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Guide to life in the United Arab Emirates
Moving to the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the number one expat destination. Its cosmopolitan culture, beautiful beaches, tax-free salaries, and excellent health care attract people from all over the world.
Staying healthy in the UAE
Like most other sectors in the UAE, health care has been invested in heavily, and the UAE Government places great importance on the health and wellbeing of its citizens and residents.
What you need to know about health care and staying healthy in the United Arab Emirates
Finding work in the UAE
Despite declining oil prices and revenue, recruitment specialists in UAE insist that the job market is still strong and the steady flow of expats to the Emirates suggests the same.
Quick tips for living in the UAE
With its highly westernised appearance and warm, welcoming culture, the UAE can be deceptive for expats: it is still a very conservative Islamic country, with many laws and customs unfamiliar to people who have never lived in the Middle East.
Read our tips for a successful expat assignment in the United Arab Emirates
Life in the Emirates
So, you’ve got the job, the work permit, a residency visa. What next? In this guide, we look at ID cards, how to set up a bank account, transport and what to expect at work. For arranging accommodation see our section ‘A place to call home’.
A place to call home
The UAE is awash with estate agents and developers ready to help you find your new home, and there are properties to suit all tastes and budgets. If relocating, you will more than likely stay in a hotel (which should be included in your relocation package) until you find somewhere suitable.
Learn more about where to rent or buy a home in the United Arab Emirates
Skyscrapers and Souks*
You've given up your two-hour daily commute along the highway to move to the UAE. The Emirati culture involves long hours and hard work, but at weekends the sun shines, and you get a chance to relax.
Living costs and saving money in the UAE
One effect of the multiple layers of bureaucracy in the Emirates is it can be hard to work out the actual cost of anything.
Find out about the cost of living and how to save money in the United Arab Emirates
