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The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Imagine you can leave your country, move to Dubai where you want to earn money for a better life, and live the luxury lifestyle you always dreamed of. This sounds like a dream come true, right? But as it’s always with dreams, they only turn into reality if we make them happen.

If you’ve always wanted to try new experiences, look for jobs in Dubai and start a whole new life there. It’s the perfect place for expats: modern, business-oriented, and incredibly diverse: it offers everything: from beaches and malls to desert and skyscrapers.

Dubai is a city where you can feel at home, no matter where in the world you’re from. It’s one of the safest places on earth, and its locals are friendly and welcoming. Dubai welcomes all kinds of cultures and religions and is known for its tolerance. In fact, moving to Dubai means living in the desert!

But given many people’s impression of deserts as barren wastelands, what does it really mean? To begin with, where exactly is Dubai? Of course, Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf. It has one land border with Saudi Arabia and three with other members of the UAE.

The city is just 50 km south of the Persian Gulf, which means plenty of beach life and desert life to experience. So what are you waiting for? Start your journey today! But before you go, always know that we’ve got you covered with everything needed to know about the best areas and suburbs in Dubai.

Important Tips to Know Before Moving To Dubai

Being in the desert does not mean you cannot have water sports. If you ever find yourself traveling on Sheikh Zayed road, maybe stuck in a traffic jam, look around, and you will see plenty of life as well as skyscrapers. What else makes Dubai such a diverse place to live? The royal family of Dubai, the Al Maktoum’s, makes sure that the city is full of life and diversity.

What many people don’t realize is that apart from the luxury side of Dubai, living in Dubai can be tough. I have compiled a list of 7 important tips to know before moving to Dubai as an expat.

Be Ready For Culture Shock

Even though everyone dreams of living in another country, many people forget how difficult it can actually be when you get there. So don’t be surprised if it feels like you are living in a different world for the first couple of months. Dubai has its own rules, traditions, and cultures that westerners aren’t used to. Keep an open mind and try to understand their way of life before passing any judgments.

Be Prepared For Humidity

If you’re moving during winter (as most people do), you might think that the climate in Dubai will be similar to yours, but it won’t. The humidity can surprise you, and even though it is much better during the winter months when the temperatures are lower, it’s still there.

So bring a lot of light clothes with you or buy them once you are settled in your new home. In fact, you might want to think about buying some of the traditional clothing of Dubai (called dishdashas) because it is light, doesn’t take up space, and protects you against the heat of the sun.

Be Prepared For Cultural Limitations

Just like the humidity causes cultural shocks, cultural shocks can also exist between westerners and people from other religions. Muslims make up the majority of the population in Dubai, so it is important to be respectful of their beliefs and their culture.

There are a lot of rules and regulations that come with living in Dubai as an expat, and not following them can get you into trouble, so make sure you do your research before arriving.

Be Prepared To Pay a Lot of Money

This is probably the most difficult thing for many people, especially when your currency doesn’t have the same value back at home. Rent in Dubai is not cheap, and neither are necessities. So think twice before moving here if you’re not sure you can afford it. Also, keep in mind that you will have to pay for everything in cash because credit cards are not accepted everywhere.

Get a Good Job

Most people who move to Dubai have a job lined up. It is almost impossible to get a visa without one, so make sure you apply for jobs in advance and in the right way. If your company is sponsoring you, make sure you know all the requirements; otherwise, it can be hard to get a visa. Moreover, if you have children, it’s a good idea to have your husband or wife with you so he/she can help with the paperwork and the kids.

Get Used To Food Limitations

If you are a vegan or vegetarian, Dubai is not the place for you because your options will be limited. While there are plenty of vegan options in cafes and restaurants, most of the main dishes are meat-based.

 And if you can’t eat pork either, then you might want to stay away from Dubai because it is everywhere, and the majority of restaurants serve it. That being said, the vegan options you can find are usually really tasty and quite filling, so don’t despair.

