Are you considering relocating to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? If so, you’re in for a treat!
The UAE is known for it’s diverse culture, exciting nightlife, and best of all, no income tax. Before you make the leap, it’s important to know what you’re getting into.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the key aspects of moving to the UAE, so you can make an informed decision about your relocation.
The weather
Dubai experiences sweltering temperatures all year round and usually tops out at 45°C in the summer. However, in the winter, temperatures can drop to a more manageable 15°C approx. There are air conditioners everywhere, including bus stops, which makes summers bearable.
As a result of the constant heat, you can visit the abundant Emirati beaches at any time, just remember your sun cream when you go tanning, building sandcastles, and even trying water sports.
Healthcare in the UAE
In the UAE, private treatment is better regarded than public treatment. As of 2017, there were more private hospitals than public hospitals. It makes sense since people who are not Emirati nationals are only allowed to receive emergency treatment.
As a resident of Dubai, unless you are an Emirati, you must have private medical coverage.
Working in the UAE?
If you’re coming to this nation for work, you will likely end up in either Abu Dhabi or Dubai. This is because most of the jobs are there. Most of these positions will be filled by men, who constitute the majority of the population and the workforce.
While the country’s economy largely revolves around oil, it’s construction and government sectors, tourism is increasing as of 2018; especially in Dubai, which was the fourth-most visited city in the world that year according to MasterCard.
That said, most expats in the UAE have come to work in accounting, finance, or IT.
While the UAE tax laws are beneficial, many companies also offer their employees: housing allowances, contributions towards children’s school fees, medical coverage, and even return tickets to their country of origin.
Speaking the language
After picking up some Arabic, you’ll find it easier to get close with coworkers and locals. As with any country, learning some of the language indicates you respect the place and its people. English is widely used, and there are plenty of foreigners in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This means that there is always a network available to help, even in the event that you would like to use an online community like InterNations to make sure you don’t feel alone before your travel.
In both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, British-style pubs and restaurants are abundant if you get a craving for bangers and mash or Toad in the Hole.
Culture shift
If the UAE is your dream destination, be sure to take note of their weekend rules – they will be on Fridays and Saturdays with Sunday being the first day of the work week. That is because Friday is a holy day in Islam.
It’s all right to imbibe some alcohol at the end of your workweek. There are a lot of licensed bars with discounted drinks and happy hours in Dubai. Furthermore, many locations host ladies’ night, which occurs most often on Tuesdays. Many restaurants and bars provide endless food and drink at their weekend brunches.
It may be dangerous for you to get drunk if you’re from the UK, because the legal drinking age in the UAE is 21 and they check IDs. It’s also illegal to consume alcohol in the streets, and zero-tolerance approaches to drugs will lead to deportations or jail time, so try not to do it in the first place.
Family life & living in the UAE
As soon as you’ve arranged for your family to join you, you’ll want to make sure they’re settled in quickly. Luckily, English is widely spoken here, so this will be no problem.
Family is highly valued in the UAE, as it is in many other cultures, so it will be easy for you to bond with the locals as well as other colleagues. You’ll be encouraged to enroll your children in a private or international school, so don’t worry about a culture shock or having to adjust to a new curriculum.
About half of Dubai’s schools teach the British curriculum, while 34 teach the American curriculum.
The Emirati culture will be taught to your family, while western traditions will still be enjoyed. The UAE celebrates Easter and Christmas with Christmas trees and mall Santas.
Want to know more
If you’re looking to get a visa and experience life in the United Arab Emirates – look no further. Not only can we help you to get there, we can help you in opening your bank account, setting up your business or another branch and so much more.
So… look no further and contact RHJ today and start your journey to the UAE!
