Practical life in Dubai
Are you soon leaving France for the United Arab Emirates and looking for information about everyday life in Dubai? That's an excellent initiative. To make your expatriation project a success, we strongly recommend learning about practical life in Dubai: it is essential to find out about housing, work, education, finances, healthcare and transportation so you can move to Dubai with peace of mind.
Are you going to live in Dubai in a few months? The following information should help you prepare as well as possible for your departure to the United Arab Emirates.
Prepare your installation
Accommodation in Dubai
Dubai’s real estate market is dynamic and offers a wide variety of options: high-end apartments, villas in residential communities, or more affordable housing in outlying neighborhoods.
For expatriates looking to buy, Dubai also offers investment opportunities. It remains essential to familiarize yourself with market trends, local regulations, and rental agreements.
Find work in Dubai
To work in Dubai, you need a residence and work visa. Without these documents, it is illegal to work in the United Arab Emirates.
When setting up a company, obtaining a visa may be facilitated for the director, partners, employees and, upon request, their family members. For those seeking local employment, certain sectors recruit French profiles in particular: IT, hospitality, catering, medicine and education.
Education in the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates offer a wide range of public and private schools, including international schools following British, American, or French curricula.
The country is also home to many higher education institutions and partnerships with international universities.
Finances, health and travel
Financial questions in Dubai
The banking system in the United Arab Emirates is modern and attractive. If you set up a Free-zone company, you will need to open a business bank account and can also open a personal account. Several banks are available in Dubai.
Healthcare in the United Arab Emirates
The healthcare system is renowned in the United Arab Emirates. However, basic medical coverage may be insufficient for the most expensive treatments, so private insurance is important for expatriates.
Transportation in Dubai
With a residence and work visa, it is possible to drive in Dubai. For French driving licence holders, it is not necessary to retake the theory or driving test: the licence must be exchanged.