Living in the UAE

"Do it! you will love it if you bring an open mind and some patience and don't expect things to be like it is 'at home'. The temperatures here are extreme - up to 58-60 degrees in summer! Winter is very pleasant," remarked one expat who made the move to Al Ain.

"From sailing to golf to sky diving to horseracing, Dubai is an emerging market that has it all. Wafi City is a great place for various activities such as Sport club, various bars and restaurants, mall and the newly opened Raffles Hotel. Dubai festival City housed some of the most prestigious hotels, mall and residential area as well as golf club. There loads of clubs (each country usually has their own) and activities from charity to commercial events, although you will miss nature's beauty - summers are very very hot (4-5 months)," commented one expat who made the move to Dubai.

"Major international hotels are (in order of my preference) the Intercontinental, Hilton, Rotana, Mercure Jebel Hafeet. The Palm Resort has a Rugby Club and Golf Club and both are good value. Have a look at the Living in Al Ain thread on the British Expats site in the Middle East Forum, it is a very popular thread and full of information about events, schooling, life in general," remarked one expat living in Al Ain, UAE.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in the UAE is generally quite comfortable. The country offers a wide range of modern amenities, from high-end shopping malls to world-class restaurants. The cost of living is relatively low compared to other countries in the region, and the UAE is a safe and secure place to live. The country is also home to a vibrant expat community, with plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make friends. Additionally, the UAE is a great place to explore, with its stunning beaches, deserts, and mountains. All in all, the UAE is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking for a comfortable and exciting place to live," remarked one expat living in UAE.

"Al Ain is a great city to live in and offers many things to see and do. Expats get together frequently for quiz nights, to watch sporting events, meet for coffee in the malls. Life is varied and interesting," wrote one member in Al Ain.

"People (expats) work hard and play hard, live revolves around malls and shopping, socialising, attending events/concert, some major sports events are happening during the winter season, Rugby 7, Dubai Horserace, Dubai Duty Free tennis, etc," remarked one expat who made the move to Dubai.

"The UAE has a low crime rate compared to other countries, and the government has taken steps to ensure the safety of its citizens and visitors. The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy for crime and has strict laws in place to deter criminal activity. The police force is well-trained and equipped to handle any criminal activity that may occur. The government also works closely with international law enforcement agencies to ensure that criminals are brought to justice," explained one expat living in UAE.

"The UAE is a diverse country with a population made up of people from all over the world. People from different backgrounds, religions, and cultures live and work together in the UAE, and the country is known for its acceptance of different cultures and beliefs. The UAE is a tolerant and open society, and people of all backgrounds are welcomed and respected," said one expat who made the move to UAE.

"Have a look around and compare others in the area. There are not many that can compare. This school was set up in 1974 and has good sized classes. Near enough to Dubai and easy to get to," remarked one expat living in Sharjah with children attending Sharjah English School.

"The UAE is home to some of the best international and bilingual schools in the world. One of the most renowned international schools is the Dubai American Academy, which offers an American-style curriculum and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The school provides a comprehensive education for students from kindergarten to grade 12, with a focus on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Another top international school is the GEMS World Academy, which offers an international curriculum and is accredited by the Council of International Schools. The school provides a holistic education for students from kindergarten to grade 12, with a focus on developing global citizenship and leadership skills. For bilingual education, the International School of Choueifat is one of the best in the UAE. The school offers a dual-language curriculum in English and Arabic, and is accredited by the Council of International Schools. The school provides a comprehensive education for students from kindergarten to grade 12, with a focus on developing language proficiency and cultural understanding," said one expat in with children at .

"State your needs, and you will find a school that will honestly evaluate your needs, and let you know if they can or can not meet them. If they feel this is not the best match for your child, they will help you find a school that is. As they have just been approved for the IB program, this will allow greater meeting of needs of high school students," remarked one parent with kids at Dubai American Academy in Dubai.

"Don't! The teachers (not all, but quite a few) are rude and they they are basically ruled over by the Head and the others in top positions. Gosh, that's a rude lot. I you want a good school, try DESS, JESS or Jebel Ali. The American Scools are better as well. It was a huge mistake we made putting our child in when we arrived from the UK. What a poor waste of the formative years," explained one expat living in Dubai, UAE.

"The cost of living in the UAE varies depending on the city and lifestyle. Generally, the cost of living is higher than in many other countries, with rent and utilities being the most expensive items. Groceries, transportation, and entertainment are also relatively expensive. However, the UAE is known for its tax-free salaries, which can help offset the cost of living," commented one expat who made the move to UAE.

