Living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Moving to the United Arab Emirates is an attractive option for many foreigners with over 80% of the UAE’s population being born abroad.
The authorities in Dubai have set up many ‘free zones’ so expats can set up a business without needing a native sponsor, and the lack of income tax makes investing and doing business in the UAE enticing.
At the same time, it is important to be aware of the culture and traditions of the Arab nations so as to integrate successfully into this society.
What to expect when you arrive in the UAE
A knowledge of Arabic is essential when moving to the UAE. Very different from western European languages, it is read from right to left so investing in a language course and a phrasebook is recommended.
It is important to remember that the UAE is a Muslim nation. While more relaxed than the other Arab countries, it is wise to be aware of its rules and cultural traditions.
Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s federal capital, plays host to many international sporting events such as the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and its own Formula One Grand Prix.
Dubai also boasts the world famous Burj Al Arab Hotel, the only hotel in the world with a seven star rating.
There are 23 local and 28 foreign banks in the UAE. Opening a bank account varies in simplicity between each institution. You may require a letter of no objection or a letter confirming salary before opening an account. The UAE government website has a section dedicated to opening a bank account, helping you to do your research before choosing who to bank with.
Get support for your settlement in the UAE
Burgeoning expat communities exist, providing access to children’s playgroups and social groups for adults where you can adjust to life in the UAE.
Working in the United Arab Emirates
Working in Dubai will mean you require a health card, labour card and a residence visa, which will allow you to stay for up to three years. To obtain these documents you must have a contract of employment or sponsor. Short term stays are far easier to plan for. Nationals from 33 countries comprising Western Europe, The United States and Japan are all granted a thirty day visa on arrival in the UAE.
When looking for employment in the UAE international agencies such as Gulftalent.com and bayt.com are a good place to start. Unemployment is extremely low in the UAE at 4.2 per cent, which means there are a wealth of opportunities to find a promising career there. Many employers will also interview applicants via Skype before meeting them in person, which will give you time to prepare and hopefully secure a job before making your move.
The average working week runs from Sunday to Thursday with the typical working week being forty eight hours, although this may be higher if you work in the hospitality sector. During the month of Ramadan, working hours are shortened to allow for fasting and prayers.
Largely founded on the rich oil industry, the UAE’s powerful economy supports exceptional healthcare services in both the public and private sectors.
Removal quote appointment booking service
Britannia Goodwins Removals & Storage can help your overseas move go smoothly. Contact us for a free, no obligation quote, or by calling 01785 251161 and speaking with one of our Stafford and Cheshire removals specialists.
How are our appointments carried out
In the current times you might prefer that we don't visit your house in person to carry out a survey. This is fully understandable and we can just as easily undertake the survey by video call, using whatever method you're comfortable with, usually FaceTime or WhatsApp.
See what our customers think of us...
Made light work of everything
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Found on the Internet
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Seemed like a reputable company
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Paul, Alan and Gaz were fantastic, very quick and very efficient. Did everything we asked.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Keep up the good work don't let standards drop.
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Email to Matt
The service you guys gave was absolutely top class. Thanks so much. Paul, Alan and Gaz were absolutely brilliant we were so impressed with them, made light work of everything, really polite and did everything we asked of them. Keep up the good work.
Kind regards
Neil HiggsFriendly and efficient
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Recommended by a friend
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Price
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Friendly and efficient
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Would highly recommend you to anyone that asks!
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
I had used you in the past for the company I worked for and was impressed
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
I was impressed the last time I used you
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Adam, Ant and Gaz were brilliant on the day. Couldn't fault them and certainly did Goodwins proud! Would use you again in the future and I would highly recommend you to anyone that asks!
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Nothing you could improve on as it went seamless
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Never seen something so well protected before
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
You came recommended at the local level by my parents and have a strong international presence
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
9/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
9/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Your team immediately put me at ease and I felt my goods would be really looked after. The quote was actually a little expensive that your competitor, but peace of mind was most important for me.
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Honestly excellent and cannot praise them enough. Moving is always stressful and moving to California even more so. The items they sent are irreplaceable to me and they were extremely well contained. I have never seen something so well protected before -- Thanks Chris and Alan. Everything arrived exactly as it left. This was all managed by Matthew Myers who was excellent from start to finish
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Honestly hard to find any faults.
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
Thank you for making it so smooth and flawless
Email to Matt
I’m just dropping you a line (and some photos) to say I have received my goods from Stafford.
I’ll be honest, I have never seen something so well wrapped and protected before! Please can you pass on my thanks to the guys that collected my things, wrapped and shipped? I am very grateful for their care and diligence.
I would also like to thank you for all your efforts these past 2 or so months. It’s been a pleasure to work with you and I will definitely recommend yourself and Goodwins to others in my position. If you have a form or review you’d like me to fill out, please let me know.
All the best!
Sachin ReddyUK Quote
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