Moving to Dubai from UK: All you need to know

Moving to Dubai from the UK can be a daunting but exciting experience. If you’re planning on emigrating to Dubai from the UK, there are several things you need to know to ensure a successful relocation.

Here’s all you need to know about moving to Dubai from the UK.

• Visa Requirements
• Cost of Living
• Housing in Dubai
• Culture in Dubai for UK Expats
• Healthcare 
• Education
• FAQs

Visa Requirements for Moving to Dubai from the UK

The first thing you need to do while moving to Dubai from the UK is obtain a visa. Depending on the purpose of your move, you may need a work visa, residency visa, or investor visa. 

Also, It’s important to research the different types of visas available and the requirements for each one. As you can obtain the required visa from the UAE embassy in London or through a sponsor in Dubai. And some types of available visas to British citizens are:

Tourist Visa:

• Ideal for: Short stays or multiple visits.
• Duration: Up to 90 days within a six-month period.
• How to get it: Via airlines, travel agencies, certain hotels, or perhaps a family/friend sponsor.

Transit Visa:

• Ideal for: Quick layovers.
• Duration: Less than 48 or 96 hours.
• How to get it: Mainly through UAE-based airlines or travel agencies

GCC Residents E-Visa:

• Ideal for: If you’re from a GCC country or if you’re a family member of someone from there.
• Duration: Valid for 30 days from issue and entry.
• How to get it: Online. You can check out the ICP or GDRFA website.

Job Seeker Visa:

• Ideal for: Adventurous souls looking to work, set up a business or invest.
• Note: This new option starts on October 3, 2022. There’ll be no need for a host or sponsor.

Residence Visa:

• Ideal for: Those committed to setting down roots or staying long-term.
• Varieties include Employment, dependent, student, retirement, business, golden, green.

You can also check different types of residency visa and investor visa to know more information about them, and also choose the best option for you

Cost of Living When Moving to Dubai from the UK

Dubai is a city with a high standard of living, and as such, the cost of living in dubai is higher than in the UK. However, in Dubai expats don’t pay taxes on their salaries which offset some of the higher costs of living; consequently, won’t pay taxes after moving to Dubai from the UK.

Also, it’s important to take into consideration the cost of accommodation, healthcare, and schooling when budgeting for relocating to Dubai from the UK.

This table below shows a small comparison between cost of living in London versus Dubai in different aspect:

Category	Dubai	London
Rent	AED 5,000 – AED 10,000 per month	GBP 1,500 – GBP 3,000 per month
Transportation	AED 400 – AED 500 per month	GBP 100 – GBP 200 per month
Groceries	AED 500 – AED 1,000 per week	GBP 200 – GBP 400 per week
Healthcare	AED 500 – AED 1,000 per month	GBP 200 – GBP 400 per month
Education	AED 10,000 – AED 20,000 per year	GBP 5,000 – GBP 10,000 per year

It is important to note that these are just averages and the actual cost of living will vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits.

Related Topics

Housing in Dubai When Moving from the UK to Dubai

As we’ve said, real estate in the UAE is actually more affordable than that in the UK. You can go for lavish living in some of the coolest places in Dubai without having to go above your budget. 

Besides, you should also consider different options when moving to Dubai from the UK with family; However, there are a number of places that UK expats in Dubai prefer to live in, and here we’re bringing you a list of the best.

1. Dubai Marina: This waterfront community is one of the most popular areas for expats in Dubai, offering a wide range of luxury apartments, high-end shopping malls, dining options, and easy access to the beach.

2. Downtown Dubai: Home to the iconic Burj Khalifa, this area is known for its glamorous shopping and entertainment options, as well as its high-end residential towers.

3. Palm Jumeirah: This man-made island is a favourite among expats for its exclusive beachfront villas and apartments, stunning views of the Dubai skyline, and world-class amenities.

4. Jumeirah Beach Residence: It’s a coastal area known for its beautiful beaches, upscale restaurants, and luxurious villas and apartments.

5. Arabian Ranches: An upscale community that offers spacious villas and townhouses set around a championship golf course, with plenty of parks and amenities for families.

6. Emirates Hills: One of a kind community that is home to some of Dubai’s most expensive villas and mansions, with stunning views of the city skyline, and access to world-class golf courses in Dubai

Culture in Dubai for UK Expats

Living in Dubai from the UK may be challenging at first, but once you adapt to those differences, you’ll get the chance to experience an exquisite life in Dubai life; you’ll surely be impressed by the glamour of this city. 

To quickly get along with life in Dubai, make sure you take note of the following cultural aspects:

Language

As for the language, while Arabic remains the official language of the UAE, most residents speak English quite well. 

Not to mention that there is a large number of expats from different countries, so you won’t have a problem with the language in Dubai.

