Expat Guide

Why the UAE?

The UAE is a great place to live and work. For those who love to work in multicultural environment with numerous opportunities, the UAE offers progressing career opportunities, and also possesses rich history you can explore. There are an increasing number of people migrating to this region in the search for good job opportunities to live a decent life with security.

The UAE offers world class infrastructure and quality products that enhances lifestyle and let you live your life as you want to. All Emirates offer zero tax for everyone no matter if you run your own business or are employed. It is not only the land of opportunities, but a safe and peaceful place to raise a family. Travelers and migrants have unlimited fun activities to enjoy any time even during the night. There are such a huge variety of activities and events available for people of all age groups.

Located in the heart of the Middle East, the city of Dubai is found within the emirate of Dubai. It is one of seven Emirates making up the country of the United Arab Emirates. It has a population of over 2 million and is the largest city in the UAE, followed by Abu Dhabi. While proud of its Islamic culture and religion, it is one of the most cosmopolitan and tolerant cities in the region. Here you find people from all over the world living and working together in the city.

Sunny blue skies and high temperatures can be expected most of the year. Rain falls on an average of only 25 days per year, mainly in winter (December to March). It rarely rains very heavily or for long periods. Rarely when it does rain, the heavy rainfall can really take its toll on the city. In winter there are occasional sandstorms.  The emirate of Dubai is currently ruled by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE (who is considered the driving force behind Dubai’s exponential growth) and his brother Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE minister of finance and Industry.


Tips before you move to Dubai:

Have all important documents such as qualification certificates, marriage certificates, kids birth certificates etc. attested in your home country. This can
be a lengthy process requiring legal and UAE foreign embassy input.
Notify your bank & get your financial affairs in order. Check with your local tax office if you have to declare any earnings accrued while working in Dubai

If you have kids, start researching schools as soon as possible. We can assist you with this. The earlier your child’s name is on the waiting list, the better chance you will have in securing a place.

Explore the different neighborhoods in Dubai from your home country. A lot of people first move into temporary accommodation for a few months so they can look for their ideal home.
Women are held in high esteem and well respected in Dubai. Amongst public sector positions, women occupy some very senior roles.

You must be  aware that several prescriptions medications are banned in the UAE- especially anything containing codeine or temazepam, and a zero tolerance policy operates with regards to recreational drugs.

Non-Muslims are permitted to buy and consume alcohol in licensed venues in Dubai. However, you will need a liquor license (available upon application through liquor stores) to transport and consume alcohol outside of licensed premises e.g. home.

Transportation is definitely a consideration when moving to Dubai. Many people buy or rent cars and as a result road networks can get very congested- especially during rush hour. Petrol is relatively cheap, and with a steady stream of expats moving on to other countries, second hand cars can be easily picked up in ‘almost new’ condition.

Dubai’s taxi service is relatively cheap, reliable and extensive. It is difficult to go anywhere in the city and not be able to flag down a taxi within a matter of minutes.

Dubai Metro opened in 2009. It is a driverless, fully automated metro rail network spanning the city of Dubai. It remains a popular mode of transport for those travelling to the business districts and shopping malls. Apartments next to Metro stops tend to command higher rental values.


Healthcare in Dubai

Healthcare standards in the UAE are considered to be generally high resulting from strong economic spend of the government. According to the UAE government, total expenditures on health care from 1996 to 2003 were US$436 million.
With the steady population growth, high per capita income, increased health awareness and the rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases, it’s not hard to see why the demand for quality health care is growing across the UAE.

The country has been through a tremendous increase in the demand for health-care services, which also indicates high health-care spending.

There have been increased opportunities for growth in the UAE and a number of major international players have entered the market in the last few years, which have raised the standards offered in the country. Top global companies have established state of the art facilities in the country with the encouragement of the UAE government, and have created a hub for regional medical tourists.

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