So, you’re thinking about moving to the UAE?
First things first: congratulations. 🎉 You’re about to explore one of the most opportunity-rich, future-driven places on the planet.
I’ve lived here for over a decade, and through WorkPanda, I’ve helped thousands of professionals relocate to the UAE. And trust me, I’ve seen it all. The dreamers, the planners, the ones who arrived totally unprepared (and quickly regretted it), and the ones who doubled their careers in just a few years.
Let’s be honest: most of you have either been on holiday to the UAE, visited friends or family living here and thought, “I could do this lifestyle.” Or maybe your company is relocating you because they’ve spotted the opportunities, even though you’ve never actually set foot here.
You’re not alone. In fact, a recent poll we ran showed 72% of professionals prefer the UAE over Saudi when weighing up their next move.
But here’s the deal: moving here isn’t just about chasing a tax-free salary. It’s a sequence of big decisions: from affordability to job hunting, family relocation, housing, and long-term planning.
Here’s my promise: this isn’t a sugar-coated Instagram version of life in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. This is the honest, practical advice I’d give to my cousin, my friend, or even you over a cup of coffee.
This is your methodical guide to moving to the UAE in 2025: the exact decision-making process I walk candidates through every week.
Let’s start at the very beginning. 👇
1. The First Question: Can You Afford It?
Before CVs, visas, or LinkedIn, the first thing you must ask is: Can I actually afford to live here?
Bachelors: lower entry costs, but you’ll still face upfront rent, visa, and setup expenses (plus going out, networking etc).
- Families: add schools, healthcare, bigger homes, and you’re looking at AED 50k–100k in upfront relocation costs.
Here’s a quick snapshot for 2025:
- Housing: AED 120k–300k/year
- Schools: AED 40k–100k per child
- Healthcare: AED 15k–40k per family
- Groceries: ~25% higher than the UK
- Visas: AED 3k per dependent
My advice: Build a 6-month buffer. Don’t arrive and immediately rely on your employer to cover every cost. Some do, many don’t. I’ve seen too many people wipe out savings in their first month because they assumed everything would be “covered.”
So, be honest with yourself. If you can’t comfortably cover these basics, maybe the timing isn’t right yet.
Here’s a deeper dive into all the details you need to know
2. Abu Dhabi vs Dubai: Which One’s Right for You?
When people say, “I’m moving to the UAE,” 9 times out of 10 they mean Dubai. But let’s not underestimate Abu Dhabi, it’s not just the quieter cousin. It’s the capital, the wealth centre, and home to some of the country’s biggest long-term projects.
A lot of my friends from the UK have actually relocated there in recent years. Why? Because many of them are in finance and asset management, and that’s where Abu Dhabi really dominates.
Let’s compare the two:
Dubai:
- Vibe: Fast, high-energy, and always on the move with skyscrapers like Burj Khalifa and One Za’abeel, new luxury districts like Marsa Al Arab, and a calendar that’s always packed. There’s a sense of “something is always happening”, and it’s usually three things at once.
- Opportunities: Home to international design studios, hospitality HQs, real estate developers, and consultancies. If you’re in construction, design, architecture, interiors, or a client-facing role, Dubai is usually the first stop.
- Lifestyle: Expensive but unmatched in variety. The city feels like a giant resort fee, you’re surrounded by five-star hotels (Atlantis The Royal, Bulgari, Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons), fine-dining restaurants (Nobu, Ossiano, Gaia, Zuma), world-famous brunches, and year-round entertainment.
- Social Scene: Dubai attracts a constant stream of regional visitors and global tourists, which means networking never stops. Your circle will include people from 15+ nationalities and you’ll be surprised at how small the world feels once you’re here.
- Entertainment: From concerts and art shows to Formula 1 weekends, beach clubs, and Michelin-starred dining, there’s always more to do and see.
- Family life: Great schools and plenty of expat-friendly communities (Dubai Hills, Arabian Ranches, Tilal Al Ghaf), but housing and school fees are higher compared to Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi:
- Vibe: Calmer, more measured, and family-oriented. The city doesn’t try to compete with Dubai’s constant buzz—it moves slower, but with more stability. If Dubai is “always on,” Abu Dhabi is “steady and sustainable.”
- Opportunities: Home to Aldar, Mubadala, ADQ, and sovereign wealth projects. It’s where the government money sits, and with it comes mega-projects, cultural districts, and long-term career stability. Perfect for those in finance, asset management, government-backed development, and large-scale construction.
- Lifestyle: Less flashy, more community-driven. But don’t mistake that for boring; Abu Dhabi has Saadiyat Island (beaches, galleries, luxury hotels like St. Regis and Jumeirah at Saadiyat) and Yas Island (Formula 1, Yas Marina, Warner Bros., Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld). It’s a quieter scene, but with enough entertainment to keep weekends busy.
- Culture & Leisure: This is the UAE’s cultural capital. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, the upcoming Guggenheim, and art districts make it a haven for those who want more than nightlife.You get family beach days, brunches at St. Regis, and evenings at world-class concerts or exhibitions.
- Family life: Larger villas for less money, rapidly improving international schools, and a quieter pace of life that’s attractive for families with children. Many expats say it feels “easier to settle” here compared to the hustle of Dubai.
The choice comes down to:
- Career goals: Do you want the hustle of private-sector Dubai, or the stability of government-led Abu Dhabi?
- Family setup: Singles often choose Dubai. Families increasingly prefer Abu Dhabi.
- Pace of life: Dubai is fast. Abu Dhabi is steady. Both deliver opportunities, you just need to decide which tempo suits you.
