Planning to make your move to Dubai?
The fantastic lifestyle in Dubai attracts attention from around the globe. American and British entrepreneurs usually consider this city as a desert haven because this global village has a no-tax policy in place.
People planning to start their careers and enrich their lives think of Dubai as a good start as it unlocks countless business opportunities and lucrative jobs. You may already know a lot about the UAE but before you make your move to Dubai, you should know 12 things that most people don’t know about it.
So, are you ready to uncover some facts about Dubai and the UAE? Let’s get started with:
Before you move to Dubai you should know about 7 emirates of the UAE
Most people when talking about the UAE, usually refer to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Well, indeed they are two popular emirates but there are a total of 7 emirates you need to know about before moving to UAE. But we would like to start with two popular ones.
Dubai
Although this emirate doesn’t require an introduction because the Dubai lifestyle already makes great buzz all over the internet, yet you need to get some basic info and facts about it. Dubai is the business hub of the UAE with around £87 billion GDP. If you are planning to tap on some golden business opportunities, you should probably live in Dubai as a part of your move to Dubai plan.
Abu Dhabi
It’s the capital of UAE with a GDP of around £184 billion in 2022. This city is the biggest economy in the UAE. Whether you want to start a company or visit the place to find high-paying jobs, certainly this emirate will help you achieve your goal.
Ajman
You can see the agricultural side of UAE in Ajman
Fujairah
If you want to dig deep into history that flows in the mind-blowing countryside and mountains then you should visit Fujairah. Don’t forget to explore the beauty of Al Badiya Mosque, built more than 650 years ago.
Ras Al Khaimah
Whenever you are in the mood for windsurfing and diving, you should head to this emirate that unlocks the longest zipline in the world. You will feel ultimate relaxation while taking a sunbath on the beach coastline.
Sharjah
You may already be familiar with Sharjah, which is also a popular emirate but unlike Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Islamic law in Sharjah is more strict. You are not allowed to drink in public. You can’t socialize with the opposite gender unless you are married to them. Now if these laws don’t bother you much, you can enjoy plenty of natural elements in this emirate from beautiful birds to picturesque greenery spots.
Umm Al Quwain
If you are moving to Dubai from the UK with family, then you are looking for some fun family spots. Thankfully, you can find plenty of them all over UAE, but one spot that you can’t afford to miss is found in Umm Al Quwain. This Dreamland Aqua Park comprises 30 rides, slides, and other entertainment options. It runs throughout the years and is one of the favorite tourist spots in the UAE.
How much money do you need to live in Dubai? Let’s figure out.
The cost of living in Dubai is comparatively lower than the UK and the USA but it’s not cheap to live in the UAE. If you want to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Dubai, your monthly income should be 10,000 to 20,000 AED. In case you are just starting your career in Dubai and ready to experience the ups and downs of life, then at least your income should be around 5000 AED.
If we talk about everyday expenses such as coffee or beer, be ready to spend £5 to £10. When you are moving to Dubai from the UK or the USA, you are used to these living expenses, and they don’t bother you much. But when Asians move to Dubai, they find out that the cost of living in Dubai is pretty high as compared to their hometown.
Get ready to embrace some unexpected laws in Dubai
Before you make up your mind and move to Dubai, you must know that it’s a big cultural shift for you, especially when you are moving to Dubai from the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. There are some laws you can’t afford to break. For example:
- Zero tolerance policy for drug consumption.
- The legal age for drinking in UAE is 21 years.
- You can’t drink on the street.
- The weekend is on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday is your first workday in the UAE.
- If you take photos of a road accident, it will lead to deportation, as well as a five-figure fine.
You will be imprisoned if you:
- Take photos of a person without asking permission
- Carry food with poppy seeds
- Swear
- Gossip
- Raise money without a license
Sex outside marriage is banned in the UAE. It’s better to tie the knot before moving to UAE. If you get involved in sex without marriage and get caught, be ready to spend one year in prison.
Read about why Brits are moving from UK to Dubai to avoid tax?
