Relocating to Dubai? Here’s What No One Tells You

Thinking of relocating to Dubai? You’ve probably seen the tall buildings that reach the skyline, exemption of tax on income, and maybe even thought that this is the life you want, this is your dream. While this is the image Dubai is aiming to portray, it’s not always the easiest process for expats, and sometimes, when you’re caught up in all the excitement, a lot of expats in Dubai don't think too much of some of the more challenging parts. Of course, this is no reason to stop yourself from moving to Dubai, it’s just to help you understand that if you start paying attention to these things from the beginning, you can get the dream life you thought about in a more easy process.

Dubai does not have the option to apply or try to become a citizen; they don't give out nationality, and they don't even allow permanent residency. If you want to live in Dubai, you need to have a work visa, a permit for freelancing, or a family sponsorship. But there are motions taking place to improve this situation, so don't go thinking that it's all hopeless; the government has moved toward initiatives such as the 10-year Golden Visa or the Green Visa, which give expats more security with their living situation than ever before.

So even if you can't get the fancy passport and become a citizen, it's still not hard to build a long, happy life in Dubai. You can grow with your family, build a strong career, and obtain the dream lifestyle.

As much as Dubai is known for its expensive lifestyle, the skylines, clubs on the beachside, high-end hotels, and let's not forget the Porsches and Lamborghinis. But there's so much to it than just status and luxury, it's a city where real people live, sure, there's an image of a fantasy life that many dream of, but people do work for what they have, and a lot of them work hard at what they do.. These people are the real backbone of the city, and they keep things running. These people get up in the morning, go to their jobs, hit the gym, and work on their fitness and health. They take their dogs out on walks and come home to relax in the peace and comfort of their family.

But this is not bad news as such, the quality of life in Dubai is one of the best you can possibly try to find. There are beautiful communities out there, such as Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and others that give the most comfort, make convenience a part of your life, and make your safety a priority. You don't need to be a millionaire to be able to enjoy certain luxuries of the city; you just need to have a strong mindset and make sure you budget well, especially when you first move.

So, Dubai may not be the cheapest place to live, and that honestly shouldn't be expected from a city that promotes its high-end way of living. So while it may not be easy to live here if you're not in the best place financially, it's a place where your determination and goals are what help you build your lifestyle. The largest expense you might have is your rent, and yes while some amazing neighborhoods are more for the higher class but this doesn't mean that all communities are meant for the ultra rich, all kinds of options won't make you feel like you're just settling, even the morse affordable ones have some of the best amenities the city has to offer.

When all of the small fun things like eating out, shopping, and socializing add up to some big numbers, you get a lot for what you pay. It's another type of investment; it's investing in yourself and your convenience. Their world-class infrastructure and neighborhoods with the highest security, and everything you could think of at the tip of your fingers. Not to mention, there's no tax on your income, which means you get to keep more of your money.

While Dubai is one of the most forward-moving cities and has embraced modernism in all aspects of the lifestyle the city promotes, there are still some things to consider when it comes to the culture. Of course, all diversity is accepted and embraced, and people who live in Dubai are from all over the world, all different cultures are celebrated, but it's important to remember that there is a special value on Emirati and Islamic beliefs and morals.

No, this doesn't mean you need to follow the same practice, but as the majority of the population is Muslim, there are certain times of the year or week when cultural sensitivity is important to respect the foundation of what Dubai is. This means to dress modestly if certain places ask for it, meaning places that have religious sentiment, or being respectful during holidays and special times of the year, such as Ramadan.

This is not to add restrictions, but a simple way of asking for some respect for the city’s own cultures and values. In return, you get to live in one of the safest and welcoming cities, where everyone values respect.

Ok, so in order for a city as grand as Dubai to work like a well-oiled machine, there is one thing that keeps everything in order and allows that machine to have a smooth ride. Paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork. Moving to Dubai calls for documents, all kinds of them. You need to handle the visa processing, making an Emirates ID, and handling bank accounts. Once you do it, though, the paperwork itself is handled pretty quickly. A lot of government-mandated procedures have increasingly become digital, and there are many typing centers that can help as well.

Once you settle in and start to adjust to your new lifestyle, you'll understand just what actual convenience is; you might even start becoming lazy. Apps can do everything, managing important meetings and checkups, your bills, and so on. You hear a lot of this, but the only way to truly understand it is to experience it firsthand; after all, seeing is believing.

Why is it that even though many people are not informed of almost anything written here, they still stay? They make mistakes and learn from them, and there is some inconvenience, but despite all that, why do they stay? Why are so many people relocating to Dubai?

Most people may come for work purposes and may even think to stay for a year or maybe two, eventually they keep extending their stay, though. It's simple, really, their comfort, safety, convenience, adventure, and don't forget the endless opportunities.

So just imagine, you are aware of some things to look out for, if you are well prepared and run into no troubles, then one can only imagine how much more enjoyable the experience would be for those who had to learn but still fell in love with Dubai.