Relocating to UAE means you’re going to be an expat in Dubai who enjoys tax-free salaries, best residence, and more.
Before you fly to this land of opportunity, there are a few things that you must know!
It’s a foreign land, different culture, a whole new lifestyle that you’re going to adopt. So, better come prepared before you become one of the expats in Dubai. What language do you need to learn, what would be your rights at work, and where you should live? You need to figure these questions out to put your relocation plans to Dubai on the right track.
Find all the answers below that an expat can think of before moving to Dubai!
Tips for Expats in Dubai
As a newcomer (soon to become an expat in Dubai), there are tasks that you need to perform now. And there are tasks that you’ll be doing once you land in UAE (that we’ve explained below).
So, let’s start exploring the different aspects of your relocation journey till you become an expat in Dubai.
Before Moving to UAE
Tip # 1: Attest Essential Documents
Document attestation is an important step that you need to take before announcing your relocation plans. From birth certificate to educational documents and even marriage certificate, make a list of all of them. Because you’ll need them all whether you’re coming to UAE for studies, work, or even when starting a new business.
Although, you can attest the documents after coming to UAE, they’ll cost you a little extra!
So, it’s a good idea to attest all the essential legal documents while you’re in your home country. And give your relocation the right start from the very beginning before becoming a responsible expat in Dubai.
Tip # 2: Understanding Visas
Some visit UAE for vacations, others fly here for work, and some start a new life here with family. All of them would need a visa to enter UAE to make their stay legal. And you need to familiarize yourself with different visa types that UAE’s government offers.
- You’ll require a work visa if you’re coming to Dubai for work
- If you’re starting a new business in UAE, apply for business visa
- For settling in with family, you’ll need a dependent visa
- For people coming for vacations, UAE issues a tourist visa
- For individuals (doctors, engineers, actors etc.), UAE has a golden visa
Sit with your travel agent or relocation company representative, discuss what visa will be perfect for you.
Tip # 3: Best Relocation Time
All expats in Dubai will have various stories (mostly exhausting ones) when it comes to best arrival time to UAE. And most newcomers often ponder over the question – when should we move to Dubai?
There’s no ideal time to plan a relocation that serves everyone!
Some are coming for work, others want to be here before schools start, and some just plan it right away.
- If you’re coming here for leisure, fly between April to September while the weather is relatively calmer.
- If you’re moving here with family, book your tickets before August as schools usually start in September.
- Keep track of major events like Formula 1 and Dubai Shopping Festival if you’re seeking fun from your UAE visit.
Pro Tip: Make sure to plan your relocation 4 months in advance so you can come prepared.
Tip # 4: Cultural Understanding
Whether you say Bonjour, Nin Hao, Salve, or Namaskar, knowing a few things about UAE’s culture will help. UAE’s expats make up 95% of the country’s total population, setting it as a dynamic country in the world.
It’s a good idea to understand UAE’s culture, how people speak to each other, what’s allowed and what’s not. You’ll hear phrases “afwan”, “shukran”, or “habibi” when you meet a native. And it’s important to familiarize yourself with common phrases to communicate with locals.
Arabic is an official language of UAE’s government, but you’ll find people speaking English!
Familiarize yourself with dress code and conversational ethics especially when interacting with female in the Emirates.
Tip # 5: Hiring Movers in Dubai
One of the last rituals, before you move to UAE, is to find a reliable relocations company in Dubai!
Hiring a moving company will make your whole relocation 10 times easier in comparison to DIYing your move. Plus, you will be getting all the help that one needs for securely transporting the furniture. And you can get various suggestions like where to rent your apartment, what areas are cheaper and more.
Not only secure furniture transit, but they’ll also investigate custom clearance on your behalf, too. And most companies (like The Move It) even offer add-on services like wall paint, handyman, and maids.
After Moving to UAE
Tip # 6: Finding Best Accommodation
If you’re being sponsored by your company and the accommodation is part of the deal, you’re sorted. But if your accommodation is not covered, you’ll have to find reasonable accommodation.
As an expat in Dubai, you’ll have various ideal options when we talk about residency. Contact a few reliable realties in UAE for recommendations or conduct your research. You can also visit RERA’s website to know more about property laws.
- If you’re planning to move in Dubai with family, Jumeirah, The Springs, and Arabian Ranches are ideal locations.
- For settling in Abu Dhabi, you may visit residential options including Khalifa City or Al Raha Beach.
- And in Sharjah, you can look for apartments in Al Nahda or Al Khan areas.
Other than that, you need to understand rental contract practices. Also, consider work distance before selecting an apartment.
Tip # 7: Getting Utility Connections
Once you lock an apartment in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or even Sharjah, the next step involves getting utility connections!
For getting a connection (electricity gas, or water) on your name, you’ll have to register an account with DEWA. For residents in Abu Dhabi, ADDC looks after utility connections. The required documents are somewhat similar and include:
- Tenancy contract copy
- Passport and residence visa copy
- DEWA premise number (Your landlord would arrange that)
- Security deposit (usually ranges between AED 2000/- to AED 4000/-)
- Registration fee (ranging between AED 100/- to AED 300/-)
For connections other than electricity, gas, and water, you’ll find various service providers. You’ll need a new sim, cable connection, and internet connection to conclude your relocation journey.
Tip # 8: Starting a New Life in Dubai
You’ve settled into your new home but a few steps away from transforming into an expat in Dubai. The next step, that you should follow as an expat, demands you to:
- Understand the living costs and your income to make a balanced lifestyle.
- Familiarize yourself with different transportation modes available in the city.
- Get to know more about regional customs and cultural differences.
- Find and join different expat communities so you don’t feel alienated in UAE.
- You’ll need a bank account in the UAE, too, for managing your financial matters.
- If you’re here with family, you’ll need to conduct your research for good schools, too.
Final Words
Expats in Dubai experienced a whole new experience!
Ask any expat and you’ll find an interesting story associated with their first weeks in this country. And now it’s your time to make a great start as an expat in Dubai. Follow all these steps to make your successful transition.
And if you need any help with moving, The Move It offers international relocation services. Just dial +971 800 668348 and get in touch with our relocation experts and plan your move today.
