I am originally from India, but I have been working and living in Dubai for over a year now. In this post, I will share a few points about living in this world of luxury perfumes and supercars. This is the ultimate guide for people or ex-pats who want to live in Dubai.
Dubai – the city of ex-pats
Dubai is a great city that looks just like a sci-fi movie. With the vast expanse of desert in the background, this city boasts more than 200 world records of tallest, highest, longest and best buildings or attractions in the world. Moreover, the city has a fast-growing real estate sector with new and unique buildings coming up on every corner as we speak.
It is hard to believe that this place was just a fishing village a few centuries ago. And what’s astonishing is that all the buildings and growth you see in Dubai today were achieved in the last 20 years alone! I don’t think there exists any such city on the planet. Dubai is hands down the best city for ex-pats from around the world.
Working in Dubai
Dubai attracts workforce from all over the world due to its strict labour laws and no tax on individual income earned. Dubai’s economy runs mainly on tourism and real estate. So there are plenty of jobs in finance, real estate and tourism sectors. Additionally, there are a few jobs in the IT sector ie. in IT-related startups. Personally, I am a Chartered Accountant from India, and I work here in finance. I have found that Indians are sitting in the finance and accounts departments everywhere in almost all the large corporations in Dubai.
Ever since I posted this blog about how to get a job in Dubai, every once in a while I get the question, “Do the employers take your passport and keep it to get an unfair advantage from you?” Hahaha, nope, nobody can do that to you in Dubai. And in case it happens, you can report this to the Dubai police. You can even file a lawsuit against your employer in the labour court in Dubai. The laws are strict, and companies have to pay hefty fines in case they don’t follow the rules. That being said, you must exercise basic caution, just as you would while working anywhere else.
The work week in Dubai is from Monday to Friday, with a holiday on Saturday and Sunday, for the private sector. Public sector employees have half-days on Friday for the prayers, and hence they have a 4.5 day work week.
Living in Dubai as a woman
Dubai is said to be the safest city in the world, and the crime rates are very low. A large number of women from diverse backgrounds and countries live here. That being said, you must exercise caution just like you would in any other part of the world, or even in your hometown. I generally feel very safe and free of worry in Dubai.
Walking around at night is safe, but be mindful of where you are going, because there are some shady areas in Dubai too. Take care especially while walking around at night, because there are several places with nightlife and nightclubs where different business takes place at night. While taking a crowded metro generally I try to go into the female and kids section for a safer experience.
A common question that I usually get asked is – Are you required to wear a hijab or abaya in Dubai? No, Women are not required to wear an abaya or hijab unless they want to do it themselves. Actually, women can wear whatever they like in Dubai.
Related post: I wore a saree at the Burj Khalifa
Cost of living in Dubai
When it comes to the cost of living in Dubai I have a simple answer – It depends on you. Dubai is a very affordable city in comparison to New York or London or Mumbai. But when it comes to spending your money here, even the sky is not the limit. Your main expense here will be the rent that you pay for your home/ accommodation. And apart from the rent part, you can survive in Dubai on less than 1,500 AED per month. This too is a higher estimate, considering a comfortable lifestyle, travel costs and any other outdoor expenses or activities.
Housing and rent in Dubai
The best websites to find good deals and properties on rent in Dubai are – Dubizzle and Propertyfinder. You must first find where your community lives in Dubai and then search for a place to stay in that area. Just like how I find Burjuman comfortable because I am Indian, you will find Marina more comfortable if you are coming from London or US to Dubai. Alternatively, you can plan to stay close to your workplace, so that you save your time, energy and money in commuting to and fro from the office every day.
There are several options for where to live in Dubai for bachelors as well as families. You can get a studio or apartment fully for yourself if you are a couple or a family. But for bachelors, it is better to stay in a shared apartment, where everyone shares the kitchen, washer and common spaces.
