Living in Dubai: an expat guide
What to expect when moving to Dubai
Dubai is the second-largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates, after the capital, Abu Dhabi, and plays host to an incredible level of expatriates (85 per cent of the population!), representing over 200 nationalities. Despite locals being the minority, it is important for all residents to respect the culture, and they wholeheartedly do. They love that they are welcomed to a city that offers theatre, music, sports, and innovation, alongside adventure and relaxation.
Weather
Dubai’s desert climate appears to offer a year-round summer. That said, May to October are the hottest months, with stifling temperatures and humidity. November to April (high season) is when the city sees most tourists as temperatures drop and you may need a sweater in the evenings. Don’t expect no rainfall at all – the UAE is one of the first countries in the Gulf to use cloud seeding technology, bringing sporadic downpours that effectively curb water supply concerns and cool the air, albeit temporarily.
Safety
Dubai is one of the safest cities in the region and most put this down to strict rules that everyone abides by. You won’t hear of crime or pickpocketers, and authorities police the streets well.
Where to live in Dubai
Options are aplenty; over the last few decades, the city has expanded out into the desert, offering more communities than ever before. It is sensible to house-hunt in areas close enough to work or school as traffic has become one of the top bugbears for residents. That said, you can expect to find more modern housing further out of the city with tight communities. Victory Heights and Arabian Ranches 1 (many buy here) are popular neighbourhoods, with bigger properties and garden space. Emirates Hills is a gated upscale residential community, with the Springs, Meadows, and Lakes houses surrounding it in differing sizes.
If you want to be nearer the beach, Umm Sequim and Jumeirah are walkable, but houses tend to be more dated unless you pay double for a new build and as an expat, you cannot buy in this area, only rent. The Palm Jumeirah is lined with fabulous standalone houses for those with more disposable income, and there are popular restaurants, hotels, and shops nearby. For apartments and a slightly younger crowd, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina both boast high-rises and you can find nice options in the Greens too.
Getting started in Dubai
It takes time to settle in Dubai because, while the red tape has reduced over the years and digital options have been introduced, you need a resident visa before you can do anything. Once your residency visa is approved, things start to move quite fluidly. Most companies help their employees get everything in order including a routine obligatory medical.
Opening a bank account
With your residency visa (and paperwork), you can walk into any bank and open an account with them. Digital and online banking are readily available.
Getting a driver’s licence
Transferring your driver’s licence is straightforward but you will need to do a local eye test (at any approved optician) and submit this report alongside your paperwork. You can also take your driving test in Dubai, and your driving license will be recognised in most countries abroad.
Health insurance
Health insurance is mandatory, and there are varying packages. Most companies will offer group insurance. It’s imperative you make sure everyone in your household has insurance including nannies. The local health sector is excellent and there are hospitals and clinics available readily, which also offer vaccinations.
Day-to-day living in Dubai
As another unlabelled ‘city that doesn’t sleep’, it is unsurprising that Dubai is packed with restaurants offering local Arabic food to international cuisines from all around the world. At night, the city is buzzing and alive. Not all restaurants offer alcohol; they need to be linked to a licensed hotel for this to be on the menu. To consume alcohol, you must be over 21 and have a licence, but these are free and after applying online you can pick them up from any registered liquor store such as African and Eastern, and MMI.
Despite locals being the minority, it is important for all residents to respect the culture, and they wholeheartedly do. They love that they are welcomed to a city that offers theatre, music, sports, and innovation, alongside adventure and relaxation.
Culture
Old Dubai is a contrasting and refreshing escape from one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. The heritage district near Dubai Creek is where you will find traditional dhow boats, museums showcasing Arabian artwork, and cafes offering authentic local blends of coffee and treats. When visiting this architecturally beautiful district, it is advised to dress modestly to respect the Islamic culture; the same goes for around holy events such as Ramadan.
Grocery shopping
There are lots of supermarkets from local chains such as Grandiose, Choithram, and Aswaaq to lower price Lulu Hypermarket and Carrefour. International brands are popular with expats (Waitrose and Spinneys are favourites), but they are much more expensive and carry a lot of imported produce. There are many popular independent shops too, from butchers to little delis and an organic supermarket that is bustling, particularly on the third weekend of each month where they have fabulous discounts. Not all supermarkets sell pork products (and if they do, there is a dedicated section in the store) and you cannot buy alcohol in supermarkets. For busy working couples, Instashop is popular and there are many online grocery shops to purchase from.
What to do
If you crave a busy social life, then Dubai is your city! There is something for everyone and pretty much every day of the week. When you aren’t horizontally relaxing at one of the beautiful sandy beaches or enjoying the fabulous shopping experience, there are countless attractions to enjoy; Dubai doesn’t come up short. Firm favourites include visiting the tallest tower in the world (yes Burj Khalifa is 830m in height), immersing yourself in all that the Museum of the Future has to offer and enjoying the Dubai Fountain shows where water jets and lights are choreographed to dance with music.
Expatriates love weekend brunches, especially those with beachfront views, and shows, concerts and sporting events at Dubai Opera and CocaCola Arena are booked recurrently. Residents also join locals at celebrations such as Eid, where they can enjoy local dinner buffets and immerse themselves in more of the culture.
The last word
With so many expats residing in Dubai, you certainly won’t feel like a stranger to the party. In fact, everyone you meet is genuinely kind and willing to help. The city is modern and has so much to offer with an ever-growing number of schools, strong communities and an active social life; most valued is the safe environment and of course the sunshine!
