carefully scrutinized, and dressing modestly is important.
Alcohol Laws in Dubai
Consuming alcohol is severely restricted in Dubai. In order to consume liquor in your own home, you must obtain a liquor license.
You can only get one of these licenses if you get signed approval from your boss. You must additionally provide proof of your salary to the authorities.
Your salary level determines how much alcohol you’re allowed to buy. Finally, you must submit several passport photos for proof of identity.
From there, you must pay the liquor license fee and pay a 30% tax on every purchase you make. The process is anything but easy or private!
Some residents work around this by picking up some alcohol at the airport duty-free store when they fly into the country.
Using the Internet
It’s not easy to connect to the internet without restrictions in Dubai. The government blocks all websites that it deems offensive to its religious, moral, and cultural values.
The list of banned pages includes multiple Wikipedia pages, VOIP sites including Skype, gambling sites, political sites, religious criticism, and anything considered even remotely risque.
In theory, you can circumvent government censorship by using a VPN (a virtual private network). However, in recent years, the government has managed to block most VPN websites.
Choose a VPN with anti-censorship measures, such as obfuscated servers, SSL encryption, or other features that enable stealth mode.
Banking and Finances
With more than 45 local banks to choose from, opening a bank account in Dubai is easy. You must be a resident to open a checking account, but non-residents can open savings accounts.
To open an account, you’ll need to bring a copy of your passport, your work permit, and a letter from your employer confirming your salary.
Vanessa Chiasson is an award-winning Canadian travel writer with over ten years of experience. Her work has appeared in major publications, and she draws on living in France, Ireland, England, and Malawi to bring global insight to her stories.
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