21 Secrets About Living In Dubai To Know Before Moving

When many expats think about moving to Dubai, they think of luxury tax-free living. And, it is, which is one big reason why a move to Dubai is an easy decision for many expats.

But Dubai is much more than that. Spending up to a year in the city can change your entire perspective on the world.

But, you need to be prepared. There are a lot of things people don’t know about Dubai that you really should know before you get there, and this article will explain them all to you.

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1. Always abide by the rules

Cultural awareness is one of the most important skills of expat life, and in Dubai, it will keep you out of trouble. It is very important to understand what you can and cannot do, especially in public, when in Dubai. The locals and the government take violations very seriously.

With that in mind, understand that for a foreigner, some of the rules can be broken without even realizing it. For example, there is a dress code that both men and women need to follow.

These are a few additional examples of things that are illegal and very strictly enforced:

public displays of affection in any form (including holding hands)
taking pictures without permission
eating or drinking on public transport
using a VPN
swearing in public
smoking where not permitted
drink alcohol without a license
having certain medicines, including anti-anxiety drugs.

2. Meet people from all corners of the world

Dubai is a very cosmopolitan city. In fact, expats living in Dubai account for 89% of the total population. While nearly half of expats are from various Asian countries, the entire world is represented in Dubai’s expat community. No matter where you come from, you will find a bit of your home country in Dubai.

3. Adjust to a new working week

For western expats especially, working in Dubai may be the most foreign. Not only are personal salaries tax-free, but the weekend is Friday and Saturday. In Islam, Friday is recognized as the holy day, so working is not permitted. However, places such as restaurants and shopping malls are open.

4. English is widely spoken in the city

Dubai is a very international city, so you won’t need anything other than English. With that said, Dubai is an Arabic city, and Arabic is the official language. So, it may be a good idea to learn some common Arabic phrases, such as marhaba, which means Hello, and shukran, which means Thank You.

5. Brace yourself for the heat

As Dubai is located inside the Arabian desert, it can get a bit warm. Dubai has two seasons, winter and summer, which the US would call summer 1 and summer 2! The typical low in winter (November to March) is 63 F, and the typical high in summer (June to August) is 108 F.

6. It’s expensive to live there

Living in Dubai is expensive. In fact, the Mercer Cost of Living Index ranked Dubai at 23 among the world’s most expensive cities. Having said that, living in Dubai is approximately 25% cheaper than living in New York City, which ranks 6.

Examples of the highest budget items are school fees, food, milk, and rental taxes.

7. Every night is ladies’ night

Even though Dubai has some rather conservative laws, they also have ladies’ nights.

Originally a Tuesday thing, ladies’ night is now a daily event. While virtually every bar, club, restaurant, and hotel celebrates ladies’ night, they are all unique.

Typically, ladies’ night is about free drinks and food, or unlimited drinks and food at a discounted price. However, there are a plethora of diverse offers, including free pool access, free beach access and equipment, and spa treatments.

Typically, men are permitted to join in the fun, but at the full price of course.

8. Invest in a private medical insurance plan

Only Emirati nationals are provided free health insurance. But, legally, every non-Emirati resident living in Dubai is required to have health insurance. If a Dubai company employs you, typically, your employer will provide you coverage, but never for your family. Thus, unless you have employer coverage or if there is more than only you, medical insurance is a requirement.

9. Holidays are centered on Islamic traditions

As an Islamic country, Dubai recognizes important Islamic days as public holidays with special arrangements. For example, during Ramadan, work is reduced to a 6-hour day.

The government establishes a holiday calendar for each year, and decides what the proper business protocols will be. In addition, there are special laws that take effect during specific holidays, such as Ramadan, that must be observed by everyone.

10. There is a lot of traffic

As advanced and wealthy as Dubai is, you would think that it has one of the most efficient public transport systems in the world. It doesn’t. This is for several reasons. First, cars are somewhat of a status symbol, so everyone has multiple vehicles. Secondly, the city is in a state of permanent construction, so road closures and delays are standard operating procedure.

11. Transport options in Dubai

While not the most advanced public transportation infrastructure, Dubai does have options.

The Dubai metro has only two lines, which run the length of the city in each direction. So, they are useful for the common areas, such as government buildings, the international airport, and Dubai’s famous Sheikh Zayed Road.

Otherwise, you’ll need to rely on a regular taxi, a water taxi, or use the mobility app Careem, the Dubai version of Uber.

12. Dubai is known as “the city of the future”

Dubai is “the city of the future” for several reasons. One of which is the city has a new life every year. The Dubai skyline changes constantly due to construction. In addition, Dubai is all about innovation.

