Call our support desk: +971 4 454 15 31
Pre-Assignment
Day-to-day Assistance
Departure Assistance
Relocating to Dubai?
Dubai City Guide
Facts to consider when relocating
Executive Relocations / Dubai City Guide
Relocating internationally can be challenging, due to the number of factors to be considered: airport do's and don'ts, cultural customs, familiarising yourself with the new geography and local legislation.
Executive Relocations' consultant appointed to your relocation will acquaint you with all of this and more – including ensuring that you're prepared for the following:
Obtaining a visa to visit or work in Dubai
Given how swiftly visa regulations can change, we recommend visiting the relevant sections of the Government of Dubai's official website or that of the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Executive Relocations' relocation consultants will also be able to provide you with immigration information.
Prohibited items to avoid packing in your luggage
Paintings, books or magazines which do not adhere to the UAE's religious values
Non-Islamic religious pamphlets for missionary activities
Fireworks and ammunition
Medicines classified as banned or restricted substances
Transport in Dubai
Given the distances between Dubai's new developments, another important investment for most expatriates is the purchase of private cars – fortunately pre-owned cars are affordable due to the fluid expatriate population, and fuel is cheap. A relatively new public transport system includes buses and Metro trains, but is not widely utilised. Once you're mobile, you'll be spoiled with choice for sight-seeing in a city of extremes, including: the world's largest man-made island (the Palm Jumeirah residential development), the world's largest natural flower garden (the Dubai Miracle Garden) and the world's tallest building (the Burj Khalifa).
Residential Accommodation in Dubai
Finding a residential property – Dubai boasts a range of townhouses, villas and apartments – that is suited to your lifestyle and budgetary requirements is no longer challenging, because Executive Relocations' consultants will source a short-list of matching options for you to choose from. Whether you're looking for something central (e.g. Dubai's Al Satwa and Jumeira areas), popular (Trade Centre and Deira) or family-friendly (e.g. Green Community and Umm Suqeim), we'll conduct negotiations and facilitate the signing of the lease agreement. Just be aware that annual rents for most properties in Dubai need to be paid in full up-front, and check your proximity to mosques and their daily calls to prayer! Nothing substitutes in-person viewings, so we can also arrange temporary accommodation upon your arrival, until you've made up your mind on the ideal location.
Arranging your child's schooling
There are well over 100 private schools in Dubai, with most offering several major curriculums: British, American, Indian and International Baccalaureate. Executive Relocations' consultants will be able to match a school to your children's requirements, accompany you on a school tour and facilitate the enrolment procedure. Given limited spaces in schools, we recommend commencing with enrolment as early as possible to secure your first choice school. It is worthwhile noting that out of 141 private schools graded by Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), only 12 were rated as 'Outstanding' in the 2013/2014 annual report (click here for the full list).
Other important considerations
Before expatriates can apply for a residency permit in Dubai, they first need to obtain a Health Card by undergoing health tests within Dubai.
There are minimum salary requirements for expatriates in the UAE looking to sponsor their family or parents to join them.
Although alcohol is sold in licensed bars and restaurants, drinking in public is prohibited.
Conservative clothing is advised, and at certain religious sites both men and women have to cover bare shoulders, arms and legs; and women have to wear headscarves.
With Executive Relocations to assist, you will be guided through every step of the relocations process. To find out how we can help make your assignment easier, contact us by clicking here.
Relocation Info | Dubai City Guide
Updated guide for UAE expats launched February 22, 2016
New General Manager appointed for ERA/ERME December 18, 2015
'Settling In' services: Why are these important? August 26, 2015
Qatar: New entry to our Middle Eastern network July 15, 2015
© Copyright 2020 Executive Relocations | Privacy Policy
By continuing your visit to this site, you accept the use of cookies that will allow us, on the one hand, to better understand the use made of our services in order to improve and optimize your navigation, and on the other hand, to establish attendance statistics for our site. You can also click on "Customize" to find out how to change your cookie preferences.