Here's some quick facts about Dubai:
Thinking of moving to Dubai? Discover everything you need to know in our Ultimate Dubai Relocation Guide.
Planning a relocation to Dubai? You're joining thousands of expats every year who move to Dubai, drawn by its tax-free salaries, world-class infrastructure, vibrant lifestyle, and reputation as one of the Middle East's most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities. It's easy to see why so many people choose to make Dubai their new home.
Dubai consistently ranks among the globe's most desirable expat destinations, offering an exceptional blend of career opportunities and financial benefits, luxury living and modern amenities, year-round sunshine and stunning beaches, and impressive geography from towering skyscrapers to desert landscapes, bustling souks to ultra-modern malls. From the iconic Burj Khalifa to the traditional Gold Souk, the glamorous Dubai Marina to the cultural Al Fahidi district, Dubai provides expatriates with a unique living experience that combines Middle Eastern heritage with cutting-edge innovation, safety, and global connectivity.
This ultimate relocation guide for Dubai will walk you through every essential aspect of the moving process, from visa pathways to settling into life in the Emirates. We'll show you how to move to Dubai step by step - including what to know about shipping your luggage or personal belongings safely overseas. Whether you're planning to work in finance or hospitality, study, start a business, or reunite with family, we'll provide the practical insights needed to make your transition as smooth as possible.
This ultimate guide covers all the essential aspects when you move to Dubai, including:
We hope this guide both inspires and informs you. Since information may vary based on individual circumstances, we strongly recommend conducting your own research alongside this guide to ensure your move to Dubai goes smoothly.
Here's some quick facts about Dubai:
When considering the best way to relocate to Dubai, proper planning makes all the difference. The first step is determining the right visa pathway for your situation, as this forms the foundation of your entire move. Once your visa status is secured, you can focus on the practical aspects - organising moving services to Dubai for your belongings, finding accommodation, and setting up essentials like banking, healthcare registration, and Emirates ID.
It's also wise to research different areas and neighbourhoods beforehand to find locations that match your lifestyle preferences and budget. Whether you're drawn to Dubai Marina's waterfront lifestyle, prefer Downtown Dubai's proximity to everything, want Jumeirah's family-friendly beaches, or are seeking more affordable options in areas like JVC or International City, each district offers distinct advantages. By addressing these key details early, from flights to finances, you'll ensure a smoother transition and more time to settle into your new Dubai adventure.
Yes, you'll need the appropriate visa or residence permit to move to Dubai for work, study, or long-term residence. Choosing the right pathway is crucial, and starting early gives you time to gather documents and meet requirements. Note that GCC nationals (from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain) do not require visas to enter the UAE.
Your eligibility depends on factors like employment offers, business investment, property ownership, qualifications, age, or family connections. Dubai's immigration system is employer-sponsored for most work visas, though self-sponsorship options exist for investors and certain professionals.
Popular immigration pathways include:
Whether you're relocating to Dubai temporarily or permanently, learn which visa you'll need.
When you relocate to Dubai, understanding daily life beyond visas and logistics helps ensure a successful move. Here are the essential topics expats consider when planning their new life in Dubai and the wider UAE.
Retiring to Dubai offers year-round sunshine, luxury lifestyle, excellent healthcare, and tax-free living. The Retirement Visa (for those 55+) requires property ownership, substantial savings, or pension income. Valid for 5 years and renewable, retirees benefit from world-class facilities, diverse international community, and safe, modern infrastructure. Dubai's cosmopolitan lifestyle makes it attractive, though the hot summer climate requires adaptation.
Dubai welcomes entrepreneurs with business-friendly regulations and strategic location. The city offers rapid company formation, tax advantages (0% corporate tax in free zones), 100% foreign ownership, and access to Middle East and Asian markets. Dubai's 26 free zones offer additional benefits like customs exemptions. The Investor Visa and Golden Visa options provide long-term residence for qualifying business owners. Many entrepreneurs also consider opportunities in neighbouring Abu Dhabi as part of their UAE business strategy.
Dubai's job market attracts professionals across finance, technology, healthcare, construction, hospitality, and aviation. Job searches benefit from online platforms, recruitment agencies, and networking. Dubai offers tax-free salaries (no personal income tax), with employment packages often including housing allowances, annual flights home, health insurance, and end-of-service gratuity. The work culture emphasises professionalism and increasingly prioritises work-life balance. The UAE's strong economy means opportunities exist across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates.
Dubai provides high-quality healthcare through public and private systems. Mandatory health insurance applies to all residents—employers typically provide coverage. The Dubai Health Authority regulates healthcare. Private healthcare dominates expat usage, offering world-class facilities, English-speaking doctors, and minimal wait times. Comprehensive private health insurance is recommended for families, covering inpatient, outpatient, maternity, and dental services.
