For a lot of immigrants, Dubai is one perfect blend of eastern and western modernization. The Emirate is considered as an enigma of western sophistication amazingly mingled with Middle Eastern Culture. The blend of two cultures is something that creates a charisma and charm in Dubai. It attracts expats as they seek new experiences and adventures.
Dubai is widely known for its exciting life. It is one of the fast-paced states of Emirates and recognized as a symbol of growth. Dubai is one place which will make you feel like if you are starting a new school. With almost 92% population of expats, every conversation will start from “What are you doing here?” and “Where have you come from?”
It is quite harder for people of America or Europe to adjust their lives in Dubai as there are total four languages in which people mainly communicate in Dubai. Your group of friends will sound like a UN assembly literally. Funny isn’t it? But this is what makes Dubai the most sensational state. However, people who are passionate for adventures and have a great tolerance level for other cultures can likely survive in the economy of Dubai. You can say these are the must have key qualities, if you are soon to move to Dubai and settle there.
Here are 4 key steps which will help Americans, in particular, to settle lives in Dubai.
Here are 4 key steps which will help Americans, in particular, to settle lives in Dubai.
4 worthy advices to Settle In Dubai
A new world is always challenging no matter how tolerant you are. Even if you have an open-mind, high tolerance level and yearning for adventures, a good advice from Emiratis will help you to settle quickly in Dubai. Here are 4 crucial advices from other American expats who are living in Dubai with a well-settled lifestyle.
A new world is always challenging no matter how tolerant you are. Even if you have an open-mind, high tolerance level and yearning for adventures, a good advice from Emiratis will help you to settle quickly in Dubai. Here are 4 crucial advices from other American expats who are living in Dubai with a well-settled lifestyle.
1. Cultural Consciousness
Every economy has certain cultural traits which must be followed and perfectly known before becoming a part of that society. However, Dubai is the most liberal state of the Emirates still the culture of Dubai has clear influences of the religion in UAE i.e. Islam. Being the core religion of UAE, Dubai’s culture is naturally influenced by it. Women are greatly respected in Emirates and most of the time they feel bumpy in the presence of the other men. Muslims in Dubai perform prayers five times a day and they drop anything just to be in prayers on time.
However, there are many night hotspots located in Dubai where short dresses and skirts are allowed yet they are moped in open or public places. Dubai has strict laws where fast driving, rude behaviors, use of drugs or alcohol and showing finger are punishable crimes and you can even be heavily fined for such actions.
Every economy has certain cultural traits which must be followed and perfectly known before becoming a part of that society. However, Dubai is the most liberal state of the Emirates still the culture of Dubai has clear influences of the religion in UAE i.e. Islam. Being the core religion of UAE, Dubai’s culture is naturally influenced by it. Women are greatly respected in Emirates and most of the time they feel bumpy in the presence of the other men. Muslims in Dubai perform prayers five times a day and they drop anything just to be in prayers on time.
However, there are many night hotspots located in Dubai where short dresses and skirts are allowed yet they are moped in open or public places. Dubai has strict laws where fast driving, rude behaviors, use of drugs or alcohol and showing finger are punishable crimes and you can even be heavily fined for such actions.
2. Life in Dubai
On your arrival to Dubai, the first best option for living is a rent house. A number of locations are present in Dubai which offers great views and amazing accommodation. Dubai Marina is widely addressed among Western immigrants. Some other great accommodation options include: Jumeirah, Arabian Ranches, Umm Suqeim, Al-Saf and The Green Community. These all places have spectacular sights and breath taking views hence will be reasonable options for a rent out.
Another option is the serviced apartments which are basically available on short-term leases. These apartments are provided on loan with a year’s lease and usually landlords demand full up-front. You will probably be required to give 4-6 months post-dated checks but to do so make sure that you have sufficient funds in your bank account as bounced checks are strictly punishable as per Dubai laws.
One drawback about renting an apartment in Dubai is dealing with the owner which is quite problematic. Sometimes the landlords increase the rents to an unjustifiable amount after your one year lease is over. So, it’s better to keep things clear before renting out a property.
