The Expats Guide to Living and Working in Dubai
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If you intend to live the dream, you will want space and convenience. Buying is also an option. The Arabian Ranches is one of the gated communities that offer attractive villas and facilities, this one is situated on the outskirts of Dubai but connected to the city by an efficient road system. The UAE is a largely tax free country. Revenue is collected through the usual means such as car registration renewed yearly, parking charges minimal in comparison with European countries and other discrete means.
Some businesses, such as restaurants and bars in hotels, charge tax. Despite this, any salary quoted is not going to be divided between you and the government before it reaches your bank account. The flip side of this tax free society is that government provides few services. There are government and private hospitals.
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In fact, there are so many to choose from it is hard to decide. The costs range widely depending on the type of hospital or medical care sought. So medical insurance is a must. In addition, you will need to factor in the cost of educating any children should you settle in Dubai. Although there are government schools, they are for Emiratis. Expatriates have a variety of different private schools to choose from. There are approximately private schools; some purport to offer a curriculum based on a particular country.
Some present themselves according the dominant language and still others emphasize religious teachings. The fees for private schooling range as widely as the types of schools available. Generally, a western model school will be far more expensive than, for example, an Indian one. In Dubai the Road Transport Authority manages the roads, the Salik tolls, enforces parking regulations and provides public transport systems. Congestion on the roads has not been eliminated for several reasons. Arabs are generally gracious people and it is ingrained in their culture to not make anyone lose face.
Renting property in Dubai is a popular option with expats. There are many sections of the city to live in, depending on one's preferences. Dubai Marina is an exclave of expats, Deira and Burj Dubai is the more traditional area. Outer communities include Arabian Ranches and the Green Community. All have mostly newer high-rise apartments and attached villas available for rent. Accommodation in Dubai is mostly new and pleasant.
Serviced apartments are available everywhere in the city. These come furnished and are serviced as part of the rent; short-term leases are also available for this type of accommodation. Annual rents on apartments in Dubai must be paid in full and up front. Some companies will cover this for their employees and then deduct amounts monthly from their wages. Realtors can be difficult to work with. It's better to find a place by word-of-mouth and then go directly to the property or engage a realtor to handle matters thereafter. An agent is required to complete a rental agreement.
Maintenance of buildings can be sporadic and absentee owners who do not pay their fees can mean the renter will experience restrictions on the use of some of the amenities of the building. The economy in Dubai is moving forward at a rapid pace. This offers many opportunities, especially for entrepreneurs and professionals.
All kinds of services are needed. Most of the goods available in Dubai have been imported. As a young country, the UAE is still struggling to establish efficient operations in many segments of industry and relies on expats to provide this expertise.
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There exists a never-ending list of services, goods and expertise needed in Dubai and the UAE. Emiratisation, an effort to increase the presence of Emiratis employed in the private sector, is a high priority for the government and is a serious consideration for all private sector companies. This means it's not uncommon to have an Emirati superior who is less qualified than his subordinates. Setting up a business in Dubai can be time-consuming and frustrating. Government regulations can be a maze and difficult to understand; it can even be difficult to get the same interpretation when working through the process.
There are times when one department is not connecting with another and applicants can run around in circles. There is also the question of ownership — in some cases, an Emirati sponsor is needed to establish a business and the Emirati must own 51 percent of the business.
Be very careful of an employment contract.
Everything should be in writing up front, including salary, end of service payout, health insurance, etc. Moving to and living in the UAE requires a wealth of up-to-date, trustworthy information on various aspects of Emirati expat life.
Living abroad in the UAE raises a lot of questions such as: Collecting all that information on working and living in the UAE is quite laborious and time-consuming. Are you curious about expatriate living outside the UAE? Then read more about our various expat guides, such as living in Switzerland or moving to Ecuador! Moreover, our expat directory for the UAE includes recommended listings of expat institutions and relocation services, e. Log in Join now Log in Email. Keep me logged in. Connect with fellow expats in the UAE. Join exciting events and groups. Get information in our UAE guides. Exchange tips about expat life in the UAE.
Although Dubai is an Islamic emirate, other religions are allowed to be practised there is a church compound in Jebel Ali with Christian churches and a Sikh temple but there is a strong warning that proselytising is not tolerated. The flip side of this tax free society is that government provides few services. Emiratisation, an effort to increase the presence of Emiratis employed in the private sector, is a high priority for the government and is a serious consideration for all private sector companies. An agent is required to complete a rental agreement. Friday brunch is a popular activity for expats, with every hotel and restaurant offering delicious arrays of food and drink to patrons.
However, moving to the UAE might also seem like a leap into the unknown. Our Guide gives you info prior to your move, from facts on the Emirates to detailed visa requirements.