Settling-In Tips from
Staff at Crown Dubai

What is special or unique about your city?

Dubai is a modern city surrounded by beautiful beaches, desert landscape & rugged mountains; it is frequently referred to as the "City of Gold." One of the seven Emirates in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is where Middle Eastern traditionalism meets Western glitz. It is noted for being a very safe, tolerant and friendly city. Dubai is also renowned for its beautiful beaches and excellent shopping.

What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city?

Newcomers are usually surprised & impressed by Dubai's modern architecture as well as its cosmopolitan community.

Are these impressions likely to change?

No, except they may be enhanced.

What is the local language?

Dubai's official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken (especially in the business sector). Hindi & Urdu are other popular languages.

How easily could I live in this city without knowing this language?

Very easily, as you do not need to speak Arabic to get by. Most road & shop signs, restaurant menus, etc. are in both English and Arabic.

What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city?

As Dubai is a Muslim city, visitors should be aware of their dress. It is acceptable to wear shorts & T-shirts but the shoulders should be covered. Women should avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing. Expats should notice that some Arab individuals do not like to shake hands with non-Muslims.

How might the local weather affect my daily life?

Dubai has a desert climate with temperatures ranging from 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to 118 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. The summer months are marked by the omnipresent roar of air conditioners. Most people term the UAE's climate as "seven months in paradise & five more in an inferno." Rainfall is infrequent

Is there anything else I should know about the overall character of your city or its people?

Emiratis are well known for being welcoming, hospitable, tolerant & friendly

Useful Links

Gulf News Online www.gulf-news.com Khaleej Times www.khaleejtimes.com News about and concerning Dubai www.dubai.com An interactive map of Dubai www.dubailocator.com A comprehensive online resource for Dubai www.godubai.com Complete Dubai City Information & Guide including Dubai Arts & Culture, Clubs, Restaurants, Entertainment etc. www.timeoutdubai.com

 

As a foreign resident, what is my status in your country?

Visa requirements for entering Dubai vary between different nationalities, and regulations should always be checked before traveling since details can change with little or no warning. GCC nationals (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia) do not need a visa to enter Dubai. Citizen from the countries listed below get an automatic visa on arrival at the airport. The entry visa is valid for 30 days, extendable for an additional 30 days. Nationals of the following countries may be granted a visa on arrival: Andorra Hong Kong New Zealand Australia Iceland Norway Austria Ireland Portugal Belgium Italy San Marino Canada Japan Singapore Cyprus Liechtenstein Spain Denmark Luxemburg Sweden Finland Malaysia Switzerland France Malta United Kingdom Germany Monaco United States Greece Netherlands Vatican A passport, valid for at least six months prior to the date of arrival, is required by all.

What kinds of visas are available?

There are several types of visas one may apply for. The type that a person will need will primarily depend on the individual's purpose of entry into the UAE. Each permit or visa has its own requirements and procedures. For tourists, there are broadly two types of Visas - Visit Visas and Transit Visas - and they are issued depending on the duration of stay requested. Visit Visa: It is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival, with the option of being renewed for one more month. Transit Visa: issued to individuals at the request of any licensed company such as a hotel or trading company that holds an authorization for applying for this visa. It is valid for 14 days and it cannot be renewed. It is intended for the short-term traveler or tourist. Of a different sort is the Resident visa, of which there are two types: sponsorship by employer or sponsorship by family. They are renewable every 3 years. Once resident, you must not leave the nation for more than 6 month or the residency will lapse.

What is required to obtain these visas?

Residence visa is organized by the sponsor. You will require passport photos as well as your original passport. For a visit visa, if you are not from one of the nations listed above, you will need to apply at your embassy for the permit before entering Dubai.

Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work?

Spouses are usually sponsored by the working party for a UAE residence permit. Once a partner has found a job, the spouse is then sponsored separately by an employer and obtains their own work authorization.

What are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them?

Labor card issued by employer (Immigration). Usually the Public Relations Officer of a company will obtain this document on employer's behalf.

Are there any other important permits I must obtain, or places where I must register right away?

The only other important permit you might need is the driving license. Expats cannot drive on an international license forever but those can be easily converted into the UAE one. It is, however, always a good idea to register with your local Embassy or Consulate.

What items should I avoid bringing into the country?

Alcohol, pornography, ivory items, drugs of various kinds, walkie talkies, remote & cordless telephones, religious items (crosses, Buddhas, videos with biblical images), firearms, ammunition, draggers, knives, swords, spears (even decorative items).

Is there anything else I should know about entering and remaining in the country legally?

No

Useful Links

UAE Interact: Lots of helpful advice about visas in the UAE www.uaeinteract.com/travel/customs.asp

 

What is the local currency?

The unit of currency is the UAE Dirham (Dh) to which there are 100 fils.

What denominations does it come in?

The Dirham is available in denominations of 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 notes and in 25 fils, 50 fils and 1 Dirham coins.

What is the best way to exchange currency?

Either through banks or foreign exchange offices. Hotels offer money exchange but their rates are high.

What are commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases (such as groceries)?

Cash & credit cards (Visa, Eurocard, Diners Club, MasterCard, American Express)

Will I be able to use my credit card around town? If not, list when I’ll need cash.

