Living and settling in Dubai

For many people, the prospect of relocating to an Arabic country seems a daunting prospect. However, Dubai is an extremely cosmopolitan country, with a very Western outlook, and this has helped to make it easier for foreigners to adjust to life in this vibrant emirate.

• Language
  Given that the vast majority of the population are foreign workers, there are many languages spoken in Dubai. While the official language is Arabic, English, is widely used and spoken – even the road signs carry English names and directions – with Persian, Hindi and Urdu also common.
• Population
  Seven per cent of the population of the emirate is made up of UAE nationals. Approximately 93 per cent are expats, and of the expatriate population (and 71 per cent of the emirate’s total population), 85 per cent are Asian, with roughly three per cent of the total population of Dubai categorised as ‘Western’.
• Religion
  Amazingly, once in Dubai, you’re never more than 500 metres from a mosque. The emirate’s state religion is officially Islam and the government subsidises 95 per cent of Sunni mosques and employs all Sunni imams. Despite this, the country accepts many of the world’s religion, with facilities to practice them widely available. Consequently, there are large expatriate Hindu, Sikh and Christian communities. However, while non-Muslim groups are allowed to worship freely and openly advertise group functions, the laws do prohibit the distribution of religious literature within the emirate.
• Culture
  Dubai is generally much more liberal than many other Muslim states, but some social activities and lifestyles that are accepted in Western Europe, are discouraged here, or even frowned upon. In keeping with Muslim teachings, alcohol is not permitted to followers of Islam, but it’s readily available to foreigners in hotels and bars which have special permits – although it is expensive. While you are permitted to drink behind closed doors, it’s an offence to drink or be drunk in public.
  
  Technically, unless you’re married, you aren’t permitted to share a bed, although Westerners are generally not questioned about this. However, openly homosexual behaviour is banned, along with adultery. It’s also an offence to swear, make rude gestures or publicly display affection. While Western visitors are generally shown tolerance in all of these instances, you should make an effort to respect these laws and customs.
  
  Unlike many Middle Eastern countries, the UAE is firmly committed to the enhancement of the status of women in the country. Dubai’s constitution recognises women as equals and they are given the same legal rights as men – for example, they are entitled to an education, allowed to work and practise a profession, and to hold titles.
  
  In terms of dress and behaviour, women’s clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs, with both men and women are expected to show public modesty in their clothing and behaviour, particularly during Ramadan, when it’s disrespectful to smoke, drink or eat in public between sunrise and sunset.
• Education
  Dubai has a modern network of 85 private schools that offer education to the curriculum requirements of the UK, as well as the USA, Italy and Japan. The American School of Dubai is a prime example of the quality of education in the country. It caters for children of all ages, and is well-located, safe and has excellent facilities and staff. Many families with young children have a live-in nanny. Wages are lower than in the USA or Europe, and most villas are built with a separate maid’s quarters. Nannies are vetted and made available by several reputable agencies. Cleaning maids and day care are also readily available, and children can go to nursery from two years of age.
• Healthcare
  Everybody legally visiting or living in Dubai has free access to emergency medical care. Other medical services were free until recently, and costs for standard medical procedures remain heavily subsidised. All expats living in Dubai are provided with an official medical card, and many have private medical cover – often provided by companies as part of their employment package. There are several top-class private hospitals, such as Welcare and American Hospital, which are internationally recognised.
• Food and drink
  There are more than 450 licensed restaurants in Dubai, and the quality of the current array blows the mind. There are quite literally thousands of different places to choose from – Lebanese eateries compete with Chinese takeaways and brilliant Indian curry houses. A wander through the Bur Dubai or Deira areas reveals a cornucopia of different foods and dining themes. There’s something to suit every taste while eating out in Dubai, at any time of day or night. The most common Middle Eastern food you’ll see is Lebanese, although Syrian and Persian food can also be found. Bear in mind that Muslims don’t eat pork and, although Dubai is a city of religious tolerance, you need a special dispensation to bring pork into the city. Alcohol is available but it’s very expensive, and it can only be served in restaurants and bars that are attached to hotels.
• Expat population
  There are at least 50,000 Britons living in Dubai and the number is growing by the day. This comes as no surprise because 20 new companies open in the region each week. The UAE’s population topped four million according to the last census carried out in 2005, with the growth coming not from births but from expatriates. Dubai has an official population of about 1.4 million, but it’s probably larger if you include people working for extended lengths of time without official status. Expats make up approximately 94 per cent of the UAE population, and at least 70 per cent of these are from the subcontinent.
• Pets
  You can take your pets with you to Dubai, and the process is reasonably simple. Permission is required in the form of a permit from the UAE Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries before the pet travels. To obtain the permit, owners need to submit the pet’s travel itinerary, copies of veterinary health certificates (showing that the animal is free from disease and vaccinated), the sex and colour of the pet, and a completed import permit application form. This is available from the UAE Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries

"Dubai is generally much more liberal than any other Muslim state"

Costs of living

The standard of living in Dubai is high and the quality of life fantastic. While certain things are cheap thanks to this being a tax haven, imported goods, e.g. alcohol, are expensive.

• Petrol (1l) Dh1.4
• Wine (75cl) Dh90
• Meal (three courses) DH110
• Bottle of beer (330ml) Dh18
• Loaf of bread (650g) Dh2.2
• Milk (1l) Dh3.5

To convert the figures above go to www.xe.com for the most current exchange rate.