Dubai is a very cosmopolitan city! The Dubai lifestyle is one that is sure to be attractive to American expats – just ask anyone who lives here! Dubai’s economy is expanding at a rapid rate; as a young country still struggling to establish efficient operations in many of its sectors, the UAE and Dubai rely heavily on expat expertise to bridge this gap, hence the opportunities for work are plentiful. Hi Nathan, You will also have to set money aside for your estate agent’s commission (5% of the total rent), security deposit (5% once again), DEWA (water and electricity) deposit, internet deposits, Ejari tenancy contract as well as any other moving costs that you may incur – as there are a lot of upfront payments, make sure you have enough money set aside. If you’re an American citizen looking to scout out Dubai before moving to UAE, you’re in luck! Dubai has plenty of hospitals, clinics and specialist centres with fully qualified and experienced doctors who can write you prescriptions for the same medication in Dubai – just bear in mind that the trade name of the medicine may be different from what you’re used to! Prepare for the hustle. At the heart of Downtown Dubai are the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall (world’s largest mall). That’s just one of the reasons it’s such a popular destination for expats. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. If you have been imagining a place where your rights as a womanare few and far between, you can breathe a sigh of relief. When you come to Dubai for employment, the company that sponsors you will take care of most of the paperwork and procedures – however, you will have to ensure that all your paperwork is in order. Read our guide for the details you need to know. Backed by more than 25 years of experience in corporate, academic and non-profit public relations in the United States, I now enjoy focusing my writing skills full time on my passions. On the flip side, Dubai’s population is transient and people often move on to new destinations or return home making it difficult to find long-term friends. Even so, it is harder for some people to adjust to life here, which can be very different from life in Europe or the Americas. If you want something different, you can eat your way around the world in the emirate, with cafes and. If you would like to purchase alcohol at a bottle store in Dubai, you will need an alcohol licence. All you need is an eye test certificate (head to any optician and tell them it’s for a driving license) and a NOC from your sponsor (this is a simple letter typed on company letterhead and stamped), copies of your passport and visa and passport photos. Some of our neighbouring countries are quite restrictive with regard to what is and isn’t allowed for a woman. After living in the UAE for two years, I'm ready to TRUTHFULLY answer the questions you asked me on instagram regarding what it is like to live in Dubai! Within our international network in Dubai, there’s a vibrant circle of American expats from all regions of USA, including New York City, Los Angeles, and beyond. Taxes can be made all the more complicated by overseas employment or marriage to a non-US citizen. I socialize with other expats - Arabs, Indians, Europeans, Australians, British, and other Americans. Some of these include the Rochester Institute of Technology, Michigan State and Hult Business School. Hey there mi Familia x Thanks for tuning into this well overdue Q & A on my experience relocating to Dubai from London. "slot_uuid":"5e55003f-acc9-40c4-9120-59b45951acc5" //. Major private hospital brands such as Welcare and the American Hospital provide good specialty care and are equipped with the latest in medical equipment. Many schools will have a notary public on staff to provide you with your certified degree document. It’s not bad. This extends to flat shares and engaged couples as well. What is healthcare like in the UAE? Emirati life can also be experienced by exploring local markets, sampling the local fare and participating in activities such as dune bashing, desert safaris, pearl diving and camel riding, all of which give us a glimpse of Dubai when it was a simple fishing village. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees to beat both the heat as well as avoid embarrassing stares. ft. villa on Palm Jumeira. This is because there are restaurants for pretty much every cuisine here, encouraging people to try as many different and exotic dishes as possible. However, it is good to … Your question is very general, but I will try my best to answer it. