Dubai has become the world's most popular relocation destination for professionals, entrepreneurs, and families seeking a better quality of life with significant financial advantages. If you're considering the move, this comprehensive guide covers everything from visas and housing to schools and daily life.
Why People Are Moving to Dubai
Tax Advantages
- Zero income tax — keep 100% of your earnings
- No capital gains tax on property or investments
- No wealth or inheritance tax
- 5% VAT on goods and services (one of the world's lowest)
For a UK-based professional earning £150,000, the move to Dubai could mean an additional £40,000-50,000 in annual take-home pay.
Safety & Quality of Life
Dubai consistently ranks among the world's safest cities. Violent crime is extremely rare, and the general environment is family-friendly. Modern infrastructure, clean streets, and efficient public services make daily life smooth.
Strategic Location
Dubai sits at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. A 4-hour flight radius covers 3 billion people. For business professionals, this connectivity is invaluable.
Weather & Lifestyle
Year-round sunshine (300+ sunny days), world-class beaches, dining, entertainment, and outdoor activities. The winter months (October-April) are particularly spectacular — 25-30°C with clear skies.
Visa Options
Employment Visa
Sponsored by your UAE employer. Valid for 2-3 years, renewable. Most common visa type.
Freelancer/Self-Employed Visa
Available through free zones. Allows you to work independently. Cost: AED 7,500-15,000 annually depending on the free zone.
Investor/Business Owner Visa
Available when you establish or invest in a UAE company. Requires trade license.
Golden Visa (10 Years)
For property investors (AED 2M+), entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and outstanding students. See our detailed Golden Visa guide.
Remote Work Visa (1 Year)
For professionals working remotely for employers outside the UAE. Requires proof of employment and minimum salary ($3,500/month).
Retirement Visa (5 Years)
For those aged 55+ with either AED 1M in property, AED 1M in savings, or AED 20,000/month income.
Housing: Rent or Buy?
Renting
Most newcomers rent first. Dubai rental contracts are typically 1 year, with payment via post-dated cheques (1, 2, 4, 6, or 12 cheques — fewer cheques often means lower rent).
Average Monthly Rents (2026):
| Type | Budget Area | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | AED 2,500-4,000 | AED 4,000-6,000 | AED 6,000-10,000 |
| 1-Bed | AED 3,500-5,500 | AED 5,500-9,000 | AED 9,000-18,000 |
| 2-Bed | AED 5,000-8,000 | AED 8,000-14,000 | AED 14,000-30,000 |
| 3-Bed Villa | AED 8,000-15,000 | AED 15,000-25,000 | AED 25,000-60,000+ |
Key areas for families: Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills, Jumeirah, Motor City, Springs/Meadows
Key areas for professionals: Marina, Downtown, Business Bay, JLT, DIFC
Buying
If you plan to stay long-term, buying makes financial sense — especially with zero capital gains tax. Foreign nationals can buy freehold property in designated areas.
Benefits of buying:
- Build equity instead of paying rent
- Rental yields of 6-9% if you buy an investment property
- Golden Visa eligibility at AED 2M+
- No ongoing tax on property (only one-time 4% DLD transfer fee)
Mister Seven can help you find the right property whether you're renting or buying.
Cost of Living
Dubai offers a range of lifestyles at every budget. Here's a realistic monthly breakdown for a family of four:
Comfortable Lifestyle (AED 25,000-40,000/month)
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing (3-bed villa/apartment) | AED 12,000-18,000 |
| School fees (2 children) | AED 5,000-8,000 |
| Groceries | AED 3,000-4,000 |
| Utilities (DEWA) | AED 800-1,500 |
| Transport (car + fuel) | AED 2,000-3,000 |
| Dining/Entertainment | AED 2,000-4,000 |
| Health insurance | AED 500-1,500 |
| Misc (mobile, internet, etc.) | AED 500-1,000 |
Premium Lifestyle (AED 50,000-80,000+/month)
Add: Premium villa, top-tier school, luxury car, dining, travel, help staff.
Budget Tips
- Housing is your biggest lever — area choice makes a 50%+ difference
- Supermarket choice matters — Union Coop, Carrefour, Lulu vs Spinneys, Waitrose
- School fees vary enormously — AED 15K to 100K+ per year per child
- Summer electricity can spike — expect AED 1,500-3,000 for villas in July/August
Schools
Dubai has 200+ private schools following various curricula:
Popular Curricula
- British (GCSE/A-Level) — Most common, wide range of quality and price
- American — Common for US/Canadian families
- IB (International Baccalaureate) — Growing in popularity, globally recognised
- Indian (CBSE/ICSE) — Affordable, high academic standards
- French, German, Japanese — Available in select schools
School Selection Tips
- Visit in person — brochures lie, school tours don't
- Check KHDA rating — Dubai's school inspection authority rates from Acceptable to Outstanding
- Consider commute — some families spend 45+ minutes each way
- Waitlists are real — top schools have 1-2 year waits. Start early.