Living in Dubai as a woman is different
We won’t sugarcoat the fact that living in Dubai as a woman is different than living in Dubai as a man. Foreign women don’t need to wear hijabs, but they need to cover their neckline, shoulders, and knees while walking on the streets, in public, and at the workplace. However, if you are having fun on the beach in Dubai, this dressing restriction will no longer be applicable.
If you are traveling by bus, you need to sit in the front section, which is designated for women travelers. Also, try to avoid direct eye contact with males while traveling.
The most important thing to know about living in Dubai as a woman is that you won’t win against a man if you file a rape or domestic abuse case. Such cases often result in denials and imprisonments, so you better stay on the safe side and watch your back.
Abortion is illegal in Dubai and if you do it otherwise then you will have to face one year of jail time in UAE. You can abort a baby only when your life is at risk.
As far as drinking, driving, and moving around Dubai is concerned, you can do that as a woman. It’s safe for you to wander around and explore the rich Dubai lifestyle.
Workplace in UAE- What you need to know?
When you are moving to Dubai for work, then you can explore the best job and business opportunities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Although foreign women can find good opportunities here, most jobs are filled by men in Dubai (almost 91 percent in 2021). One of the benefits of living in Dubai is to enjoy tax-free income and salary.
You can find jobs in the following sectors:
- Oil
- Government Agencies
- Construction
- Tourism
- Finance and Accounting
- IT
- Hospitality
Employees in Dubai will get the following benefits from their employers:
- Bonuses
- Kid’s fee concession and contribution
- Medical insurance
- Free air ticket back home
- Housing allowance
As an employee, if you even think about joining a trade union or starting a strike, it’s going to be a criminal offense, leading to deportation. So, beware!
Guide about checklist while relocating to Dubai
Move to Dubai with family – What do you need to know?
When you move to Dubai from Western countries, you think that it’s going to be a cultural shock and a lot of adjustment to the curriculum. Well, the reality is the opposite. As far as culture is concerned, your family will get used to Islamic values in the countries and hear prayers five times a day.
Now if we talk about Education, you are in luck because you can find 88 international schools. There are Indian, American, and British schools. Your kids can start from they leave their hometown. Christmas, New Year, and Easter are proudly celebrated all over the UAE. Shopping malls and restaurants are well-decorated exactly like in Western countries, so your family won’t miss Western traditions.
Your family needs community bonding as well. Well, in that case, you can join the British Community and other countries’ communities. Hundreds of foreigners are living in UAE with their families, you can easily find the ones you can bond with effortlessly.
Family-Friendly Entertainment in Dubai
Whenever you are moving to Dubai from the UK or another country, you want to know whether this city offers fun activities for your kids and other family members. If that’s what you have in mind. No need to sweat because tons of activities and fun spots are welcoming your family in Dubai.
The most popular sports in Dubai are:
- Camel Races
- Formula-One Race
- Football
- Soccer
- Horse race
- Motor race
- Basketball
- Cricket
When it comes to spending quality time with kids, you can explore the following spots:
- Ski Dubai
- Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
- Dubai Miracle Garden
- OliOli – A Must-Visit Children’s Play Museum
- Burj Khalifa
- Aqua venture Waterpark
- Wild Wadi Waterpark
- Global Village
- Legoland Dubai
You can see all the latest releases in cinemas in Dubai, so if you like to have some movie time with your family, you can do that easily while living.
Is Dubai too hot to live in?
When you move to Dubai from a western country, the first difference you are going to feel is in its weather. In summer, you can expect 45°C and this temperature drops to 35°C in winter. But you need to keep yourself ready for the unbearable heat of 49°C as well. Summer can be tough in Dubai but fortunately, it becomes manageable due to air conditioning facilities, which are available almost everywhere from shopping malls to apartments to bus stops.
Since heat is constant throughout the year, it is fun on the beach. You can have fun with your partner and kids on the beach where watersports will bring everyone great joy.
