Living in Dubai: All You Need to Know

Expats Living in Dubai: What to Expect

So many expats and digital nomads preferred Dubai as one of the top destinations. Quality of life, career opportunities, and tax advantages are among the reasons they choose.

As there are many aspects of life that you might be looking for in a foreign country, there might be differences to be aware of. So let’s see together what living in Dubai is like.

Transportation and Roads: What’s Different in Dubai?

Dubai has a major independent government roads & transportation authority, The Roads and Transport Authority. It plans and executes transport and traffic projects. Also, it’s responsible for legislation and strategic plans for transportation in Dubai.

Dubai’s public transportation options are diverse. It caters to the needs of Dubai’s residents and travelers in the city. Metro, buses, trams, water taxis, and taxis are options. The rail system is very efficient and extensive. There are red and green lines connecting major areas of the city. So you can go to a neighborhood place easily by using affordable transportation.

Nol Card lets you access these public transportation options, even for different modes of transportation. You can recharge it with a credit card.

Driving

Before you start enjoying exploring the city by driving, let’s first see some rules and tips.

• To legally drive in Dubai as a tourist, you must possess a valid international driver’s license. You can convert your license to a local license if you’re relocating to Dubai. Attend classes and get a passing grade unless you’re a citizen of one of the qualifying nations.
• In Dubai, you’ll find yourself driving on the right-hand side of the road, with the steering wheel on the left. There is often heavy traffic and a high-speed restriction.
• You need to pay close attention to the traffic laws. Penalties for violating them can be harsh, including fines, jail time, or even deportation.
• Large, multi-lane roundabouts are possible and could be perplexing for certain motorists. Ensure you properly utilize your indicators and practice your roundabout abilities.
• You may purchase a prepaid card called Salik and connect it to your windshield to automatically deduct tolls on certain roadways.
• Anyone over the age of 21 in possession of a valid international driver’s license and a credit card can rent a car in Dubai.

Healthcare System in Dubai

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) oversees the city’s public and private healthcare systems. Most Emiratis use the public healthcare system, providing low-cost or even free medical treatment.

Expats, legally obligated to have health insurance, mostly utilize the private healthcare system. Healthcare in Dubai is second to none, thanks to the city’s abundance of state-of-the-art facilities and highly trained staff. Cultural diversity, growing demand, and escalating healthcare expenses are further challenges.

What are the Income Tax Advantages in Dubai?

The absence of personal income tax is a major business perk in Dubai. Because of this, you may retain all your hard-earned money, which means you’ll have more spending and a better quality of life than in nations where income taxes are mandatory. If you are not a Gulf Cooperation Council country citizen, you are exempt from paying social security taxes and submitting tax returns.

But, you should be aware that Dubai imposes additional taxes, including:

• Value-added tax (5% of purchases)
• Goods like cigarettes, energy drinks, and soft drink goods are subject to an excise tax of fifty percent or one hundred percent.
• The purchase or sale of real estate is subject to a 4% property transfer tax.
• The amount of five percent that is due when renting out a home
• Hotel and other service costs, as well as any applicable municipal levies

Jobs and Salaries in Dubai

Expats from all over the world flock to Dubai because of the city’s international reputation. There will be a great need for competent and experienced workers, but the workforce will also be more diverse and competitive.

You may retain all your profits in Dubai because personal income is not taxed there. Nevertheless, additional expenses are associated with living and conducting business in the city, including value-added tax, excise tax, property tax, rental tax, and tourist fees.

Tourism, commerce, banking, real estate, and technology are the backbone of Dubai’s thriving and rapidly expanding economy. Jobseekers can find many options in these fields, but they also need innovation and adaptability regularly. You can find jobs in international companies.

Local Laws

The Islamic laws of Dubai are particularly delicate because of the country’s religious background. Hence, be mindful of your word choice before speaking. What may be acceptable in your country may only sometimes be acceptable in Dubai. It’s very discouraging to use profanity in public in Dubai.

Traditional Islamic religious law, or Sharia, is strictly enforced in Dubai. There is a low threshold for same-sex relationships, and many ordinary practices are punishable by law, such as Physical intimacy (PDA).

Proper attire is expected in public areas in Dubai, including malls, mosques, and government offices, where a more conservative style is preferred. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders, knees, and cleavage; it’s modest. The law also requires you to cover yourself when you leave the pool or beach and on private beach clubs, although swimwear is fine there.

Kissing, hugging, and holding hands in public are unacceptable in Dubai. These might lead to unwanted scrutiny or legal action due to their rude and obscene nature.

The city-state of Dubai maintains strict regulations against the use, sale, and possession of any illegal substances. Even if the medicines are lawful in your country or prescribed to you, possessing even a small amount of them might lead to expulsion, jail, or arrest. Therefore, you should refrain from carrying any medication that includes them. These are among the most crucial regulations for expats living in Dubai.

Cultural Differences

The culture in Dubai is different from that of the Western world. For many visitors, it’s a culture shock when they arrive here. There are nationalities from all over the world. People walk in traditional clothes, you’ll find mosques from which prayers sound, and you’ll see the Arabic language all around you.

Dubai is a very safe country, and women can travel safely. As a woman, it’s not mandatory to wear a headscarf in public, but in mosques, it is mandatory. In Dubai, women have a much more liberal lifestyle than women in other countries in the Middle East. This means women can just drive, and work over here. However, when you talk to a local, waiting for a hand to be offered for a handshake is recommended.

On the other hand, women are often helped first at the supermarket or the bank. Government buildings often even have separate queues for women. The metro also has a separate train carriage for women. Note: for men, it’s strictly forbidden to enter here.

More than 200,000 expats are attracted to Dubai for its vibrant social scene, constant sunshine, and business opportunities, accessible.