25/Jan/2017

What You Need to Know to Move Here

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Seven emirates make up the United Arab Emirates and Dubai is the most popular destination for expats seeking to further their career and improve their quality of life. Today a significant proportion of Dubai’s population is formed of expats and immigrant workers. The result is a bustling hub of multi-cultural activity, where you can find a fantastic blend of Western cultures and traditional Arab cultures.

Reasons to Move to Dubai

• Whilst the official language is Arabic, most people speak English, so language is less of a barrier in Dubai than many other countries.
• Dubai offers a diverse cultural experience to those seeking to embrace it.
• It is against the law to charge tax on earned income in Dubai. That, coupled with higher salaries, makes a move to Dubai financially viable too.
• The opulence, proximity to the desert, culture and climate make Dubai a perfect place to achieve a good work-life balance.
• Dubai boasts world-class shopping, combined with great restaurants and unrivalled luxury, making its social scene among the best in the world.
• Dubai’s economy continues to improve and many international organisations are establishing offices in the city. As a result, the opportunities for networking and career progression are continuing to improve rapidly.

What You Should Know

Dubai is an Islamic state and whilst there are high levels of tolerance for expatriates and Western ways, some traditions must be respected and observed. If you feel unable to comply with these traditions and laws, it is wise to carefully consider the wisdom of moving to Dubai.  Whilst income is higher and taxes are lower, some costs of living in Dubai are significantly higher than many Westerners are used to. Property is expensive, as are rent and school fees, so unless your employer is paying for accommodation and schooling, it is unlikely that you will be able to live in absolute luxury.

Renting Property

If you are looking for a property to rent in Dubai, make sure that the agency you are using is registered with the RERA. Registration is a legal requirement and if a company is not listed with the RERA, they could be fraudulent. Once you have found a property, you will be required to pay the rent in advance in one go, or via instalments in the form of post-dated cheques. You will also be required to pay an agents’ fee, which is usually about 5% of the total lease amount. This fee is only payable once you have agreed tenancy; bear in mind that you are not needed to pay a viewing fee for properties.

NOL Cards

A NOL card allows you to use public transport. It is relatively cheap and a great way to explore the city. There are four different types of NOL card: red, silver, gold and blue. The red card is a temporary, paper one which is valid for ten journeys, whereas the silver and gold NOL cards are more like London’s Oyster cards, and can be reloaded with money as required. You will be able to get a blue card once you have your residency visa or ID.

Photo ID

UAE residency applications require a whole host of photos, so make sure you have plenty! You will need photos for your residence visa, Emirates ID card, driving licence and all other permits; a minimum of 15 should be enough.

Making the move to the UAE can be a daunting experience, but HR Source have helped to ensure countless successful transitions. If you would like to know more about working in the UAE, or to submit your resume, follow us on LinkedIn or get in touch.