WELCOME TO DUBAI
Your essential guide to settling in and thriving in your new home
Your essential guide to settling in and thriving in your new home
Your essential guide to settling in and thriving in your new home
FIRST WEEK CHECKLIST
ARRIVAL DAY
Clear immigration with entry permit Collect luggage and proceed through customs Arrange airport transfer to accommodation Check into temporary or permanent housing Rest and adjust to time zone
ARRIVAL DAY
Clear immigration with entry permit Collect luggage and proceed through customs Arrange airport transfer to accommodation Check into temporary or permanent housing Rest and adjust to time zone
ARRIVAL DAY
Clear immigration with entry permit Collect luggage and proceed through customs Arrange airport transfer to accommodation Check into temporary or permanent housing Rest and adjust to time zone
DAYS 1-3
Register with employer and complete onboarding Schedule medical fitness test appointment Open UAE bank account with employment letter Purchase local SIM card for mobile service Explore neighborhood and locate essentials
DAYS 1-3
Register with employer and complete onboarding Schedule medical fitness test appointment Open UAE bank account with employment letter Purchase local SIM card for mobile service Explore neighborhood and locate essentials
DAYS 1-3
Register with employer and complete onboarding Schedule medical fitness test appointment Open UAE bank account with employment letter Purchase local SIM card for mobile service Explore neighborhood and locate essentials
DAYS 4-7
Complete medical fitness test Apply for Emirates ID at typing center Set up utilities (DEWA) if not included Register for Salik (toll) and parking accounts Familiarize yourself with public transport
DAYS 4-7
Complete medical fitness test Apply for Emirates ID at typing center Set up utilities (DEWA) if not included Register for Salik (toll) and parking accounts Familiarize yourself with public transport
DAYS 4-7
Complete medical fitness test Apply for Emirates ID at typing center Set up utilities (DEWA) if not included Register for Salik (toll) and parking accounts Familiarize yourself with public transport
CULTURAL GUIDELINES
Dress Code
Annual fees range from AED 20,000 to AED 100,000+ depending on curriculum and school rating. Budget for registration, uniforms, and transportation.
Dress Code
Annual fees range from AED 20,000 to AED 100,000+ depending on curriculum and school rating. Budget for registration, uniforms, and transportation.
Dress Code
Annual fees range from AED 20,000 to AED 100,000+ depending on curriculum and school rating. Budget for registration, uniforms, and transportation.
Ramadan Etiquette
No eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours. Reduced working hours apply.
Ramadan Etiquette
No eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours. Reduced working hours apply.
Ramadan Etiquette
No eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours. Reduced working hours apply.
PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR
Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) rates schools from Outstanding to Weak. Check latest inspection reports.
PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR
Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) rates schools from Outstanding to Weak. Check latest inspection reports.
PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR
Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) rates schools from Outstanding to Weak. Check latest inspection reports.
ALCOHOL LAWS
Alcohol only in licensed venues. Zero tolerance for drink-driving. Personal license required for home consumption.
ALCOHOL LAWS
Alcohol only in licensed venues. Zero tolerance for drink-driving. Personal license required for home consumption.
ALCOHOL LAWS
Alcohol only in licensed venues. Zero tolerance for drink-driving. Personal license required for home consumption.
CULTURAL GUIDELINES
BANKING
Bring employment letter, passport, visa, and Emirates ID. Minimum salary requirements vary by bank.
POPULAR BANKS:
Emirates NBD
ADCB
Mashreq
HSBC
Standard Chartered
BANKING
Bring employment letter, passport, visa, and Emirates ID. Minimum salary requirements vary by bank.
POPULAR BANKS:
Emirates NBD
ADCB
Mashreq
HSBC
Standard Chartered
BANKING
Bring employment letter, passport, visa, and Emirates ID. Minimum salary requirements vary by bank.
POPULAR BANKS:
Emirates NBD
ADCB
Mashreq
HSBC
Standard Chartered
Mobile Services
Prepaid SIM available at airport. Postpaid requires Emirates ID. International calling packages available.
POPULAR MOBILE SERVICE PROVIDERS:
Etisalat
Du
Mobile Services
Prepaid SIM available at airport. Postpaid requires Emirates ID. International calling packages available.
POPULAR MOBILE SERVICE PROVIDERS:
Etisalat
Du
Mobile Services
Prepaid SIM available at airport. Postpaid requires Emirates ID. International calling packages available.
POPULAR MOBILE SERVICE PROVIDERS:
Etisalat
Du
Transportation
Get Nol Card for public transport. Metro covers major areas. Taxis are metered and reliable.
