Dubai is one of those places where ex-pats make for the major portion of the total population. Every year, a huge number of people visit Dubai; some for tourism, while others come here to find entrepreneurial and professional opportunities.
Currently, around 9.99 million expatriates reside in the UAE. And Dubai, being the most popular emirate out of the seven, houses most of them. As a matter of fact, it only has 15% local residents, while the rest of the population represents foreign nationals. This number is expected to rise as more expat-friendly policies have been recently announced by the government.
Having said that, this doesn’t mean that you will land a professional opportunity and can call Dubai your home as soon as you land in this emirate. There’s a lot to know and research before you plan your move.
With that said, let’s take a look at some important things that expat must know before moving to Dubai:
1. The Emirate Has Beautiful Residences
First things first, Dubai has some of the most beautiful apartments and villas, and not to forget waterfront homes. You can also find luxury penthouses and townhouses designed to perfection. Most of these properties offer splendid views of the glittering Dubai skyline, large golf courses or the Arabian Gulf. However, these properties are quite expensive as well. It’s difficult to buy a home for a salaried person.
This is why most expats, singletons, in particular, prefer living in shared apartments. This way, they get to save money on accommodation.
2. The Living Cost is High
Every good thing comes at a price, doesn’t it? So, that’s the case with Dubai as well. The living cost in this emirate is quite high. If you do not earn a decent salary, it will be tough for you to survive here. Therefore, it’s important that you manage your resources tactfully, particularly if you intend to send money back home.
3. Dubai has a Modern Outlook
Many believe that women in Dubai have to cover themselves from head to toe, and the emirate has a very controversial belief system. This, however, is only a myth. As a matter of fact, Dubai has a very modern outlook. People belonging to various cultures, ethnicities, races and religions live here in perfect harmony.
Furthermore, the crime rate is quite low here. So, if you’re a woman looking to move to Dubai, rest assured you’ll be safe here. And no, you won’t have to cover yourself with a veil. You can wear trendy outfits. However, it’s best to wear dresses that do not reveal a lot of skin.
Another important thing you must know is that you can’t share a hotel room with a person of the opposite gender if you aren’t married. So, one night stands can land you in trouble here.
4. The Dubai Laws Are Strict
As stated above, the emirate has a low crime rate. This is attributed to the fact that it has strict laws. Be it traffic violation or any other crime, the government takes strict actions. DUI is also a punishable offence. Furthermore, there are regulations enforced to protect the rights of the working class. No employer can terminate an employee without any valid cause. Similarly, landlords cannot evict tenants without giving them notice or before the contract is completed.
5. There are Abundant Professional Opportunities
Dubai is home to many globally recognised firms. This has created an array of professional opportunities in the emirate, which, as we all know, is the major attraction for ex-pats. However, bear in mind that it will be hard for you to find an employment opportunity here if you aren’t skilled and willing to learn. So, the first thing you need to do is to choose a particular industry/field and brush up on your skills.
6. You Can Now Own a Company in Dubai
Earlier, people had to get a local partner (sponsor) on board to be able to set up a company in Dubai. This requirement has now been abolished. This means that you can become a 100% owner of your company. However, you need to have a lot of resources to accomplish this dream.
7. Real Estate Investment Opportunities.
The emirate has a lot of investment opportunities, particularly in the real estate sector. Even if you do not have the budget to buy a ready property to rent it out, you can look for options in the primary market as off-plan properties tend to be less inexpensive. However, choose the residential development carefully. And make sure it is located in a prominent spot, such as Dubai Marina. It houses some of the most anticipated residential projects, including Stella Maris Dubai.
We hope that knowing about the aforementioned things will help you get settled here quickly and easily.
