Have you recently become the official expat in Dubai but have no clue what to do next?
You’re not the only expat feeling alienated or homesick after relocating to Dubai. UAE has over 80% expat-based population and around 40% feel difficulty in adopting the new culture, says a report by InternNations.
But there are ways to eliminate these saddening experiences and start off your expat journey in Dubai on the right note.
As Dubai’s trusted relocation company, we meet different tenants, families, and students. And based on their experiences, we’ve jotted this smart-guide for helping you adopt UAE’s culture faster as an expat in Dubai.
Tip #1: Learn Arabic Greetings
Knowing the language can surely help you in settling down anywhere in the world!
While you’re trying to settle down in UAE, you must start with learning the local language i.e. Arabic. Although you may use English while communicating with people, showing efforts is what counts. Emiratis as well as long-time residents would appreciate if you could just greet them in Arabic. Instead of saying “Hi“, say “Salam Alaikum” or “Shukran” in place of “Thank you”.
And gradually learn more Arabic phrases to connect with other people as an expat in Dubai. This small change in your communication would not only break ice but you’ll make new friends as well.
Tip #2: Follow Residential Community Rules
Every society has some rules which you must follow to be considered a respected member. The same ideology can be applied to when you become an expat in UAE and rent an apartment. As an expat in Dubai, there are some rules that you must know for maintaining good relationships with neighbours.
- Check with your building management if you can bring your pet or not.
- Some residential communities have defined a set time for moving furniture during the day.
- Understand balcony etiquette whether you’re allowed to hang wet clothes, shake off the rugs from balcony, or place storage items etc.
- Similarly, some buildings in Dubai have a designated garbage disposal area and others offer garbage collection methods.
Tip #3: Understand Islamic Practices
Since you’ve moved to a country with major Muslim population, it’s better to familiarise yourself with Islamic practices!
Knowing prayer times, Islamic festivals, and other significant details can help you a lot. You won’t feel clueless when someone takes a Namaz break or doesn’t eat during the day in Ramadan. And you’ll not be surprised if all a sudden your neighbour shows up on your doorsteps with sweets to greet you with “Eid Mubarak”.
Familiarising yourself with these special occasions and prayer times would help you in understanding people around you.
Tip #4: Join & Celebrate Local Holidays
One of the ways to adopt UAE’s culture faster is to discover local holidays and join them in celebrations.
Yes, Dubai has various local events to make your boring 9-5 life exciting (each month)!
- If you’re missing the fireworks at Times Square after relocating to Dubai, you’ll love the energy around you on National Day.
- Also, you’ll find both Eid festivals extremely joyful and vibrant with Eid greetings and delicious food.
- Plus, you’ll love the local events including Dubai Shopping Festival during year start.
- And if you want to connect with true Bedouin culture of UAE, wait for Al Marmoom Heritage Festival.
Tip #5: Discover Local Cuisine
Sometimes a tasty meal can lessen the homesickness effects, too!
And after relocating to Dubai, you’ll have plenty of options to satisfy your appetite while understanding UAE’s culture.
There are various cuisine options to try in Dubai that have a connection with UAE’s heritage such as:
- Machboos
- Luqaimat
- Balaleet
- Harees
- Majboos Samak
Although you’ll find 5-star hotels and famous food chains in Dubai, you must go out and explore the souks. There, you’ll find these delicious food items in traditional serving method as well as true essence of Emirati culture.
Tip #6: Dress Appropriately in Shared Spaces
Now one of the most important moving tips that we often give to new expats in Dubai – the dressing code in UAE!
While majority perceives Dubai as a modern place with skyscrapers, malls, and beaches, you must keep up with conservative traditions, too. And majority of these traditions are linked with the dress codes for each occasion. For instance, you should:
- Cover your shoulders and knees while in public.
- Try to avoid revealing clothing (for example shorts, sheer outfits or crop tops).
- The swimwear is only allowed in pool areas.
Conclusion
These are some of the useful tips for adopting UAE’s culture as an expat in Dubai!
Let’s revisit each tip before you leave the page and start embracing your new lifestyle as expat:
- Familiarise yourself with local language (Arabic in case of UAE)
- Understand the rules set by your residential communities
- Understand the common Islamic practices such as Namaz timings.
- Discover local holidays and take part in the celebrations.
- Try UAE’s local cuisine for understanding its culture through food.
- Keep track of your dressing choices especially when in public.
If you’re seeking trusted storage services in Dubai after becoming an expat, we can accommodate your storage requirements. The Move It is a reliable international relocation company in Dubai that specialises in local as well as international moving solutions. Call our moving experts on 800 668348 for scheduling a moving consultation, today.
