An Expat's Guide to Dubai

Dubai is constantly growing more and more young, multi-cultured, exciting, professional, diverse, and dynamic and people enjoy the unparalleled lifestyle that the Emirate offers. It is little surprise that Dubai has the world's fastest growing in population. People continue to immigrate to Dubai for the outstanding employment possibilities and the experience of the world's lifestyle.

Several residences for non-nationals are not yet or are otherwise not ready for occupancy. Right now, renting is still the best option. Dubai is the most obliging place to live in the gulf. Many residences are packed with excellent recreational facilities, such as covered parking, a gym, satellite television, a sauna, as well as in-house video. Most executives choose to settle in the suburb of Jumeirah suburb. For elite villas, you can choose between the bigger independent properties or the smaller compound villas, which usually feature tennis courts, swimming pools and squash. The majority of rental properties in Dubai are unfurnished. Most of the villas and newer apartments have central air-conditioning and a variety of furniture and household items.

With Dubai growing at such a fast pace, there are plenty of employment opportunities available. Three times a week one of the largest newspapers, Gulfnews, puts out special edition with listings for all different types of vacancies. These are also published on the internet on their website. In addition, there are several recruiting agencies to help you find a job.

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority supply power, water and sewerage. The electricity uses the same socket type as the three-point British system. You can purchase adapters at any hardware or grocery store. The tap water in Dubai is safe to drink. They do not have gas mains in Dubai so you will need to purchase individual canisters and connect to a gas oven through an outside tap. Canisters can be delivered to you in less than half an hour no matter what time of day. You need a residence visa to get a telephone line, but you do not need a visa to get a SIM card for your cell phone. Emirates Internet & Multimedia is the only internet service; however, some sites are restricted access. Access to some sites is restricted. All mail is delivered to the post office and then distributed to centrally located boxes. You rent a personal PO Box.

Both private and public medical facilities are in abundance in Dubai. All medical care is provided by the Health and Medical Services Department and as long as you have a valid health card, you can go to any hospital. Most medications can be found at Dubai pharmacies. Dubai has a twenty-four hour emergency number that lists available pharmacists.

English is taught in most schools. School fees vary. There are schools for children as young as 18 months. You need an academic record of your child's admission. Some schools require entrance exams.

Cars are the preferred method of transportation in Dubai. Major hotels supply shuttle bus services. Dubai provides affordable bus service daily 6am - 11pm. Abras operate across the creek from Bur Dubai to Deita daily 6am - midnight. Taxis are available on the street or by prebooking via telephone. You need a valid International Driving Permit and a major credit card to hire a car in Dubai. To obtain a temporary driver's license you need a valid license from home, a passport and two passport photos.