Moving to Dubai from the UK

There is a common myth that only people from third-world countries or developing nations move to Dubai for a chance at a better life. Dubai, being the epitome of modern architecture and infrastructure and a provider of high-quality urban life, also draws immense settlements from highly developed countries such as the UK.

Every year, a wide number of people from the UK move to Dubai for a myriad of reasons – whether for career advancements or a shot at a better lifestyle. In this space, we are going to cover everything you need to about how to move to Dubai from the UK.

We are going to discuss everything from why it is a smart choice to move to Dubai, the preparations you need to make before moving out, what are the visa requirements you need to fulfill, what is going to be the cost of living in Dubai, along with the employment, business, educational, and healthcare opportunities in the city. Essentially, if you are someone who is going to be relocating to Dubai from the UK, this is going to serve as a guide for you.

Why is Moving to Dubai a Smart Idea?

Dubai is the land of dreams and opportunities. Over the past several decades, the city has established itself as a power player in the global economy and has accentuated its appeal to a global audience, who are continuously relocating to it for a chance at a better education, healthcare, career, and overall quality of life.

Moving to Dubai is a smart choice because of more reasons than one. Primary among these reasons are the following.

Prime Location

Dubai’s prime geographical location gives it an immense strategic advantage as it continuously gets favored by foreign nations. It serves as the gateway to the Middle East and the facilitator of international trade for the UAE. The global recognition of Dubai stems from its proximity and connection to a vast number of countries that tie it to three continents from all ends – Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Being a dynamic commercial hub, the city hosts one of the busiest airports and hustling ports in the world, not only through its booming tourism industry but also through its significance to multinational corporations. It provides the perfect ground for the conglomeration of cross-national trade that eventually makes it a lucrative option for investment opportunities.

Widespread Business and Employment Opportunities

In line with the previous point, the business and employment opportunities in Dubai are through the roof. A city that was once just a mere fishing village has come a long way ever since the discovery of oil fields back in the 1960s. Since then, Dubai hasn’t looked back and has steadily walked into a path that has forged it to glory, development, and modernism.

Apart from the oil reserves, the city has emerged as a bona fide real estate, retail, fashion, shopping, tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, and e-commerce destination. In the process, it has defied the odds from where it was once in history to develop into a dynamic global power. By generating employment and flourishing business and career opportunities, Dubai has turned into a safe haven for business personnel and career enthusiasts.

Exemption from Taxation

Much before the rest of the world started turning its attention to Dubai, the city had already made a ground-breaking move that will continue to flourish with profitable results over the next several decades. Back in 1894, Dubai granted complete tax exemption to all foreign traders. This was unprecedented back then and was one of the first signs of this city turning out to be a booming economy in the future.

The tax-free environment of Dubai ensures you don’t have to be subjected to any capital gains or income tax. This is a huge deal for business professionals, working individuals, investors, and traders as they can save immense amounts of money that otherwise would have gone out in taxes. Expats around the globe swear by this benefit and it serves as one of the biggest reasons for people to move to Dubai.

Improved Quality of Life

The lifestyle that Dubai offers is an unmatched one – one that rings true to the highest standard of urban living. The residents of the city not only are privy to a mesmerizing landscape that is breathtaking to begin with, but are also blessed with marvelous architecture that is reflected through the residential and commercial buildings along with its landmarks.

With a reputed educational and healthcare system, you get access to the best of the best in Dubai. Not to mention, it is also one of the safest cities in the world as the strict judicial system of the city and the low crime rate makes it a perfect place for families to thrive. The accessibility and state-of-the-art amenities further accentuate the art of living in the city.

Booming Real Estate Market

When it comes to the real estate market, Dubai has one of the finest and most competitive ones in the world. With some of the most well-known property developers establishing architectural excellence throughout the city, you get luxurious as well as economical real estate symbolism in the emirate. The stable nature of the real estate market of Dubai makes it a lucrative option for investors to invest in.