Get Used To Restrictions on Alcohol

As a westerner coming from a country where there aren’t many limitations on alcohol, your biggest shock will probably be how expensive it is in Dubai and how restricted the laws are when it comes to drinking. The government has created many laws that limit the sale of alcohol in Dubai. Most bars, clubs, and restaurants are forbidden to serve it. And if you want to drink outside, make sure you know what areas allow it because you can’t just drink wherever you like.

Interesting Facts about Living in Dubai

1.    Dubai Is the Most Expensive City in the World

The cost of living in Dubai is estimated to be 150% higher than New York City, making it the most expensive city to live in globally. Taxes are also very high, with personal income tax at 3% and corporate tax at 55%. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment can range from $1,850 to $5,000. 1 Litre of milk is about USD 1.50, and a half-liter bottle of water costs roughly $8 USD.

2.    Dubai Has the Tallest Building in the World

The Burj Khalifa stands at 2,717 feet tall (taller than three empire state buildings stacked on top of each other) and took five years to build, costing $1.5 billion USD to make. Aside from that, Dubai has the largest shopping mall in the world, the largest airport in the world (in terms of international passenger traffic), and will soon have the longest road in the world when construction is finished.

3.    You Cannot Drink or Smoke In Public

Dubai follows Islamic law and therefore has a zero-tolerance policy regarding drinking or smoking in public. If you are caught, penalties include imprisonment and deportation. You can bring alcohol into the country if you plan on drinking in the privacy of your hotel room, though keep in mind that you will have to order it through room service, which charges an exorbitant fee.

4.    You Can Be Arrested For Kissing In Public

Dubai is a conservative Islamic city, and public displays of affection are not tolerated. Kissing, even on the cheek, can lead to arrest and deportation. Moreover, dressing inappropriately is not allowed, so it is recommended that you keep your shoulders and legs covered. Kissing or not, it is best to dress modestly when visiting Dubai.

5.    The Weather can be Extremely Hot and Humid

With summer temperatures averaging around 41 degrees Celsius (105 degrees Fahrenheit), it is no surprise that Dubai experiences high levels of humidity year-round. While the winters are milder, with temperatures rarely dipping below 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit), the weather can still be quite uncomfortable. You will want to consider the time of year you choose to visit Dubai and pack accordingly.

6.    Dubai is Part of the UAE, not Saudi Arabia

Dubai may be known for its extravagant malls and skyscrapers but make no mistake about it; this city is part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which includes Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain. The UAE is a dry country, and alcohol is only available in licensed venues, so if you are looking to drink, Dubai may not be the best place for you.

7.    There is No Nightlife to Speak of

As mentioned before, Dubai follows Islamic law, which prohibits drinking and dancing in public. As a result, Dubai has very little nightlife. If you are looking for a good time, you may want to think again before coming here. However, it is still a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of other fun activities that will keep you entertained for your entire trip.

Preschool and nurseries in Dubai

Below are the ones that expat parents in Dubai mention the most and remember that they almost always work Sunday through Thursday.

Some kindergartens accept babies from 3 months old, although most prefer to accept babies from 12 months. Tuition fees and times vary greatly from school to school. Usually, kindergartens are open four or five hours, although some offer early morning and later evenings. Some have lunch and summer classes.

However, the only way to properly know about the school is to visit it. The most popular newsrooms – in true Dubai style – have long lines. The ones in Jumeirah and Umm Sukiem are especially popular because they are the oldest; it doesn’t always mean better, but it does mean that people know more about them and have more basis for their opinion.

The Children’s Garden Green Community

The nursery was started in 2005 by Birgit Ertl in cooperation with the Talim education group from the UAE. It is the first truly bilingual school in Dubai, currently enrolling over 600 children from over 50 nationalities in two schools, one of which is in Al Barsha.

This multilingual preschool provides a caring, friendly and fun environment for children 2-6 years old in Dubai at Dubai Investments Park and Al Barsha 2. Based here in Dubai in 2005 they are registered with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

They believe that the happiness of the children is vital. They need time to grow up in a holistic environment that encourages and supports them to make informed choices from hundreds of activities in a carefully prepared environment. TCG children become experts in managing their learning and become part of the global community.

