UAE is short of the United Arab Emirates, where many people choose as a living destination, these days. There you will experience a living situation like no other place, from the tax-free incomes, wide range of nationalities and its unrivaled nightlife. If you want to know more about this blue sky Middle Eastern country life situation, continue reading. Here you can read about 20 important things about Living in the UAE.
Some interesting facts about UAE that you might not know
First of all, I want to state some interesting facts about UAE rules and residents, nature.
- The UAE government tries to make this country a top country in the world in terms of happiness.
- You can enjoy its incredible weather and beaches.
- There you can find unique items like the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa, or man-made islands through Dubai coasts. Also, there are many natural beauties too. For example, the largest continuous sand desert in the world named Empty Quarter (Rub al Khali) is in the UAE.
- As an immigrant, this beautiful country could be the best choice. Because the population of the UAE is around 10 million, about 88% of them are from abroad. It means you can find a variety of cultures, food, and religion in the UAE and you are not alone.
- The best point is that you should pay almost no tax in the UAE. Based on the government’s announcement in 2018 the VAT on most services and goods is at a low rate of 5%.
While these are pleasant options, there are much more than this.
However, these are only a few things you will enjoy in the UAE. There’s also more…
How do the individual emirates differ?
There are seven emirates in the UAE, of which Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the most preferred ones. The capital city is Abu Dhabi, with the most population and more than 87 percent of the land. And Dubai is the capital of the commercial region and the incredible business corner of the country.
The largest worship place in the UAE is in Abu Dhabi, named in the shape of Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Also, Abu Dhabi is one of the biggest economies in the country, with a GDP of $250 billion in 2018, more than Vietnam, Egypt, and Portugal.
Dubai International Airport is the third most populated one because of many man-made islands and a spectacular skyline in Dubai. Also, it might be interesting to know that Dubai’s GDP is $108 billion.
Don’t miss the other emirates
Although Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the most desirable cities in the UAE, the other emirates also have their unique features and are worth visiting. One of them is Ajman, a mostly agricultural area. Also, Fujairah is another wonderful place with stunning mountains and picturesque countryside. Also, there is an old Al Badiyah Mosque with more than 650 years in this Emirate, which is still in use.
Other facilities in Fujairah are enjoyable water activities like water skiing, windsurfing, and diving.
Ras Al Khaimah is the next emirate in the UAE, the best place to take a sea-and-sun-themed trip. Also, you can have a unique experience using its longest zipline in the world in 64km of beach coastline.
What is healthcare like in the UAE?
Healthcare services are of the highest quality in the UAE. It should be said that there are more private hospitals than public in the country with both being great in terms of healthcare service. However, private medical cover is mostly for those who aren’t Emirati nationals.
Make sure you can afford the move
Before any decision, consider that living in the UAE is not inexpensive. For instance, if you want to rent a 3BR flat in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you have to pay more than 5,000 AED. Also, you have to consider other costs like food and beverage. When you are moving from cities like Los Angeles or London, the costs will not be shocking for you. Totally, be careful to set your lifestyle based on your monthly salary. The best point is the tax-free income in the UAE, which will help you live in a beautiful country.
Drinking is allowed in the UAE!
Like all other places, there are some rules which you have to obey to live happily in the UAE. The first point is that the weekend is on Friday and Saturday, and the week starts from Sunday.
While the UAE is an Islamic country, you can freely drink in some places like restaurants and bars. Also, there is an extra option for women named ladies’ night. There are plenty of brunch options with unlimited food and drink for ladies on Tuesdays with specific rules. Pay attention that the legal drinking age is 21, and you can not drink alcohol on the street. But there is a zero-tolerance approach to ingesting drugs that will cause imprisonment or deportation.
A little different yet enjoyable!
As well as some restrictions for drinking, there are some unusual restrictions in this country that you should know. You should pay attention that swearing, gossiping (both in real life and on WhatsApp), carrying food with poppy seeds, raising money for charity without a license, or taking photos of people without their permission can put you in jail.
In addition to facing a five-figure fine, you may be forced to leave the country. Although there are some restrictions in the UAE, people from all around the world come to this amazing country because of its unique features and tremendous benefits.
How is life in the UAE for foreign women?
Women can walk the street safely, there are some specific conditions. While they do not force you to wear a hijab, you have to be careful that your clothes are suitable for work or public-unless that public place is the beach.
Apart from these wearing conditions, you can live in Dubai or other emirates in the UAE, like the west. All women can drink, drive, and move around the country alone without any problem.
What’s it like working in the UAE?
If you want to move to the UAE for work, I suggest Abu Dhabi or Dubai because of the many job opportunities there. Also, most of the positions are taken up by men because they make up the large majority of the population and also the workforce. Unlike in the past, the UAE’s economy is no longer reliant on oil. Real estate, trade, and government agencies contribute to the country’s economy. Above all, tourism is booming, especially in Dubai. Based on the Mastercard Dubai was the 4rth most popular tourism destination in the world in 2018. But immigrants in Abu Dhabi or Dubai have typically come to the UAE to work in finance, accounting, or IT unless they are working for a multinational company like AstraZeneca, Microsoft, DHL, FedEx, Marriott, or Hilton Worldwide, which all have offices in the UAE. If you decide to work in the UAE, you will have many bonuses. Options like tax-free income, many contributions towards your kids’ school fees, a housing allowance, medical insurance, and free air tickets to get back home.