Credit cards are widely accepted although it is recommended that you take cash with you when shopping at the Souqs (markets)

By what method are bills (such as rent and utilities) paid?

Rent is usually paid by cheque. Utility bills are payable in several ways: by cash to the local DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority) office, via banking machines (your local bank can make the payment on your behalf and they will deduct the amount from your account) and over the Internet

What are the requirements for opening a bank account? At what stage of the settling-in process should I open it?

You will need your passport with visa (or the application underway), work contract or No Objection Letter from your sponsor and a document that can identify you as a local resident, such as a utility bill or driver's license. Most banks have a set minimum account limit raging from DHS 2,000 to DHS 10,000

Will foreign residents be able to find banking services in their native languages?

The majority of the banking services are in English and/or Arabic.

Are there any restrictions on services for those who are new to your country?

Non-residents are not able to open bank accounts

What are typical banking hours?

Banking hours are generally Saturday to Wednesday (8:00 a.m. to 15:30 p.m.) & Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 14:00 p.m. Some banks open in the evening but please check with your local institution

Are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock?

Absolutely. Most ATM cards are compatible with other UAE based banks.

Is there any other money information that might help me?

Due to the diverse requirements of the residents of Dubai, facilities here are comparable to those found in large cities around the world

Useful Links

Thomas Cook/ Al Rostamani Currency Exchange www.tcookrostamani.com Citibank UAE www.citibank.com/uae HSBC UAE www.hsbc.ae National Bank of Dubai www.nbd.com

 

What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?

The characteristics of the neighborhood, such as: traffic (for noise and security level); ease of parking; proximity to amenities, schools and work; proximity to mosques (there are 5 calls to prayer per day); airport flight path.

What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?

Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Emirates Lakes, Emirates Hills, Arabian Ranches, Palm Jumeirah for Villas and Bur Dubai, Greens, Barsha, & Dubai Marina for apartments. Each of these areas is priced for its proximity to good schools and shopping.

Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?

Most expats tend to rent, however freehold is an option to the expatriates coming into UAE. Dubai Marina, Greens, Meadows, Arabian Ranches, Springs, Palm Jumeirah are some of the best options for buying.

Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?

There is a real estate commission of 5% of the annual rent and a DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) deposit of DHS 1,000 for apartments and DHS 2,000 for villas

Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?

Utilities are not included in the rental price.

Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?

There are very few concerns although it is always a good idea to talk with friends, work colleagues or Crown Dubai regarding any concerns you may have

I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?

Electricity - AC220-240 volts Frequency (Hz) - 50 Compatible with electrical appliances from the UK. Appliances for the USA (110 volts / 60 Hz) need a step down transformer. Plug shape - standard three pins or two-pin type. Plug adapter are widely avaialable

Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?

Dubai has a wide and varied range of accomodation and prices. Choice depends on both finances and personal requirements

Useful Links

Arabian Ranches Villas www.arabianranches.com Pet Accommodations: http://dkc.ae

 

What types of schools do most expats in your city choose for their children?

The education system in Dubai is extremely diverse as a result of the widely varied expat culture; the school you choose should depend on your child's educational needs and nationality. GCSE's, 'A' levels and International Baccalaurate are available, as well as CNEC and the American & Indian equivalent.

What are some examples of these schools?

There are many schools in Dubai; here is a partial listing: American School of Dubai (US - KG1 to Grade 12) American University of Dubai (University / Higher Education) Cambridge High School (UK - Primary / Secondary) Dubai College (UK - Secondary) Dubai British School (UK - Primary / Secondary) Dubai International Academy (IB - Primary / Secondary) Emirates International School (UK-Primary / Secondary) GEMS Wellington International School (IB - Primary / Secondary) Higher Colleges of Technology (University / Higher Education) International School of Choueifat (International - Primary / Secondary) Jebel Ali Primary School (UK-Primary) Jumeirah College Jumeirah English Speaking School (UK-Primary) Jumeirah Primary School (UK - Primary) Lycee Georges Pompidou (French - Primary) University of Wollongong (Australian Curriculum - Higher Education / University) Zayed University (Higher Education / University) Please contact Crown Dubai if you would like more information.

Is there a lot of competition for spots in local schools?

Being a transient country, availability can depend on the time of the year your child will be joining the school. Please note that the majority of the British curriculum schools have waiting lists

Are pre-schools also widely available (for children approx. 2 to 5 years old)?

Yes. Nursery Schools usually interview the child before accepting. English is the most common teaching language.

How are most kids transported to and from school?

Most secondary, primary and even some pre-schools and nurseries operate a school bus system. In addition, parents also drive their kids to school

When does the typical school year start and end?

Local schools generally have three terms: Autumn, which runs from mid-September to mid-December; Spring, which goes from early January to early April; and Summer, which spans mid-April through early July.

Is there anything else I should know about local schools?

Crown Dubai can help you find the right school for your kids.

Useful Links

Al Makaweb School www.almawakeb.com American School of Dubai www.asdubai.org The Cambridge High School www.tchs-dxb.sch.ae Emirates International School www.eischool.com A Listing of High Schools in the Gulf Region www.gulfschools.com/dubai.htm Jebel Ali School www.jebelalischool.com Jumeirah College www.jc-dxb.sch.ae Jumeirah Primary School www.jpsdubai.com

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Please contact your closest embassy or consulate for confirmation.