Dubai’s network of doctors and hospitals is comparable to the international healthcare standards maintained by other large metropolitan cities. Without falling into the trap of labelling all American food as ‘burgers and fries’, Dubai has plenty of American restaurants that are loved not just by Americans but locals and expats too. The employment contract must clearly state the salary, benefits, end of service gratuity, employment period, health insurance and any other major components of the employment package. Rude behavior, abusive language, showing the finger, drug use and alcohol use when driving are all punishable crimes and can carry some heavy punishments. Whoever is sponsoring your visa is required by law to provide you with medical insurance. Before we dive into our tips for settling in to a completely new way of life, here are a few essential facts that every American should know before moving to Dubai. American citizens who want to familiarize themselves with the emirate before making the final move do not need to pre-apply for a visa if their stay in Dubai is 30 days or less. Dubai is a fast-paced city racing to meet the demands of the 21st century; expats who choose to live here are bound to get caught up in the excitement and anticipation of growth at break-neck speed! There are countless clubs, bars and lounges across Dubai that offer up every type of vibe imaginable…! All you need is an eye test certificate (head to any optician and tell them it’s for a driving license) and a NOC from your sponsor (this is a simple letter typed on company letterhead and stamped), copies of your passport and visa and passport photos. If buying a home in Dubai feels a bit too permanent, remember that you can always rent it out once you leave, making it a great source of additional income. This overview on living in Dubai provides introductory information on housing, tax, health, education, transport, and bureaucracy. Very Warm Climate. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The way property rentals in Dubai normally work is that you will have to pay for the property up front, either in one or four (the most common) to six post-dated cheques. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Several restaurants and bars will show the big games! Be careful when bringing medication to the UAE! When it comes to occasions such as Thanksgiving, Halloween and even the Fourth of July, there will be a special event on. That’s just one of the reasons it’s such a popular destination for expats. If you have been imagining a place where your rights as a womanare few and far between, you can breathe a sigh of relief. English is widely spoken and you can live and do business here even if you do not speak Arabic, although locals do appreciate expats who make an effort to learn the language and this can be a distinct advantage for any expat who wished to call Dubai home. Random acts of terrorism?Let me reassure you right from the get-go that the chance of your falling victim to all or any of the above is negligible – and that’s based on sixteen years of residence in the United Arab Emirates, during which time I’ve s… Remember that you will still need to file your annual taxes back in the US. They can get a visa-on-arrival at the airport. It is an Islamic city. The pros of living in Dubai Dubai is an exciting and happening destination that cannot be ignored! Most Americans will find business here much more slow paced and it can take a substantial amount of time to get a local client to give a firm decision. Living with Burj Khalifa views might sound appealing (and is sure to impress guests), but you may need compromise on that if you want to live in a peaceful suburb. If you require medication for a chronic illness, don’t worry. Forget about what you’ve read, seen, and heard; those shiny buildings and man-made islands are all just smoke and mirrors. While the alcohol and clothing rules are less rigid for expats, extra … In Dubai, foreign nationals can own apartments and villas in specially designated freehold areas in Dubai, Fancy a Dubai Marina penthouse? For that reason, western women living in Dubai are finding the environment more comfortable than ever before. Available to all non-Muslims, simply head to an MMI or African + Eastern to pick up the required forms – you will require proof of address as well as a NOC from your sponsor before applying for one though! Living in Dubai is not wonderful and glamorous, as many would have you believe. Although Dubai does have a good public transport system, the system is still being developed and the Dubai Metro, although a very clean and convenient way to travel, does not connect all the different parts of Dubai. Once you have this, you need to get an authentication from that state’s Secretary of State (get in touch with your school to figure out the best way to go about this). Hopefully your company will provide you with access to private … A week in Dubai can mean eating Lebanese, Mexican, Armenian, Indian, Greek, Peruvian and Italian food – as well as many others. There are feeder busses that can take you from metro stations to places you want to go but these are not as frequent as regular travelers would like. The high-rise living is characterized by waterfront apartment tower. Within our international network in Dubai, there’s a vibrant circle of American expats from all regions of USA, including New York City, Los Angeles, and beyond. The UAE country code is 971 and the area code for Dubai is (04) followed by the phone number. Dubai is a city for the smart, forward-thinking, well-cultured, determined individuals. For live music fans, the city is a beloved concert venue for some of the best current and classical musicians and bands from around the world. If you’re an American citizen looking to scout out Dubai before moving to UAE, you’re in luck! I’ve already covered whether Dubai is safe for females, now it’s time to look at the real perks.. I’ve now left the sandpit