Families relocating with children find excellent international schooling options. Private schools are mandatory for expats, offering 17+ curricula including British, American, Indian, IB, and others. School fees vary widely based on curriculum and facilities. Top schools include GEMS Education schools, Dubai British School, and Jumeirah English Speaking School. Apply early as popular schools maintain waiting lists. Universities include American University in Dubai and numerous international branch campuses.
Housing represents the largest expense for most expats. Rental market: Properties range from studio apartments to villas, with payments typically made annually or in cheques. Popular areas include Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and JLT, whilst neighbourhoods like JVC and International City offer more affordable options. Buying property: Expats can purchase freehold property in designated areas. Property ownership over AED 2 million qualifies for Golden Visa. Many expats also explore property opportunities in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE.
Dubai ranks among the world's more expensive cities, though tax-free income significantly offsets costs. Major expenses include accommodation, groceries, utilities, transportation, and for families, school fees. The absence of personal income tax boosts disposable income considerably. Dubai offers luxury lifestyle options alongside budget-friendly choices, making it possible to live within various budget ranges depending on lifestyle preferences.
Driving is common in Dubai due to its spread-out layout. Residents must convert international licences to UAE licences—some countries allow direct exchange, others require tests. Driving rules include zero tolerance for drink-driving, strict speed limits, and mandatory seatbelts. Dubai's road infrastructure is excellent with modern highways connecting to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates. Alternatively, taxis, Uber, and Careem provide convenient transport options.
Opening bank accounts requires Emirates ID and residence visa. Major banks include Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq Bank, HSBC, and Standard Chartered. The UAE Dirham (AED) is pegged to the US Dollar. Dubai's tax system features 0% personal income tax (major attraction) and 5% VAT on most goods and services. Opening accounts, obtaining Emirates ID, and understanding local banking practices are essential financial steps.
Public transport includes the Dubai Metro (driverless and efficient), buses, trams, and water taxis. The Nol Card works across all modes. Taxis and ride-sharing (Uber, Careem) are widely available and reasonably priced. Many residents own vehicles for convenience. The city is well-connected to Abu Dhabi (1–1.5 hours), Sharjah (adjacent emirate), and other UAE destinations via modern highways. Dubai's airports offer global connectivity.
Dubai features a hot desert climate with year-round sunshine. Summer (May–September) is extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F). Winter (November–March) is pleasant with comfortable temperatures ideal for outdoor activities, beach visits, and exploring. Most buildings have powerful air conditioning. Dubai's climate enables year-round beach activities, though residents prefer cooler months for outdoor pursuits and desert safaris.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the world's busiest, with direct flights from 240+ destinations globally. Direct connections exist from major cities worldwide. Upon arrival, new residents complete immigration procedures and begin the residence visa finalisation process. Essential administrative tasks include biometric registration, receiving Emirates ID, activating health insurance, opening bank accounts, and arranging accommodation. The Dubai Metro connects directly from the airport, whilst taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available.
Please note that the information provided about Dubai in this guide is based on typical conditions and averages available at the time of writing. Changes in government policies, economic factors, or inflation may influence costs, visa requirements, and general regulations over time. All prices and living expenses are indicative and intended for reference purposes only.
Bringing pets to Dubai requires advance planning (typically 4-6 months) to meet the UAE's import regulations, which are strict but manageable. Cats and dogs are the primary pets allowed. Pets must be microchipped with ISO-compatible chips before vaccinations, have current rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days before travel for animals 3+ months old), and undergo rabies antibody titre test with results showing adequate immunity. Import permits from UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment are required, typically processed in 3-5 working days. Health certificates from accredited veterinarians in the origin country must be issued within 10 days of travel and attested by relevant government authorities. Airlines have specific requirements and restrictions - pets can travel as manifest cargo or sometimes in cabin (small pets, airline-dependent). Upon arrival at Dubai Airport, pets undergo inspection by customs/quarantine officials.
Quarantine is not typically required for pets from approved countries if all documentation is correct. Pet-friendly accommodation in Dubai is available though often limited or requires additional deposits - research options early. Most residential communities allow pets with certain restrictions. For complete requirements, consult the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and consider professional pet relocation services for complex moves.
Moving personal belongings to Dubai traditionally meant relying on slow sea freight or expensive removal companies. Today, My Baggage offers a faster, more affordable alternative using air freight courier services, ensuring your items reach Dubai quickly and securely.
Whether shipping luggage to Dubai, boxes, golf clubs, or bikes, My Baggage provides reliable international removals with door-to-door delivery, full online tracking, and dedicated customer support. From a few suitcases to larger shipments of personal effects, their service ensures your belongings are handled with care throughout the journey, giving you complete peace of mind during your relocation process.
Whether you're moving to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or elsewhere in the UAE, My Baggage handles shipments across the Emirates. You can send your belongings ahead or shortly after your arrival, allowing you to travel light and focus on settling into your new home.
My Baggage specialises in shipping personal belongings to Dubai, offering a great alternative to paying excess baggage fees with airlines, making it an excellent choice for your move to Dubai.