"Fairly high, comparable to New York City and other too metro areas in the states. But like most areas, there are places for all budgets," commented one expat living in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

"The cost of living in the UAE is generally high, with some areas having a higher cost of living than others. For example, the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi tend to be more expensive than other parts of the country. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in the UAE is typically around $1,500 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost around $2,500 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in the UAE can cost around $20 USD per person," remarked one expat living in UAE.

"The cost of living is fairly high. Schools are expensive, as is housing. A housing allowance is often included in an employment package though, and depending on your level of employment and the company you work for school can be included too. As far as groceries go, it depends on where you shop. There a lot of shops that cater to expats and hold imported products from the UK and the USA. There are certainly a lot of options. Expats make up the majority of the work force and so they are catered to very well," said one expat living in Dubai.

"Golf at Emirates golf club, Els Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, A qudrah golf club and many more. Swimming at Al Qudra sports complex, Horse riding at Arabian Ranches Equestrian Club, Tennis at Sports city, Rugby at the Rugby 7s stadium... There are many varied activities with options for all ages and interests. The city is vibrant and cater for everyone," commented one expat who moved to Dubai.

"Residents of the UAE enjoy a wide variety of recreational facilities, from outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and beach activities to indoor activities such as bowling, ice skating, and shopping. There are also a number of theme parks, water parks, and amusement parks, as well as a variety of cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theatres. Additionally, the UAE is home to a number of world-class golf courses, tennis courts, and other sports facilities. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of spas, salons, and wellness centers. Finally, the UAE is home to a number of vibrant nightlife spots, including bars, clubs, and lounges," said one expat.

"Extremely hot and humid in the summer months for 5 months. Winter is very mild. Jan and Feb are potential rain months, but not much," commented one expat living in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

"It is HOT. Summer temps reach over 50 degrees centigrade and humidity gets quite high too. Winter is gorgeous. Temps drop to about 10 degrees centigrade and reach around 25 degrees during the day, It's very comfortable. Everything is air conditioned and the city has adapted its walkways and bus stops etc in a lot of places to be air conditioned," remarked one expat living in Dubai.

"The UAE has a hot and dry climate, with temperatures ranging from hot to very hot throughout the year. The summer months are particularly hot, with temperatures often reaching over 40°C. Rainfall is rare, with most of the country receiving less than 100mm of rain per year. The winter months are milder, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Humidity is generally high throughout the year, making the heat even more oppressive," said one expat living in UAE.

"Restaurants and night life vary great and are vibrant. There is a huge variety of restaurants and bars, pubs and clubs... everything is available. Most places deliver, there is really not much that you can't get. There are award winning restaurants that are unbelievably expensive as well as tiny little local shops that sell amazing local food which is very inexpensive," remarked one expat in Dubai.

"People living in the UAE typically buy groceries from supermarkets such as Carrefour, Spinneys, and Choithrams. Other shopping can be done at malls such as Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, and Abu Dhabi Mall. There are also many local markets and souks where people can buy traditional items and souvenirs," mentioned one expat inUAE.

"In order to obtain a visa to the UAE, applicants must submit a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and a passport-sized photograph. Depending on the type of visa, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the visa will be issued and sent to the applicant. In order to apply for residency in the UAE, applicants must first obtain a valid residence visa. This can be done by submitting a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and a passport-sized photograph. Depending on the type of visa, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the residence visa will be issued and sent to the applicant. After receiving the residence visa, applicants must then register with the local immigration office and obtain a residence permit. This process requires applicants to submit additional documents such as proof of employment, proof of address, and proof of financial stability. Once the application is approved, the residence permit will be issued and sent to the applicant," mentioned one expat inUAE.

"Healthcare and health insurance in the UAE can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services required. Generally, the cost of healthcare in the UAE is higher than in other countries due to the high quality of care available. Health insurance plans vary in cost depending on the type of coverage and services offered. Some plans may cover basic medical expenses, while others may include more comprehensive coverage. Additionally, the cost of health insurance in the UAE is affected by factors such as age, pre-existing conditions, and the type of plan chosen," wrote one expat living in UAE.

"Our health insurance was provided by the company I worked for. We had to pay about $10 (30AED) for a doctors visit. The process was very smooth and seamless," commented one expat who moved to Dubai.