POPULAR TRANSPORTATION METHODS:
Dubai Metro
Dubai Tram
RTA Buses
Taxis
Careem/Uber
Transportation
Get Nol Card for public transport. Metro covers major areas. Taxis are metered and reliable.
POPULAR TRANSPORTATION METHODS:
Dubai Metro
Dubai Tram
RTA Buses
Taxis
Careem/Uber
Transportation
Get Nol Card for public transport. Metro covers major areas. Taxis are metered and reliable.
POPULAR TRANSPORTATION METHODS:
Dubai Metro
Dubai Tram
RTA Buses
Taxis
Careem/Uber
Utilities
Landlord may handle setup. Deposit required. Bills every 2 months. Online payment available.
AUTHORITY:
DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority)
Utilities
Landlord may handle setup. Deposit required. Bills every 2 months. Online payment available.
AUTHORITY:
DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority)
Utilities
Landlord may handle setup. Deposit required. Bills every 2 months. Online payment available.
AUTHORITY:
DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority)
CULTURAL GUIDELINES
DUBAI MARINA
Vibe:
Cosmopolitan waterfront living
Dining:
International restaurants, cafes, and bars
Transport:
Metro Red Line, Dubai Tram
Shopping:
Marina Mall, Dubai Marina Mall
Activities:
Marina Walk
Beach clubs
Water sports
DUBAI MARINA
Vibe:
Cosmopolitan waterfront living
Dining:
International restaurants, cafes, and bars
Transport:
Metro Red Line, Dubai Tram
Shopping:
Marina Mall, Dubai Marina Mall
Activities:
Marina Walk
Beach clubs
Water sports
DUBAI MARINA
Vibe:
Cosmopolitan waterfront living
Dining:
International restaurants, cafes, and bars
Transport:
Metro Red Line, Dubai Tram
Shopping:
Marina Mall, Dubai Marina Mall
Activities:
Marina Walk
Beach clubs
Water sports
DOWNTOWN DUBAI
Vibe:
Luxury urban center
Dining:
Fine dining, celebrity chef restaurants
Transport:
Metro Red Line
Shopping:
Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar
Activities:
Burj Khalifa
Dubai Fountain
Dubai Opera
DOWNTOWN DUBAI
Vibe:
Luxury urban center
Dining:
Fine dining, celebrity chef restaurants
Transport:
Metro Red Line
Shopping:
Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar
Activities:
Burj Khalifa
Dubai Fountain
Dubai Opera
DOWNTOWN DUBAI
Vibe:
Luxury urban center
Dining:
Fine dining, celebrity chef restaurants
Transport:
Metro Red Line
Shopping:
Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar
Activities:
Burj Khalifa
Dubai Fountain
Dubai Opera
Jumeirah
Vibe:
Beachside residential
Dining:
Beach clubs, casual dining
Transport:
Buses, taxis
Shopping:
Mercato Mall, local boutiques
Activities:
Beaches
Jumeirah Mosque
Kite Beach
Jumeirah
Vibe:
Beachside residential
Dining:
Beach clubs, casual dining
Transport:
Buses, taxis
Shopping:
Mercato Mall, local boutiques
Activities:
Beaches
Jumeirah Mosque
Kite Beach
Jumeirah
Vibe:
Beachside residential
Dining:
Beach clubs, casual dining
Transport:
Buses, taxis
Shopping:
Mercato Mall, local boutiques
Activities:
Beaches
Jumeirah Mosque
Kite Beach
CULTURAL GUIDELINES
Rent (1BR apartment)
VC
Utilities (DEWA, internet)
AED 500 - 800
Groceries
AED 1,000 - 1,500
Transportation
AED 1,000 - 1,500
Dining Out
AED 1,000 - 1,500
Entertainment
AED 1,000 - 1,500
Mobile Phone
AED 1,000 - 1,500
Gym Membership
AED 1,000 - 1,500
TOTAL MONTHLY ESTIMATE
AED 6,900 - 15,600
Emergency Contacts
Police
999
DUBAI POLICE
999
AMBULANCE
999
DEWA (utilities)
999
FIRE DEPARTMENT
999
RTA (Transport)
8009090
MIDDLE EAST
SPORTS NETWORK
The premier source for GCC sports news and relocation guidance for athletes and sports executives. Powered by Premier Sports Network.
PREMIER SPORTS DUBAI
COMPANY
Copyright © 2025 by Middle East Sports Network
The premier source for GCC sports news and relocation guidance for athletes and sports executives. Powered by Premier Sports Network.
Copyright © 2025 by Middle East Sports Network
MIDDLE EAST
SPORTS NETWORK
The premier source for GCC sports news and relocation guidance for athletes and sports executives. Powered by Premier Sports Network.
Copyright © 2025 by Middle East Sports Network