Dubai is continually growing to be home to an exciting, diverse, multi-cultural blend of young, dynamic, and professional people enjoying the unrivaled quality of life that the Emirate has to offer. It is no surprise that Dubai has recorded the fastest growth in population in the world. More and more people emigrate to the city for quality of life, outstanding employment prospects, and to experience the very best in the world of work and lifestyle.
For beginners, here are some handy guides compiled by us that should make your task of settling down in this city a little easier.
Accommodation
Renting is the most common option; however, you may choose to buy a home as well.
Dubai is the most accommodating place to live in the Gulf, and high-quality accommodation is in good supply throughout the city. Many have excellent recreational facilities- gym, sauna, satellite television or in-house video, and covered car parking are some of the available facilities that the residents can make use of.
Many expatriate executives choose to live in the Jumeirah suburb, which stretches southward along the coast from the city center. For top-of-the-range villas, the choice is between larger independent properties or smaller villas in compounds. The latter usually have swimming pools, squash courts, and tennis courts.
Most rented accommodation in Dubai is unfurnished (although kitchens may be partly or fully equipped). Many villas and new apartments have central air-conditioning already installed and a range of furniture and household equipment.
The main accommodation options are:
- Apartment/villa sharing
- Standard apartment
- Villa
- Hotel apartment
Tip: Remember to ask for a copy of the estate agent’s identification card and make sure you save copies of all receipts, contracts, and other documents.
Utilities and Services
Electricity and water, along with sewerage are provided by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). Click here to visit their website.
Electricity
The electricity supply in Dubai is 220/240 volts and 50 cycles. The socket type is identical to the three-point British system. You can purchase adaptors at any grocery or hardware shop.
Water
Tap water is safe to drink, though locally bottled mineral water is preferred. Water suppliers generally deliver 5-gallon bottles to a building once a week. Some of the water suppliers in Dubai are Oasis, Al Bayan, Al Ain, and Nestle pure life.
Gas
Some buildings may have gas mains, while others may not. If the building you are staying in has a central gas supply, you just need to apply in the existing system and pay your bills as per your agreement. If the building doesn’t have a central gas supply, you need to purchase gas cylinders. Keep the telephone number of gas suppliers handy and canisters can be delivered to you in less than 20 minutes of your call, any time of the day.
Communication
There are 3 telecom providers in Dubai from which you can get mobile, telephone, internet, and TV services.
- Etisalat
- du
- Virgin Mobile (doesn’t provide TV services)
Health
It is compulsory for all Dubai residents to have health insurance. Companies are required to provide their employees with a health insurance plan by law. But they need not provide health insurance for employees’ families. Hence, expat workers with families need to accordingly arrange for health insurance. Visit here to know more about compulsory health insurance.
Click here to know more about healthcare facilities in Dubai.