Dubai has undergone a rapid transformation from a small fishing village to a dazzling desert metropolis. The largest city in the United Arab Emirates has an expat population of more than 90 percent. People from all over the world want to live in Dubai and must come to terms with the local conditions. We\u2019d like to highlight a few aspects that define life in Dubai and are relevant for expats looking to make Dubai their new home. <\/p>\n
Short stays in Dubai are covered by a tourist visa. This free visa is valid for up to 90 days, which can be spread out over a six-month period. Anyone who wants to emigrate to Dubai needs more than just a simple stamp in their passport. <\/p>\n
The most common type of visa for foreigners in Dubai is the work visa (Standard Work Visa). Once an employment contract has been signed, the employer applies for the visa. A work visa is generally valid for two to three years. An Emirates ID is a prerequisite for obtaining the visa. This residence permit is the actual basis for living in Dubai. <\/p>\n
The following documents are required to obtain a work visa:<\/p>\n
The visa is reserved for qualified self-employed individuals and freelancers. The document is valid for five years and requires a minimum annual income of 84,000 euros. <\/p>\n
If doctors or high-tech professionals decide to live and work in Dubai, they receive a long-term visa\u2014the Golden Visa\u2014valid for five to ten years. The visa comes with various benefits, such as the ability to bring family members to the country with no age restrictions and maximum freedom to own property. <\/p>\n
A Wide Range of Visa Options in Dubai:<\/p>\n
Currently, there are approximately 2.5 million foreigners living in Dubai. This accounts for up to 90 percent of the total population. <\/p>\n
The most common nationalities are as follows:<\/p>\n
Most migrant workers in Dubai find employment in the following industries:<\/p>\n
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The ultimate cost of living in Dubai depends on an individual\u2019s specific requirements and needs. Another important factor to consider is whether the person is moving to Dubai alone or starting a new life there with their entire family. <\/p>\n
Rental prices are roughly comparable to those in major German cities such as Munich or Hamburg and vary depending on the size, location, and amenities of the property.<\/p>\n
Average annual rents:<\/p>\n
In modern residential complexes, fitness centers, pools, and playgrounds are typically included. The rent does not include the costs of electricity, gas, or air conditioning. You should budget between 10,000 and 20,000 AED annually for utility costs. This expense varies and depends on individual usage. <\/p>\n
Anyone planning to buy an apartment or house should first find out where expats are allowed to purchase real estate in Dubai. Furthermore, it\u2019s important to weigh the two purchase options\u2014\u201cfreehold\u201d and \u201cleasehold\u201d\u2014against one another. Freehold ensures unrestricted ownership. With the leasehold option, the term and rights are limited. At Canaletto Sky, we offer comprehensive advice on all aspects of purchasing real estate in Dubai. <\/p>\n
There are no free schools in the United Arab Emirates. This is a significant difference from the education system in Germany. Parents in Dubai must pay for their children\u2019s schooling themselves. Tuition for elementary schools starts at 20,000 AED. Secondary schools cost about twice as much. <\/p>\n
For public schools, the costs are significantly lower, at 6,000 AED or 1,485 euros per year. However, instruction in these schools is conducted exclusively in Arabic. In international schools, the language of instruction is English. Tuition fees increase with each grade level. At the American School of Dubai, for example, tuition for upper grades is just under 90,000 AED or 22,500 euros per year. <\/p>\n
Living in Dubai also comes with its own set of experiences when it comes to grocery shopping. The biggest price differences stem from the products\u2019 country of origin. Stores carry a wide variety of goods from Europe. Those who buy these items generally pay more for them than they would in German supermarkets. Most food items from Africa, Asia, or Australia are cheaper than in Europe. <\/p>\n
Fresh produce can be purchased at local markets in Dubai. Fruit, vegetables, and bread are guaranteed to be fresh and reasonably priced here. The VIVA supermarket chain is a good option for budget-conscious shoppers. Those who prefer global and often more expensive goods will find what they\u2019re looking for at Choithrams, Spinneys, and other international chains. <\/p>\n
The following price comparison provides a brief overview of food prices in Dubai:<\/p>\n
