The UAE
Moving to the UAE
Last updated on Nov 27, 2021
Summary: Moving to UAE? Expats talk about what you need to know before moving to UAE.
What do I need to know before moving to the UAE?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to the UAE, they said:
"TEST You will need to make a trade-off between living "on-island" at a higher cost for a smaller place, or "off-island" for more space and a yard. Since social isolation is a big hazard, I would put a very high priority on living "on-island" rather than out in the boondocks where you need to drive long distances for amenities,"
"Make sure you negotiate with your employer to cover your accommodation or include high accommodation allowance. Living in a compound in a villa is the best choice - one can find many European expatriates to be among with," said another expat in Abu Dhabi.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
What is a typical expat home or apartment like in the UAE?
"Villa; no. Most live in apartments or townhouses; some live in villas (equivalent to a single family house)," remarked another expat in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
What is the average cost of housing in the UAE?
If you are thinking about moving to the UAE, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"Much Much higher. A four-bedroom house or apartment in a convenient area can cost $100,000 a year. Most expats negotiate a relocation package where their employer pays for their housing," said another expat in Abu Dhabi.
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What should I pack when moving to the UAE?
We asked people living in the UAE to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:
"I would definitely bring some shampoos from Europe as the quality of them over here is doubtful unless you buy them in salons. I would take many of my own language books to read - however one can easily find English good literature. I would take hair color as I am blond and the choices of blond hair colors in shops is poor. I would take plenty of patience over here especially while driving. Leave clothes, shoes, bags and cooking pots home," explained one expat living in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
"Bring: Another voltage converter, more garden tools and gardening supplies, and hair color Leave home: bicyles, blankets, winter clothes," said another expat in Abu Dhabi.
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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in the UAE?
We asked people in the UAE if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:
"I was visiting an office with a young Emirati colleague and was offered the customery Arabic coffee and dates. I had the coffee cup in my right hand, and took a date with my left hand. My young colleague was scolded by the more senior people, in Arabic, that he had not told me how to accept food - which he had indeed not. The correct way would have been to transfer the coffee cup to the left hand and then accept food with the right. The left hand is of course unclean, but early on, I just never thought and used both," commented one expat who made the move to Abu Dhabi.
"I was pretty well informed on what not to do, but when I first arrived, I just couldn't help watching the Arabic women walk around in their black garb when it was 120 degrees outside. They don't like to be stared at!!!," remarked another expat in Dubai, UAE.
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Why do people move to the UAE?
When we asked people why foreigners move to the UAE, they responded:
"Usually for job opportunities. The UAE is growing at an impressive rate and the majority of their work force is expat," stated one expat who made the move to Abu Dhabi.
"Work. There are a ton of job opportunities and most companies provide really favorable employment packages," remarked another expat in Dubai.
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How are healthcare services the UAE?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in the UAE, they replied:
"There are a huge veriety of clinics and hospitals available, and most are held to a very hight standard of care. Seek advice from other expats and do some research, there is loads of info out there. It took us a few trys before we found a doctor that we were comfortable with and so you might need to shop around a bit. Doctors and other health care professionals tend to be expats as well," commented one expat who moved to Dubai.
"Advanced recon on the ground is very important. Do not expect to find the perfect doctor straight away. The American hospitals are the most expensive but usually have the best standards of care. Find a doctor whom you like and stick with that person. If your company does not provide medical insurance, there are plenty of options to receive based on budget," said another expat.
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"I am a mental health patient and I got a relapse episode here. The medication provided to me has massively improved my life," added one expat living in Dubai.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