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. In Dubai, foreign nationals can own apartments and villas in specially designated freehold areas in Dubai, Fancy a Dubai Marina penthouse? The UAE is a Muslim country and the call to prayer can be heard in most parts of the city. Cost of Living for Family of Four. For example, you will need to get alternative transport to the metro station from popular areas like Arabian Ranches, Mirdif and Motor City, however, there are plenty of. These cookies do not store any personal information. Nightclubs and bars are where you can get away with miniskirts and stilettos – but dressing like that in the mall may cause offence. English is widely spoken and you can live and do business here even if you do not speak Arabic, although locals do appreciate expats who make an effort to learn the language and this can be a distinct advantage for any expat who wished to call Dubai home. For many expats, Dubai is the perfect combination of east meets west; the emirate is a paradox of western sophistication blended with the mystery that characterizes Middle Eastern culture. Luckily, finding a home in Dubai is quite easy, with plentiful options (for both buy and rent) and numerous property types available, from cosy studio apartments right up to palatial villas. The local currency of Dubai is the Dirham denoted as either Dh or more commonly AED. Largely outdoors, the concert seasons kicks off in the cooler months and lasts until summer. Alright, you U.S. readers probably think that’s unduly flippant and would like a little more reassurance than that. Everything from your visa, your driving licence, health insurance card, Emirates ID and may require several copies, so it’s better to have plenty in reserve to avoid running around trying to find a photo studio at the last minute. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Muslims pray five times a day and hence it is best to cultivate patience as most devout Muslims will drop whatever they are doing to pray. As of the end of 2020, one Arab Emirate Dirham is worth $3.67 American, 4.87 British Pounds, and 2.81 Canadian Dollars. Depending on your list of requirements for a home (for example, pet-friendly, furnished, with a garden, close to Dubai Metro etc) there are various properties to choose from – the only limitation will be your budget! Hi Friend, As I am a south Indian girl and having craze on living in dubai,I hope I can answer your question. Very nice info you have shared over here, I really appreciate it. However, they are also... Dubai may be liberal but remember to always dress modestly! Although short dresses and skirts are accepted at Dubai’s many night hotspots, these are frowned upon in public places. Individuals & Families Employers Governments Brokers Providers About Us Well-Being Log In / Register . I asked them to be specific, because if you’re a lady thinking of making the move out there, you want to know the real deal, right? Those who test positive for AIDS/HIV may face detention or deportation. A Dubai kid who's in love with the world, LN is a lot of things except for one: ordinary. Before I moved to Dubai, I worked in India for about 4 years. While Dubai is by far the least conservative of cities in the Middle East region, it is still governed by Islamic law and public overtures of affection are frowned upon and in, extreme cases, punishable by law. There are also several off-plan projects in the pipeline, many with upcoming handover dates, attractive payment plans and incentives. Read all work contracts very carefully as it is not uncommon for ruthless employers to take advantage of their workers. When it comes to occasions such as Thanksgiving, Halloween and even the Fourth of July, there will be a special event on. It is advisable to opt for healthcare from some of the larger well known brands as smaller clinics and hospitals may not provide the quality of care expected by most expats. The US dollar is pegged (meaning the rate does not depend on market variations) in the UAE and the exchange rate more or less hovers around 1 USD = 3.6 AED. Imagine you have errands to run. Public displays of affection are also severely frowned upon and may land you in jail. Remember that you will still need to file your annual taxes back in the US. Change the currency: Food; Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district: Dirham 58 Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) Dirham 27 500 gr (1 lb.) The Dubai property market often makes headlines across the world, with stunning projects that are true engineering marvels and top quality of developers with already delivered projects. There are even a few familiar names like Nikki Beach and Trader Vic’s, should you get homesick for a home-style party. American citizens who want to familiarize themselves with the emirate before making the final move do not need to pre-apply for a visa if their stay in Dubai is 30 days or less. It is, therefore, advisable to seek professional advice on filing your tax returns. Wining and dining is a pleasure with the wide choice of cuisines with different budgets available to suit every palette. Living with Burj Khalifa views might sound appealing (and is sure to impress guests), but you may need compromise on that if you want to live in a peaceful suburb. Americans living in Dubai are better off using Foreign Income Exclusion to exclude the foreign earned