The entire city is working towards becoming a fully functional smart city, known as Smart Dubai. The program is premised on technology with the lowest carbon footprint possible. The Dubai-Abu Dhabi Hyperloop will greatly expand public transportation.

The overall goal, however, is for Dubai to be the world’s happiest city.

13. It’s an extremely safe place to live

Considering the fact that you can be arrested for holding hands in public, Dubai doesn’t have much crime! In fact, nearly none. The US Department of State ranks the United Arab Emirates, as a whole, at Level 1, the safest possible rating. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates was ranked the third safest place in the world, even safer than Switzerland and Japan.

14. Taxes in Dubai

Let me see, how should I say this……there aren’t any!

When it comes to personal income tax, Dubai is a tax-free country. Not only are there no personal taxes, but there’s also no sales tax on most items either. Currently, the government only taxes the oil industry and banks.

15. It’s a haven for bird watchers

Not commonly known, but as Dubai is home to more than 320 species of birds, the city is great for bird watching. In fact, there is even an organization devoted to it, UAEBirding, and their site lists all the great locations for bird watching.

16. You’ll need to have an alcohol license

While there are strict laws about alcohol, it is not necessarily illegal to enjoy it. You simply need to do it legally, and that means having an alcohol license.

And yes, you even need a license to have and enjoy alcohol in your home. A license is easy to get, you simply need an Emirates ID, and most retail stores sell them. It can take up to 4 weeks to get one, however.

17. Everything gets to your employer

Your boss will know everything about you. As your employer is most likely your sponsor for residency, everything gets sent to them and not your home. You will even need your employer’s help to open a bank account.

18. They use child-sized robots as jockeys

Just another weird intersection of wealth and technology, in Dubai, they use small robots instead of humans as jockeys for camel racing. Camel racing in the UAE is like soccer in the US or UK, so no expense was spared!

19. You’ll be brunching more often

As Dubai is a city of superlatives (tallest, wealthiest, shiniest, etc.), it can then be said that Dubai is the brunchiest city. I just made that up, but you get it.

For Dubai residents, Fridays are all about brunch. Sort of like ladies’ night, but for the entire family and during the daytime. Virtually everywhere, from the Ritz Carlton to Ripe Market, brunch is happening in some way, shape, and form.

In fact, it’s the most important meal of the weekend!

20. The cuisine in Dubai

With a heavy emphasis on Asian and Arabic, Emirati cuisine is sort of a fusion of many regional and international flavors. While Dubai will probably be one of the most delicious cities you have been to, there are a few things to know.

Camel meat is very common, and most local dishes include it. Spicy is the standard level of heat; anything less than spicy is a special request! The street food scene is amazing, and it’s the cheapest food to eat. If the food gets too exotic, go for hotel food or take out, as those tend to be more aligned with typical foreign country cuisine and not local.

21. There will never be a boring day

Dubai takes the term active lifestyle to a whole new level. Living in Dubai is non-stop. There is always a never-ending to-d0 list, and no one seems to know why. In addition to the Dubai hustle, the city offers an endless list of things to do for pure pleasure. No matter how you like to pass the day, Dubai has a way of taking it up a notch.

FAQs

How much does a residence visa cost in Dubai?

Various factors affect the price of a residence visa. The price differs for the duration; 1, 2, or 3 years. Also, the price changes when applying in or outside of Dubai, and whether you have insurance. A 1-year visa averages around $46 in person and $38 online but fluctuates. Plus, there’s the cost of medical exams and insurance.

What is Dubai Marina known for?

Only as one of the trendiest and most desirable residential complexes for opulence and affluence. It is located along the coastline next to The Palm Jumeirah and just down the street from the famous Burj Al Arab. It is packed with entertainment, high-end shopping, and luxury skyscrapers with some of Dubai’s most incredible views. It’s also a popular tourist destination.

Are there international schools in Dubai?

Yes, in fact, there are approximately 140 international schools. While more than half are British, the remaining are comprised of American, Indian, French, Australian, German, Swiss, and Arabic schools. In addition, there are Catholic, Islamic, and Montessori schools, as well as those which offer international curriculums and the International Baccalaureate program.

Is Dubai a capital city in the Middle East?

The country known as the United Arab Emirates is composed of seven emirates, of which the Emirate of Dubai is one. The city of Dubai is the capital city of the Emirate of Dubai. The Emirate of Dubai is the most populated emirate, and the city of Dubai is the most populated city in the entire United Arab Emirates.

Final Thoughts

Dubai is a city fully embracing the best of everything while living today to the max, but with an unobstructed vision of the future.

All and all, moving to Dubai is a great expat option for many reasons.

Not only do you not have to pay income tax, but both the retirement visa and residency visa are easy to get. The cost of living is high, but there are no taxes. It’s either the best or nothing. And, it’s essentially summer year-round!