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 to know what kind of visa you need to get.
Do British citizens need a visa for Dubai?
If you hold a British passport, you can travel to Dubai for tourism without applying for a visa in advance. Upon arrival at the airport or land border, your passport will be stamped with a free 30-day visitor visa. However, depending on the purpose of your move, you may need a work visa, residency visa, or investor visa.
Accordingly, 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 for British Passport Holders:
- Ideal for: Short stays or multiple visits.
- Duration: Up to 30 days with a 10-day grace period.
- How to get it: On arrival at the airport.
- Cost: free for British passport holders.
Job Seeker Visa:
- Ideal for: Adventurous souls looking to work, set up a business or invest in the UAE.
- Duration: 60,90 or 120 days.
- How to get it: Apply through the GDRFA website, but be sure to check your eligibility.
- Note: As of October 3, 2022, you will not need a host or a sponsor for this visa.
Residence Visa:
- Ideal for: Those committed to setting down roots or staying long-term.
- Varieties include Employment, dependent, student, retirement, business, golden, green.
British passport holders do not need to apply for a visa in advance. which means that your passport will be stamped with a visa, pon arrival at any of the UAE’s international airports. This visa is valid for 30 days, with an additional 10-day grace period.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Jumeirah Beach Residence: It’s a coastal area known for its beautiful beaches, upscale restaurants, and luxurious villas and apartments.
- 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.
Time Difference
The time difference between Dubai and the United Kingdom changes based on the UK’s observation of Daylight Saving Time (DST). When the UK is on DST, Dubai is 3 hours ahead.
Since Dubai does not observe DST, the time difference is 4 hours when the UK is on standard time. So, most of the year, Dubai is 4 hours ahead of the UK
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
Yes 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.
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.
Moving to Dubai from the UK has tax benefits due to the double-taxation agreement between the two locations, meaning you won’t need to pay UK taxes while you earn in Dubai.
However, if you plan to return to the UK eventually, especially for retirement, you might consider voluntarily contributing to your National Insurance. This helps maintain your entitlement to the state pension.
Can a UK citizen get a job in Dubai?
Yes, a UK citizen can get a job in Dubai. To do so, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Moreover, you will need to be sponsored by an employer in the UAE to work legally. Working on a visit or tourist visa is not permitted.
Once you accept a job offer, your employer will handle the process of applying for a residency visa on your behalf.
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