White bread<\/strong><\/p>\n 12 eggs <\/strong><\/p>\n 1 kg of apples<\/strong><\/p>\n 1 kg of potatoes<\/strong><\/p>\n 1 kg beef<\/strong><\/p>\n 1 kg chicken<\/strong><\/p>\n Dubai<\/strong>: 6.52 euros<\/p>\n Germany<\/strong>: 6.50 euros<\/p>\n 1 kg of tomatoes<\/strong><\/p>\n Dubai<\/strong>: 1.29 euros<\/p>\n Germany<\/strong>: 1.50 euros<\/p>\n Anyone comparing the cost of living in Dubai (in euros) to that in Germany will find that insurance is cheaper in the Emirates. Annual car insurance premiums amount to about five percent of the vehicle\u2019s current value. Health insurance is also more affordable than in Germany. Of course, there are differences depending on the scope of coverage. Self-employed individuals can obtain basic coverage for about 8,000 AED per year. <\/p>\n The cost of a used car in Dubai has fallen sharply in recent years. Differences in brand, age, condition, and features should be taken into account. In general, car prices are between 20 and 40 percent lower than typical prices in Germany. Even when buying new cars, customers in Dubai save up to 20 percent compared to standard prices in Europe. This is due to low taxes and import duties. <\/p>\n Expatriates in Dubai must comply with various rules and regulations, while at the same time benefiting from a stable legal and social framework.<\/p>\n Without a residence and work permit, foreigners are not allowed to live and work in Dubai. The employer usually handles the process of obtaining the necessary documents. The process can be completed promptly if all required documents are submitted on time. <\/p>\n It is important to note that work permits are generally tied to the current employment relationship and remain so. Consequently, anyone who wishes to change employers in Dubai cannot do so simply by resigning and being rehired. The permits must be reapplied for as part of a new application process. This can delay the process of changing jobs, and prompt action is required. <\/p>\n Foreigners in Dubai enjoy various rights. These are enshrined in the Constitution of the United Arab Emirates. They include, for example, access to legal remedies and the right to equal treatment. In return, expats are required to observe local laws and conduct themselves accordingly. An understanding of\u2014and the necessary respect for\u2014the cultural norms and customs prevailing in the Emirates is expected. <\/p>\n Dubai and Abu Dhabi are among the safest destinations in the world. This was confirmed in a ranking that included 319 cities. Dubai ranked eighth in the list. By comparison, Munich ranks seventh. Cities such as Stuttgart, Vienna, and Zurich rank lower on the list. <\/p>\n Dubai’s high standard of safety can be attributed to the presence of security forces and nearly comprehensive video surveillance. Dubai places great emphasis on compliance with the law, which contributes to the high level of overall safety. The authorities respond consistently to violations of the rules in order to maintain the level of security. While the rumor that thieves have their hands chopped off belongs in the realm of fairy tales, deportation is a common penalty. It is not uncommon for individuals who have violated the law to be required to leave the country. <\/p>\n The high level of safety in Dubai applies to women in particular. Women are, of course, allowed to drive in Dubai and are not required to wear a veil. Here, too, rumors often surface that stem from a lack of knowledge about the country\u2019s specific circumstances. <\/p>\n In Germany, for example, it is almost an everyday occurrence for women to be catcalled or subjected to inappropriate remarks. There are either no consequences at all or only moderate ones. In the United Arab Emirates, the legal situation in this regard is significantly stricter. Anyone who behaves disrespectfully toward women can be fined approximately 10,000 AED, or the equivalent of about 2,500 euros. For more serious offenses, prison sentences of up to twelve months are possible. <\/p>\n The authorities have a clear stance on this issue: Women have the right to feel safe in the United Arab Emirates. Disrespectful behavior and harassment are contrary to the culture and traditions of the Emirates. <\/p>\n Alcohol may be consumed in all hotels in Dubai, provided they hold the appropriate liquor license. This also includes bars and restaurants attached to the hotels. <\/p>\n Non-Muslims can purchase alcohol at liquor stores. Consuming alcohol in public is not permitted in Dubai. A zero-tolerance policy applies to drivers. <\/p>\n Photo credit: Depositphotos.com \u2013 Santiaga (Yurii Seleznov)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Dubai has undergone a rapid transformation from a small fishing village to a dazzling desert metropolis. The largest city in the United Arab Emirates has an expat population of more than 90 percent. People from all over the world want to live in Dubai and must come to terms with the local conditions. 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Insurance<\/h3>\n
Vehicles<\/h3>\n
Foreigners in Dubai \u2013 Legal and Social Framework<\/h2>\n
Residence and Work Permits<\/h3>\n
Rights and Responsibilities<\/h3>\n
Security<\/h3>\n
Women in Dubai<\/h3>\n
Alcohol<\/h3>\n