In addition, the real estate market of the city can withstand the fluctuations that often plague the real estate market of other global cities. With high Return on Investments (ROI), Dubai is a paradise for investors that continue to flourish in its conducive environment.

The Preparations You Need to Take Before Moving

No amount of preparation is enough to move to a foreign nation. It can definitely be intimidating to reside in a foreign country, especially if you have never had one before. However, bearing in mind certain key aspects will make your preparation process smoother and more concrete.

Thorough Research and Planning

If you are considering relocating to Dubai from the UK, first and foremost, you need to dive into extensive research and meticulous planning. Although it can seem daunting and overwhelming at first with the plethora of information you find online, starting slow is the key.

Getting to know the basics of Dubai, as in, finding out the languages spoken, the overall climate, the government, the cultural practices, the healthcare and educational facilities, and the cost of living.

Compartmentalizing your research will help you divide each topic into chapters and give you clarity about the ins and outs of Dubai. By carefully planning the logistics of your relocation, you will ensure a seamless move to the city.

Legal Requirements and Document Preparation

Always make sure you are on the right side of the legal parameters of the city or country you are moving to. Try and find out the legal requirements to move to Dubai you need to maintain to not only ensure successful and safe arrival but also the aspects you need to maintain while residing in Dubai.

You exponentially increase your odds of avoiding trouble with the law when you are well aware of the legalities of the city you are residing. Dubai has a strict judicial system to maintain the safety of its residents and this comes with you partaking in and maintaining the legal requirements of the city.

In addition, keep all your major documents and their photocopies handy since you may have to present them whenever required. These generally include your identity proofs but can also include your medical history, financial records, and qualifications.

Medical Considerations and Insurance

Healthcare is comparatively more expensive in Dubai than most other cities in the world. Therefore, you must brace yourself to be prepared for it beforehand. Dubai does have an advanced and fantastic healthcare system and it is worth the expense. UAE nationals can head to public hospitals and clinics with little to no cost, but expats usually have to pay a fee and/or carry a health card to avail of these public institutions.

The private healthcare system is vast owing to the large number of expats in the emirate. The presence of innovative research mechanisms, modern medical equipment, and highly-trained medical professionals adds to the expensive nature of the healthcare system in the city.

As such, buying health insurance from a reputed and established source is recommended as it will cover any unforeseen medical emergency and treatments. You don’t have to worry about burning holes in your pocket to cover astronomical medical costs when you have medical insurance in hand.

Visa Requirements

The first order of business before relocating to Dubai from the UK is enquiring about the type of Dubai visa for the UK residents you need to apply for. But before answering that question, there is another question of grave concern you need to find the answer to.

Do citizens of the UK Need a Visa for Dubai?

If you are a citizen of the UK and hold a passport from the said country, then you can enter Dubai without requiring a visa in advance. You can get a visa on arrival. Once you arrive at the airport or land border, concerned authorities will give a stamp of approval to your passport denoting a free 30-day visit visa.

You just need to make sure that you are carrying your original passport and its expiration should not be within six months from the arrival date to the UAE. In addition, you also need to ensure you have either a round-trip airline ticket or a confirmed ticket to some other destination other than Dubai.

Tourist Visa

UK citizens can get a tourist visa on arrival, as we have stated above. However, you can also obtain a multiple entry 5-year tourist visa that allows you to visit the UAE multiple times through self-sponsorship. During each visit, you can stay up to 90 days in the UAE.

Job Seeker Visa

You can apply for a job seeker visa without requiring the need for a sponsor or host. This visa can be applied for a validity of 30, 90, or even 120 days. One needs to provide a copy of their passport, qualification certificate, and a colored photo to apply for this visa.

To be eligible for this visa, one must be in the first, second, or third skill level as per the different levels of professional jobs stated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) or have graduated within the past two years. In addition, you must have a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent to it and fulfill the required financial guarantee.

Residence Visa

You will be amazed to find out the plethora of residency visas you can apply to live in Dubai that offer long-term residency programs. They help in fostering better relations with foreign nations and in facilitating the flow of talented individuals and prospective investors to Dubai. Here is a list of the prominent residency visas you can apply for.

UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that helps talents from foreign nations to study, work, and live in the UAE. It applies to students, entrepreneurs, investors, humanitarian pioneers, scientists, and frontline heroes.

UAE Green Visa

The UAE Green Visa is applicable for freelancers, self-employed individuals, and skilled professionals who can sponsor themselves for a long-term residency in the UAE without requiring a UAE national sponsor or employer sponsor.

UAE Blue Visa

The UAE Blue Visa provides long-term residency in the UAE to foreign individuals who have made significant contributions to the protection of the environment and sustainability either in or outside of the UAE.

Student Visa

A Student Visa provides a residency for one year that can be renewed upon proof of the continuation of the study program. A student can reside in the UAE under the sponsorship of their parent or the sponsorship of the educational institution they are studying in.

Standard Work Visa

A foreign citizen can apply for a Standard Work Visa if they are employed in a government sector, a free zone, or in the private sector. It is usually viable for two years.

Residence Visa for the Retired

Foreign retired citizens can apply for a Residence Visa for the Retired that is viable for five years. To be eligible for it, one must have worked at least 15 years in or outside the UAE, or be at least 55 years old during retirement. They must own properties worth at least AED 1 million, or have financial savings of at least AED 1 million, or have a monthly income of at least AED 15,000.

Cost of living in Dubai

When it comes to managing the finances, you need to be well-versed with the cost of living in Dubai vs the UK. Remember, the first few months after moving to Dubai will be expensive as you have various overhead expenses to bear and things to buy for your home. But, after the first 6-7 months, financial expenditure will be manageable.

One of the major aspects that expats can benefit from is the exemption from tax on their incomes. This ends up saving loads of money. The cost of living will heavily depend on where you choose to live, your residential unit in case of rent, and your lifestyle.

The following chart will give you an overall idea of the cost of living in Dubai. But, we are again reiterating the fact that the cost of living is a subjective matter and heavily depends on your spending habits and lifestyle.

Healthcare System

The healthcare system of Dubai, even though expensive, is one of the most advanced ones in the world. As stated earlier, it is a wise move to invest in healthcare insurance before moving into the city as it will take care of all unforeseen medical emergencies and treatments. In fact, healthcare insurance is mandatory for all expats and their dependents.

There are public hospitals and clinics in the city but they are heavily outnumbered by their private counterparts. The large number of expats in the city has contributed to the significant rise in the development of the private healthcare sector.

UAE nationals can visit and avail of services from these public healthcare institutions with minimal to no cost. But, if you are an expat, you need to pay a fee and/or present your health card to get services from these public institutions.

Regardless, you will be able to experience some of the most advanced and innovative medical treatments in the city, which also explains the expensive nature of it. By employing highly-trained professionals from around the globe and incorporating cutting-edge technology, you can rest assured that you will have access to the highest quality medical facilities in Dubai, especially from the private healthcare sector.

Need for Healthcare Insurance

Whether you are an Emirati or an expat, you need to get health insurance mandatorily in Dubai. The Dubai Health Insurance Corporation (DHIC) is enforced with the task of ensuring the health rights of the residents of Dubai along with overall regulation of the health insurance sector in the city. They also provide licenses to insurance companies, health service providers, Third Party Administrators (TPAs), and brokers.

Regulatory and Compliance Healthcare Systems in Dubai

Dubai has implemented various regulatory and compliance systems to monitor the existence of an integrated healthcare insurance system that will provide top-notch quality medical services. They are as follows.

Insurance System for Advanced Healthcare in Dubai (ISAHD)

The Insurance System for Advancing Healthcare in Dubai (ISAHD) is a comprehensive initiative by DHIC that aims towards providing high-quality sustainable healthcare in Dubai, both for the residents of the city, as well as visitors. From advising on insurance coverage and laws to bringing positive enhancements to the healthcare system, it monitors everything. It also plays a major role in determining the licenses for TPAs, intermediaries, and insurers.

