Relocating to Dubai
Changing jobs can be a stressful event. Moving to another country presents additional challenges:
- Travel Costs – Many employers will cover plane ticket and relocation expenses, while others just give an advance. Normally there is some sort of payback clause if a worker breaks a contract before it is up. Employers who require employees to fund the whole move themselves should be considered with caution. In the end, the benefits given really depend on whether they are desperate to fill the position.
- Transport – Although Dubai does have a public bus system it is mainly used by low income workers. The city isn’t pedestrian friendly and, although taxis are pretty cheap, it’s really essential to purchase a car.
- Permanent Housing – Unlike many other places, foreigners are permitted to buy real estate in Dubai. Most people, however, prefer to rent initially. There are many real estate agents that serve both markets. Another great place to find accommodation is the classifieds in local newspapers.
- Making Friends – With Dubai’s lively expatriate scene, this is probably the easiest element of the relocation process. With an expatriate population of around 80%, the majority of people have been through the same process as you. There are a number of groups of interest to expatriates e.g. EmiratesMac. Bars and clubs popular with expatriates include the Aviation Club and Irish Village.