5 things to know about relocating to Dubai

By Naomi Slakmon, Head of Recruitment. Whether you’re about to move to the emirate or have just arrived, the ‘to do’ list can be overwhelming. Here are my top tips for new residents.

There’s hardly anywhere in the world right now that offers more career and lifestyle opportunities than Dubai. People are drawn by the tax-free income, luxurious amenities, and cultural diversity.

But moving to a new city can be a bit daunting. I’ve been there myself – I packed my bags and moved to the UAE without knowing about the best areas to live, where to meet new people, or how to find some hobbies.

I often interview candidates from all over the globe, and although they’re very excited to start working here, most of them don’t know what to expect or where to start once they move.

As part of our onboarding process, we send comprehensive emails and brochures about where to rent a car, where to live, what to expect, etc. This helps us ensure new employees have a good relocating experience.

Getting to grips with these five key areas can help you settle those nerves and have a smooth move. 

Work visas

As a new Dubai expat, understanding the work visa process is essential. Your employer will typically handle the visa application, but you should provide the necessary documents they ask for promptly. The process involves routine medical tests, biometrics, and administrative procedures, which can take several weeks. Ensure your passport validity exceeds six months. 

Accommodation

There is a vast array of high-quality rental properties in attractive, modern communities with loads of amenities. Your employer may assist by offering housing allowances or providing company sponsored accommodation. The best approach is to research various neighbourhoods to find the right fit for your lifestyle and budget. Consider factors like proximity to work, amenities, and transportation. Rental agreements typically require a security deposit and post-dated cheques for rent (the number of cheques varies but is typically one to four). Check out our tenant’s guide for more info on the rental process. 

Transportation

Whether you drive or not, Dubai is easy to get around and very cheap compared to most other cities. Taxis are reasonably priced and there is also the modern and efficient Dubai Metro stretching from one end of the emirate to the other. If you choose to rent a car there are plenty of rental companies to pick from, just do a bit of online research and remember that driver licenses can be exchanged for a fee if they’re from one of these countries. Otherwise you’ll need to go to a driving centre to start the license process. 

Medical assistance

Medical insurance must be provided by your employer, which will cover different healthcare needs. It’s important you understand your policy’s coverage, including co-payments and network providers. Most insurance companies have a mobile app where you can view this information or contact them if needed.

Some employers offer comprehensive plans, while others require additional coverage for specific treatments. Familiarise yourself with the claims process and keep important medical documents handy for appointments. 

Meeting new people

Dubai is set up for expats to thrive and there’s an incredible variety of restaurants, bars, cafes, gyms, sports clubs, beach clubs etc. – you'll be making new likeminded pals in no time. Not to mention there are loads of well-established online groups to join for making new connections and asking any questions. When I arrived, sites such as Brits in Dubai and ATB were super helpful. 

Useful apps

There are plenty of apps that make Dubai life even easier. These are my top four:

InstaShop – order groceries, takeaway, and even medicine in just a few clicks.  

Careem – book a taxi ride immediately or schedule it for the day after. You can also rent bikes and scooters.  

Justlife – choose from a variety of services like home cleaning, men and women salon, pest control, spa treatments, and more.  

Privilee – for a monthly or annual fee, you can enjoy free access to gyms, hotel pools, spas, and exclusive restaurant discounts.

Starting a life in a new city is exciting – and with these things in mind, you'll be better prepared to face the different parts of the process. If you’ve got any more questions or want to talk about career opportunities in the city, feel free to reach out to me.