Many of us have experienced moving to a new country when we went seeking a university or a job. Moving can be tough. Moving to Dubai, that dynamic city, can even be tougher.     

If you're thinking of making the move to Dubai, whether it be for business or personal reasons, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind before taking the plunge. You should be prepared for some hurdles. With this guide, we hope to make your transition to life in Dubai as smooth as possible.    

But first, let's give you a little overview of the city.    

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About Dubai    

Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates and one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. It has seen a rapid economic rise due to oil reserves, tourism, and trade. Dubai is well-known for its high-class restaurants, eclectic luxury, and hosting one of the world's tallest skyscrapers.    
 

Dubai is a place of luxury and opportunity for those who want their dreams to come true. Dubai has buildings that stand tall with people from all over the world coming just to experience it. There are large shopping complexes and malls with many international stores.    

It's a great city with a lot to offer. It's no wonder that people are flocking there and relocating to Dubai!    
 

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Why relocate to Dubai?    
 

You've done your research, you know all about Dubai now, and you have a clear understanding of all that the city has to offer. Therefore, you see why relocating to Dubai is so common and sought-after.    

So many people want to relocate to Dubai because they are in search of new opportunities. Dubai is a place for ambitious individuals who want to aim high and succeed with few obstacles on the way. In fact, Dubai is a booming metropolis with plenty of amazing job opportunities and residential options, making it a prime location to relocating to Dubai. Foreigners can access many opportunities that may not be available in other countries.    

With its endless sunny days, diverse culture, rich history and cuisine, enviable low crime rate, a lavish lifestyle regardless of your budget, and easy access to everything. not to mention the healthcare and education standards rival any in the world. Not only that but there is tax-free living to consider! With something for everyone, this one-of-a-kind city is sure to please!    

Is it worth it to move to Dubai?    

Sure, it is! The city of Dubai is one of the most beautiful and modern cities in the world. It is also a place full of opportunity, with many people relocating to Dubai here each year in search of a better life.  However, as with any big city, there are some challenges when it comes to relocating to Dubai.    

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What You Need To Know Before Moving To Dubai    

With moving and relocating being quite an expensive and time-consuming process, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. You can't simply say, "I'll sort it out when I get there"!    
 

Here are the top challenges you will face when relocating to Dubai(and how to address them):    

#1 The Culture Shock    

You must first and foremost understand that you are not simply moving to a different city, but a Middle Eastern country. You might not face a culture shock if you’re coming from an Arab country. However, this is not the case for people coming from Western countries. The UAE is a deeply religious and predominantly Muslim country that works in accordance with Islamic principles and therefore has strict rules regarding certain types of behavior and ethics. For instance, females wearing immodest clothing, exposing cleavages, public scandals, and displays of affection of which, are frowned upon, and may potentially draw the attention of authorities.    

If you’re a non-Muslim, you are likely to hear the call to prayer in the malls at prayer times, but there’s is nothing to be scared of as Dubai is considered one of the Middle East's most liberal cities.    

The good news is that  Non-Muslims aren’t expected to follow the religion’s rules, but they have to respect it.    

Having said that, it is quite not that difficult to acclimate to life in Dubai. Make sure to dress respectfully when walking around the city and do not drink alcohol if you want to avoid breaking the law. Keep in mind that unmarried couples are not allowed to live together, and adultery and homosexuality are also illegal activities.    

Follow these tips if you do not want to get in trouble with the law and authorities and you will be fine.     

What about the language?    

No worries about the language barrier! Even though Arabic is the national language, everyone speaks English. Although, not everyone is fluent in English. Many people speak German, Russian, French, Spanish, and other languages.    

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#2 The Heat    

In Dubai, the weather is favorable, it is a sun-lover's paradise. Yet for people who are used to the cold or average climate, burning eyes, excessive sweating, a dry throat, and headaches are just a few of the symptoms they can expect when adjusting to Dubai’s climate. Dubai is, after all, a desert city. This means that the weather is very hot for most of the year. This can be a tremendous issue for couples with children because children will be compelled to spend most of their time indoors where there is air conditioning.    

The great news is that you won't feel hot anywhere inside Dubai spots, or on any of the city's transportation options. The only time you'll be feeling the heat is when you're out on the street!    

In Dubai, summer starts in June and ends in September. This is the hottest time of year when temperatures can get pretty unbearable. Many expats choose to take holidays during these months and visit their home countries. During the rest of the year, the temperature is manageable. The best thing you can do is stay hydrated all the time and avoid being outside.     

#3 Transportation    

This city is huge! It has all the transportation means you need: bus, car, subway rail, bicycle, scooter, by foot, it is all possible there and the choice is yours!    

Modes of transportation such as taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Careem are your best option, but they can get expensive for a two-time trip that you need to take every day to work or to school.   

When you start living in the UAE, you will need to be prepared for the requirement for a car because it is less expensive but only if you can afford it! However, to navigate, the main challenge resides in driving a car. Commuters in Dubai face severe traffic congestion as a result of the city's rising population and visitors. To that added the difficulty for foreigners to drive cars. You should consider the driving patterns of the locals. Nobody will give way or assist expats or strangers in challenging situations. As a result, pay close attention and keep your eyes on the road at all times. Any small error can cost you a lot!    

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#4 Accommodation    

Accommodation is another challenge in Dubai since the demand for houses and apartments exceeds the supply with so many people searching for a place to live.     

And unlike what you are probably used to, annual or monthly rents for most flats in Dubai are a bit expensive and must be paid in advance and in full.  Finding a new apartment to live in can be really difficult, especially for new expats who are not familiar with the place. And to buy your own flat is so hard because it is also very expensive.    

However, although rental prices are rather pricey in some of the city's most popular locations, if you move somewhat out or away, you can rent quality accommodation for much less.    

Another challenge is finding accommodation that is suitable for families since everything is more expensive when you have kids!    

To be best prepared for this challenge and to get the most possible informed decisions, you should note that you must hire a real estate agent since rental agreements cannot be concluded without an agent.    

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#5 Cost of Living    

As with any other country, the cost of living is highly dependent on where you reside and the type of lifestyle you pursue. In general, the cost of life in Dubai is not that expensive but certainly not cheap! As we mentioned, it depends on the area you decide to move to.     

Before you come to Dubai, you should consider saving and budgeting because there will be lots of expenses to cover when you arrive.    
 

For a single person to live an average life in Dubai be prepared for an estimated monthly cost of 9,858 Dirham(including rent, food, and transportation) which is equivalent to 2600 U.S dollars.    
 

However, there is some good news. In Dubai, all goes untaxed, as well as food, restaurants, and all other goods. It goes without saying that this saves you a huge amount of money.    

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#6 Regulations    

Expats should be aware that moving to Dubai might be a bureaucratic nightmare and headache due to the numerous licenses and permits required. Almost everything needs to be legally processed and thus requires a certain permit.  Permits are required to buy alcohol, obtain a driving license, get a job, or an apartment, and you’ll even need a permit to simply just live in Dubai.     

As foreigners, you will need to arrange the appropriate visas for your stay, just as you would in any other country.    

To live and work in Dubai, foreign expats require a residency visa as well as a work permit or labor card. This is the part that you will find challenging before even landing in Dubai. And it might be consuming both time and money. But don't worry, once you get there it'll all be worth it and the challenge will be overcome.    

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