Tips on moving to Dubai alone from abroad

No matter if you are drawn to Dubai due to its tax-free income benefits, ideal location for travel or the abundance of outdoor activities, Dubai has a lot to offer! While Dubai is a great place for a family to relocate to, it’s also an ideal location for anyone moving solo. But, before you begin dreaming of all the world-class restaurants you are excited to visit and the exciting adventures you will embark on, you will need to plan your international move to Dubai. Using our extensive experience in helping individuals relocate from overseas to Dubai, we have put some tips and tricks for your solo move. 

Advice for moving to Dubai by yourself

There’s no doubt that relocating by yourself to a new country can feel pretty overwhelming! To help you face the unknown and settle into your new home overseas, we outline some of the best advice when it comes to moving to Dubai by yourself. 

Organise your documentation early

When it comes to moving, there is always the fair share of administration required. Moving to Dubai is no exception, with numerous documentation required before you can begin enjoying your new home. This documentation can include an up-to-date passport,  the appropriate residence and working visa, and any medical and moving insurance. Don’t forget to update your immunisations and have appropriate records of all required vaccinations, such as COVID-19. Feeling a bit stressed about getting organised? Follow our easy international moving checklist which breaks down preparing for your move, step by step. 

Prepare for the cost of living

Dubai is one of the most expensive Gulf cities and comes in at number 31 in Forbes’ list of cities with the highest cost of living. While many are drawn to the UAE for the high salaries and low tax rates, it’s also easy to get caught up in the luxury lifestyle and begin spending above your means. But don’t let this discourage you from making the move to Dubai. There are still plenty of ways to live affordably, but it is important to keep the higher cost of living in mind. According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly expenses for a single person is AED$3,820 (without rent). Ensure that you have adequate savings before moving, and look to live in the outskirts of Dubai in order to rent or purchase accommodation for a cheaper rate. 

Find work before you relocate

To secure your work visa in Dubai, you will require proof of a job offer or contract so it’s important to have secured work before you relocate. In the case of being self-employed, you will need a special permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, proof of a bachelor’s degree or diploma, and evidence of income meeting AED$360,000 from the previous two years. The Dubai work culture is rather conservative so dress accordingly. It’s important to note that the Dubai working week is from Sunday to Thursday, and Friday and Saturday is considered the weekend. 

Find a suitable neighbourhood

There’s no doubt that where you choose to live in Dubai will have a significant impact on your overall quality of life and enjoyment. Some popular spots for expats to live in Dubai include the Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai Marina, Mirdif, and Bur Dubai. 

Understand the cultural differences

While Dubai is considered one of the more progressive and tolerant emirates, it is slightly more conservative than many Western countries. As Dubai’s culture is largely determined by traditional Arab culture and its Islamic religion, it is important to note that homosexuality is considered illegal, displays of affection among couples can result in a fine or arrest, and there are more traditional views about gender and women. The UAE is attempting to address issues around gender equality, and there are many ‘women-only’ spaces like cinemas, parks, designated public transport areas and taxi services.  The consumption of alcohol is highly regulated and can be expensive to purchase. 

Do a ‘trial run’

Relocating to a new country from overseas can be a gamble, especially if you have never been there before. We recommend taking a visit to Dubai before you relocate, if possible. This is a great opportunity to understand what life will be like when living in the UAE and ultimately help you understand if it is the right decision for you. Taking a holiday is different to living somewhere, however you will find that your expectations will be more in alignment with reality once you move. You can also explore different areas and decide where you might like to live before you relocate to Dubai. 

Pack strategically

As highly experienced movers, we are incredibly familiar with the downsides of leaving your packing to the last minute. Not only is it incredibly stressful, but it is also risky as your belongings and furniture can be broken or damaged if they are not packed properly. We recommend getting started on packing as early as possible and taking a strategic approach to your list. Think about which items you can replace after you move and which furniture and belongings you can’t live without. Dubai’s temperatures often average in the mid-twenties (or roughly 77 Fahrenheit) so you likely can forget to pack any thermal or other winter coats. Before you pack, check what is restricted or prohibited in Dubai to avoid any issues when entering the country. To help speed up the packing process, use a professional packing service so your precious items are safe and sound for their journey to Dubai from overseas. 

Connect with other expats

It’s common for expats to struggle with feeling lonely after relocating overseas by themselves. Being in a new place by yourself means you don’t have your support network around you and it can take time to create new relationships. Connecting with other expats is a great way to develop new friendships with people who are having a similar experience. As Dubai has a large expat community, around 88% of the population, you won’t have any issues meeting other expats! You can meet new people in Dubai by joining a sports club, local group, or by joining a social media group and through websites like MeetUp. 

Move with the right international moving company

With relocating internationally by yourself already being quite a stressful experience, why not make it easier by using an experienced international moving company? When choosing your movers, choose a reputable company which can provide a strong track record of international moves to the UAE and has quality assurance processes in place, such as accreditation for ISO 9001. Ideally, your moving company will have a global network of movers so you don’t have to deal with multiple moving companies and can enjoy a seamless move.