Read the guide about moving to Dubai from the UK with a dog
Food and cuisines in Dubai- from unique taste to international flavors
It’s normal to think about food when moving to the UAE but once you arrive in this country, you will be surprised to explore the varieties. It’s an international business hub, so you can find tons of cuisines such as Mexican, Italian, French, Lebanese, Chinese, English, Spanish, Indian, Pakistani, and many more. From crispy fish to hot steaks, everything is available here.
Although tons of international cuisine are there, you must visit Arabic and Middle eastern restaurants. The aroma, flavor, and whole environment of those places are unforgettable and of course, you would love to try their famous food like hummus, curry, authentic shawarma, and falafel. One common ingredient you will find on the streets and inside the hotel is their national fruit- dates.
If you are wondering whether pork is available in the store or not, well the answer is yes you can find it in bacon in supermarkets, although pork is Haram in Islam. But this country is offering food and facilities to everyone, regardless of their religion.
Is Dubai a safe place to live? Let’s find out
Before you move to Dubai, you want to look into its safety features as well; especially when you are moving to Dubai with family. The answer is this place is safe to live.
According to Numbeo’s 2023 Safety Index,“the UAE secures the second position out of 163 nations. Abu Dhabi ranked number one in the top 10 safest cities worldwide while Dubai secured the fifth spot and Ajman held second place.”
As far as violent crimes are concerned, homicide cases were 0.5 per 100,000 population (crime statistics by Knoema)
Do you need to learn Arabic before moving to Dubai?
It’s a good question and the answer is you should learn a few common Arabic words. They will help you get along with locals and your colleagues. English is a widely spoken language all over the UAE.
In Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s workplace, you can always find expats to talk to. Besides, it’s a good idea to join some expat or international forums where you can talk to like-minded people in your language and ask for advice, tips, and recommendations.
Healthcare in Dubai- what you need to know?
If you are an employee, your employer will probably contribute to your medical insurance. But when you are running a business there as a foreigner, it’s a good idea to get a group insurance deal for everyone. Expats need to purchase private insurance by law. If you don’t have insurance, no worries, you can still count on the government healthcare system.
The public healthcare system offers quality care, but you need to keep your patience intact as you may have to wait for hours. Many public hospitals face the challenge of overcrowding, keep that in mind. Besides, you need a health card to use this system, and this card is issued by the Ministry of Health.
Always remind yourself that you are living in an Islamic country
When you are living in Dubai, you need to keep reminding yourself that the state religion of UAE is Islam. This religion defines Shariah Law which in turn creates a framework for the UAE legal system. If something is prohibited in Islam, consider its probabilities in this country. For example, the LGBTQ community can’t settle in Dubai. If you are a Muslim and you are consuming alcohol, you can be deported.
Your colleagues and friends will expect to respect the Islamic culture when it comes to drinking, relationships, and clothing. Friday is the holy day, and if you plan to go drinking on that day, don’t tell your Muslim friend about that.
Ramadan is the holy month, and no matter what company or area you work in Dubai, this month will affect you. In this holy month, you will have to stay extra careful. You can’t drink, smoke, or eat in public because everyone is banned from such practices.
You can eat at work, but not in front of your colleagues. You need to respect that they are fasting, so choose a separate room for your lunch or breakfast. On this holy month, you will also feel the joyous spirit of Muslims who invite non-Muslims on Eid Days and when breaking their long day fast. You can expect a delicious meal at that dinner.
So, is it a good idea to move to the UAE?
Now if you are planning to move to Dubai and thinking whether it’s a good idea or not then definitely it’s a great plan because you can enjoy a multicultural Dubai lifestyle alongside tax-free income. Prospr highlighted some advantages and disadvantages of living in Dubai where Islamic culture poses some restrictions and the law is strict but at the same time, you can enjoy a vibrant lifestyle and workplace with tons of career and business opportunities. Now it’s your turn to decide whether it’s a good idea to move to the UAE for you or not.
Still, have some questions? Feel free to ask. We are happy to help!
