So, you’ve decided to relocate to Dubai, the city of dreams, where anything is possible.
Congratulations! You’re about to embark on an exciting adventure that will enrich your life in many ways.
But before you pack your bags and hop on a plane, there are some things you need to know and do to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Moving to a new country or city can be challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with the culture, language, and lifestyle of your destination. Dubai is a cosmopolitan and diverse city that welcomes people from all over the world, but it also has its own unique customs and traditions that you need to respect and follow.
Not to mention, there are some practical aspects of relocating that you need to take care of, such as obtaining a visa, finding a home, and adjusting to the climate.
That’s why we’ve created this blog post to help you with everything you need to know and do before and after your move to Dubai. We’ll cover the following topics:
- How to get a visa for Dubai
- How to pack efficiently for Dubai
- How to find a suitable home in Dubai
- How to adapt to the culture and lifestyle of Dubai
Ready? Let’s get started!
How to get a visa for Dubai
The first thing you need to do before moving to Dubai is to get a visa that allows you to live and work in the city.
Depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a visa to enter Dubai. For example, citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries do not need a visa at all, while citizens of certain countries can get a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry for up to 90 days.
However, if you plan to stay longer than that, or if your country is not on the list, you will need to apply for a visa in advance.
There are different types of visas available for Dubai, depending on your purpose of visit and duration of stay. Some of the most common ones are:
- Tourist visa: This is for those who want to visit Dubai for leisure or sightseeing. It is valid for 30 to 90 days and can be single or multiple entry.
- Transit visa: This is for those who have a layover in Dubai for more than 8 hours and want to explore the city. It is valid for 48 to 96 hours and can be obtained through your airline.
- Work visa: This is for those who have a job offer from an employer in Dubai. It is valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed. You will need a sponsorship from your employer and a labor card from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
- Residence visa: This is for those who want to live in Dubai permanently or for a long period of time. It is valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed. You will need a sponsorship from your employer, a family member, or an investor.
To apply for any of these visas, you will need to submit some documents, such as your passport, photos, application form, fee, and proof of travel or employment. You can apply online through the official website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) 6 or through authorized travel agents or airlines. The processing time and cost may vary depending on the type of visa and your nationality.
How to pack efficiently for Dubai
Once you have your visa sorted out, it’s time to pack your bags for Dubai. But what should you bring with you, and what should you leave behind? Here are some tips on how to pack efficiently for Dubai:
- Check the weather: Dubai has a hot and humid climate, with temperatures ranging from 24°C (75°F) in winter to 45°C (113°F) in summer. The city also experiences occasional sandstorms and rainfall. Therefore, you should pack light and breathable clothing that can protect you from the sun and heat, such as cotton shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. You should also pack some warmer clothes for the cooler nights and air-conditioned indoors, such as jackets, sweaters, scarves, and socks.
- Respect the dress code: Dubai is a modern and cosmopolitan city that welcomes people from different cultures and backgrounds. However, it is also a Muslim city that values modesty and decency in public places. Therefore, you should avoid wearing anything that is too revealing or offensive, such as mini skirts, bikinis, or transparent clothes. You should also cover your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites or government buildings. You can wear whatever you want in private places such as hotels, beaches, or clubs.
Pack smart
To avoid paying extra baggage fees or carrying too much weight around, you should pack smartly by following these tips:
- Make a list: Before you start packing, make a list of the essential items that you need for your trip, such as clothes, shoes, toiletries, electronics, documents, and medications. This will help you avoid forgetting anything important or packing unnecessary things.
- Choose a suitable bag: Depending on the length and purpose of your trip, you should choose a suitable bag that can fit all your belongings and meet the airline’s size and weight limits. You can opt for a backpack, a suitcase, or a duffel bag, depending on your preference and convenience.
- Roll your clothes: Instead of folding your clothes, roll them tightly and neatly to save space and prevent wrinkles. You can also use compression bags or packing cubes to organize your clothes by category and make them easier to find.
- Pack in layers: To adapt to the changing weather and dress code in Dubai, you should pack in layers that you can easily add or remove as needed. For example, you can wear a t-shirt under a shirt under a jacket, or a skirt over leggings over pants.
