Living in Dubai attracts expats worldwide with tax-free salaries, modern infrastructure, and sunny beaches. As an expat to Dubai, you'll join 3.5 million internationals (85% of the population) drawn to career opportunities and Golden Visas. But what is it like living in Dubai? This comprehensive guide covers how to relocate to Dubai, from visas to villas, helping you decide if Dubai is safe to live in for your family.
For seamless moving to Dubai, Dubai Packers and Movers—the Best Packers and Movers in Dubai, handles door-to-door packing from India with customs clearance expertise.
Moving and Living in Dubai: What to Expect?
Dubai blends futuristic malls with Bedouin souks, offering 300 sunny days yearly. Expats enjoy 6-8% rental yields on investments and zero income tax, though 5% VAT applies to goods. Public healthcare ranks among the world's best (WHO top 50); private insurance is mandatory for visas.
Traffic peaks 7-9 AM/5-8 PM, professional movers and packers in Dubai, like Dubai Packers and Movers save unpacking stress during peak relocation season (October-March). English is spoken universally; the metro covers Downtown to Marina efficiently.
Language in Dubai
Arabic is official, but English dominates business, signage, and schools. Hindi, Tagalog, Urdu are common among South Asian/Philippine workers. Expats rarely need Arabic, apps like Careem, Talabat operate English-only. Free language classes at community centres help integration.
Is Dubai Safe for Expats?
Is Dubai safe to live? Exceptionally, the Global Peace Index ranks the UAE #7 safest globally. CCTV covers 90% urban areas; police response averages 4 minutes. Zero tolerance for drugs (7-year minimum jail). Women walk alone safely at midnight. Family-friendly, no guns, low petty crime.
Is It Safe to Live in Dubai as a Woman?
Solo female expats thrive, how is Dubai for living as a woman? Metro women-only carriages, female taxis available. Public beaches are family-only post-7 PM. Sexual harassment laws enforce AED 100,000+ fines. Expat moms praise international schools (British/American curricula).
Accommodation and Cost of Living in Dubai
Living in Dubai cost averages AED 15,000-25,000/month for a family of four (excluding rent). Groceries AED 2,500, utilities AED 800, school fees AED 40,000/year/child. No income tax boosts savings, Indian expats send home AED 50,000+ annually tax-free.
Cost of Accommodation in Dubai
- Studio JVC: AED 45,000/year
- 1BR Marina: AED 90,000/year
- 3BR Downtown villa: AED 250,000/year
- Service charges: AED 15-25/sqft annually
Movers packers in Dubai are essential, shipping 10 cartons from Mumbai costs AED 4,500 via Dubai Packers and Movers.
Can Expats Buy Property in Dubai?
Yes, 100% freehold ownership in 50+ designated areas (Palm Jumeirah, Downtown, Dubai Hills). AED 2M+ investment qualifies Golden Visa (10-year renewable). NRIs favour off-plan for 20-30% appreciation. Dubai Land Department registers titles securely.
Jobs in Dubai and Visa Requirements
Dubai Visa Requirements
Moving to UAE? Employment visa (2-3 years) requires a job offer, a medical test (AED 350), Emirates ID (AED 370). Freelance visas (AED 7,500 setup) suit digital nomads. Golden Visa bypasses sponsorship, AED 2M property or AED 5M business.
Top Sectors for Expats to Dubai
- IT/Tech: 25% hiring growth (2025)
- Finance: DIFC free zone tax benefits
- Hospitality: 15% salary hikes
- Construction: Post-Expo infrastructure boom
Average expat salary: AED 18,000/month (tax-free).
Bank Accounts and Taxes for Expats in Dubai
Zero personal income tax, the biggest living in Dubai perk. Corporate tax 9% (2023). Open accounts at Emirates NBD/HSBC with passport, visa, and Emirates ID (10 minutes). International transfers are instant via SWIFT. Indian expats use NRE accounts + UAE-India DTAA to avoid double taxation.
Healthcare System in Dubai for Expats
Mandatory private insurance covers 90% costs. Top hospitals: Mediclinic, American Hospital Dubai (English-speaking). Annual checkups AED 800; consultations AED 300. Pharmacies 24/7 stock Indian/Ayurvedic medicines. The Dubai Health Authority app manages appointments.
Heat precautions: Pharmacists recommend electrolyte sachets (AED 20/pack), SPF 50+, critical June-September.
Education for Expat Children in Dubai
1,800+ schools, 70% international curricula. KHDA rates A-C schools:
- GEMS Dubai American Academy: AED 85,000/year
- Jumeirah English: AED 65,000/year
Indian CBSE options: The Indian High School (AED 25,000).
School bus services cover the entire emirate.
Best Areas for Expats Moving to Dubai
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC): Affordable family housing, parks.
Dubai Marina: Young professionals, waterfront.
Arabian Ranches: Villas, golf courses.
Downtown: Business hub, Burj Khalifa views.
Al Barsha: Near the Mall of Emirates, Indian community.
Dubai Packers and Movers specialise in these neighbourhoods, door-to-door unpacking included.
Social Life and Lifestyle in Dubai
300+ nationalities create a vibrant expat scene. Weekly brunches (AED 200), desert BBQs, and yacht parties. Ladies' nights (free drinks on Wednesdays). Community clubs: British, Indian Professionals Network. Alcohol 19+, private home consumption legal.
How to Relocate to Dubai: Step-by-Step Checklist
- Secure job offer or freelance license
- Apply employment visa (employer-sponsored, 2 weeks)
- Book flights, direct Mumbai-DXB 3h10m
- Hire professional movers and packers in Dubai, Dubai Packers and Movers for 7-10 day delivery
- Medical test + Emirates ID (5 days)
- Open bank account (Day 1)
- Sign tenancy (1 cheque annual rent + Ejari registration)
Be Prepared If You're Thinking of Moving Abroad
Moving to Dubai brings excitement first, Burj Khalifa dazzles and malls amaze during weeks 1-3. Then reality hits around months 2-6 with summer heat, traffic, and homesickness. By year 1, Dubai feels like home as you master metro routes and find favorite karahi spots. Join InterNations expat groups immediately, stock electrolyte drinks for June-August heat, and hire Best Packers and Movers in Dubai for efficient unpacking during your moving to Dubai transition.
FAQ
Q1: Is Dubai safe to live for families?
Yes, #7 Global Peace Index, family-only beaches, excellent international schools.
Q2: What is it like living in Dubai without a car?
Metro covers Downtown-Marina. Careem taxis AED 25 average ride. Big Bus tours are convenient.
Q3: How to relocate to Dubai from India?
Job offer → visa → book movers packers in Dubai → medical → tenancy. 4-6 weeks total.
Q4: Cost of living in Dubai for single expat?
AED 8,000-12,000/month including JVC studio rent.
Q5: How is Dubai for living as Indian expat?
Thriving Indian community, CBSE schools, tax-free salaries, Diwali celebrations.
Q6: Need professional movers and packers in Dubai?
Dubai Packers and Movers handles India-Dubai shipping seamlessly.
Conclusion
Living in Dubai offers expats tax-free prosperity, global safety, and career growth. From JVC studios to Marina penthouses, moving to Dubai transforms lives when planned right.
Ready for expat to Dubai adventure? Dubai Packers and Movers, the Best Packers and Movers in Dubai, ensure stress-free moving to UAE. Contact today for professional packing from India, your Dubai dream starts with perfect logistics.
