I’ve been again within the UK for fairly some time now, however I’m nonetheless incessantly requested about my time residing in Dubai: methods to transfer there, methods to discover a job in Dubai and what life is like for expats within the sandpit.
I’m all the time glad to share my experiences and having lived within the emirate for 14 months, I really feel certified to share what I find out about relocating to Dubai for individuals contemplating a transfer.
After all, that is simply my private expertise, however since I’m requested about it so usually, I assumed it was time to publish an enormous information to transferring to Dubai with the entire useful info I can consider.
In case you’re new to Whereas I’m Younger, right here’s the backstory: After I was 24 I moved to Dubai from the UK alone. I didn’t know a soul on the market, however I’d had a job provide I couldn’t resist.
And so, just a few months after a surreal 48 hour go to throughout which I evidently nailed my interview, I boarded a one-way Emirates flight with a signed contract and some weeks booked in a resort. From there, I mainly constructed a (enjoyable!) life in Dubai from scratch.
Learn: how I spent my first three days residing in Dubai
On this information, I’ve tried to cowl something that individuals relocating to Dubai would possibly need to know; from residing prices, the perfect locations to stay in Dubai, what to find out about working within the UAE and helpful ideas for navigating a brand new tradition.
Whereas my time in Dubai all the time had an expiry date (I had a boyfriend ready for me within the UK, and he’s now my fiancé), I made absolutely the most of my time on the market and would encourage anybody contemplating it to make the leap.
It’s greatest to go to Dubai for 5 days or longer earlier than you make the leap, simply to get a really feel for the place and ensure it’s best for you.
Transferring to Dubai proved to me that your entire life can change with one determination. The recollections I made there, and the profession expertise I gained, are issues I’ll treasure for the remainder of my life.
That being stated, there are positively issues to pay attention to earlier than you to migrate to Dubai, so right here’s my try at getting ready you!
The right way to transfer to Dubai: what to know earlier than you go
Watch my full video about transferring to Dubai on Youtube
Guide excursions and experiences in Dubai earlier than you go
So, what’s expat life actually like in Dubai?
I had colleagues who had younger children and a household residence in Dubai, however that’s concerning the extent of my publicity to household life for expats within the UAE. My Dubai expertise was rather more of a millennial, Jager-soaked cliché, and I rapidly realized why so many younger, single individuals of their twenties and thirties transfer to Dubai.
It’s a incredible place to develop your profession and stay in a fiercely multicultural society, nevertheless it’s additionally a bonafide playground once you’re younger and wild and free.
I labored 7am – 3.30pm from Sunday to Thursday and partied greater than I ought to have at Women Nights through the week. I spent Fridays at lavish brunches in luxurious lodges (learn my information to navigating your first Dubai brunch) and Saturdays sweating out my hangovers on the seaside.
After all, there are different methods to stay your life in Dubai, however that was how I did it. It beats coming residence from work within the darkness of chilly Britain and spending each weekend in the identical smelly native, lemme inform ya.
For sure, the standard of life accessible in Dubai might be larger than the one you’re forsaking – as long as you’re ready to work onerous earlier than you’ll be able to play onerous.
The right way to discover a place to stay in Dubai
Discovering a spot to stay in Dubai is likely one of the greatest challenges expats face once they transfer, offering that their job doesn’t provide lodging.
You have to to seek out lodging to stay in for just a few weeks earlier than you get a long-term rental or buy a property in Dubai. Try the beneath choices on reserving.com.
Additionally, you will want to rent a automotive, as it would are available very useful when attending to and from viewings. You will get costs for automotive rent in Dubai right here.
Even when your job doesn’t include a house, many employers pay an lodging allowance on prime of your commonplace wage, so it’s price asking then doing all your analysis so you already know what kind of lodging you’ll be able to fairly afford with that cash.
Lease can fluctuate relying on the season so it’s greatest to seek for lodging at first of the summer season, when demand drops and so do costs. I acquired a hefty low cost on my first few months of hire in a single place as a result of I moved in throughout a quiet month.
For example, you’ll pay between 3,500 (maids room, keep away from!) and 6,000 AED per thirty days for a room in a shared condominium within the Marina space. If you would like a one-bed studio, you’ll be able to count on to pay round 90,000 AED for a pad in Enterprise Bay.
Just about each residential constructing has a pool, fitness center and safety so that may prevent cash on fitness center memberships.
The world and sort of lodging you go for will rely in your wage and your loved ones state of affairs. Younger, free and single western expats are inclined to favour the Marina space, JBR (my hood!) and JLT. Downtown and Enterprise Bay are additionally fashionable with expats however hire is dearer.
