Living in Dubai

Dubai is an extremely cosmopolitan city, with a population of at least 200 nationalities.

In fact, around 80% of its inhabitants made up of expats – and English is the most widely spoken language.

With a myriad of luxury high-rises, man-made islands, prestigious hotels, and a whole host of malls, shops, restaurants, and bars, Dubai offers a distinct and lavish lifestyle. But whilst it embraces modernism, it still has strong ties to its Islamic culture and heritage.

Cost of living

The cost of living can vary considerably depending on the area you choose to live in.

The Marina, Old Town, and Palm Jumeirah Beach are amongst the most popular areas for expats, but are also extremely expensive. Rent here could be anything up to £30,000 annually.

However, if you don’t mind traveling to nearby areas such as Mirdif or Sharjah, rent could be around half that figure.

Schooling

If you have children, you’ll also have to consider the cost of private schooling – as government schools are only available to Emiratis.

The price of this varies greatly, ranging from £500 to £24,000 per annum.

Transportation

When it comes to transportation, you’re in luck.

The cost of cars and fuel in Dubai is much lower than that of Europe and Asia, and the Dubai metro offers a clean, affordable, and reliable way to travel.

Benefits of working and living in Dubai

Dubai is a great place to live and work for a number of reasons.

Some of the key benefits of working in Dubai include:

• Tax-free income
• Luxury homes and gardens
• A vast selection of amenities
• Vibrant nightlife
• Good healthcare system
• A rich and diverse culture
• The ability to build your own business tax-free

How to get a job in Dubai

Ready to plan your move? Here are our top tips on finding work in Dubai:

1. Figure out what you want to do. Where do your skills and experience lie? Are there jobs in your chosen industry? Is the average salary in line with your preferred lifestyle?
2. Update your CV. Ensure you’re clear about your intention to relocate in your CV and cover letter, letting employers know you’re looking for visa sponsorship.
3. Research companies in Dubai. Do your research into the biggest organizations in Dubai, their company culture, reputation, and more – and check if they’re hiring.
4. Search on job sites. Many UK based job sites (hint: we know a good one) advertises for international roles, making it the perfect place to find work in Dubai.
5. Contact Recruitment Consultants. Getting in touch with recruitment agencies in Dubai before you leave is a great way to get the ball rolling on your search for work.
6. Network. Make use of any contacts you already have in Dubai, as knowing someone within an organization is likely to put you in good stead for landing a job there. You can also network online, by joining online communities and social networks.

source:reed.co.uk