Insurance Partner Relation Management eSystem (iPROMeS)

Insurance Partner Relation Management eSystem (iPROMeS) is an interactive platform that makes sure to provide the people of Dubai with a channel to express their opinions through feedback, suggestions, complaints, or compliments regarding the insurance service providers and the healthcare system.

Health Insurance Compliance and Audit Log (HICAL)

Health Insurance Compliance and Audit Log (HICAL) is responsible for controlling and overseeing any instances of waste, fraud, and abuse of insurance providers. It takes submission of reports of suspicious and manipulative services by any insurance provider in the city.

Employment and Business Opportunities

The employment opportunities in Dubai are immense, which is why, so many people across the world move to this dream city. Due to the high demand for skilled professionals in the city in a wide range of fields such as Information Technology (IT), finance, healthcare, and engineering, Dubai generates employment in vast quantities.

The booming economy of Dubai, and by extension, the UAE attracts high-net-worth families to settle down in its safe haven. The opportunities for establishing and expanding businesses in this city are unparalleled. Dubai also has provisions for cultural integration and creating connections, which is a boost for any business.

The city has always been welcoming of foreign talents and workers. With competitive salaries on offer and a futuristic environment for career growth, working in Dubai is feasible and lucrative. Not to forget, due to tax relief, and the ease of conducting businesses, Dubai is a dream place for international investors.

Education (British Curriculum & Higher Education)

When moving to Dubai from the UK with family, a primary concern most people have is the education of their kids. Thankfully, the educational system in Dubai is an eclectic one that will give you an array of options to choose from.

The city recognizes its huge global settlement and honors it by providing a diverse curriculum. Whether you want an American educational system or a British one, or even a local Emirati-based one, the options in front of you are plentiful.

Most UK expats in Dubai opt for General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) schools in Dubai for their children that are vetted by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). The cost of education in Dubai will be dictated by the grade of your child, the location of the educational institute, and the management.

Notable Educational Institutions in Dubai that Follow British Curriculum

There are over 50 British educational institutes all across Dubai, ensuring you have access to British education for your children. Some of the most notable educational institutions among them are as follows.

• Nord Anglia International School
• GEMS Jumeirah Primary School
• Kings’ School Al Barsha
• Horizon English School
• Regent International School
• Cambridge International School
• GEMS Wellington International School
• Jumeirah College
• Dubai College

Renting and Buying Property in Dubai

The real estate market of Dubai is one of the most profitable and desired ones in the world. As an expat, you are free to buy properties in Dubai, but you can only buy freehold properties in designated areas in the city. Some of the best areas to invest in Dubai are Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Emirates Hills, among others.

If you are planning to buy a property in Dubai from the UK, then you have a plenty of options available. The city also offers a high rental yield. This means if you are buying properties and putting them on rent, you can make a profitable investment out of it.

Since most people move to Dubai for career opportunities, renting is a viable option for them. It provides them with the flexibility to relocate and alter their living environments. There is no large sum of down payment to deal with. The landlord takes care of the upkeep and repairs. So, overall, renting is a smart choice if you have an economical budget and are not planning to stay for long.

Buying properties, on the other hand, gives you a secured sense of ownership and provides long-term stability. Since the value of properties increases over time, you can expect a high Return on Investment (ROI) as well.

Cultural Adaptation

If you are someone who is emigrating to Dubai from the UK, then there are cultural aspects about Dubai that you need to condition yourself with beforehand. It will not only save you from cultural shocks but also help you easily blend in with your surroundings and have a profound respect for the rich cultural heritage of the city.

Local Customs and Traditions

Dubai is a modern city, but you still need to practice modesty in terms of clothing when you are out in public, especially when visiting places of worship. Make sure not to drink and smoke in public places. Take permission before clicking someone’s photographs.

Language and Communication

Arabic is the official language of the UAE. However, most citizens are pretty fluent in English. Be cordial and respectful when addressing someone.