Households will probably be most drawn to villa complexes in locations like Mirdif, Emirates Hills, Silicon Oasis, Motor Metropolis and Arabian Ranches. You’ll positively want a automotive in case you decide to stay in locations like this as a result of they aren’t as accessible with public transport.
I discovered coping with landlords in Dubai to be a little bit of a nightmare and needed to transfer flats just a few instances, so be ready to be messed round a bit. There are a whole lot of unlawful shared flats however I by no means heard of anybody truly getting in bother for it.
Technically, single women and men aren’t allowed to stay collectively in Dubai however I knew loads who did and by no means had any bother.
Remember that it’s not unusual for (legit) landlords to require you to pay 12 months hire prematurely (or three or six months, in the event that they’re beneficiant) and it’s unlawful on your cheque to bounce in Dubai. This is likely one of the causes it’s so necessary to have financial savings and a safe job earlier than you progress out. It’s additionally one of many causes I (and most of my mates) favoured pay-monthly, dodgy condominium shares for the primary few months not less than.
The go-to web sites for locating lodging in Dubai are Dubizzle and bayut. My checklist of helpful apps and web sites for Dubai expats ought to turn out to be useful!
The right way to discover a job and what to find out about working in Dubai
I used to be approached on LinkedIn and flown out for an interview so I don’t even have any expertise of job-hunting in Dubai, besides by means of mates, who struggled.
I’d by no means advise anybody to maneuver to Dubai in the event that they don’t have a job lined up. I do know lots of people do it, however the job market isn’t nice in the intervening time and lots of don’t discover a first rate job for six months or so.
Dubai isn’t an inexpensive place to stay in case you’re not getting a wage! Plus, in case you’re solely there on a vacationer visa it’s a must to take a whole lot of journeys to Oman…
I’d additionally by no means suggest taking a job in case your employer refuses to rearrange your visa or medical insurance.
In case your abilities lie within the service or handbook labour trade, remember that many of those jobs are stuffed by Asian expats they usually’re sometimes not very properly paid.
Top-of-the-line web sites to seek out jobs in Dubai is GulfTalent. It’s additionally price checking the careers part on the web sites of firms you’re occupied with.
Important paperwork when changing into a Dubai resident
Identification Card
All expats residing in Dubai must register for a Resident Identification Card (it was known as an Emirates ID once I lived there) earlier than they will get their residence visa. You must carry your ID card always as it’s possible you’ll be fined in case you’re requested to show it and might’t.
Residence Visa
To get your Dubai residence visa, you could do medical checks (a chest x-ray, blood checks and fingerprinting). My employer sorted all of this out for me however I do know that’s usually not the case.
It’s greatest to do your personal analysis utilizing the official channels as a result of issues can change and I don’t need to get in bother for supplying you with the unsuitable recommendation!
Transport and getting round Dubai
There’s just one option to go in Dubai, and that’s Sheikh Zayed Street. This 12-lane mega-road is the primary artery of the emirate and inconceivable to keep away from.
Dubai Metro
Dubai’s Metro system could be very environment friendly, low-cost and it’s one of many cleanest on this planet. The metro comes each 4 minutes and stops at numerous factors alongside Sheikh Zayed Street. The crimson line runs from the airport to the opposite finish of Dubai, protecting the size of SZR.
If you happen to’re counting on public transport to get someplace that’s not close to the ‘backbone’ of Dubai, you’ll want to determine the closest station then get a taxi from there.
Good to know: The stations are all named after companies (Noor Financial institution, Shadaf DG and so on), and don’t truly point out the realm identify. This may be fairly complicated, so be sure you know which station is for you.
Most individuals who use the metro incessantly get a chargeable nol card.
The entrance carriage of each metro prepare is the ‘Gold’ part. A Gold card is barely dearer however the seats are extra comfy and also you get somewhat tray desk.
It’s quite a bit much less crowded than the common carriages and makes you are feeling like royalty. , if the Sheikh was within the behavior of driving the metro. Come to think about it, he has been identified to do that prior to now…
Girls and youngsters can sit in a separate metro part, which is straight behind the gold carriage. The women-only part is normally a lot much less crowded and also you entice much less stares, so I all the time sat there.
There’s additionally a tram that shuttles individuals across the JBR space, which you’ll pay for along with your metro card.
Dubai taxis
Dubai’s official taxis are beige, with inexperienced or crimson roofs, and there are many them. They’re reasonably priced and mainly important in case you don’t drive, particularly within the stifling sizzling top of summer season.
