Moving to a new country can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. PICK & MOVE is here to provide you with expert guidance and support. We’ve carefully curated 6 Tips for moving to Dubai from the UK to make your transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. We understand the challenges and are committed to supporting you every step of the way.

If you’ve decided to relocate to Dubai, the vibrant city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you may have a lot on your plate. Various tasks require your attention, such as paperwork, packing, storage, banking, and bills. We understand it can be overwhelming, and you wouldn’t want to miss anything important.

We understand that planning a trip to Dubai from the UK can be overwhelming, and it’s important not to miss anything. To guide you, we’ve compiled tips for moving to Dubai from the UK. Please ensure you have carefully reviewed the checklist and fully comprehended its contents.

Let’s dive deep into 6 Tips for moving to Dubai from the UK.

1/ Understand the Relocation Process

To ensure a smooth relocation process from the UK to Dubai, It’s crucial to have a precise action plan. This involves thoroughly researching your new destination, creating a budget for the move, and evaluating your housing options.

Notifying relevant parties, such as your employer, utility companies, and postal service, and making arrangements for transferring your belongings is also essential. Being well-prepared and organized can help minimize stress and ensure a successful relocation.

Start by ensuring your travel documents (such as passports and visas) are ready, as the UAE requires expatriates to obtain a visa to move to the country. More often than not, expats move with a work visa that an employer sponsors. Once your visa is approved, you will receive a document allowing you to enter the country, but you can only stay in Dubai.

Next, plan your moving timeline, considering factors like job arrangements, housing, and the best time to move.

Regarding accommodation options, finding a comfortable and affordable place to live is essential no matter where you move. Dubai offers various housing options, including apartments and villas. Considering the proximity to work, transportation, and amenities is crucial when choosing a new home.

Overall, carefully planning and preparing for your move to Dubai can ensure a smooth and successful relocation experience.

2/ Accommodation Options

Finding a suitable apartment in Dubai is one of the most crucial things you’ll need to do. Begin by comparing neighbourhoods and districts to determine which works best for your lifestyle. Dubai offers a wide range of areas, each with its unique charm. Popular places for expats include Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Jumeirah.

When planning to rent an apartment in Dubai, it is essential to consider your budget and preferences. Various apartments are available, ranging from budget-friendly options to lavish resorts.

If you cannot find a suitable long-term rental apartment immediately, you may need to arrange short-term accommodation for the first few weeks. Additionally, you may need to obtain certain documentation to rent an apartment in Dubai.

If you are moving to Dubai or the UK, having access to storage solutions can simplify the transition process.

3/ Storage Solutions for a Smooth Transition in the UK or Dubai

Amidst the excitement of moving, don’t overlook the importance of storage solutions. Streamline your move by considering storage options for your belongings. Before you embark on your journey, consider what items you might not need immediately upon arriving in Dubai. These could include seasonal clothing, sports equipment, or excess furniture.

Consider using reliable storage services that can securely hold your belongings until you’re ready to retrieve them

4/ Learn about the Culture and Lifestyle

To better understand the lifestyle and culture, it’s important to learn how to navigate them effectively. Additionally, improving your knowledge of the relevant customs, beliefs, values, and traditions can help you feel more connected and integrated in your new home.

Dubai is a cosmopolitan city that blends traditional heritage with modern influences. You should embrace the vibrant lifestyle while learning local customs and etiquette.6 Tips for moving to Dubai from the UK

The UAE’s culture emphasizes respect for religion, a modest dress code, and respectful behaviour in public spaces. In the same fashion, you will quickly notice that everyone is welcoming of Expats with different customs, making it very easy for newcomers to feel at home.

5/ Arrange Your Healthcare and Insurance.

If you are an expat living in Dubai, knowing about the healthcare system is essential. As an employee, your employer must provide you with basic health insurance. However, this insurance does not cover your dependents like your spouse, children, or parents. Every resident in Dubai is legally required to have private medical coverage.

Dubai’s public healthcare system is mainly used by Emirati nationals, who receive free treatment or at a low cost, depending on the treatment. Public services include emergency care, appointments with GPs and specialists, diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, prescription medicine, and maternity care. However, public services typically do not include dental, ear, and eye care.

Expats can also use the public healthcare system, but the services are inaccessible. To access the services, expats need to apply for a health card from the Ministry of Health, which can be done online. Applying for a health card is a good idea as there may be treatments that private medical insurance does not cover, which you can only get via the public system.

However, there are some reasons why expats should consider private healthcare services instead of public healthcare. Private healthcare offers more personalized care, shorter wait times, and a wider range of services. Additionally, some employers offer private health insurance as part of the employment package.

However, there are some reasons why Dubai’s public healthcare services shouldn’t be your first port of call as an expat:

  • They are designed to serve the local population, which means they’re not particularly user-friendly for foreigners (e.g. not many English-speaking physicians)
  • They are often in high demand, which means facilities can be overcrowded
  • Expats are legally obliged to have some form of private medical cover in Dubai, and private medical facilities are generally of a higher standard than public medical facilities.

Here’s how the critical aspects of healthcare can differ in Dubai compared to what you may be used to at home.

If you’re bringing any family to Dubai, and/or your employer isn’t providing you with what you feel is adequate cover, you may consider taking out some private medical insurance.

Want to know exactly how much a private health insurance policy will cost you and your family in Dubai? You could start building a customised plan via Cigna. With over 95 million customers worldwide, does Cigna have the reliability and the know-how to get? You sorted with the right policy.

6/ Get Familiar with Dubai’s Cost of Living. 

If you are planning to move to Dubai, note that some aspects of healthcare in Dubai may differ from what you are used to in your home country. If you are accompanied by family members or your employer does not provide adequate healthcare coverage, you may want to consider obtaining private medical insurance.

This will ensure access to the best medical facilities and services and give you peace of mind in unexpected medical emergencies. If you want to learn more about private medical insurance costs in Dubai, feel free to ask.

The cost of living in Dubai is relatively high compared to many other cities. Dubai’s average cost of living index in Dubai is 36.5% less expensive than in New York.  Here are some estimated costs of living in Dubai as of September 2023.

  • Rent: The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around 7,229.07 AED and around 4,161.87 AED outside the city centre.
  • Groceries: The prices of groceries in Dubai are generally higher than in other cities.
  • Transportation: A one-way ticket for local transport costs around 5.00 AED. Dining out: The prices at restaurants in Dubai are relatively high compared to other cities.
  • Utilities: Basic utilities for a 915 sq ft apartment cost around 214.94 AED
  • Internet: The average monthly cost for internet service with a speed of 60 Mbps or more is around 345.75 AED.
  • Fitness Club: The monthly fee for a fitness club membership for one adult is approximately 265.31 AED
  • Education: The yearly cost of an international primary school for one child is around 45,818.68 AED
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