This thread was posted to try and gauge the cost of living in Dubai and while this has been achieved it has also turned into a look down memory lane with regards to how much it used to cost for food in Dubai some years ago.  A quick glimpse at some of the price changes will show you that the price of food has moved in line with property prices – higher!

There are some useful comments with regards to information websites and places to visit in Dubai for good food at good prices.  While the cost of food in Dubai has moved higher we are seeing a widening of the spectrum with fast food still fairly cheap in comparison to the higher end of the market.  It seems that the new wealth in the area has created something of a polarised food sector, a situation which looks set to continue into the future.

One post in particular will be very interesting for those looking to move to the area, stating the local price of a number of popular food items and where these prices can be found.  If you are moving to a new country it is very easy to follow the crowds to the tourist spots and incur prices towards the top end of the market, when there may be cheaper alternatives.

This post also confirms the continued interest in the region and the fact that more and more people from around the world seem to be considering moving there to live.

Continue reading ‘How much does it cost for a good meal in Dubai?’ »

As the former British Prime Minister Tony Blair once said ‘Education, education, education’ is vital for all children of today and even more so in the lives of those who move overseas. This thread picks up the subject of education for those moving to the United Arab Emirates and has a lot to offer for families thinking of moving to the area.

While the thread initially starts off with a list of British schools in the region it very quickly moves on to take in schools of all nationalities as well as nursery establishments. However, perhaps more importantly there are a number of people on hand who have been through the often difficult process of choosing the correct school for your child or nursery for a really young child. You can get all of the paperwork correct to enter and move to the country but you also need to ensure that life is as normal as possible for the children and while taking in some of the local culture they need to be in a school where they feel comfortable and the standards are high.

One problem which some posters have commented upon is the cost of schools and nurseries in the UAE and the need to balance the standards available with what you can actually afford. There is also the opportunity of asking your employer to contribute to the cost as many are desperate to keep their employees happy and build up a long term presence in the area.

Continue reading ‘Education, Education, Education.’ »

How many people actually considered the consequences of not cancelling a visa obtained in Dubai? We all know how vital a visa is to live and work there but what are the laws on visa cancellation?

This thread has literally opened up a can of worms and while some of the information is a little contradictory – due in the main to the ever changing laws in Dubai and the surrounding areas – the general picture is very easy to see. You need to ensure that your visa is cancelled in the correct manner if you leave the country as you may be subjected to a future labour ban or even an entry ban into the country.

The thread also contains some very interesting pointers about working in Dubai and the control which your employer has over you. Interestingly there seems to be a minimum employment period which is designed to stop those who like to jump for job to job. The consensus seems to be a minimum period of 1 year with any one employer before which point you will receive an employment ban if you are looking to move to a new employer. Indeed it seems as though your old employer will still have the power to reclaim visa costs and make life a little difficult for you even after you have left!

Readers of this thread must be aware that laws and regulations in the region vary and change from time to time, but the basics still appear to remain the same. Working and living in Dubai is very different to other areas of the world – you have been warned!

Continue reading ‘Beware the penalties for leaving Dubai without properly cancelling your Visa!’ »

Dubai has been very much at the fore of the property market for some time and this post offers some very useful and practical advice for those looking at what is a completely different culture to places such as the UK.

The thread starts off with a simple overview of four main areas to consider when moving to Dubai :-

Schools

There are more and more British schools appearing in the area with English one of the more popular languages in Dubai. Finding a school of repute and one which you can afford is easy, if you know where to look!

Residency Visa

This subject is covered in very basic terms so there can be no misunderstandings and is a must read for anyone moving to Dubai. Visas are vital to life in Dubai and are often needed to open bank accounts, obtain credit and even rent a property.

Accommodation

The price of accommodation varies dramatically across Dubai and it does no harm to be aware of even the base costs. Walking into a new environment totally unprepared is crazy and can be very dangerous – a move from the UK to Dubai is not a like for like change.

Traffic And The Roads

While many people joke about the standard of driving in places like Dubai, it seemingly is as bad as people say! Petrol is cheaper than most places in the world but the downside is the danger on the roads.

As happens with most useful threads we have seen this one grow and grow with useful information on every page - employment, finances, cultural difference, Islam, it is all there for those looking to Dubai.

Continue reading ‘Dos and don’ts in Dubai’ »