If you’re reading this blog post, odds are you’re planning to move to the UAE or you’re here already. If it’s the former - great choice! And if it’s the latter - Marhaba (welcome)!

The UAE, and especially Dubai is widely considered one of the best places to live in the world. With a nearly 90% expat population, every year hundreds and thousands of folks make the move to the country looking for a better quality of life and greener pastures. 

In this article, we’ll discuss some important tips to keep in mind to set up your life here if you’ve just moved to the UAE. 

Tip 1 - Get your visa sorted 

To be able to legally reside in the UAE, you will need a residence visa. These visas are usually issued for a 2 or 3-year period, renewable subsequently. If you’re moving out here with a job in hand or you intend to look for work here, your employer should take care of your visa in most cases.

However, if you’re looking to set up a business in the UAE, you will have to process the visa for yourself and your dependents once the company formation license is issued. 

Pro Tip - Avail the services of one of the many business setup consultants for a smooth and quick company formation process.

Tip 2 - Pick the right place to live 

Choosing the right place to live while you’re in the UAE will make your life a lot easier in the long run. First, you will need to narrow down one of the seven emirates. Usually, people choose to live in Dubai, Abu Dhabi (the capital), or Sharjah as this is where most offices are located.

All 3 Emirates are home to several communities which you can choose from based on your budget. But the most obvious factor that would impact where you live is the proximity to your work or place of business. 

Living close to where you work will save you tons of time otherwise spent commuting, since rush traffic can get crazy! 

Pro Tip - Check out our definitive guide on the best neighbourhoods in Dubai here. 

Tip 3 - Make sure you move with enough belongings

Setting up a life in a new country can undoubtedly be taxing. There is a lot to take into consideration before you’re eventually comfortable in your environment. 

One thing that will ease the process is moving with all or at least some of your belongings. Not only will you feel a little more at home when you see familiar things around you, but you will also save a ton in new furniture expenses. 

Pro Tip - If you’re looking for some furniture, you can always cut down costs by purchasing second-hand furniture. Click here for our blog post on where to find used furniture in the UAE. 

Tip 4 - Sort out transport 

While Dubai has a pretty robust transport system thanks to the Metro and extensive bus routes, the same cannot be said for other Emirates in the UAE. 

Hence it is probably best to buy or lease your own vehicle while you’re here, especially if you intend to commute often. This is indeed the option most residents living in the UAE opt for. 

Pro Tip - There are tons of second-hand car markets in the UAE where you can find a great deal. Just make sure to do your due diligence! 

Tip 5 - Learn a bit about the culture and the laws 

In recent times, the UAE has relaxed a lot of its former laws such as penalties for unmarried couples living together, but still doing certain things that disrespect other residents or the country’s culture could land you in hot water. 

As is the case with most places around the world, to ensure you don’t get into trouble and your time in the UAE goes as smoothly as possible, it pays to learn a little bit about the culture and laws here.

Pro Tip - Public indecency and swearing - both online or offline - are punishable by a jail term and deportation. Something worth keeping in mind! 

Tip 6 - Match your spending habits with your earnings 

The UAE offers some one-of-a-kind experiences and every fathomable luxury. Since the country is a leading global tourist attraction and a preferred investment destination for the elite thanks to unparalleled security and infrastructure; it’s not uncommon to see extravagant lifestyles here. 

While it may be easy to get carried away and try to imitate a lifestyle, it’s always wise to keep your spending habits in check and match them to what you earn. 

This will help you avoid a ‘debt trap’ and make your experience of living here a lot more positive. 

Pro Tip - Shopping at the larger supermarkets for your monthly groceries - called Hypermarkets - will help you save a lot in the long run.

Trusted movers and packers service in the UAE

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What are you moving?

• Item

  — furniture, electronic, antique, box etc.
  • — Furniture

    sofa, table, bed, bookcase, chest, drawer etc.
  • — Item

    packed item, electronic, antique, box etc.
• Move

  — home move, office move
  • — Home
  • — Office
• Piano

  — grand piano, upright piano, digital piano etc.
• Other

  — construction material etc.

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Conclusion 

There you have it, 6 tips that promise to make your life and time spent in the UAE a lot better!

While living in this country is seen by many as transient, the UAE still offers an incredible opportunity to meet people from different cultures, further your career, and enjoy a great quality of life provided you follow some of the advice mentioned above. 

On that note, that’s it from us at Wise Move for now. Until next time - Choose wisely. 

Trusted movers and packers service in the UAE

All Covered. No Hassle. Low-cost movers and packers expert in the UAE— book now!

What are you moving?

• Item

  — furniture, electronic, antique, box etc.
  • — Furniture

    sofa, table, bed, bookcase, chest, drawer etc.
  • — Item

    packed item, electronic, antique, box etc.
• Move

  — home move, office move
  • — Home
  • — Office
• Piano

  — grand piano, upright piano, digital piano etc.
• Other

  — construction material etc.

Get Prices