but in the name of research, I asked the members of my ladies-only Dubai expats Facebook group what they actually like about living in Dubai. These cookies do not store any personal information. I am an American expat freelance travel writer living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates who writes about travel, culture, fashion, food and wine on my blog. When people chat about the cost of living in Dubai, one fact comes up again and again. After living in Dubai you’ll learn to have an open … My boss at that time was an American already living in Dubai and helped make sure I found an apartment in the right area. The. Backed by more than 25 years of experience in corporate, academic and non-profit public relations in the United States, I now enjoy focusing my writing skills full time on my passions. }); American passport-holders are entitled to a visa-on-arrival at the airport, should their stay be shorter than 30 days. Directions are usually given via landmarks and freeways can be unforgiving; one wrong turn or a missed exit can add over half an hour to your commute. This seemingly peaceful co-existence is what draws many foreigners to Dubai for a bit of adventure and new experiences. The Dubai lifestyle is one that is sure to be attractive to American expats – just ask anyone who lives here! There are so many expats from all over the world who call Dubai home that there is plenty of opportunity to meet and make new friends and sample new cuisines offered by a plethora of international restaurants. Owning a car is still the cheapest, fastest and most convenient way of getting around the city. Americans living in Dubai are better off using Foreign Income Exclusion to exclude the foreign earned income. If you are coming to Dubai with your spouse, remember to bring your marriage certificate – but be sure to attest it in the USA first, initially by the issuing officer followed by the state’s Secretary of State, then the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications, followed by authentication from the UAE Embassy in Washington. If you are looking a little further afield, New York University has a campus in Abu Dhabi. Bounced checks are punishable by law so make sure you have sufficient funds in your account when the checks are due. Imagine you have errands to run. Other helpful tips for living in Dubai as an American The UAE is a Muslim country and the call to prayer can be heard in most parts of the city. The downside of renting in Dubai is dealing with landlords, many of whom can be difficult. Although living in Dubai may not be exactly like North America or Europe, it is an area rapidly growing to accommodate foreign cultures. Visa Process: The visa process for Dubai is quite simple and hassle-free. We’re glad we could be of help to you. Change the currency: Food; Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district: Dirham 58 Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) Dirham 27 500 gr (1 lb.) Hey there mi Familia x Thanks for tuning into this well overdue Q & A on my experience relocating to Dubai from London. Navigating traffic in Dubai is not for the faint hearted; many drivers are of the opinion that bigger cars have more rights on the roads and traffic is usually fast and erratic especially on major freeways such as Emirates Road and Sheikh Zayed Road. If you have the income, moving to Dubai and living the dream can mean moving into a 5000 sq. The time difference between Dubai and the US is nine hours; Dubai is nine hours ahead of Eastern Standard time and this falls to eight hours during the summer months when daylight savings kicks in. When you do drive in Dubai remember that the majority of light vehicles are automatic rather than manual. In Dubai the work week begins on Sunday and ends on Thursday with Friday and Saturday making up the weekends for most businesses. Skip to main content ; Home Get a Quote News Contact Us Search Submit Search. And that's fine. 2. Average Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Dubai . No matter how open minded, carefree and ready for adventure you are, it always helps to get advice from other expats and Americans who have made the move before you. Cost of living in Dubai is more expensive than in 74% of cities in the World (55 out of 204) List of prices in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. There are many places in Dubai that provide lovely accommodation with great amenities. Living in Dubai is like living in hell in terms of the weather. Dubai boasts museums, art galleries, shopping and music festivals featuring artists from all over the globe. This is because there are restaurants for pretty much every cuisine here, encouraging people to try as many different and exotic dishes as possible. The emirate’s schools offer curricula from all over the world, including IB and AP programmes. As of the end of 2020, one Arab Emirate Dirham is worth $3.67 American, 4.87 British Pounds, and 2.81 Canadian Dollars. All about Emirates Driving Company Abu Dhabi, Here’s how to divide your studio apartment on a budget, The complete guide to Seawings seaplane tours in Dubai. Hi Nathan, At the heart of Downtown Dubai are the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall (world’s largest mall). Although an open mind, a thirst for adventure and tolerance towards other cultures are all good traits to possess, we have compiled a list of seven essential steps to help Americans, in particular, in adjusting to life in Dubai. You will find Shake Shack, The Cheesecake Factory and even a TGI Fridays…to name just a few, as well as the full gamut of American fast food chains. Dubai has a fantastic public transport network that includes buses, a Dubai Metro, Dubai tram and of course, taxis, all regulated by the RTA. If you have a school-age child and are looking to move to Dubai, it will be a wise decision on your part to do your research and get in touch with your shortlisted schools well before the actual move.