Future expats who intend to settle down in Dubai Hills Estate, UAE, or another promising community in Dubai, need to prepare not only to their relocation, but also to the first week of living in a new place. In order to get settled, aliens need to take care of important organisational issues. They will influence the entire further stay in the Emirates. These issues are described in the checklist below.
Get an Emirates ID
Obtaining an Emirates ID is the most crucial thing you can do during your first week in Dubai. A credit-card-sized Emirates ID will allow foreigners to acquire access to services including mobile communications, healthcare, and more.
Overall, all residents of the country have to obtain Emirates IDs and always carry them. To obtain this document, you must apply online and pay a service fee of AED 100. Then, A meeting will be arranged for the foreigner at the local branch of the Emirates Identity Authority, where he should provide his biometric information. Before travelling up to this meeting, it is better to visit an approved clinic in order to get medical clearance.
Purchase insurance
Dubai maintains its position as one of the top destinations for medical tourism due to significant government spending in healthcare and a high doctor-to-patient ratio. The United Arab Emirates provides both public and private insurance systems, like the majority of other countries. The cost of the insurance policy will be covered by the new employer if the expat has job offer prior to relocating. He can purchase private health insurance as well. The most popular companies are the following:
- Allianz;
- April International;
- Signa Global.
In addition to health insurance, there are a number of different insurance programmes and products that the newly arrived might want to consider. As an example, if an expat has a car, he should insure at least third-party liability. Upon request, you can also insure your house and personal belongings to protect your property from unexpected situations (fire, theft, etc.).
Open a bank account
Expatriates are able to pay using available cash, credit cards, and debit cards for the first time since their time in Dubai. However, as soon as they get their Emirates ID, they should open a bank account. There are roughly 50 banks in the local banking sector. Mashreq and Emirates NBD are the most preferred banks. However, many expats select international financial institutions like HSBC and Citibank.
Depending on the organisation they choose, foreigners can open an account in person at a bank branch or over the phone using an Emirati ID card. Alternatives include mobile banks like Liv (by Emirates NBD) and Neo (by Mashreq). There is an option to sign up for an account via a mobile app of these banks. HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Dubai Islamic Bank, all of them offer a wide variety of mobile banking services.
Land a job
Many foreigners relocate to Dubai after they land a job offer. Anyone who is not among them should take care of this issue during the first few days after their arrival. Finding a job will not be difficult for expats with the appropriate qualifications and experience. The UAE job market in computer science, finance, oil production, construction, and tourism is well-developed and offers plenty of vacancies.
As a rule, expats need to be fluent in the English language to get jobs in the metropolis. However, people who speak some Arabic will have an advantage. Remember to tailor your CV to the country’s regulations and prepare for your interview by wearing a formal suit and researching the company.
There are many job-hunting tools. Most often, locals and expats use online websites like GulfTalent and NakuriGulf.
Connect to utilities and telecommunication services
Resettlement to a new home takes a lot of time. First of all, an expat needs to deal with the connection to public utilities. The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) supplies the city with electricity and water.
Also, newcomers need to connect to a local data services. There are two main providers in the country – Du and Etisalat. To secure a contract with any of these companies, an identity card and an employment contract will be required. Both Du and Etisalat also offer home TV and internet packages.
Figure out the transport system
In the city, the Roads and Transport Authority controls the operation of taxis, ultra-modern subways, boats, buses, and trams. It is easy enough to understand the local public transport system because you only need one ticket to get around – the rechargeable NOL smart card. Besides, taxi services such as Uber and Careem are available over the entire territory of the UAE.
Many immigrants own vehicles and enjoy independent driving. They should get a local driver’s licence for this. Expats can simply switch their legitimate licences for local options if they are from places like Australia, Canada, or the UK. Additionally, they must pay AED 410. Foreigners will need to go through the process of learning and acquiring driving licences once again.
Assistance with buying property in Dubai
AX Capital offers a comprehensive selection of high-end residential properties in Dubai’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. The assistance of experienced and skilled personnel will help the client acquire whatever he is searching for, whether it be an apartment with a panoramic view of a modern landscape or a villa with a private pool and garden. Additionally, buyers can rely on complete assistance during the transaction closing process and great after-sales care.
