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 living in Al Ain, UAE.

"Remember your purpose of coming to the city, many cases you earn lots but also spends lots," wrote one member in Dubai.

"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.

"Expats in the UAE often join clubs and activities such as sports teams, book clubs, and language classes. These activities provide a great way to meet people and make friends. Expats can also meet people by attending events such as art exhibitions, concerts, and festivals. Additionally, many expats join social media groups and online forums to connect with other expats living in the UAE. Finally, expats can also meet people by attending networking events, joining professional organizations, and attending meetups," remarked one expat living in 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 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," explained one expat living in Dubai, UAE.

"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," said one expat 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," remarked 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," said one parent with children at Sharjah English School in Sharjah.

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

"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," explained one expat in Dubai, UAE with kids at Dubai American Academy.

"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," wrote an expat living in with children attending .

"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.

"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," wrote 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," commented one expat who moved to Dubai.

"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.

"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," commented one expat living in UAE.

"Abu Dhabi has several golf clubs that we frequent. As well as several hotels that have fun brunches that are fun to attend. There are many hiking and outside activities in the northern Emirates. Not so much in Abu Dhabi. There is one club, the Tourist Club that is very popular with the expat community," remarked one expat living in Abu Dhabi.

"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," 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," remarked one expat in UAE.

"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," wrote one expat living in Abu Dhabi.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Dubai.

"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.

"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," wrote one expat living in UAE.

"Shopping malls are a big deal here. And in most cases there is a large grocery chain attached to each mall. Waiters, Geant and Carrefour are the biggest names. There are other little shops all over the city to grab quick things," commented one expat living in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

"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..," remarked one expat living in Dubai.

"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.