Dubai, and the UAE in general, are a nation of expatriates, so those considering working or living in the UAE should feel right at home.
According to The Telegraph, Dubai is the ‘new Spain’ for British expats, with a zero-tax policy, growing tourism and finance industries and a youthful population, we are heading there in droves.
To assist those considering a move to the UAE, whether for work or pleasure, this guide will give you all the information you need.
Demographics
There are approximately 9.2million people in the UAE, with 7.8million of these made up of expats. The demographic variation within these numbers are diverse, depending upon location, with a native population that averages 15%.
Dubai has an estimated population of 2.5 million, making it the most populous emirate within the UAE. Abu Dhabi, the larger emirate, has a population of just over 1.1million.
Of the 85% expat population approximately 70% are Asian, the remainder is made up of mostly Western expatriates.
Due primarily to the fact that Dubai is considered one of the world’s top business hubs, there is a skewed gender population with males making up almost 75% of the population in Dubai.
More than 10,000 Brits each year make the move to the UAE, with many travelling there for work in finance, construction or the oil industry.
Why the UAE?
The UAE, and Dubai in particular, are a magnet for expats, but why is this?
The main attraction is likely to be the zero rate of income tax, which, combined with an increase of trade in areas such as, construction, finance, tourism and of course, oil, has led to a haven for those who are young enough to work hard and play hard.
However, while earnings are tax free there is a high cost of living, with house prices averaging £550,000 for a two-bedroom villa in Jumeirah Village Triangle.
House prices crashed during the financial crisis in 2008 but have risen sharply in recent years.
Expats can enjoy a high-quality of life in the UAE with beautiful beaches, a busy night-life, and the opportunity to experience a different and dynamic culture.
Before you pack your bag!
Before rushing out and buying a ticket on the first plane to Dubai, there are a few things that need to be put in place:
• Visa – if you are spending any length of time in the UAE you’ll need to apply for a visa. Each Emirate grants their own visas so check which you will need before travelling.
• Work Permits – if you plan to work while in the UAe you’ll also need a work permit and residence visa. Employers can help with applications for these, and they should be valid for two years. A minimum income applies when applying for a family visa.
• Documentation – birth certificates, marriage licences, diplomas, and so on, will all require a special legal translation before making the move. Bear in mind that unmarried women are not able to co-habit with a partner, you must be married to live together as a couple or family.
• Health – medical treatment must be paid for in UAE. Most employers offer full insurance for their expat workers so this is likely to be taken care of on your behalf. A health card is available if your employer doesn’t offer cover, which entitles you to cheaper health care.
Once you arrive
As a primarily Muslim area, there are vast differences in what is considered acceptable behaviour. But there are also differences in everyday life that can take some time to adjust to.
Understanding these variations will help you settle quickly, and fit in with the expat, and native, population.
• Travel – there are almost 200 flights each week from the UK to the UAE, either into Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Al Ain, but be aware that after recent events, which have focused in the news, it is inadvisable to drink alcohol on flights to the UAE.
• Cabs – Taxi are relatively cheap in Dubai. There are more than 70,000 taxi drivers employed by the government, operating in cars like the Toyota Camrys.
• Currency – in the UAE the currency is the UAE Dirham. AED is made of 100Fills.
• Hotels – prices range from a moderate (£150 per night) to extraordinarily expensive (the Burj Al Arab will set you back around £1000 per night).
• Language – Arabic is the official, primary language spoken throughout the UAE, however English is more commonly used for business and daily interactions in the cities.
• The price of milk – 1 litre of milk is AED4.50
• Tax – although no income tax is paid there are some goods and services which are taxed. The tax year runs from January 1st to December 31st
• Post – a letter takes approximately one week to get from the UAE to UK
• Weekend – the weekend is Friday and Saturday
• Skiing – Dubai is home to the first indoor ski slope in the Middle East
Culture, Religion and Law
The UAE is different from the UK in many ways. Understanding these cultural differences will give you a greater appreciation for the people, the country and the traditions, and help you settle in faster.
The main points to note are:
• Islam is the main religion in the UAE, however, tolerance is granted to other religions
• Dress appropriately – women especially should dress modestly and cover shoulders, cleavage, and legs above the knees, while avoiding tight fitting clothes when in public
• Public displays of affection – are a definite no-no. a peck on the cheek and holding hands (so long as you are married) is acceptable
• Swearing – is illegal. Keep your cool and don’t raise your voice or swear. The same goes for hand gestures
• Alcohol – it is illegal to be drunk in public. You must also have an alcohol licence if you wish to drink
• Photography – it is inadvisable to photograph a Muslim woman as it is considered offensive. In general, avoid photographing mosques, government buildings and military installations.
Expats enjoy a life of sunshine, beaches, societies and business. There are numerous ways to make friends and meet people from different backgrounds, cultures and countries through a range of hobbies, clubs and societies.
You might find it so enjoyable living in the UAE, that you put off returning to the UK, and instead, renew your contract, take on a new position, or settle permanently one of the Emirates.
