Expat Dubai! Practical Tips for Living in Dubai

We have an entire section dedicated to living in Dubai, and within it we have a plethora of articles about different elements of expatriate life in the emirate – from coping with Ramadan and culture shock, to getting a visa or even a license to buy alcohol – but if you want a quick, no nonsense overview to life in the emirate, this article is for you.

Expat Dubai: we’re going to give you the practical tips you need for living in the emirate.  You can scan the list to get the facts and tips you need at your fingertips.

If you’re looking for specific advice, information or tips about living in Dubai, this guide is for you.  And if you then want to read more in depth information about the emirate and how expatriates settle into life there, you can browse our detailed “living in Dubai” section.

Expat Dubai!  Practical Residency Tips

You need a visa to live and work in Dubai.  Whilst you may be entitled to an automatic visit visa depending on the nation you herald from, you will have to jump through bureaucratic hoops to get your residency visa in place.

If you’re negotiating with an employer to move to the emirate, ensure that they will assist you with visas.

If you have an employment visa you can sponsor your spouse and children to live with you.

You can also sponsor a maid to work for you.

After you have your visa you will need a health card, this is the next step on the road to becoming a resident in the emirate.

ID cards are the final bureaucratic necessity on the list.

Expat Dubai!  Other Visa and License Tips

You cannot get your own car in Dubai until you have a local driving license, but you can rent a car on your international license.

You need a license to buy alcohol, and alcohol is not for sale in supermarkets…what you see there is alcohol free equivalents!  There are two companies allowed to sell you alcohol and then your monthly purchase amount is limited.

If you want to ride a motorbike in Dubai you need to have a license from your own nation, if you want to take tours off road in the UAE you need to pass a desert driving course.

You can now get married in Dubai, wedding planners are often worth their weight in gold however, as the organisation of just the paperwork side can be complex – and that’s before you even think about arranging the event!

Expat Dubai!  Working in Dubai

If an employer is relocating you to Dubai you want to negotiate your employment package.  The cost of living in Dubai is so high you need relocation costs, accommodation costs and your children’s education costs taken into consideration at the very least.

If you’re looking for work in the emirate you can enter on a visit visa, depending on the nation you herald from, and target employers directly.  You can also look online to see which recruitment companies can assist you to find work in the emirate.

You will need a labour card and your employer will have to sponsor your visa to live and work in the emirate.

If you lose your job you will have 30 days to find another job and another sponsor, or else you will have to leave Dubai.

You cannot just change jobs on a whim in Dubai – depending on the level of formal education you have, this restricts the number of times you can change job believe it or not! 

Expat Dubai!  Culture Shock

Learn as much about Dubai as you can before you move there – and if possible, visit before you commit to relocation.  Also, get on forums and chats with other expats who already live in the emirate to find out what it’s really like.

Unmarried couples cannot live together.

Adultery is a crime punishable by prison and subsequent deportation – as is getting into debt and even bouncing a cheque.  Learn about local laws and really respect them.  Never drink and drive, never take non-prescribed drugs.

Respect the dress code, dress conservatively.

Respect the local religion and traditions, understand that during Ramadan you should not eat or drink during the hours of daylight in view of local people – it is deeply disrespectful.

Expat Dubai!  Finding Somewhere to Live

Property prices in Dubai have surged and crashed – however, rental rates remain exceptionally high – what’s more, you may be expected to pay for one year’s rent in advance.  This can be difficult for many moving to the emirate, and some employers help out.

Find out if they will also help you find somewhere to live as this can be tricky, time consuming and down right difficult at times as agents don’t return calls, don’t turn up and even let somewhere before you’ve even seen it.

If at all possible reside in Dubai in temporary accommodation for as long as you can so you have plenty of time to get to know the different residential areas.  This way you can find the right one for you and your needs and tastes.

Different areas of the emirate cost very different amounts and are more or less salubrious.  Learn where would suit you before you commit to renting anything.

Expat Dubai!  Relocation and Packing Advice

What to take, what to leave?  Well, know that you can buy practically everything your heart desires in Dubai.  Having said that, you may well want your familiar personal possessions around you when you move to live in the emirate.  This can be particularly important in helping children settle in and adjust.  If so, find out in advance how large a property you’re likely to be able to afford and take what you will be able to fit in.

Many relocation services exist to help you move to Dubai and settle in.  Make use of these if you can afford to or if someone else is paying, their inside knowledge is invaluable and will save you time and money when it comes to things like getting your goods cleared through customs.

Carry DVDs and books on your person if you can, just transport the empty DVD cases in your container – they are less likely to be confiscated!

Never import alcohol or any medicines of any kind.

If you are on essential medication find out comprehensively in advance whether you can either bring it to the emirate or acquire it there.  Do NOT assume.

Expat Dubai!  Shopping in Dubai

There are multiple malls in Dubai – and in fact, the largest mall in the world exists in Dubai.  What’s more, you can buy everything from Ikea furniture to traditional textiles in the emirate. 

A lot of what you buy is tax-free – however, importation costs can ratchet up what you’re paying for items.  Take care when out shopping if you’re on a budget therefore.

Shop in local markets and supermarkets for cheaper prices.

Avoid malls on a Friday night as they are packed.

Many expats leaving Dubai are looking of offload everything from furniture to cars – look on forums and supermarket/employment place notice boards for bargains.

Expat Dubai!  Driving in Dubai

Have good insurance – accidents will happen because drivers and the driving in Dubai are amongst the absolute worst in the world.

Be aggressive and defensive, push, honk your horn and force your way along if you want to make progress.

If you can’t face driving, take a taxi and wear a seatbelt.

Don’t get involved in road rage.

We hope these tips help you on your road to settling in to life living in Dubai.  Ignore the scaremongering stories as much as the ‘all that glitters is gold in Dubai’ stories – the truth is somewhere in the middle.  Basically if you respect the country and its traditions, can adapt to the emirate and you’re interested in earning a tax free salary in a place where the sun almost always shines and the shopping and entertainment options are incredible, then Dubai may well be for you.