August 11, 2024
Dubai has emerged as an attractive destination in the global business in a very short period of time. One of the most distinguishing factors is the zero income tax but beside tax Dubai holds exciting employment opportunities and high-end lifestyle. Dubai is considered as the centre for multiculturalism from across the globe. Approximately 80% of its population are foreigners. Tourism has also played a major role in the expansion of the city and getting attention from across the globe. The city's economy is based on real estate, financial services, tourism, aviation, and commerce as a hub for domestic and international trade. There is no doubt that Dubai has appeared as the most developed and fascinating city.
Relocating can be both exhilarating and intimidating, despite the excitement it brings. Many factors need to be taken into account when doing so, particularly if moving with family and kids. Before planning to move, it's crucial to do extensive research from authentic sources about the area's lifestyle and dos and don'ts. Here is the list of top priority basic information that need to be considered before moving to Dubai. The list tries to cover all the basic information but individual preferences can vary.
Employment
Having a job is crucial for obtaining permission to remain in Dubai. Consequently, it is advised to find employment before travelling to the country if intended to do so. Through online job portals or with the assistance of local recruiters, people can easily begin the job search process from the comfort of their own country. In order to be eligible to apply for an investor visa, people can also decide to invest in real estate or launch a business in Dubai.
Residency
Dubai offers its citizens the choice to live in homes they own or rent. While owning a property is limited to the city's freehold communities, renting a space is relatively simple and can be done in accordance with the preferences of the occupants. People usually decide based on their preferences and suitability whether to buy or rent an apartment or a villa. Compared to townhouses and villas, apartments are more common and less expensive. It is wise to choose a community where commuting to work is easy, school and public transport is less of a chore. This will help you avoid wasting time stuck in traffic. However, it must be noted that both a bank account and an employment visa are necessary for renting a property.
Local Culture
Among the Arab world's most liberal and tolerant cities is Dubai. Islam is the recognised religion in Dubai, and all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs, are expected to respect the customs and culture of the area. Before moving to the country, it is advised to familiarise yourself with the local laws to avoid getting into any legal problems. Sharing a residence by unmarried and unrelated people is prohibited. A liquor licence is required in order to buy, possess, serve and consume alcohol. However, Muslims are not permitted to handle alcohol. Muslims observe fasts during the holy month of Ramadan by abstaining from food and liquids and by quitting smoking during the day. It is mandatory for non-Muslims to follow these guidelines when they are in public, showing respect for the local way of life.
Schools
There are a plethora of schools and nurseries in Dubai that offer a variety of curricula from preschool to high school graduation. Among the curricula offered are those from India, the UK, the USA, and Canada. It is recommended to choose the schools that have been approved by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, or KHDA. It's also advised to do advanced research before opting for an institute that fits your budget, as education in Dubai is typically highly costly.
Healthcare Insurance
Insurance for employees is always covered by the employer. No new visas were granted or renewed for residents of Dubai after January 1, 2017, unless they possess health insurance. So, when planning to apply for a visa, consider what kind of health insurance is needed. People have to make an arrangement on their own as dependents and spouses are not currently required by Dubai employers to have insurance. If planning to relocate with family, it is wiser to look into policies that provide a family health insurance plan rather than just one individual.
Food and Household
Dubai's supermarkets are reasonably priced when compared to major cities like London. Nonetheless, it is well known that imported branded goods are slightly more expensive. Dubai offers a plethora of options for expatriates, with numerous shopping centres housing both local and international boutiques. Throughout the Emirate, there are also a number of various supermarkets from France, the UK, India, and the USA.
In general, dining out is a trend among the people of Dubai and it is reasonably priced. There are many different restaurants to choose from. Many bars and restaurants use apps like "The Entertainer" and special promotions to advertise their offerings and drive business. Although alcohol is taxed by the government due to Dubai's Islamic culture, it is still widely accessible in the country's eateries and bars.
Leisure Spots
Everyone can find something to do on a day off in Dubai, from water sports to retail therapy and international food tasting. The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is the best place for people who are interested in historical architecture in Dubai. It is easy to stroll along the quaint streets to find a variety of museums, art galleries, and opportunities to eat traditional cuisine. There is a variety of parks in Dubai that are tucked away beneath the scribbled skyscrapers, offering opportunities to get back in touch with nature.
The city is well known for being a centre for retail with countless options for shopping. It is home to the Dubai Mall, which has more than one million square metres of retail space! People can purchase worldwide brands here. Apart from the large shopping centres, there are charming small shops in the ancient town of Bastakia that display jewellery, clothing, and a variety of spices.
Weather
The climate of Dubai is extremely hot. This weather can be intolerable for some people, with summertime temperatures typically reaching 40 °C and humidity levels frequently surpassing 90%. Temperatures typically drop to the low 20s during the cooler months of December through March, but that is the coldest it gets even in winters.
Dubai has managed to catch attention worldwide because of its latest innovation trends and seeding up with modernization in every field whether its healthcare, education or real estate. The government is aiming to make it as the most developed and the happiest city of the world with its AI technological advancements. Dubai Now is a local app developed by Smart Dubai, a state-of-the-art organisation. Despite being a moderately sized application, it manages to include over 50 different apps from 22 different government agencies. It helps people to pay for their utilities, top up the RTA Nol Card (Dubai metro card), pay for phone credit (Du, Etisalat), pay for phones , and much more. Also with Dubai Now, people have the choice to even set up automatic monthly payments. Once you settle in Dubai there is no looking back as it fulfils the utmost comfort and safety, the beauty of Dubai skyline as well as the admiration of the marvel wonders are the key charms of the city.