On your arrival to Dubai, the first best option for living is a rent house. A number of locations are present in Dubai which offers great views and amazing accommodation. Dubai Marina is widely addressed among Western immigrants. Some other great accommodation options include: Jumeirah, Arabian Ranches, Umm Suqeim, Al-Saf and The Green Community. These all places have spectacular sights and breath taking views hence will be reasonable options for a rent out.
Another option is the serviced apartments which are basically available on short-term leases. These apartments are provided on loan with a year’s lease and usually landlords demand full up-front. You will probably be required to give 4-6 months post-dated checks but to do so make sure that you have sufficient funds in your bank account as bounced checks are strictly punishable as per Dubai laws.
One drawback about renting an apartment in Dubai is dealing with the owner which is quite problematic. Sometimes the landlords increase the rents to an unjustifiable amount after your one year lease is over. So, it’s better to keep things clear before renting out a property.
3. Working in Dubai
The economy of Dubai is growing at a break-neck speed and being a young country, the state is still battling to form smooth operations in a number of sectors. United Arab Emirates and specially Dubai are mainly reliant on immigrant’s capabilities to fulfill this crucial gap therefore the work opportunities are great in numbers. The UAE government has created a policy a name Emiratization which was basically formed to motivate local residents in the private business sector hence it’s quite probable that you will be working under a boss who will be less knowledgeable and less experienced than you.
The best practice to work in Dubai is to first carefully read all the contracts and then sign them otherwise it will not be hard for some ruthless owner to take advantage of you. The employment contract must contain all the basic information related to the job like salary, perks, end of service gratuity, health insurance, period of employment and any other info related to that particular job post.
If you are planning to setup a local business then also it will be a challenging one. The reason is; all private businesses which are running outside the free zone demands an Emirati sponsor who will own a greater share in the business. Running a private business in Dubai is a lot different than in US. Most of the American people find it hard as the businesses in Dubai are quite slow paced and require considerable amount of time to get stable.
The economy of Dubai is growing at a break-neck speed and being a young country, the state is still battling to form smooth operations in a number of sectors. United Arab Emirates and specially Dubai are mainly reliant on immigrant’s capabilities to fulfill this crucial gap therefore the work opportunities are great in numbers. The UAE government has created a policy a name Emiratization which was basically formed to motivate local residents in the private business sector hence it’s quite probable that you will be working under a boss who will be less knowledgeable and less experienced than you.
The best practice to work in Dubai is to first carefully read all the contracts and then sign them otherwise it will not be hard for some ruthless owner to take advantage of you. The employment contract must contain all the basic information related to the job like salary, perks, end of service gratuity, health insurance, period of employment and any other info related to that particular job post.
If you are planning to setup a local business then also it will be a challenging one. The reason is; all private businesses which are running outside the free zone demands an Emirati sponsor who will own a greater share in the business. Running a private business in Dubai is a lot different than in US. Most of the American people find it hard as the businesses in Dubai are quite slow paced and require considerable amount of time to get stable.
4. Travelling in Dubai
Dubai comes in the list of the hottest States of the world. Therefore, it’s not actually a pedestrian-friendly city like USA. During the year, Dubai weather remains hot for most of the months therefore travelling via foot on the streets of Dubai isn’t really a good idea.
However, Dubai has a great public transportation system but there’s still a room for improvement. Dubai Metro is largely used by the locals for transition but still it doesn’t connect all different parts of the state. The best idea is to own a car to travel around Dubai as it will the most cheapest and convenient way to be used rather than buses or metros.
Dubai comes in the list of the hottest States of the world. Therefore, it’s not actually a pedestrian-friendly city like USA. During the year, Dubai weather remains hot for most of the months therefore travelling via foot on the streets of Dubai isn’t really a good idea.
However, Dubai has a great public transportation system but there’s still a room for improvement. Dubai Metro is largely used by the locals for transition but still it doesn’t connect all different parts of the state. The best idea is to own a car to travel around Dubai as it will the most cheapest and convenient way to be used rather than buses or metros.