- Hidden costs — uniforms, buses, activities, trips can add 20-30% to tuition
Top-Rated Schools (KHDA Outstanding)
- GEMS Wellington International
- Dubai College
- Kings' School (various campuses)
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)
- Repton School Dubai
Healthcare
Healthcare in Dubai is world-class but largely private. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents.
Key Points
- Employer-provided insurance is legally required for employees
- Investor/freelancer visas require self-purchased insurance
- DHA (Dubai Health Authority) regulates all healthcare facilities
- Emergency care is provided regardless of insurance status
- Dental and optical often require separate coverage
Hospitals
Major hospital groups: Mediclinic, NMC, American Hospital, Saudi German, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (short drive). Quality is high — many consultants are UK/US/European trained.
The Move: Logistics
Timeline (Recommended)
| When | What |
|---|---|
| 6 months before | Research areas, schools, start job search |
| 3 months before | Secure job offer or visa pathway, apply to schools |
| 2 months before | Find housing (virtual tours available), arrange shipping |
| 1 month before | Book flights, sort finances, start packing |
| Arrival week | Emirates ID, bank account, SIM card, driving license |
| First month | DEWA setup, car purchase/lease, explore neighbourhoods |
Banking
Opening a bank account requires: passport, visa, Emirates ID, proof of address, salary certificate (if employed). Major banks: Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, HSBC, Standard Chartered.
Tip: Some banks allow you to open an account remotely before arrival. Ask your employer or bank directly.
Driving
- Valid international license lets you drive for the visa duration (some nationalities)
- License exchange — 36 countries qualify for direct exchange (UK, US, Australia, EU, etc.)
- Dubai driving test required for other nationalities (can take 2-6 months)
- Car prices are competitive — new and used market is well-established. Dubizzle is the main marketplace.
Shipping Your Belongings
- Sea freight: 6-10 weeks from UK/Europe, cheaper for large volumes
- Air freight: 1-2 weeks, expensive, good for essentials
- Many relocators sell everything and buy new — Dubai has competitive furniture prices (IKEA, Home Centre, THE One, Pan Emirates)
Cultural Considerations
Dubai is one of the world's most multicultural cities — 85%+ of residents are expatriates. While it's a Muslim country with Islamic values at its foundation, it's welcoming and tolerant of diverse cultures.
Good to Know
- Alcohol is legal with a license (easily obtained) in licensed venues, bars, and at home
- Dress code is relaxed — normal Western clothing is fine. Modest dress appreciated in malls and public areas (avoid very revealing clothing)
- Ramadan — restaurants and cafes operate with modified hours. Public eating/drinking during daylight hours is restricted during Ramadan
- Weekend is Saturday-Sunday (changed from Friday-Saturday in 2022)
- Language — English is the de facto business and social language. Arabic is official but not required for daily life
- Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory (10% in restaurants is standard)
Common Misconceptions
❌ "Dubai is too expensive" — It can be, but it's a wide range. Many families live very comfortably on AED 30-40K/month.
❌ "You can't drink or have fun" — Dubai has a vibrant nightlife, restaurant scene, and entertainment options. It's one of the world's top tourism destinations.
❌ "It's too hot all year" — Summer (June-September) is hot, yes. But October-April is genuinely beautiful — 22-30°C, perfect weather.
❌ "There's nothing to do outside malls" — Desert adventures, hiking in Hatta/RAK, beach clubs, water sports, cycling, golf, outdoor dining, and more.
❌ "It's temporary — nobody stays" — Increasingly untrue. Golden Visas, end-of-service reforms, and lifestyle quality mean more people are making Dubai their permanent home.
Why Mister Seven for Your Relocation
Moving to Dubai is exciting but complex. At Mister Seven, our Relocation pillar exists specifically to make your transition seamless:
- Property search — curated options matching your family's needs and budget
- Area advisory — honest guidance on which neighbourhoods suit your lifestyle
- School connections — introductions to top schools with availability
- Move-in coordination — DEWA, internet, furnishing, and settling-in support
- Golden Visa assistance — property investment structuring for long-term residency
- Ongoing support — you're a client for life, not just a transaction
Ready to Make the Move?
Schedule a no-obligation consultation with our relocation team and take the first step toward your new life in Dubai.
Information accurate as of Q1 2026. Visa regulations, costs, and policies are subject to change. Always verify with official UAE government sources for the latest requirements.