Getting Around

There are tons of places that you will want to visit in Dubai; getting around by car is usually an excellent option, although there are also public transportation methods that can prove just as effective, or even better.

In addition, if you choose to drive, you’ll first, and most importantly, need to adjust to everything being on the left side, or the wrong one as you may feel inclined to call it. 

As for traffic, it’s usually around the same level you’d expect in a rush hour in London.

Food

While it’s unlikely you’ll have worries about food, let us reassure you anyway. Dubai is filled with tons of restaurants from every cuisine imaginable, so no matter your preferences, food is no problem in Dubai. 

You can also find a number of British restaurants serving your favourite dishes such as:

• Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar s
• The Nine 
• The Croft 
• Rhodes W1 
• Harvesters Restaurant.

Clothing 

Being an international city with a huge number of expats, Dubai is quite relaxed when it comes to clothing choices. 

• As long as you don’t wear anything too short or too revealing, people will usually mind their own business.

• Women can wear sleeveless tops and shorts or skirts, but hot shorts and short tops might earn a few stares in the city setting; however, they’re quite common at beaches and nightclubs. 

• If you decide to visit a mosque or a religious place, it’s advised that you wear long pants and try to avoid very short sleeves.

Weather

You can probably forget about your winter clothes in Dubai. The lowest it gets is about 15 degrees Celsius in January, while it’s mostly sunny and hot throughout the year, with peaks in August that reach 43 degrees Celsius.

Marriage

Since the UAE follows the Sharia Law, marriage is the only legal bond that would allow a man and woman to have a family in Dubai.

Here are some points about marriage rules in Dubai: 

• For non-Muslims, you will follow the same marriage laws in your home country. 
• One party must, however, possess a valid Dubai residence visa, and both parties must undergo a pre-marital medical examination.
• Afterward, you must attest your marriage certificate at the British Embassy in Dubai.

Birth and Death

To give birth at an Emirati hospital, you should open a maternity file at that hospital by the seventh month of your pregnancy. 

Public hospitals will automatically issue a birth certificate, while you’ll need to apply for one at the Ministry of Health if you give birth in a private hospital. 

You can then check with the British Embassy for issuing your child’s passport.

In case of death of a family member, you would first get a death certificate, and you must also inform the UK via the UK Embassy in Dubai.

Work Environment

Working in Dubai from a UK citizen’s perspective will be quite satisfactory. 

The work environment in Dubai is highly professional and you will find that your coworkers are well-educated and competent individuals, especially at big-name companies. 

Moreover, you might also find yourself getting a better salary and more benefits. Usually, working hours are nine hours a day, or 47 per week; you’ll be entitled to 22 days of annual leave as per the UAE labour law states.

However, you’ll also need to adjust to public holidays in Dubai, which account for about 14 days per year

Healthcare 

Dubai has world-class healthcare facilities, but they come at a premium price. It’s essential to have health insurance to cover the cost of medical treatment. 

Here are some of the average prices for Health insurance plans in the UAE:

	Individual	Family of four
Basic Health Insurance	600 – 800	17,000
Comprehensive Health Plan	5,500	33,500
Premium Health Plan	10,000 -15,000	70,000
Essential Benefits  Plans	550 – 600

Education

Education is also significant in Dubai, with a range of international schools available. 

Here’s also the average prices for schools in Dubai: 

School Type	Min Fee (AED)	Max Fee (AED)
Public School (for expats)	3,500	12,500
American Schools	16,182	86,260
British Schools	17,469	82,521
Indian Schools	10,253	30,396

FAQs

Can a UK citizen move to Dubai?

UK citizens can move to Dubai with the correct visa. You can either grab employment, remote work, or tourist visa and ensure you have a sponsor (usually your workplace) for residency.

Is it worth moving from UK to Dubai?

It’s all about what you’re looking for. Dubai offers luxurious living, zero taxes on your salary, a rich blend of cultures, and year-round sunshine. But remember, things can be more pricey, especially housing and outings. Plus, the legal system and local customs are a bit different and may need to get used to.

Can a British citizen move to the UAE?

Britsh citizens can also make the UAE their home, just like Dubai. But remember, the UAE is a mix of seven emirates, including Dubai. So, the rules are pretty similar across the board.

Can I move to Dubai from UK without a job?

Yes, but it’s not advisable to do so. If you’re going this route, ensure your savings can last while job hunting. Initially, you’ll be on a tourist or remote work visa, and to settle down for work, you’ll need a job offer.

Planning your move from the UK to Dubai can be quite stressful, but if you take into account the previous notes, you’ll find the answer to how to move to Dubai from Uk is quite smooth and easy. You can also check Properties for rent in Dubai on Property Finder which will provide you with the best options for your dream home.

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