- Use the space wisely: To maximize the space in your bag, you should use every inch of it wisely. For example, you can stuff your shoes with socks or underwear, put your jewelry or accessories in small pouches or ziplock bags, and fill the gaps between your clothes with smaller items. You can also wear your heaviest or bulkiest items on the plane to save space and weight in your bag.
How to find a suitable home in Dubai
Now that you have your visa and your bag ready, it’s time to find a suitable home in Dubai. But where should you start? How do you find the best deals and locations? Here are some tips on how to find a suitable home in Dubai:
- Do your research: Before you start looking for a home in Dubai, you should do some research on the different areas and neighborhoods in the city, such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Business Bay, and Al Barsha. You should consider factors such as the distance from your workplace or school, the availability of public transportation and amenities, the cost of living and rent, the security and cleanliness, and the lifestyle and culture. Use platforms like Viewit to look at video listings, compare prices, and features of different properties in different areas.
- Set your budget: Once you have an idea of where you want to live in Dubai, you should set your budget and stick to it. You should consider how much you can afford to pay for rent, utilities, maintenance, and other expenses. We’ve written a detailed blog post that talks about all the costs you need to be aware of! You should also be aware that most landlords in Dubai require you to pay the rent in advance for 6 months or 1 year by post-dated cheques.
- View the property: Before you sign any contract or pay any deposit, you should always view the property in person and inspect it thoroughly. You should check for any damages, defects, or issues that may affect your comfort or safety. It would be best if you also asked questions about the property’s facilities, services, rules, and regulations. You should also take pictures or videos of the property as evidence in case of any disputes or claims later.
- Sign the contract: Once you are satisfied with the property and agree on the terms and conditions with the landlord or agent, you should sign the tenancy contract. The contract should include all the agreement details such as the rent amount, payment method and schedule, deposit amount and refund policy, maintenance responsibilities, notice period, and termination clauses. You should read the contract carefully before signing it and keep a copy for yourself.
How to adapt to the culture and lifestyle of Dubai
Finally, after finding a suitable home in Dubai, it’s time to adapt to the culture and lifestyle of Dubai. But how do you do that? How do you fit in with the locals and enjoy all that Dubai has to offer? Here are some tips on how to adapt to the culture and lifestyle of Dubai:
- Learn some Arabic: Although English is widely spoken in Dubai, learning some Arabic can help you communicate better with the locals and show respect for their culture. Arabic is also the official language of Dubai. You can learn some basic Arabic phrases and words, such as greetings, numbers, directions, and common expressions. You can also use online resources or apps, such as Duolingo , Memrise , or Drops , to learn Arabic at your own pace and convenience.
- Respect the religion: Dubai is a Muslim city that follows the Islamic faith and values. Therefore, you should respect the religion and its practices, such as the five daily prayers, the fasting during Ramadan, and the celebration of Eid. You should also avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during Ramadan, avoid playing loud music or dancing in public places, and avoid displaying affection or intimacy in public. You should also be aware of the Islamic laws and regulations that govern various aspects of life in Dubai, such as alcohol consumption, dress code, marriage, divorce, inheritance, and criminal offenses.
- Embrace diversity: Dubai is a melting pot of cultures and nationalities, with more than 200 different ethnic groups living and working in the city. Therefore, you should embrace diversity and learn from the different people you meet. You can also enjoy the variety of cuisines, festivals, events, and activities that Dubai has to offer. You can also join some clubs or groups that share your interests or hobbies, such as sports, arts, music, or volunteering. You can also use online platforms or apps, such as Meetup , Internations , or Couchsurfing , to connect with other expats or locals in Dubai.
- Have fun: Dubai is a city that never sleeps, with endless opportunities for fun and entertainment. You can explore the stunning attractions and landmarks of Dubai, such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Ski Dubai, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Global Village, Desert Safari, Miracle Garden, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai Frame, and La Mer. You can also indulge in some shopping, dining, nightlife, or adventure activities that suit your taste and budget. You can also use online resources or apps, such as Time Out Dubai , or Zomato to discover the best deals and offers for your fun in Dubai.
Conclusion
Moving to Dubai can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience that can open up new horizons for you. However, it can also be a challenging and stressful process that requires careful planning and preparation. That’s why we hope this blog post has helped you with everything you need to know and do before and after your move to Dubai.
Remember to use Viewit for your hassle-free property search! We hope you have a smooth relocation and enjoy your new life in Dubai.