Do you need to learn Arabic?
The good news is that English is the widely spoken language in the UAE. So, you will not face any problem if you do not know Arabic. But if you learn some Arabic, you can contact colleagues and locals easier. Also, learning the language of each country means you respect the country and its people.
How should I start living in the UAE?
If you’re a citizen of countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland, you can get a free 30-day visa and extend that for another one month during your stay. If you are looking for something a bit more long-term, you need a sponsor in that case.
Your sponsor can be anyone living permanently in the UAE. However, if you’re moving for work, your company will sponsor you. In this case, before you extend your stay, your sponsor has to request a 30-day residency on your behalf. Your company will take everything, and you need just a copy of your passport.Your sponsor can also help you bring your close relatives like your spouse and children to the country. As a UAE resident, you need an ID card, so be careful to get it from the government website.
Transfer all you want to the UAE as easily as possible.
Now, if you decide to move your home to a new one in a paradise-like desert, it is time to think about the possible options of transferring your belongings. First, consider the average international shipping rates and choose the best option.
Can I live in the UAE with my family?
Once your spouse and kids have joined you in your fresh start, you will want to get your family settled in as soon as possible. As earlier said, English is widely spoken in the UAE, and that will pave the way for you.
As in many cultures, family is worthwhile in the UAE. It is also an easy way to bond with locals and other colleagues. In terms of education, it should be said that the UAE provides your children with a lot of international and private schools– and if you’re worried about your children having to adapt to a new curriculum or suffering a culture shock, don’t sweat it. While your family will see more about Emirati culture (such as hearing the call to prayer six times a day), they are free to enjoy the western traditions. For example, people in UAE celebrate Easter, and Christmas with Christmas trees and mall Santas.
What are the family-friendly entertainments in the UAE?
The UAE has the best in entertainment. It offers a large number of fun activities suitable for all members of the family. For instance, Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi holds a Formula One race every year. Besides, football and cricket are highly popular in the UAE, and camel races are must-see attractions in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain- especially since they often feature robot jockeys.
In addition, the stunning natural surroundings of Fujairah beach or Liwa in the Empty Quarter are perfect for camping.
Is the UAE so hot?
Depending on the area you live in, temperatures can go up to 45°C in the summer, but also can go down to a more manageable 10°C in the winter. Totally, the Dubai temperature hardly goes below 15°C, but it could be as hot as 49°C, which causes hot summers. But do not worry, because you can find air conditioning everywhere, even at the bus stops.
The sun-kissed weather makes it possible for you and your family to enjoy the pristine beaches all year. The fact is that you can enjoy watersports, work on your tan, and make sandcastles whenever you want.
The UAE has its unique flavors.
Are you a fan of a great brunch? As you might know, there is a wide range of brunch choices in the UAE, so be ready for a double or even triple brunch. People in UAE get large brunches usually on Friday and Saturday. Another thing you should know is about the national fruit of the UAE: dates. This country produces more than 530,000 metric tons of fresh dates every year. So, you will see them incorporated into many local recipes, and also being sold everywhere.
Get ready to try more cuisine.
More than regional specialties, you can try other dining portions, like fish and chips or high-end food. Also, there will be no limitation about ham hocks or bacon, and you can find them in special sections. Because of the diverse population of the UAE, you can find dishes from famous countries like French, Indian, Italian, Japanese, and so on. And do not miss high-quality Middle Eastern and Arabic foods.
Dubai is an Islamic country
As the religion of the UAE is Islam, you can see its effects in many parts of your daily life, like different laws or hearing the call to prayer six times a day. Some of these laws are the Sharia Law, which means that offenses like insulting Islam will cause you flogged, deported, or worse results. When it comes to relationships, drinking, and clothing, the people around you in the UAE may have different cultural expectations.
Ramadan will affect you, no matter what your religion is
You should prepare yourself for the month-long fast of Ramadan every year. During this month, everyone is banned from eating, drinking, or smoking in public. This is one of the most important things that you should know about the UAE. But, don’t worry it isn’t an obligation for you. It is an enjoyable unique custom among Muslim people. You’ll enjoy it too. During Ramadan, people break their day-long fast at the night markets open in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. So you can enjoy delicious suppers, while you can search among different fashion, art, and fun malls.
How safe is the condition of living in Dubai?
According to a US government report from December 2018, the UAE has the lowest threat level possible. Also, many users in Numbeo believe that the crime level is the lowest in the UAE.
In 2018, the government of UAE stated that the intended killings rate was under 0.3 per 100,000 people. All of these shows that UAE is one of the best living places.
Conclusion:
As previously said, the UAE houses dozens of different nationalities from all over the world. Living in Dubai makes everything enjoyable, for example, you should not pay any tax income while you have a lucrative job position. Considering all the above facts, if you want to buy a property in the UAE, we are here to help you. You can contact the dxboffplan team online, and we will help you find the best opportunity.