Living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers expats an exceptional quality of life. With modern accommodation and medical facilities, good international schools, and a highly developed infrastructure, the UAE provides a comfortable and convenient expat experience. Additionally, the lively cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer plenty of entertainment options, including great beaches, water sports, indoor skiing, excellent restaurants, and sprawling shopping malls. However, it's important to note that this quality of life comes at a price. The cost of living in the UAE has increased in recent years and while expat salaries are still high, benefits packages aren't as comprehensive as they used to be.
Although rental prices in the UAE have stabilized in recent years, accommodation is still likely to be your biggest expense. While many companies allocate housing for expat employees, formal housing allowances are not as common as they used to be. To rent accommodation in the UAE, you'll need a residence visa. When signing the lease, you'll be required to present your visa and passport, proof of address, and proof of income from your employer.
The standard of housing in the UAE is high, and you'll have a plethora of options to choose from. Apartments often come with shared facilities such as a gym, sauna, and swimming pool. Compound villas are also popular and often offer amenities such as a medical center, tennis court, gym, and restaurant.
In terms of furnishing, both furnished and unfurnished housing are available. It's important to note that many unfurnished apartments do not come with basic appliances, so if you choose this option, be prepared for high start-up costs. Fortunately, due to the transient nature of the UAE, there's a thriving second-hand market where expats sell their furniture and appliances before returning home. These items are typically advertised by word of mouth or on various classified websites.
Leases in the UAE are usually for a year, and it's common to pay a full 12 months' rent upfront. However, some landlords may accept post-dated cheques. Additionally, a security deposit of around 5% of the annual rent is usually required. Before signing the lease, it's important to check for any extra charges, such as maintenance fees, and ensure that the landlord's responsibilities are clearly stated.
Despite being a cosmopolitan country, adapting to the conservative culture of the UAE will be one of the biggest adjustments for expats. Dressing conservatively is important, although expats are not expected to wear the traditional hijab or abaya. However, it's still crucial to dress modestly and cover your shoulders and legs when in public.
In the past, unmarried couples in the UAE were not allowed to live together, and a license was required to buy alcohol. However, the UAE government has recently announced a broadening of personal freedoms for both expats and locals. Unmarried couples can now cohabitate legally, and alcohol can be purchased without a license.
During Ramadan, the holiest time in the Islamic calendar, it is important to respect local customs and traditions. This means avoiding eating, drinking, and smoking in public or in front of Muslim friends and colleagues during daylight hours. However, when the fast is broken, expats are encouraged to join in the feasting. Many companies operate on reduced hours during Ramadan and provide special rooms where non-Muslim employees can eat.
Getting used to the relentless heat is one of the biggest challenges expats face when moving to the UAE. While all buildings are air-conditioned to help ease the discomfort, it may still take some time to adapt to the predominantly indoor lifestyle.
Another cultural aspect to keep in mind is the difference in the workweek. In the UAE, the first working day of the week is Sunday, and the weekend is observed on Friday and Saturday. Most government and public offices are closed on Saturdays.
Expat children are allowed to attend public schools in the UAE, but unlike locals, they are charged school fees. Additionally, teaching in public schools is conducted in Arabic, which leads most expat parents to consider international schools.
The school year in the UAE runs from September to July, divided into three terms. The school week is from Sunday to Thursday, and school hours vary depending on the institution.
Private schooling in the UAE is expensive, and it is no longer standard practice for expat employment packages to include an education allowance. Expats must budget for school fees as well as additional costs such as uniforms, textbooks, transport, and extracurricular activities.
Due to the high cost of international education, many expat parents have turned to homeschooling. This option is also practical for those who will not be staying in the country long-term, as it avoids the bureaucratic process of enrolling in an international school. With the increasing popularity of homeschooling, numerous support groups have been established to assist parents.
Most international schools in the UAE follow either the British or American curriculum, or the International Baccalaureate. However, there are also French, German, Japanese, and Indian schools. While UAE Social Studies and Arabic are compulsory subjects for all children in public and private schools, these subjects are only mandatory until Grade 9. Islamic Education is also offered as a subject, but it is optional for non-Muslims.
For mobile services, most international networks have roaming agreements in the UAE, but keeping your home mobile contract can be expensive. Once you have a residence visa and a bank account, you can apply for a local mobile contract. Alternatively, pay-as-you-go services are quicker to organize upon arrival.
Choosing a telecoms provider in the UAE is relatively straightforward, with two primary companies dominating the market: Du and Etisalat. These companies offer packages for internet, cable, and phone services, so it's worth exploring your options.
In terms of internet access, most social media sites, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, are accessible in the UAE. Instant messaging services such as WhatsApp are widely used, but restrictions do apply. However, Skype is not allowed in the UAE. It's important to note that some websites may be blocked due to their content being offensive to local religious and moral values.
To obtain a residence visa in the UAE, expats must undergo a health assessment. The UAE boasts an excellent healthcare infrastructure with modern medical facilities. Both public and private services are available, but most expats choose private hospitals, where medical staff often speak English. Many doctors in the UAE are expats themselves or have received training overseas.
Private healthcare in the UAE can be expensive, so comprehensive medical insurance is essential. In Abu Dhabi, medical insurance is required to obtain a residence visa. By law, Abu Dhabi and Dubai companies must provide medical insurance for their expat employees, which relieves expats of this expense.
Pharmacies are widespread throughout the UAE, with most operating 24/7. While many medications are available, it's important to note that the country has strict drug laws, and prescriptions may be required for certain over-the-counter medicines.
Emergency services in the UAE are adequate, although ambulances are mainly used for road accidents. In case of emergencies, many people use their own transportation or taxis to reach a hospital.
As the UAE doesn't have an extensive public transport system, owning a car is the easiest way to get around. Petrol is cheap in the UAE, and expats may find that they can afford a more luxurious vehicle compared to what they had back home. The road conditions in the UAE are good, with multi-lane freeways connecting the cities, although traffic congestion is common. Traffic regulations are strict, and the policy towards drinking and driving is zero-tolerance. Expats can drive with an international driver's license, but a local license is required for those with residency status.
Due to the hot temperatures, the UAE is not very pedestrian or cyclist-friendly. However, buses and taxis are available in major cities, and ride-hailing services such as Uber are also accessible. Dubai's metro system is another viable option as it is fast, efficient, and affordable.
With Dubai being a major air travel hub, the UAE offers excellent connectivity to the rest of the world. Many international airlines operate daily services to and from the Emirates, making it an ideal base for expats with a desire to explore.
It's important to be aware that the cost of living in the UAE is high, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi ranking among the most expensive cities in the Gulf region. Despite the favorable tax climate, living expenses can quickly add up as expats indulge in luxuries they might not typically buy back home.
Accommodation and schooling are two of the largest costs in the UAE, with rent often consuming a significant portion of expat salaries. Additionally, expat parents typically face hefty fees for international schools as their children are unlikely to attend public schools.
While groceries and household goods are reasonably priced, clothing and imported products can be expensive. Organic food and Western brands also command high prices, so it's worth considering Emirati alternatives to cut costs. Eating out regularly is a luxury enjoyed by many expats, and Indian, Arabic, Chinese, and African restaurants tend to be more affordable than hotel eateries and bars. However, it's worth noting that alcohol is expensive in the UAE, although some hotel bars and restaurants offer happy hours with discounted drinks.
By following this guide, expats can navigate the nuances of living in the UAE and make the most of their expatriate experience. Whether it's enjoying the high-quality amenities and entertainment options, embracing the local culture, or taking advantage of the excellent healthcare and education infrastructure, the UAE offers a unique and fulfilling expat lifestyle.
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