Clarification on Housing, License etc.

[nakamozu]

Hello,
I am moving to Dubai in July with my family joining me later this year. Company is sponsoring the visa for Family. I have heard following things and would appreciate if someone could clarify the questions below.

1. Have heard that in order to rent a 3 BR apartment, one needs to have the whole family present there. If my family cannot join me right away, is it true that I will be stuck with a 1 BR for one year. I know this cannot be true but just want to confirm.

2. I would need a car but first things first. I would need a driving license to begin with and have heard that getting a Driving License is a function of time, money and luck. I have 8 years of US driving history (I currently reside in US) but do not possess US passport. Is there any easy way to get the DL before venturing out to get a car.

3. How expensive is it to furnish a 3 BR apartment with furniture, beds, LCD TV etc. (excluding Kitchen but all the basic amenities, nothing fancy)

Thanks and your response would be appreciated.

[Elphaba]

1. Not true

2. I don't understand what you have written. Do you have US driving licence?? You have to have a Dubai licence in order to buy a car. You may however, rent one with a full licence and an International Driving Permit.

3. The cost will vary hugely depening on what you buy & from where, but I doubt prices are much different to what you would pay in the US. There is a big market in quality second hand goods. Note that most rentals do not include white goods in kitchens.


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[nakamozu]

What I mean by # 2 above is that I have a US driving license but am not a US citizen. Can I still get the Dubai Driving License the easy way without having to take the classes etc. I have heard that if you possess US Driving License, you skip through some steps to get the DL? Clarification or insights would be helpful.

[BLM]

You can't get a UAE driver's license until you have your visa, which can take anywhere between 2 weeks and 4 months.

There is a Ministry of Interior driving office in the Jumeirah Plaza. If you have a UK, US or Australian license you can definitely just swap it over.

You have to get an eye test at the optometrist next door (Dhs 25.00), then take your visa, passport and a no objection letter from your employer to the driving office. Fill in a form, get a photo, hand over Dhs 100.00 and you're done.

In the meantime, you need an international driver's license to rent a car. I got mine from RAC but you HAVE to do it in your own country!!!

[Geordie Armani]

you can also get a temporary UAE license whilst your visa is being processed, but do get an International Licence it will make things easier in the beginning.

[cairogal]

1. Have heard that in order to rent a 3 BR apartment, one needs to have the whole family present there. If my family cannot join me right away, is it true that I will be stuck with a 1 BR for one year. I know this cannot be true but just want to confirm.

I believe that this would depend on your employer. It's pretty cheap if they refused to give you the accommodation simply because your family wasn't there yet. That said, I wouldn't put it past some companies in the Gulf to try this. My new employer has already told me it would be easier if my spouse comes after me by a few months as it will take a couple months to sort out my sponsorship. Once that's done, I sponsor my spouse. I still receive the allowance given to married candidates which is marginally higher than the one given to single candidates.

[nakamozu]

Originally Posted by cairogal

I believe that this would depend on your employer. It's pretty cheap if they refused to give you the accommodation simply because your family wasn't there yet. That said, I wouldn't put it past some companies in the Gulf to try this. My new employer has already told me it would be easier if my spouse comes after me by a few months as it will take a couple months to sort out my sponsorship. Once that's done, I sponsor my spouse. I still receive the allowance given to married candidates which is marginally higher than the one given to single candidates.

This really helps. Thanks..

I am clear on the international driving license but any insights on the ease of getting Dubai driving license when a person holds a US driving license but is not a US citizen?

[cairogal]

To the best of my knowledge, it does not matter that you're not an American. It's simply about the license. At least that's the impression I'm under.

[BLM]

See my note above about exchanging your drivers license!!!