Living in the UAE

"Remember your purpose of coming to the city, many cases you earn lots but also spends lots," commented one expat who made the move to Dubai.

"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 living in Al Ain, UAE.

"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," wrote a member in Al Ain.

"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 a member in Al Ain.

"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.

"Al Ain is much more traditional than Dubai or Abu Dhabi - so you will see more of true Emirati culture. The Emirati are a very closed culture and men and women do not generally socialise together. if you can make a few Emirati friends and be invited into the inner sanctum you will be very welcomed and valued, however it is not easy to do that. Most of the population in the Emirates is Indian - over 50% and the Emirati are a very small percentage (maybe 12-15%) so it is very multicultural here. Islam is the main religion and permeates all aspects of life here - and it is very peaceful and non-threatening," wrote one member in Al Ain.

"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," remarked one expat who made the move to UAE.

"GAA opened in 2011, however there are still many problems till today. Staff and administration are struggling due to lack of wise management," said one expat in Abu Dhabi with children at Gems american academy.

"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.

"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," explained one expat living in UAE.

"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," said one parent with children at Horizon School in Dubai.

"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," commented one expat when asked about Sharjah English School in Sharjah.

"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," wrote one member in 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.

"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," said one expat living in Abu Dhabi.

"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," mentioned one expat inDubai.

"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," remarked one expat living in Dubai.

"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," said 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," mentioned one expat inUAE.

"One of the most popular restaurants in the UAE is Zuma, located in Dubai. Zuma offers a modern Japanese dining experience, with a menu featuring a variety of sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes. The restaurant also has an extensive drinks menu, with a selection of sake, shochu, and other beverages. Another popular restaurant in the UAE is La Petite Maison, located in Dubai. This French-inspired restaurant offers a variety of classic French dishes, such as steak tartare, bouillabaisse, and foie gras. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, with a selection of French and international wines. The Ritz-Carlton in Abu Dhabi is home to the popular restaurant, The Forge. This restaurant offers a modern take on classic steakhouse fare, with a menu featuring a variety of steaks, seafood, and other dishes. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, with a selection of international and local wines. Finally, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai is home to the popular restaurant, Al Mahara. This seafood restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes, such as lobster, crab, and other seafood dishes. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, with a selection of international and local wines," mentioned an expat living in UAE.

"There are big grocery stores, like Carrefour, Geant, Spinnies, Waitrose and Marks n Spencers. As the majority of the population is made up of expats, they are catered to very well and a lot of products are imported. There is very little that you can't get. Park n Shop is a store that imports exclusively from the USA and from the UK. Malls are amazing and have a lot of international stores," remarked one expat living 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," said one expat living in UAE.

"Not if not all are on work visas but you can get a residency with property purchase. Also, you may register in the free zones as well. Looking at 5-20k for the right to live there," said one expat.

"In order to get a residency visa, you need to be sponsored, either by an individual, or most commonly, by your employer. The employer will apply for the residency visa on your behalf. You will have to have a medical examination and police clearance etc..," commented one expat living in Dubai, 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," wrote one expat living in Dubai.