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Living in Dubai: An Introduction
Introduction to living and working in Dubai for anyone considering expatriation to the United Arab Emirates
Published in: Living in Dubai - Thu, August 25, 2011
Located in the Middle East, Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is also the name of the main city within the emirate of Dubai.
The United Arab Emirates was formed in 1971 by the then ‘Trucial States’ after their independence from Britain. Initially Dubai’s wealth was built on its oil industry, but it has successfully diversified its economy so that today it has multiple strands supporting its fiscal strength - including tourism, real estate, financial services, health and education.
When talking about living and working in Dubai, the majority of the time we’re talking about the City of Dubai rather than the emirate as a whole. This is where the majority of Britons base themselves in the emirate, and where they find work. The City of Dubai is also the lifestyle hub for the entire region.
Moving to Live in Dubai
Published in: Living in Dubai
Thu, August 25, 2011
If you’re moving to live in Dubai you will either need an employer sponsored work visa in order to gain residency, or you will need to be sponsored by your working spouse or parent. We detail the visa application process.
Employment and Jobs in Dubai
Published in: Living in Dubai
Thu, August 25, 2011
Introducing would-be expats to the employment landscape in Dubai and exploring how to find jobs in Dubai. Further explaining how the work permit and residency visa application processes subsequently work.
Finance in Dubai
Published in: Living in Dubai
Thu, August 25, 2011
Describing the process to open a bank account in Dubai, how salary earned by expats in Dubai can be tax free, and explaining how finance, loans, credit cards etc., work differently in Dubai.
Housing in Dubai
Published in: Living in Dubai
Thu, August 25, 2011
Detailing the property rental process in Dubai for expatriates moving to live in the emirate, and introducing some of the preferred expat residential districts in and around the city of Dubai.
Health in Dubai
Published in: Living in Dubai
Thu, August 25, 2011
Expatriates living and working in Dubai can apply for a health card when they have their residency visa. This gives them access to subsidised state care; but some expatriates have private health insurance. We discuss the health risks locally too.
Education in Dubai
Published in: Living in Dubai
Thu, August 25, 2011
Most expatriate parents send their children to fee paying, private international schools in Dubai, of which there are literally hundreds to choose from. Fees can be high and standards can vary greatly, which is why research is critical.
Leisure & Lifestyle in Dubai
Published in: Living in Dubai
Thu, August 25, 2011
The quality of life in Dubai for expats is exceptional – with something to do for everyone. From gourmet restaurants to opulent shopping malls, from an indoor ski slope to expat friendly clubs and societies, expats in Dubai never get bored!
Family and Children in Dubai
Published in: Living in Dubai
Thu, August 25, 2011
We discuss whether you should move your wife and children to live with you in Dubai, whether women can sponsor their husbands, and how the family sponsorship visa process actually works.
Laws and Rules in Dubai
Published in: Living in Dubai
Thu, August 25, 2011
If you’re going to be living and working in Dubai you need to familiarise yourself with the laws, moral laws, rules of decency and the general standards of behaviour that expatriate residents have to abide by.
Get Wealthy but Stay Healthy in Dubai
Published in: Living in Dubai
Thu, August 18, 2011
If you’re going to be living and working in Dubai will health insurance be compulsory for you? What about an ID card and a health card, do you need both? We cover essential health information for expats in Dubai.
How You Can Benefit Most From Belize’s Expat Retirement Scheme
Published in: Living in Belize
Tue, August 16, 2011
We look closely at the realities of the Belize qualifying retired persons incentive program (QRP) and explore the advantages and disadvantages of it, detailing who’s eligible and who may be better off seeking permanent residency instead.
The Trouble with Cyprus: Which Side Should You Choose?
Published in: Living in Cyprus
Wed, August 10, 2011
Northern Cyprus is forging ahead with investment and infrastructure improvements whilst southern Cyprus has been rocked by blackouts and threats of an economic bailout – but which side of the island is really best for expats to move to?