An necessary factor to recollect is that not one of the drivers in Dubai are native they usually not often know the place they’re going – even when they are saying they do. Be sure to Google Map your journey earlier than you get within the cab and provides your driver landmarks to look out for on the best way – addresses aren’t actually a factor in Dubai.
Females shouldn’t sit within the entrance in the event that they’re on their very own. Identical goes for Uber.
Driving in Dubai
Okay I by no means did it – however my phrase of recommendation is to drive in Dubai at your personal threat. I noticed extra street site visitors accidents whereas residing there than I had in my entire life beforehand. Massive egos are worsened with even larger vehicles and it’s each (wo)man for themselves.
Dubai has a zero tolerance method to drink-driving, so don’t get behind the wheel in case you’ve had any alcohol in any respect.
Banking and saving cash in Dubai
Most banks require you to be a resident in Dubai to open an account and it takes every week or two to get it arrange. I used to be with Emirates NBD.
Remember to take loads of passport sized images with you once you transfer to Dubai, since you’ll want them! You must examine precisely what your new financial institution requires you to carry with you when organising an account – some ask for a tenancy settlement, which is difficult to provide in case you stay in a shared condominium.
Typically your employer will suggest a financial institution, and this makes selecting simpler! That was the case for me.
Your debit card will arrive by courier, normally. There are a whole lot of legal guidelines surrounding bank cards in Dubai that I don’t perceive so although my financial institution issued me a bank card with out me asking for one, I reduce it up and threw it away. You positively don’t need to get into debt in Dubai!
Many firms gives you a gratuity once you depart your job, relying on the size of time you labored there. It’s a pleasant little bonus!
I made an enormous mistake once I left Dubai and didn’t organize for my financial savings to be transferred to my UK checking account prematurely, so I had an absolute nightmare getting that sorted out. Use an organization like Western Union to switch yours. I attempt not to consider how a lot I misplaced due to my poor planning.
Navigating the tradition in Dubai
The inhabitants of Dubai is predominantly made up of expatriates and that is testomony to how welcoming the UAE is. The vacation spot is a cultural melting pot and utterly distinctive. You’ll get to know colleagues and mates from everywhere in the world.
After all, residing in a Muslim nation means acclimatising to its guidelines and code of conduct, however Dubai is much extra lenient than most individuals who’ve by no means been assume. I partied extra in Dubai than I do within the UK – nevertheless it’s necessary to pay attention to the legal guidelines, notably as a lady.
Relying on the circles you progress in, it’s simple to overlook that you just’re residing in a Muslim nation with totally different guidelines to these now we have within the UK.
My publish about incessantly requested questions for Dubai life ought to make clear issues.
Native tradition
With such a big expat inhabitants, you’re not as uncovered to Emirati tradition as you would possibly count on.
Far-off from the dizzying skyscrapers and vibrant lights of Downtown and the Marina, initiatives just like the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and the ever fashionable abra journey throughout Dubai Creek hold Dubai’s previous traditions and customs alive.
There’s a aspect to Dubai that many vacationers don’t trouble attending to know, however the gold souks of Deira and their surrounds maintain a sure allure that isn’t fairly outdone by these viral gold-dispensing ATMs.
Learn my information to cultural issues to do in Dubai for extra inspiration (and do that stuff early on in your Dubai profession, since you’ll quickly get caught up in The Brunch Life).
Workplace hours
The working week in Dubai runs from Sunday to Thursday and also you’ll be happy to know that the UAE has a LOT of nationwide holidays. They love a time off there!
There are additionally many ‘dry nights’ the place lodges and golf equipment received’t serve alcohol or play loud music, however I’m positive you’ll be able to take an evening off.
Ramadan
Enterprise slows throughout Ramadan and lots of non-Muslim expats depart the nation throughout this time. Undoubtedly attempt to expertise an Iftar, if that’s one thing you’ve by no means finished earlier than. I like to recommend the one at Brasserie in Le Royal Meridien.
Be respectful and don’t eat or drink something in a public area earlier than sunset – and this contains chewing gum.
Gown code
As a basic rule, cowl your shoulders and knees in authorities buildings, locations of worship and within the mall and on the metro. These are the locations you’re most certainly to get in bother for not following the costume code. Plus, it will get chilly within the air-con!
Is studying Arabic important once you transfer to Dubai?
Whereas it’s alway good to attempt to study the native language wherever you go, there’s actually no must study Arabic on your transfer to Dubai except you need to.
I had nice intentions to study however rapidly realised that the one approach I’d decide up Arabic was if I took classes, as a result of everybody speaks English. In truth, the one time I ever struggled to be understood was with overseas taxi drivers. The general public you’ll come into contact with in outlets and so on will possible be from the Philippines.
