The United Arab Emirates is the third-richest country in the world, and Dubai is its epicentre. A city that has beaches and deserts and is known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and a lively nightlife scene. Indeed a dream destination for many!
If you’re also dreaming of living the lavish Dubai lifestyle, there are a few things you’ll need to know before you hop on the plane. Here’s a list of all the things you need to know before you take the plunge to move:
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1) Almost tax-free life
To many people’s delight, the UAE Federal Government does not impose taxes on companies and individuals – meaning you get to keep all the money you earn. Citizens are also not obligated to pay taxes on property or capital gains.
However, not everyone is exempt from tax. Some types of listed businesses have to pay taxes. The most prominent business on the list is the oil business. Oil businesses are taxed at a mind-boggling 55% rate. This is a significant figure given that Dubai’s economy runs on oil.
Other than that, you’ll still have to put up with import duties on goods from outside the country, as well as rental taxes.
2) A new weekend
You’ll need to adjust to a new working week. Rather than having your weekend on Saturday and Sunday, it’ll start on Friday and end on Saturday.
Why? Well, in Islam, Friday is a holy day – meaning work is off the table. It’ll take some getting used to, but after a few weeks, you’ll soon get in the swing of things.
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3) High cost of living
Be prepared; the United Arab Emirates is 4.6 times more expensive than India. And the cost of living in Dubai is roughly 100% higher than the national average in the UAE, which is perhaps why it tends to attract more wealthy and luxurious lifestyles.
Over the past few years, rent prices have skyrocketed – especially in popular expat areas. Currently, the average house price in Dubai sits at £478,128 ($670,000). Plus, in 2020, house prices in Dubai dipped by 6.6% – promising news for future buyers.
On top of this, groceries and restaurants will also strain your purse strings since many products have import taxes on them.
4) You’ll need medical insurance
The healthcare system in Dubai is complicated for expats to access. As such, it’s wise to cover any ongoing or emergency health issues by investing in an excellent medical insurance plan.
If you’re heading to Dubai for work or land yourself a job whilst you’re out there, it’s worth discussing medical insurance with your new employer, as they might be able to cover it.
5) Abide by the rules
Dubai’s low crime rate boils down to its harsh punishments and zero-tolerance outlook. Take a look at some of the strict rules.
Possessing poppy seeds is banned, taking a picture of someone without consent is offensive, Eating & drinking on all forms of public transport is prohibited, and swearing in public is punishable.
All these are considered offences resulting in either a jail term or a fine.
6) Well connected
There are many options for public transport in Dubai: the Metro, buses, taxis, water taxis, trams, ferries – you name it!
The Metro is by far the most popular mode of public transport. Not only is it clean and efficient, but it’s also very affordable – costing only 3.5 AED (INR 63) for each ride.
Taxis are also cheap, with a minimum charge of 12 AED (INR 216). Plus, thanks to Dubai’s Uber-esque Smart Taxi App, there’s no need to bother hailing down drivers anymore.
7) Workplace will need your personal life details
If you’re an expat, everything – and we mean everything – gets sent to your employer rather than your home address. The logic behind this is that since your employer is also likely to be your sponsor, they are the most reliable way to make contact with you.
On top of this, opening a bank account in Dubai will also have to be signed off by your employer. You’ll need a letter of no objection from your sponsor, and you may need a salary certificate, depending on your bank.
8) There’s an alcohol licence
If you want to consume, store, or transport alcohol in Dubai, you need an alcohol licence – even if you’re drinking in your own home or visiting a friend’s house.
You’ll need copies of your passport, a visa, a passport photograph, and an Emirates ID to get a licence.
Just a heads up – even if you have a licence to drink in Dubai and you’re caught drunk in a public setting, you could land a hefty fine or even jail time.
9) It’s very safe
In 2020, the UAE was the world’s only country with three of its cities – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah – all among the top ten safest cities in the world.
Strict punishments, long prison sentences, well-publicised convictions, and the use of undercover police all contribute to Dubai’s reputation as one of the safest cities to live in.
You’ll probably find an expensive car left outside a shop with the keys in the ignition or a laptop with no one around for half an hour or more.
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10) Women-only areas & all nights are ladies’ nights
Dubai has been hailed as the best place in the Middle East for women. Not only is it an extremely safe city, but there are also various women-only facilities dotted about Dubai, including separate metro carriages and ladies’ taxis. Some beaches even hold female-only days, too.
This is not a law from the UAE government but an option for women who want their own space.
Once a Tuesday tradition, ‘ladies night’ has taken over Dubai’s hospitality industry.
Hundreds of ‘ladies night’ deals are flaunted each night at various venues across the city – inviting women for free drinks, discounted meals, or complimentary shisha.
It’s not just limited to food and beverages; select venues offer women complimentary pool, beach access, or even mini-spa treatments.
In most cases, gents can come along but will be stuck with the full-priced experience.
11) English is widely accepted
English is widely spoken in Dubai, so you won’t have to become fluent in Arabic to get around.
That being said, most people who live in Dubai will pick up at least some Arabic over time.
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12) Big on brunches
Dubai is big on brunches, and it’s safe to say it’s the most memorable meal. A brunch is a way to celebrate festivals, personal successes, birthdays and friendships with a community.
In a sentence, Dubai brunches are like epic feasts, fabulous parties and endless entertainment extravaganzas all rolled together, dipped in chocolate and served with fireworks on a massive plate.
At their core, brunches are merry Friday events focused on food. Heaping, overwhelming, decadent piles of food. They typically run from noon to 4 pm and come with sizeable price tags.
Brunch Dubai
A favourite for locals and visitors alike, this tradition has transformed brunch from a quaint catch-up with friends over avo toast to a boozy banquet. No matter the time of day, you can expect all-inclusive feasts of food and drinks – with an emphasis on indulgence.
13) No dress code
Dubai is very much liberal, and you are free to wear anything. It is not mandatory for anyone to dress in the traditional outfit, namely, the abaya (hijab) for women and the Kandura for men.
Unless you visit a traditional/religious building, you don’t have to cover your head with a scarf. However, covering your shoulders in areas like Old Dubai or the souks of Deira (local markets) would be best.
The basic idea here is not to constrain your personal clothing choices but to dress up respectfully and in compliance with the tradition of the local people while feeling comfortable.
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14) Islamic holidays
In Dubai, holidays fall around Islamic traditions. As is the case in every Islamic country, working hours are shortened to six hours a day during Ramadan – with many choosing to take time off during this period.
If you’re unfamiliar with Ramadan, you’ll need to become acquainted with a new set of rules during this time. For example, eating and drinking in public are forbidden throughout Ramadan during daylight hours – if you’re caught doing so, you’re likely to receive backlash from authorities.
15) Easy to do business
According to the latest World Bank annual ratings, the United Arab Emirates is ranked 16 among 190 economies in the ease of doing business. This is mainly due to the opportunities, skills, education, finance access and support the country offers entrepreneurs.
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