Hypewave! Will You Love The Chilly Reality Of Canadian Living
Published in: Living in Canada
Tue, August 09, 2011
Canada tops polls and surveys on the best places to live in the world, but as one exceptionally disgruntled expat made us see, Canada’s not right for everyone – its winters are indescribably bad and its immigration department is in turmoil!
Ireland is no Greece, the Celtic Tiger Will be Back
Published in: Living in Ireland
Mon, August 08, 2011
Unlike Greece, Ireland’s Celtic Tiger economy has the fundamentals to rebound, and anyone wanting to profit from the country’s expected growth should consider moving to live in Ireland, especially if they have a business to relocate.
Living in Portugal: Practical Advice for Realists
Published in: Living in Portugal
Sun, August 07, 2011
If you dream of living in Portugal and think the relocation will be easy, think again! You need to learn the language, be more realistic about the cost of living and the bureaucracy, and secure well-paying employment in advance.
Designer Chauvinism: Life as a Professional Expatriate Woman in Italy
Published in: Living in Italy
Thu, August 04, 2011
Obsessed as they are with fashion, Italian men are desperately outmoded when it comes to their treatment of women – professional expatriate women will need to ‘man up’ when it comes to their discriminatory treatment in the workplace in Italy.
The Highs and Lows of Starting a New Life in Bulgaria
Published in: Living in Bulgaria
Wed, August 03, 2011
Bulgaria is perhaps the one nation about which we receive the most extremely divided opinion from readers; therefore if you’re planning a new life living in Bulgaria you need to research the realities of the nation carefully before expatriating.
Think You Can’t Afford to Retire Abroad? Think Again!
Published in: Retirement Abroad
Mon, August 01, 2011
If you thought you couldn’t afford to retire abroad we’re here to show you how you need to rethink the concept of affordability and work out where in the world you really can live well on your retirement income.
Living Abroad Guides
Expatriate Lifestyle
Exploring expatriate lifestyle topics in depth and discussing the realities of expat life abroad
Expatriate News
Keeping you up to date with expatriate related news stories and the latest advice and information for expats living abroad.
Living in Australia
If you’re interested in living in Australia you’ll find plenty of articles and advice on what expats can expect from a new life Down Under
Living in Belize
From the cost of living in Belize to what expatriate life is really like in this stunning Central American nation
Living in Bulgaria
Advice for anyone interested in living in Bulgaria, and discussing expatriate related topics for those who have already moved to Bulgaria
Living in Canada
Discussing everything important about living in Canada from visas to employment, from education to the expat lifestyle
Living in Cyprus
Examining expat life living in Cyprus and North Cyprus; discussing the similarities and differences between the two sides of this stunning Mediterranean island
Living in Dubai
The complete expat guide to living in Dubai, we strive to keep our guides right up to date, please add a comment at the bottom of individual articles if you are aware of any significant changes or if you would like to contribute any valuable information to our readers.
Living in France
Many Britons dream of living in France; we explore the realities of every aspect of expat life across the Channel
Living in Ireland
Exploring what it’s like living in Ireland as an expat. Discover the huge amount of lifestyle choices that Ireland has to offer.
Living in Italy
All you need to know about living in Italy and establishing a new life in this stunning European nation
Living in New Zealand
All research topics covered for those planning on living in New Zealand - including working, retirement and the cost of living
Living in Portugal
Exploring aspects of expat life for those living in Portugal
Living in Spain
The majority of British people still dream of living in Spain when they think about moving abroad, so we explain what expat life in Spain is really like
Living in Turkey
For expats interested in living in Turkey, we introduce all the elements they need to know in advance of relocation
Retirement Abroad
Lifestyle articles for anyone planning a retirement abroad as well as those who have already retired overseas
Working Abroad
From working abroad to finding jobs overseas, from starting your own international business to the practicalities of seeking and applying for work in another country.
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