The caring, homely and creative environment not only offers a gentle introduction to social life outside the family but also helps every child develop independence and fulfill their potential.

Dovecote Nursery School

Dovecote Nursery is a high-quality kindergarten offering first class education for children under 3 years old. Dovecote is a UK-managed nursery that follows the EYFS curriculum.

Dovecote prepares your child for early school age, making them confident and independent learners. They provide a comprehensive environment with highly trained staff trained to deliver the high standard of care you expect to find in UK accredited nurseries.

They recognize that parents are the first and most persistent educators and educators of their children.

The school’s goal is to work closely with parents to complement their childcare approach, in particular, to help children learn new skills such as toilet training, reading, and writing. The closer the parent and nursery teamwork in partnership, the more benefit the child will receive in the nursery.

Dovecote Nursery strives to be a leader in high-quality and progressive childcare. They will create a warm, friendly, and happy environment in which each child is encouraged to reach their full potential through praise, sensitivity, and mutual respect.

The nursery door is always open to all parents and guardians. Parents will also be invited to regular parent-teacher meetings to discuss their child’s progress. At the end of each day, parents will receive a Daily Diary containing a summary of what their child ate, how long they slept, and other important information. They also capture key moments of the child’s day to share with the family.

Emirates British Nursery

Emirates British Nursery was founded in Dubai in 2000. Since then, the nursery has grown and developed, but the basic principle of providing the highest quality childcare and early childhood education remains true.

They have grown to four first-class nurseries throughout Dubai, located in Mirdif, Dubai Motor City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and our newest Villa branch.

At Emirates British Nursery, they follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) system in line with the UK National Curriculum. With a strong focus on creating a positive and safe environment in which both children and staff can thrive, Emirates British Nursery maintains a strong sense of community. They are happy to join you and your child on their educational journey.

As an outstanding group of kindergartens, the school strives to provide all children with an Education Fund, a Life Fund.

The school tries to be the best preschool education and childcare provider in Dubai and UAE, to set quality standards in teaching and educating young children in Dubai and the UAE, and to prepare the foundation for young children to become responsible global citizens.

Jumeirah International Nursery Al Safa

The Jumeirah International Nurseries (JINS) network of kindergartens, owned by the Fortes Education Group (which primarily operates Regent and Sunmarke schools), consists of three subsidiaries – Downtown, Sunmarke, and Al Safa. We visit the Al Safa branch to find out what’s new in this long-established and well-known nursery.

JINS Al Safa is located just behind Jumeirah Primary School, making it a convenient option for parents with older children in school. It is also conveniently located at Jumeirah English School, Emirates English School, and Safa British School.

The street is mostly residential, with street parking and an adjoining open sandy parking lot. The nursery is located in a large former residential villa with a very spacious area and several outbuildings that serve different purposes.

Upon arrival at the nursery, the atmosphere is calm and well organized and we are greeted by two friendly office staff. Then we are introduced to Samina Hayari, General Manager of the Fortes Nursery Group and Acting Head of JINS Al Safa.

Samina started her kindergarten career at JINS as a teacher, then moved on to FS1’s classroom teacher, kindergarten manager, and now to the group general manager. Samina is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Education and Leadership. Samina tells our reviewer that she really enjoys the emphasis on innovation and best practice that this qualification supports.

Little Land Nursery

A small land nursery was established in 2006; since then it has earned a name and fame in a short period of its existence. It has 3 branches in Faih. The center is well equipped with modern equipment and an ideal infrastructure, which is distinguished by a high degree of security.

Little Land Kindergarten and Montessori Center have International Baccalaureate (IB) World School status.

IB World Schools share a common philosophy of striving to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive student community by offering challenging, high-quality international education programs that share a powerful vision.

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) is about more than just degree programs and certifications. Deep down, they are driven by a mission to create a better world through education.

They value their hard-earned reputation for quality, high standards, and pedagogical leadership. They achieve their goals by working with partners and actively involving stakeholders, especially teachers.

They promote intercultural understanding and respect, not as an alternative to a sense of cultural and national identity, but as an integral part of life in the 21st century.