A guide to moving to Dubai

What makes living in Dubai so appealing? Where is Dubai located? Why do countless individuals contemplate relocating to Dubai? What languages are commonly spoken there? What is the work culture like in Dubai? These were just a few of the questions I pondered before making the move to Dubai three years ago. As living in Dubai becomes increasingly popular, you might be wondering about these topics as well.

Dubai is the most vibrant and, in my view, the most thrilling city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The country comprises seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. The UAE was established on December 2, 1971, making it just 50 years old! Compared to the past, the emirates and their cities have seen significant development, featuring numerous luxurious buildings and towering skyscrapers. The roads have greatly improved, and the populations have expanded; until the 1970s, Dubai and many other cities in the emirates were primarily desert landscapes.

Dubai, the most populous city in the UAE, boasts a population of nearly 4 million, significantly smaller than other major cities like Tokyo (almost 30 million) and London (just over 10 million). Its appeal lies in a luxurious lifestyle, stunning beaches, a tropical climate, a high level of safety, iconic skyscrapers, and abundant job opportunities. Remarkably, around 90% of Dubai's residents are expatriates from over 200 different nationalities.

While Arabic is the official language of the UAE, English is predominantly spoken in Dubai due to its diverse population.

In this blog post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about relocating to Dubai, including visa requirements, job hunting, housing options, weather considerations, healthcare, transportation, banking, and my top tips for living in this vibrant city.

Healthcare System in Dubai

Dubai has a robust healthcare system that combines both public and private services. While expatriates can access the public system, these services are not free, and you will need to apply for a health card online through the Ministry of Health. It's important to note that public services are primarily intended for Emirati nationals, leading to high demand and potential difficulties for English speakers. Expatriates are also legally required to have private health insurance, which is often provided by employers. This insurance grants access to superior medical care compared to the public system.

Healthcare funding in Dubai comes from taxes and patient fees. Employees with employer-sponsored health insurance are responsible for 20% of their medical costs, capped at 1,000 AED per year. While employers must provide health insurance to expatriate employees, coverage for dependents is not mandatory. Some employers do offer family coverage, so consider these costs when relocating.

Emergency Medical Care

Public hospitals in Dubai offer free emergency medical care to anyone in need, even those without a medical card. If you arrive without a card, you will receive a temporary one.

Opening a Bank Account in Dubai

As the financial hub of the Middle East, Dubai boasts a thriving banking sector. Opening a bank account as a non-national is quite straightforward. Residents can open current accounts, while non-residents have access to a limited number of savings accounts, often with higher minimum balance requirements. The account opening process typically involves visiting a bank branch to verify various documents, and approval usually takes a few days. Common requirements include:

• Passport

• Visa copy

• Salary certificate or pay slip

• Emirates ID (if applicable)

• Proof of address

Some banks may also require a reference letter from a previous bank, a recent utility bill, or a bank statement. Additionally, digital and mobile-only banks are becoming more popular in the UAE, including:

• Liv

• Neo

• First Abu Dhabi Bank

• Emirates NBD

• Mashreq

• Dubai Islamic Bank

• HSBC

• Citibank

Finding a Job in Dubai

If you’re eligible to work in Dubai and have a work permit, it’s advisable to start job hunting even before you move. Here are some useful job search websites:

• Bayt.com

• GulfTalent.com

• Indeed.com

• Naukrigulf

• Emirates Group Careers

• Khaleej Times Jobs

It’s worth noting that there is no income tax in the UAE, so your salary is tax-free.

Renting or Buying Property in Dubai

After applying for your visa, finding accommodation should be a top priority when moving to Dubai. Expatriates are permitted to buy property, but only in designated areas. Popular locations for expatriate ownership include Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Barsha Heights, Emirates Hills, and Dubai Marina. Designated areas are updated annually, so working with a registered local real estate agent is recommended for property searches, mortgage advice, and legal processes.

Renting

For newcomers, renting is a popular option, providing immediate accommodation. This allows you to explore the city and decide whether to buy later. Websites to find rental properties include:

• A Place To Stay

• Propertyfinder

• Bayut

• PropSearch

• Dubizzle

Visa Requirements for the UAE

Before moving to Dubai, securing a visa is essential. UK nationals have several options:

• 5-Year Green UAE Visa: For highly qualified workers, freelancers, investors, and business partners wishing to live and work in the UAE without sponsorship. This visa includes a 60-day work permit for completing the final steps upon arrival.

• 10-Year “Golden” UAE Visa: Targeted at expatriates seeking to settle in the UAE for long-term careers or investments. This visa is available to eligible investors, entrepreneurs, managers, scientists, and students and can be obtained through qualifying investments in local real estate and other ventures.

Other visa options include work visas, study visas, and retirement visas. To apply, you can contact the UAE Embassy in London or work through a sponsor in Dubai. Be prepared to take a blood test for your residence permit application, as positive results for HIV or Hepatitis will lead to rejection and potential deportation without an appeal process.

Shipping Your Belongings from the UK to Dubai

The practical aspect of relocating involves shipping your belongings. Obtain quotes from transport companies and compare shipping options, including sea and air freight. It may be more economical to travel light and purchase essentials upon arrival. Shipping costs from the UK to Dubai for a three-bedroom house typically range from £5,900 to £6,850. Check out these companies for quotes:

• Pickfords

• Matthew James

• Seven Seas Worldwide

Visiting Dubai

After conducting your research, consider visiting Dubai first. You can fly directly from London with Emirates, British Airways, or Virgin Atlantic. The best time to visit is between November and April when temperatures are more manageable. Dubai’s climate is characterized by very hot summers and warm winters, with minimal rainfall. The hottest month is August, averaging 44°C, while January is the coolest, averaging 25°C.

Also, consider Abu Dhabi, the UAE's capital, for relocation. CEO Today offers a guide on the top attractions to see in Abu Dhabi for those interested in exploring beyond Dubai.