income. Forget about what you’ve read, seen, and heard; those shiny buildings and man-made islands are all just smoke and mirrors. Women are highly respected here and many feel uncomfortable in the presence of a man so don’t be surprised if you are not greeted by a lady. English is the most widely spoken language in Dubai, although you can’t go wrong by learning some basic Arabic! [CDATA[ And if you’re planning on making the move to Dubai from the USA, why not start by looking for houses for rent on Bayut.com. I do not understand, however, why all VOIP access and related web sites are blocked. Although, depending on where in the US you hail from, you might find prices in some areas quite steep. Pickpocketing? Dubai is a fast-paced city racing to meet the demands of the 21st century; expats who choose to live here are bound to get caught up in the excitement and anticipation of growth at break-neck speed! The government has established a policy of Emiratization, which is a push to increase the numbers of local Emiratis in the private sector and so you might find yourself working under a local boss who is less knowledgeable and less experienced than yourself. Dubai may be liberal but remember to always dress modestly! Current as of Dec 2020. Although an open mind, a thirst for adventure and tolerance towards other cultures are all good traits to possess, we have compiled a list of seven essential steps to help Americans, in particular, in adjusting to life in Dubai. Mugging? Other helpful tips for living in Dubai as an American The UAE is a Muslim country and the call to prayer can be heard in most parts of the city. An American citizen or a green card holder living outside of America is still under obligation to file his taxes annually back in the US and failure to do so can result in some very harsh penalties imposed by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) which is very strict in auditing Americans living overseas. Life in this city is non-stop and expats … Ingrid is from France but she currently lives and works in Dubai. A week in Dubai can mean eating Lebanese, Mexican, Armenian, Indian, Greek, Peruvian and Italian food – as well as many others. Member Log In / Register. At Bayut.com, we make finding a new home in the city easy, and today, this article will cover all the other bits and pieces you need to know before making the big decision of moving to UAE. Dubai visa laws are tough. Business is also conducted very differently here than in the US where time is of the essence. The final step is to get authentication from the UAE Embassy, based in Washington D.C. And that's fine. Copyright 2019 LivinginDubai.org - The Expat Guide to Living in Dubai. Very Warm Climate. If you have the income, moving to Dubai and living the dream can mean moving into a 5000 sq. The city is really hot … In Dubai, we drive on the right hand side of the road. No matter the curricula you choose though, the best schools in Dubai are often over-subscribed, with places filling up fast – no matter the year group. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Available to all non-Muslims, simply head to an MMI or African + Eastern to pick up the required forms – you will require proof of address as well as a NOC from your sponsor before applying for one though! Once you have this, you need to get an authentication from that state’s Secretary of State (get in touch with your school to figure out the best way to go about this). This might seem like an obvious place to start, but securing a job may not be as … An old soul, Instagram-loving, news and trivia junkie, LN loves cats, cricket and quizzes. Don’t get me wrong, there is some form of discrimination against women in Dubai, or should I say, discrimination forwomen in Dubai. … Dubai is a city for the smart, forward-thinking, well-cultured, determined individuals. If you are the sponsor (for example, of your spouse or children), the onus will be on you to make sure they are insured – although you can check with your company whether you can add them onto your plan. aax_getad_mpb({ If you are driving around Dubai, you may find that the way roads are laid out may not be what you’re used to. The time difference between Dubai and the US is nine hours; Dubai is nine hours ahead of Eastern Standard time and this falls to eight hours during the summer months when daylight savings kicks in. American passport-holders are entitled to a visa-on-arrival at the airport, should their stay be shorter than 30 days. She works for a company called You, The Agency. Average Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Dubai . Government hospitals also provide very good care and are best equipped to deal with emergencies with dedicated and highly trained staff. Previous years have seen everyone from Justin Bieber to Aerosmith…in fact, the Backstreet Boys are heading this way in a few weeks! 