August 03, 2024
Dubai, with its unmatched economic growth, is quickly emerging as one of the most alluring locations for British expatriates. In addition to offering a completely different environment from the UK—sweltering weather, a language, religion, laws, and customs that are very different—it is also a city rife with opportunity for the enterprising. Though there is a thriving expat community with whom it is possible to socialise, play sports, and indulge in the beloved British pastime (aka drinking), those who are willing to integrate will find Dubai very welcoming, much more diverse than one might initially expect, and much more affordable than the UK.
Dubai is the second-biggest city in the United Arab Emirates, home to 3.55 million people (as of 2023), of which 85% are foreigners. The majority of these foreigners are from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India, but there are also about 240 000 British expatriates living in the emirate (as of 2022). Furthermore, Arabic is not a language that is required to travel around the city and interact with people from all over the world because English is a language that is widely spoken in Dubai.
The constitution of Dubai declares Islam to be the official religion, and this has a significant influence on the city's culture. Non-Muslims are allowed to practise their religion as they please and are not required to follow Islamic law, though they are expected to respect it. Evangelising is not allowed in Dubai or anywhere else in the United Arab Emirates. In the Islamic faith, Friday is a holy day, which means that work is prohibited. Your weekend will therefore run from Friday to Saturday rather than on Saturday and Sunday. People eventually get into the swing of things, even though it might take some time to adjust.
Dubai’s Job Market & Digital Nomad Visa
The employment market in Dubai is fiercely competitive. There is an abundance of candidates, particularly in the information technology, human resources, finance, and administration sectors, as a result of the thousands of professionals pursuing careers in the city. This frequently implies that applicants will take less money in order to land a job. Since people can stay in Dubai for up to 90 days with a long-term multiple entry visit visa, you don't need a job if you're a British citizen. In most cases, if they do have a job, the company will handle arranging for residency visas and work permits.
The Remote Working Visa Scheme, which was launched in Dubai in March 2021, also allows interested parties to apply for a digital nomad visa. Through this visa, people of all nationalities can live and work in Dubai and enjoy all the same rights and benefits as locals. The visa has an annual renewal plan, can be obtained quite easily, and has a one-year maximum validity. You must, however, fulfil the following requirements in order to be qualified to apply:
- Individuals are in possession of passports that are valid for at least six months.
- Those who apply have recognised health insurance in the United Arab Emirates.
- For workers: evidence of employment from a current employer in the form of a contract that is good for at least one month, a minimum monthly salary of £3500, the payslip from the previous pay period, and the bank statements from the three months prior.
- For entrepreneurs: Evidence of ownership has owned the business for a year or longer, bank statements covering the three months prior, and an average monthly income of £3,500 or its equivalent in foreign currencies.
- Evidence that the work is being done remotely and that the employment is outside the United Arab Emirates.
- When applying for permits for family members, applicants must submit valid health insurance and a passport for each member.
Dubai's Versus the UK's Cost of Living
Even though Dubai is a costly city, living expenses there are still 25% lower than in London, UK (in 2023). Your biggest expenses will probably be related to housing, schooling, and transportation. The United Arab Emirates' low sales tax and lack of individual income tax is a plus, but living expenses can mount up, and many foreigners find themselves splurging on luxuries they wouldn't have otherwise afforded due to the favourable tax environment.
Housing in Dubai When Moving from the UK to Dubai
It's crucial to look into different living options when moving to Dubai with your family from the UK. UK expatriates are drawn to a number of popular areas in Dubai. With its waterfront location, opulent apartments, upscale retail centres, varied dining options, and convenient beach access, Dubai Marina is a standout option. It is known for the towering Burj Khalifa, downtown Dubai offers a glitzy setting with upscale dining options, retail establishments, and residential skyscrapers.
The well-known artificial island of Palm Jumeirah draws foreign visitors with its opulent beachfront villas and apartments, stunning views of the Dubai skyline, and first-rate amenities. Another great choice is Jumeirah Beach Residence, which is renowned for its opulent living areas, fine dining establishments, and stunning beaches. Arabian Ranches provides roomy villasand townhouses around a championship golf course, along with a number of parks and amenities, for families looking for a family-friendly setting. Last but not least, Emirates Hills offers a distinctive neighbourhood with some of the priciest homes in Dubai, including magnificent views of the city skyline and access to prestigious golf courses.
Dubai's Educational Institutions
A lot of options are available to you when it comes to finding a school for your child in the United Arab Emirates that offers the appropriate curriculum, speaks the right language, and is conveniently close to your home. Additionally, tuition for schools is far less expensive than for private schools in the United States.
The well-known JESS and Dubai British School, whose annual tuition costs range from about AED 29,000 to about AED 56,000, are good options for students seeking a British curriculum. Nonetheless, at least 60 schools provide a UK curriculum, with primary school tuition beginning at about AED 4,000. There exist several other international schools offering diverse curricula and programs for students to select from. Less often available and more expensive (approximately AED 70,000) is special needs education. The Dubai International Academic City, which is 40 kilometres southeast of Dubai's downtown, is home to numerous sizable international universities.
Comparing Dubai and London
People wonder how they ever made it through life in a city as pricey as the UK capital when you move from London to Dubai. There are very few things in Dubai that are required to pay more for, like women's fashion and alcohol, which makes sense given the lower cost of everything from groceries to utilities. In general, Dubai offers safer real estate at more reasonable prices than London.
Nature and Culture
Dubai won't offer your typical western cultural fare, such as live popular music, English language theatre, and movie theatres (aside from the biggest Hollywood blockbusters). You won't be sorry, though, if you're willing to accept the differences; the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding is a good place to start. In addition, there are plenty of golf courses, beautiful parks, a well-curated museum, a racecourse, and some of the most ambitious modern architecture in the world.
The Weather
The weather in Dubai is desert-like; it could not be more different from London's. Except for the months of December through March, summertime high temperatures routinely surpass 40°C, and there is hardly any rainfall. Until the surrounding is in an air-conditioned building or next to a cool pool, the summertime humidity can be pretty uncomfortable.
General Rules to Follow in Dubai
Comprehending and respecting local laws and traditions is essential to guaranteeing a secure and enjoyable stay in Dubai. Cybercrime laws are a crucial component, as they forbid taking pictures of people without their permission or of automobile accidents, aeroplanes, embassies, government structures, and military sites. Furthermore, it is not permitted to eat or drink in public transportation stations or on public transportation vehicles. Additionally, any public display of affection, including kissing, is punishable by law according to public decency standards.
Alcohol use is tightly controlled; possession, storage, and transportation of alcohol are all subject to licence requirements, and public intoxication or drinking in public is illegal. Offences such as giving the middle finger could result in deportation, while cursing in public can result in up to a year in jail and heavy fines. While local dress codes differ, it's generally a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms, shoulders, and knees.
Moving to Dubai from the UK offers a fantastic chance to start over in a bustling, international city. Accepting Dubai's rich cultural diversity and following local laws will make your transition easier and more pleasurable as you move through it. A successful relocation will be facilitated by careful planning, which includes understanding the legal and social norms as well as choosing the ideal neighborhood. All that Dubai has to offer, from its opulent amenities to its vibrant lifestyle, can be fully appreciated by assimilating into the community and honoring local customs. Moving to Dubai can be fulfilling and enriching if prepared carefully and have an open mind.
