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Moving to Dubai: one expats experience
“Five years ago, my husband and I were deciding whether moving to Dubai would be a good choice for us. He had recently been made redundant and was finding it difficult to find a new job. I was in a job which I enjoyed but couldn’t see much growth moving forward. We discussed the option of moving abroad and, as my family had lived in the Middle East since the late 1990s, we looked into this option.
“When talking about moving abroad we only ever considered the UAE and Dubai more specifically, because of the tax-free environment, family in the region (a built-in support system) and year-round good weather. Although in the summer, it can be a little too hot for us.”
Research, plan, rinse and repeat
“It was a big decision and we took six to nine months to research and make arrangements. Initially we researched the job market; Dubai is an expensive city to live in, for example, food can be more expensive than the UK so living there without jobs was not an option.
“We looked at the type of roles available, companies, recruitment agencies and job portals in Dubai. We also researched job requirements, average salaries, and employee benefits. This is where having friends and family in the region really helped: they told us that, by law, private medical insurance is included with a job offer as an expat, but that it can be helpful for expats to have international health insurance to cover them against any out-of-pocket fees. They also told us that expats who are temporary residents are not entitled to free treatment, but they can apply for a UAE health card which entitles them to significant subsidies.
“Once we had an idea of average salaries and potential employee benefits, we pulled together a rough estimate of what we would need to earn to make the move worthwhile. This information came from internet searches, family and friends in the region and a local magazine that produced a special edition called Living in Dubai. Next, we mapped out a checklist of what we need to do in the UK before we left, and what we needed to have in place for Dubai.
“Our first task was to decide on the timing of our move. Ideally one of us would have a job offer while the other would look for a role once in-country. Unfortunately, after a few months, we were advised by multiple agencies that due to the popularity of Dubai, there was a slim chance we would even be considered for a job unless we were in the region.”
Finding familiar in the unfamiliar
“We had both visited Dubai many times over the years so we knew that most of Dubai’s population speaks English, which made it easier for us to integrate and settle. Plus, for British passport holders, you are issued with a visit visa on arrival which can then be changed into a residence visa once you have an employment offer.
“As a woman living in a Muslim country, you do need to be aware of cultural sensitivities: certain behaviours, lifestyle choices and your clothing may need to be ‘toned down’. In public areas, women need to make sure their knees and shoulders are covered. In particular working environments it is best to err on the side of caution. I cover my shoulders, the tops of arms, my chest and, when I wear skirts/dresses, they always finish below the knee.”
Making the move
“We decided to move at the end of the year – it was stressful to say the least. Packing up even a one-bedroom flat takes a lot longer than you think and you would be surprised how much you accumulate over time! Then it was time for the goodbyes to family and friends. It was very hard, but it helps that you are now able to keep in contact more than ever with the internet. Still, it’s not the same as popping out for a glass of wine with your best friend after a stressful day at work.
“Once we were in Dubai, the job search took longer than I thought. I registered with numerous agencies, attended networking events and updated my LinkedIn profile. Combined with adjusting to a new country with new customs it was a hard few months. It was very stressful for both of us and we constantly questioned whether we’d made the right choice. Thankfully, after a few months, we both found jobs which we loved.
“Living in Dubai for the first year was both exciting and challenging in equal measure. We had both started new jobs, had a new apartment, a new car and a whole new lifestyle which was very different from our life in London. After the first year we settled into normal life, and even though we are living in a hot and sunny environment, this doesn’t mean we spend all our time on the beach! We’re in the office, doing the food shop, paying the bills – not that different from normal life in the UK, except for the sun.”
Enjoying the results
“Financially, it was the best move for us. We were able to get engaged and have a fantastic wedding, all of which would not have been possible if we had stayed in the UK due to the overall lower cost of living in Dubai. We are also able to save money every month – again, something not possible in the UK. While living in the UK we did not have much of a disposal income: once the bills were paid and all household costs taken into account, it didn’t leave us much to play with. Since living in Dubai we have a disposal income which allows us to plan for holidays, have weekends away and treat ourselves every now and again.
“I would advise anyone looking to move to Dubai to ensure they research thoroughly. If possible, speak to people who are in the region or have previously lived there to give you a first-hand account of what life in Dubai is truly like. Also, you need to ensure you are aware of the differences between Dubai and the UK when it comes to the job market, local laws and housing (for example you usually have to pay rent a year in advance).
“I thought that having visited Dubai and hearing family and friends’ experiences I had an accurate idea of what life in Dubai would be. The reality of living somewhere is very different to being on holiday there. It is an evolving city which can sometimes feel dynamic and at other times feel frustrating. There are endless opportunities for things to do from going to the beach, going to a concert or going skiing - but all of these activities can be expensive.
“As a couple, it was the right decision for us. In the five years we have been here we have been able to get married and make future plans – something that was not an option for us in the UK due to financial reasons. Although I do miss family and friends in the UK, it was the best choice available for us and for our UK family and friends they always have somewhere to stay in the sun!”
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