7 things to consider before moving to Dubai

Expats around the world eye Dubai for its tax free earnings and high life. Every year, millions of expats relocate to this glam city and make it their home. Moving to a new country is a daunting task and requires months of planning before making the actual sail.

We bring to you an abridged version of the do's and don'ts while moving to Dubai.

Get a job before moving

It is recommended that you land yourself a job before planning to move to the Emirates. Set aside 3 to 6 months for researching the market for your desired profile and salary expectations. Hunt on the right job search portals like Buzzon, contact a local recruiter or try to establish contacts with references in Dubai.

Get the best bargain

Depending on the country you will be migrating from, get realistic and calculate the cost of living in Dubai. Your final package should reflect your industry benchmark, your experience and relocation expense. Most of firms offer flight tickets for you and your dependents, annual or biennial flights back home, money towards schooling, housing and health insurance.

It will be best if you do a research on how much you need to earn to live a lifestyle you desire. Often, expats make a mistake of taking up any job at the exciting prospect of moving to Dubai and end up returning home in 6 months.

Renting a place

Sure, Dubai is exciting for its tax-free income but the overall cost of living in the city can be heavy on your pocket. Depending on the area you opt for, rent would be the biggest expense you incur here. Opt for a location with lesser commute to work with proximity to your family needs like schools, hospitals, metro stations etc.

Getting your tenancy contract in place

For renting a property in Dubai, you must have a residential visa (which requires a work visa) and a bank account. Rent in UAE is usually paid in 1 to 4 cheques, plus the deposit. Make sure to only deal with agents who are registered with Real Estate Regulatory Authority [Rera]. To avoid any fraud dealings, make sure to write cheques only in the name of the landlord. Do check the landlord's title deed and passport before making the final payment.

Moving around

After you have moved in and want to explore the city, it is best to look for public transport options. You can save money by traveling by Metro or buses, instead of hopping into the first taxi you spot on the street. Download RTA's Wojhati app (available on both Google Play and Apple store) to find your routes and rides around the city. If you are looking for additional comfort, you can book your taxi on the apps like Uber or Careem.

Soak in the culture

Regardless of what you might have heard Dubai is most liberal of all the Gulf countries and known for its tolerance of various cultures. Dress modestly as a respect to the locals while at public places. Dubai is truly a melting pot, with people from over 192 nationalities relocating in the city, so open yourself to these experiences and prepare to be amazed.

Avoid splurging on food

While going out and spending a nice evening at a posh restaurant may be tempting, it might topple down your savings. You could save money by ordering food online through apps like Zomato, Talabat, Uber eats, Deliveroo, who even offer discount vouchers. Get on the streets and try authentic food from different countries. You could find the best food from unlikeliest of the places.

Now plan your move and pack your bags to the land of dreams.

• UAE
• Dubai