Time Difference

The time difference between the UAE and the UK can fluctuate depending on the UK’s observation or lack of observation of Daylight Saving Time (DST). When the UK is on standard time and doesn’t observe DST, Dubai is four hours ahead of the UK. However, when the UK observes DST, Dubai is three hours ahead of the UK.

Weather and Climate

Dubai generally experiences a warm, sunny climate throughout the year. Even in January, temperatures usually don’t fall below 15 degrees Celsius. During peak summer, you can expect temperatures to rise up to 50 degrees Celsius.

Lifestyle and Socialization

UK expats can find plenty of avenues to socialize and retreat in Dubai due to the eclectic and vibrant lifestyle that Dubai offers.

Fashion and Shopping

For all fashion enthusiasts, you will be happy to know that some of the leading fashion and luxury shopping brands popular in the UK have their branches in Dubai. This means you will still have access to all your fashion needs.

From M&S to H&M, from Next to Mango, from Harvey Nichols to Zara, you name it, and you will find it in the streets of Dubai.

Recreational Zones and Amusement Parks

Dubai hosts some of the largest and mesmerizing malls in the world including Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall, Mercato Mall, and Dubai Marina Mall, among others.

In addition, if you want a rush of adrenaline, there are dozens of amusement and water parks all across the city. Notable among them are IMG Worlds of Adventure, Global Village, Motiongate Dubai, Legoland Dubai, Atlantis Aquaventure, Wild Wadi Water Park, and Ski Dubai, among others.

Culinary and Dining Delights

People from the UK will have no trouble fitting in with the culinary and food aspects of Dubai as the multicultural nature of the city will make them feel at home. There is no dearth of food joints and fine dining restaurants serving a global menu, including British foods.

Not to mention, the advanced grocery of the city ensures you have access to a global variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains throughout the year. Some of the most notable British restaurants in and around the city are Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, Harvesters Restaurant, Rhodes W1, The Nine, and The Croft, among others.

Conclusion

Every year, a wide number of foreign nationalities move to Dubai, including UK expats due to the vast opportunities the city provides. From top-notch education to high-quality healthcare, from formidable real estate options to feasible business and employment opportunities, Dubai checks all the boxes for a perfect life.

Moreover, the visa options for moving to Dubai are unparalleled, making it extremely easy for UK residents to arrive and reside in the city. Dubai is the future and no matter where in the world you are living, Dubai can certainly elevate your ultimate urban living dream.

FAQs

Questions about Moving to Dubai from the UK

Is it worth moving from the UK to Dubai?

Yes, it is worth moving from the UK to Dubai as Dubai provides a conducive environment for career and business growth. The strategic advantage Dubai has due to its geographical location and the quality of life it provides through top-notch education and healthcare are a few of the many reasons why moving there is worthwhile.

How to move your belongings from the UK to Dubai?

If you want to move your belongings from the UK to Dubai, you need to get quotes from shipping companies and figure out the various options of shipping available to you. This includes air freight and sea. Additionally, it is also important to research and find out whether moving is viable depending on your budget since you can travel light and purchase what you need from Dubai.

How to find a job in Dubai as a UK citizen?

Finding a job in Dubai becomes easier when you take the help of online job portals, recruitment agencies, and networking platforms. Research the skills in demand in the job market of Dubai and tailor your resume accordingly. Most jobs require a sponsorship visa from the employer. You can also use the tourist visa to hunt for a job and alter your visa status when you successfully find a job.

How much money do you need to move to Dubai?

The amount of money you need to move to Dubai depends on your lifestyle and spending habits but usually, it is recommended to have a monthly income of at least 10,000-15,000 to maintain a decent lifestyle in Dubai.

Do you still have to pay UK tax if you move to Dubai?

There is no personal income tax in Dubai. But, you still need to pay UK tax on UK-sourced income.

How to buy property in Dubai?

If you are planning to buy a property in Dubai, get in touch with a reputed property developer and select your preferred unit of property. Once you and the seller draft the sale agreement, register the property under your name at the Dubai Land Department (DLD) office.