7 Steps to Adjust to Living in Dubai (for Americans) Essential Facts. The UAE country code is 971 and the area code for Dubai is (04) followed by the phone number. I am an American expat freelance travel writer living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates who writes about travel, culture, fashion, food and wine on my blog. For the most part, landlords require rents on apartments to be paid in full up-front and usually accept four or six post-dated checks. All about Emirates Driving Company Abu Dhabi, Here’s how to divide your studio apartment on a budget, The complete guide to Seawings seaplane tours in Dubai. In Dubai the work week begins on Sunday and ends on Thursday with Friday and Saturday making up the weekends for most businesses. Moving to any country is a daunting yet exciting task, filled with new cultural customs, bureaucratic procedures and more and moving to Dubai from the USA is no different. Although Dubai does have a good public transport system, the system is still being developed and the Dubai Metro, although a very clean and convenient way to travel, does not connect all the different parts of Dubai. Dubai residents are always “so busy”. Life in Dubai is very convenient too and you can get everything delivered to your home without setting foot outside, including groceries, food, laundry and office supplies. We can assure you, it will … And keep in mind that while Dubai is a very tolerant city, there are heavy fines and penalties for public intoxication, so be sensible. Employers will sometimes provide housing allowances or loans to meet the up front costs of this, but check first. A: Yes! 7 Steps to Adjust to Living in Dubai (for Americans), The Mail Delivery And Postal System Of Dubai Explained Simply, In 9 Minutes, I’ll Give You The Truth About Taxi Dubai Costs. They can get a visa-on-arrival at the airport. Sex Outside of Marriage in Dubai. Petty hotel-room theft? Emirate: Cost of Living for Single Person. Downtown. About working in Dubai Most Americans will find business here much more slow paced and it can take a substantial amount of time to get a local client to give a firm decision. Cost of living in Dubai is more expensive than in 74% of cities in the World (55 out of 204) List of prices in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. My boss at that time was an American already living in Dubai and helped make sure I found an apartment in the right area. Several restaurants and bars will show the big games! Visit a branch of the RTA, fill in the required application, have your photograph taken and you’re done! The nightlife and social scene in Dubai is the stuff of legend! While the alcohol and clothing rules are less rigid for expats, extra … As an American, you’re lucky, since you can drive to Oman for 3 hours, enjoy the scenery, and come back for 30 more days. It is an Islamic city. Keep in mind that your passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months after the visa is issued: No matter what type of visa you opt for, you will need to have a medical (usually consisting of an X-ray and blood test) before the visa is issued. Or what about a villa in the popular Arabian Ranches? If you have a school-age child and are looking to move to Dubai, it will be a wise decision on your part to do your research and get in touch with your shortlisted schools well before the actual move. If you’re looking for ingredients (or maybe even your favourite cereal from back home) you’re likely to find it in Dubai as well! It’s a popular choice for young singles and couples. When people chat about the cost of living in Dubai, one fact comes up again and again. If buying a home in Dubai feels a bit too permanent, remember that you can always rent it out once you leave, making it a great source of additional income. Is Dubai Expensive or Affordable? Compared to rent prices, everyday living expenses in the UAE are not … However, if you decide to take the plunge and move to Dubai longer term, you will need a residence visa. I’ve already covered whether Dubai is safe for females, now it’s time to look at the real perks.. I’ve now left the sandpit but in the name of research, I asked the members of my ladies-only Dubai expats Facebook group what they actually like about living in Dubai. It is a city extremely rare in the fact that that, itself, is the city’s reputation. If you require medication for a chronic illness, don’t worry. Next, you will need to authenticate the document at the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications. If you are looking a little further afield, New York University has a campus in Abu Dhabi. While the highways are easy to navigate, individual communities are connected by smaller roads and streets that differ in terms of design – there is no consistent grid system. Metropolitan cities need a residence visa final step is to get out, socialize, and.... State and Hult Business School US Well-Being Log in / Register Spinneys and Park Shop. Required application, have your photograph taken and you ’ re an American citizen to... 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