You can rent a fully furnished place, on a monthly basis, where your DEWA and internet are also covered in the rent expense. This option is good for you if you are living in Dubai for a short period. Alternatively, if you are planning to live in Dubai for the long term, then you can make a 12-month contract and rent out an unfurnished apartment or place. In this case, DEWA and internet will be an additional charge for you. But in long term, the total costs turn out to be much lesser than the prior option. International buyers can even buy and own properties in certain areas of Dubai.
Food in Dubai
If you are living in Dubai you have to forget local farmers’ markets & fresh river water. Say hello to plastic water bottles and agricultural products imported from all over the world. You will mostly eat fruits and vegetables imported from around the world. For eg – peaches from Egypt, berries from Iran, apples from New Zealand or USA, tender coconuts from Sri Lanka, mangoes from India, etc.
Dubai is also a foodie’s paradise. I feel like there are more cuisines and restaurants here than what people can actually consume! Dubai is brimming with restaurants serving unique artisan or fusion food. I believe that such a large variety of food options cannot be found anywhere else in the world. That is mainly because Dubai is a melting point where all the people from the world live. It doesn’t matter whether you are a vegan, pure vegetarian, or non-veg lover, Dubai has several food options for every type of person.
Related post: I had a 24 Karat Gold Cappucino at Burj Khalifa
Transport in Dubai
Dubai as a city is not made for walking, it is made only for supercars. You will find some amazing supercars casually parked along Sheikh Zayed road. Cars and petrol are very cheap in Dubai. But getting a driving license here is difficult and an expensive affair.
If you don’t drive, then the Dubai metro and RTA buses are excellent modes of transport for you. Although the metro in Dubai does not connect all the places, it does connect the majority of the important city centres and places that you need to visit. The metro is mostly heavily crowded, and you don’t get a seat, as it is so full every day.
I usually use a combination of metro and taxi or metro and bus to get to places in far corners of Dubai. RTA Taxis in Dubai are fairly cheap compared to several western countries. You can use the Careem app to order a taxi. Usually, the cheapest option in taxis is the Hala taxi. Uber is a bit more pricey than Careem in Dubai. You can pay by your debit or credit card in most of the taxis in Dubai.
If you are planning to live in Dubai for the long term, then it is a good idea to invest your time effort and money in getting a driving license here. Driving a car in Dubai is simple but finding parking is difficult. Almost all the parking spots in Dubai are paid, and full on weekends. And the traffic situation in Dubai is bad in several areas.
Indians living in Dubai
If you just check the stats of ex-pats living in Dubai by nationality, you will find that the Indian population in UAE is the highest. There is an entire neighbourhood full of Indians in Dubai near Burjuman and in the Mankhool area, in Bur Dubai. If you walk here you will see just Indian faces and families. Indians are living here for several years now, and this means that our life will be much easier. Indian food, clothing, and several other things are easily available here. Sometimes you might even forget that you are living in Dubai because this area is like a mini – India.
Related post: The most beautiful Hindu temple in Dubai
Similarly, for people from western countries like Europe and USA the places around Dubai Marina and Jumeriah beach might feel like home. Moreover, a large amount of the Filipino population lives near Deira and Al Rigga.
Diversity in Dubai
Dubai has been able to attract people from several countries all over the globe. Just take a metro ride and you will see people from several different countries, colours, languages and religions all around you. Dubai boasts a diversity of people which is unmatchable anywhere else in the world. After all, this is the melting point where the west meets the east. Even though Dubai is predominantly Muslim, it is still the most tolerant to every other religious faith. Dubai has a truly international environment, where everyone is free to follow their own faiths and beliefs.
Overall, Dubai boasts a quiet luxurious life, a good standard of living, nice salaries, amazing food options, and shopping options. It is a bit bureaucratic, and you will have to forget the mountains and the rains/snow if you are planning to live in Dubai.
The post Living in Dubai – the richest city in the world appeared first on Shepherd Traveller.
