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- July 30, 2021
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Moving to Dubai: Few things to know
Recently Dubai and the UAE have been hitting the headlines as many celebrities and influencers have been relocating there during the coronavirus lockdown.
When you think of Dubai, what images does your mind conjure up: shiny skyscrapers, picturesque beaches, rich Sheikhs? None of these would be too far from the truth, and the United Arab Emirates is increasingly becoming a hotspot for expats looking to move somewhere they can succeed not just professionally, but grow personally too.
The emirate as a whole has developed a strong tourism-based economy, and as a result the attractions and amenities on offer in Dubai are inimitable; and naturally all residents can benefit.
Living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an experience like no other. Home to a wide range of nationalities, a nightlife to rival London and New York, and absolutely zero income tax, the Gulf nation has plenty to offer. Thankfully, it’s not too difficult to move everything you own halfway across the world.
Major changes introduced in the UAE legislation
In 2020 the UAE introduced several changes to the rules and laws that govern the Emirates with the aim of boosting the country’s economic and social standing. Here are the changes that have the most profound effect on expats living in Dubai:
- The so-called ‘honor killings’ and harassment of women aren’t treated leniently any longer.
- Drinking alcohol without a license is permitted.
- Living together outside marriage is no longer illegal.
- Expats in the UAE can follow their home nation’s law on divorce and inheritance.
- Foreign investors can fully own local companies without the need for an Emiraati sponsor with the exception of energy and hydrocarbons, telecommunications and transport sectors.
The professional opportunities are vast
Working in the United Arab Emirates is not all about the money. It can also be a great way to fast forward your career, paving the way for new opportunities and greater responsibility. Large, urban areas such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai have thriving business economies and always require English-speaking new hires to drive forward their innovation and technology. Dubai in particular is becoming a global hub for business and is already certainly the Middle East’s prime location for commerce and enterprise.
No matter your field or industry (it’s not all oil!), there’s likely to be an employment opportunity for you in the UAE – so chat to an international employment agency and consider your next step.
Dubai lifestyle
When talking about living in Dubai, the majority of the time we’re talking about the City of Dubai rather than the emirate as a whole. The City of Dubai is also the lifestyle hub for the entire region.
Lifestyle in Dubai is the one thing you won’t hear expats complaining about. Although due to the heat it is mostly limited to indoor air-conditioned activities, nevertheless there are plenty entertainments of all sorts including amazing shopping.
From a range of theme parks to private beach clubs, from incredibly opulent shopping malls to cinema complexes and an abundance of restaurants, from indoor snowboarding to the most remarkable music festivals – Dubai really does have it all.
Shopping is a big part of lifestyle in Dubai. If you like shopping there’s the annual Dubai Shopping Festival with its incredible events, competitions and prizes. It takes place at the start of the year and includes all sorts of additional attractions such as impressive fireworks displays for example.
Having shopped ‘til you’ve dropped, perhaps you’d like to have something to eat? There are so many different restaurants in Dubai that you can eat out at a different establishment every night of the year! Gordon Ramsey, Jamie Oliver and Gary Rhodes all have restaurants in the emirate if you fancy something a celebrity chef has allegedly created.
Alternatively, pick a nation’s cuisine and Google it followed by the suffix ‘in Dubai’ and chances are you’ll find a restaurant catering to your tastes.
Average Cost of Living in Dubai
Living expenses are expenditures that are required for necessary survival. It would comprise of housing, food, clothing, healthcare, and transportation, to name a few. Any recreational fees would not be accounted for under living expenses.
When determining living expenses, housing makes up a considerable chunk of the budget. On average about 30% of living expenses will be put onto housing, followed by transportation and food, making up 15% each.
The monthly expenses vastly differ with family size as well. Here is a small overview for a quick reference for total costs depending on the size of your family.
Dubai has become more affordable in 2021 due to a consistent decline in rent, property prices, cost of education, transportation, and dining out, among others. Numbeo data showed that the average cost of living for a single person decreased by 89.2% in 2021 compared to 2020. Whereas, the estimated cost of living for a family of four decreased by 32.6%.
You need a visa to work in Dubai
Before moving to Dubai, you will need to apply for an entry permit, which requires a sponsor. The majority of our expats frequently ask their companies to sponsor their entry permit. However, it can still be sponsored in various ways such as resident family members, a government entity or even a hotel.
Once you are in the UAE, you can then apply for the residency visa and work permit. Securing employment is the path of least resistance in order to obtain a residency visa and work permit readily. All you need is to prepare the documents thoroughly so that your company can help you handle all the requirements above, including covering visa fees. Expats living in the UAE can sponsor you to bring over close relatives like your spouse and children, so you shouldn’t have to leave anyone behind. Also make sure to get an ID Card through this government website, as everyone living in the UAE has to have one.
You must follow the country’s rules
You must always abide by the rules of the country and the city if you want to stay out of trouble. They may sometimes seems strange, such as public displays of affection being outlawed, but they are part of life in Dubai and breaking one can lead to your arrest or deportation. Stay on the right side of the law by avoiding being intoxicated in public, making sure you never buy fake goods and not taking pictures of strangers.
At the end…
As long as you have a salary which allows you to enjoy all that the Gulf nation has to offer, and you can respect the country’s laws and religious customs, the UAE will be a wonderful home to you and your family.
Life in Dubai will never be boring. Whether hustling around the city trying to get things done, meeting people from different parts of the globe, or trying not to break any rules, you’ll experience a new adventure every day. Sometimes fun, sometimes chaotic, sometimes just plain crazy; this city ensures that every single one of its residents will have unlikely tales to tell.