The few phrases I picked up which have seeped into Dubai’s expat vocabulary are ‘habibi‘ (a time period of endearment), ‘yalla‘ (let’s go/hurry up) and ‘Inshallah‘ (Allah keen). Aaaaand that’s about all I do know.
Price of residing in Dubai
Sure, Dubai is pricey. But it surely may not be as costly as you assume, and also you’ll possible have extra disposable revenue than you do within the UK. The typical wage in Dubai is 15,000 AED per thirty days and that is tax-free.
Your new wage can appear significantly spectacular in comparison with the one you have been incomes at residence nevertheless that is offset by rents that rival London’s.
Day after day life in Dubai may be as price range or as pricey as you make it. I discovered it was much more widespread to get issues delivered (meals, a single carrot from the grocery store, booze – actually something) than it’s at residence, and that may rack up your outgoings as a result of you probably have any kind of decency, you’ll tip the supply man.
The price of groceries is a little more costly in Dubai than within the UK, however you’ll be able to nonetheless store savvy. Supermarkets like Carrefour, M&S(!), Park&Store and so on promote most UK manufacturers these days.
In the case of garments purchasing, many of the western expats I do know wait till they’re at residence to splurge as a result of there’s a big mark-up on style in Dubai. Nevertheless, you may get cheaper garments on websites like souk.com and Namshi.
The principle locations to buy in Dubai are Dubai Mall (be warned that in case you get the metro there you’ve gotten a LONG stroll to get to the precise outlets, nevertheless it’s air-conditioned so might be worse) (you’ll additionally get misplaced), Marina Mall, Pageant Metropolis Mall, Ibn Battuta and so on.
For kitting out your lodging, there’s an IKEA. For basic stuff, Dragon Mart is a Chinese language superstore that sells all the things beneath the solar.
Going out prices in Dubai
There are a whole lot of temptations, with brunches costing wherever from 100 AED to 600 AED, and a essential dish at a median restaurant costing not less than 50 AED.
That being stated, there are many methods to economize in Dubai and scale back your residing prices: investing in The Entertainer will prevent some huge cash in relation to going out, understanding and consuming out.
Booze, predictably, pushes the invoice up exponentially when out and about. A spirit and mixer or glass of wine at one in all Dubai’s seaside bars will set you again not less than 50 AED. Women, because of this we’re without end grateful for Women Nights, ok?
Climate in Dubai: it it manageable?
It’s sizzling. So, so sizzling. I moved out in January, when the temperature was cooler and I’d suggest transferring to Dubai within the colder months if doable as a result of it offers you time to acclimatise – though nothing actually prepares you for a sweltering 46 diploma July day in Dubai.
Clearly, in every single place is air-conditioned so it’s actually not that tough to outlive within the warmth.
Hobbies in Dubai
If you happen to’re into health, you received’t be at a loss. Dubai is a kind of locations that rapidly embraces each health development going, and I even tried all the things from aerial hoop to reformer pilates there. You’ll be able to go horse-riding within the desert, snowboarding on the mall and even zip-lining in Dubai.
As I’ve talked about, most individuals discover themselves eating out quite a bit and there are many unbelievable eating places which you could expertise. Then there’s the nightlife.
Dubai’s seaside golf equipment and nightclubs are one of many causes it’s known as the Vegas of the Center East. I noticed world-famous DJs on a college night time, danced within the sand and incessantly ended up in mattress by 6pm after indulging too onerous at brunch.
From rooftop bars to free girls nights and pool days, you positively can get together in Dubai. Your employer can organize an alcohol license for you, and that’s necessary for staying out of bother.
If household or mates are coming to go to you, you would possibly discover my 5 day Dubai itinerary useful for planning their keep.
Clearly, hiring a yacht and throwing a nautical themed get together is a Dubai ceremony of passage. Even in case you solely do it as soon as, it’s price doing for the expertise and surprisingly affordable you probably have a giant group that may all chip in.
After all, it’s a must to meet individuals first earlier than you’ll be able to pile all of them onto a brilliant yacht -– so learn my ideas for making mates in Dubai to get you began.
Learn: 31 Humorous Issues About Dubai For New Expats
My intention is to maintain including to this publish in order that it turns into a priceless useful resource for anybody searching for details about transferring to Dubai.
Whether or not you’re simply inquisitive about expat life within the sandpit otherwise you’re planning on relocating to Dubai and would really like me so as to add particular ideas, and even in case you’re simply searching for some reassurance about an upcoming transfer to Dubai; please simply depart a remark and I’ll do my greatest to reply.
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