For me, the choice wasn’t really mine at the start. My work relocated me, so Dubai became home by default and I’ve now been here for over 10 years (with a two-year stint in Saudi in between).
But as I’ve gotten older, my priorities have shifted. I still love Dubai’s energy, pace, and opportunities, but I’ll be honest, Abu Dhabi is becoming more appealing. The calmer pace, bigger homes, and family-friendly lifestyle tick boxes that didn’t matter to me in my 20s, but they do now.
3. Job Hunting: Where Do You Fit?
The UAE job market is dynamic but competitive. Knowing where you sit in the ecosystem is key:
- Dubai → more design studios, international consultancies, hospitality HQs.
- Abu Dhabi → government-backed developers (ADQ, Mubadala, Aldar), mega-projects, finance HQs.
My advice: build a target list of employers instead of spraying CVs. Tailor your profile for the UAE market, your UK/US/Australia CV won’t cut it here.
Remember most of my experience comes from construction but check the below for hands on advice.
4. Where Will You Live? Communities & Lifestyle
Where you live will make or break your UAE experience.
I’ve been here over a decade, and trust me, choosing the right community is the difference between loving life here and feeling stuck. So instead of giving you a generic list, I’m going to share my personal shortlist of places I think you should seriously consider.
Dubai
Bachelors / Young Professionals:
- Dubai Marina – Where most expats spend their first couple of years; beach, nightlife, and social scene.
- Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) – Great location, balanced lifestyle (I spent 8 years here myself).
- JVC (Jumeirah Village Circle) – Affordable, up-and-coming, and full of Brits.
- Downtown Dubai – Best if you’re mid-30s and want to live central, close to work and lifestyle.
- Business Bay – Cheaper Downtown alternative (personally, not my favourite).
- Palm Jumeirah – For deep pockets; luxury lifestyle, but not for everyone.
- DIFC – Canary Wharf vibes, full of finance crowd, sleek but expensive.
- City Walk – Trendy, urban lifestyle, walkable cafés and shops (rare for Dubai).
- Bluewaters Island – Modern, sea views, but pricey; popular with singles and couples.
Families:
- Dubai Hills Estate – Modern, central, very popular, but homes feel smaller for the price.
- Arabian Ranches – Classic choice, where most seasoned expats eventually settle.
- Town Square – New, modern, great for young Gen Y families just starting out.
- Tilal Al Ghaf – Trendy, lagoon living, expensive but feels like a self-contained utopia.
- Jumeirah Golf Estates – High-end villas with golf-course living, perfect if you’ve got money to spend.
- The Springs / The Meadows / The Lakes – Established villa communities with greenery and a suburban vibe.
- Mirdif – Affordable villas, family-friendly, close to schools and malls, more traditional expat mix.
- Al Barari – Ultra-luxury, eco-themed, lush greenery; for those wanting exclusivity.
Abu Dhabi
Bachelors / Young Professionals:
- Al Reem Island – The Marina/JLT of Abu Dhabi; high-rises, modern apartments, social lifestyle, close to downtown.
- Al Raha Beach – Waterfront living with easy access to Dubai, popular with younger expats.
- Corniche Area – City centre, beachside living, cafés and cycling tracks; perfect if you want to be in the heart of it all.
- Al Bateen – Old money vibes, quieter, close to embassies and luxury villas/apartments.
- Madinat Zayed / Electra Street – Affordable, central, with lots of local character (good for first-timers who don’t mind a “real Abu Dhabi” feel).
Families:
- Saadiyat Island – Cultural hub (Louvre, soon the Guggenheim), luxury villas and apartments, top schools, and the St. Regis beach life.
- Yas Island – Entertainment capital (F1, Ferrari World, Warner Bros., Yas Waterworld), family-friendly villas, schools nearby.
- Khalifa City – Classic family area, spacious villas, affordable compared to islands, close to schools and nurseries.
- Mohammed Bin Zayed City (MBZ) – Value-for-money large villas, quieter lifestyle, popular with long-term expats.
- Al Reef – Gated community living, more affordable, great for first-time families moving over.
- Al Raha Gardens – Established villas, strong expat community, family-oriented, with schools nearby.
Detailed guide here: Where should you live in the UAE?.
5. Moving With Family: What My Friends Told Me
Now, cards on the table: I don’t have kids. But before writing this article, I spoke to a couple of close friends who do, and they’ve been through the whole process of relocating with families. Here’s what they told me:
- Schools are the #1 headache. Getting kids into a good school is tough, especially if you land mid-term. Aligning term times between the UK and UAE can be tricky, so most families start planning months in advance. Some of the big names they mentioned:
- Dubai College
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)
- GEMS World Academy
- British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi)
- Raha International (Abu Dhabi)
- Nannies are essential for most expats. Agencies like MaidFinder, Maid CV, and Housekeeping Co. exist, but almost everyone said word of mouth or expat Facebook groups are better. Live-in nannies are common, but a lot of families now prefer live-out for more privacy.
- Getting a driver is another pain point. My friend’s wife doesn’t drive, so they had to hire one, and it’s not cheap. Expect to pay around AED 2,000 (£500) a month. Again, most people find them through recommendations, not agencies.
- Upfront costs stack up fast. My friends laughed (painfully) when I asked them about “hidden costs,” because they’d all been caught out. Expect to pay for:
- School deposits & uniforms
- Housing deposits (5% of annual rent)
- Transport & utilities setup
- Annual flights for 3–4 people
My advice (passed down from them): always, always ask your employer exactly what they cover, and get it in writing.
Word of Mouth & Facebook Groups
If you’re moving with a family, forget Google searches, the real advice lives in Facebook groups and expat forums. This is where parents swap nanny recommendations, school waitlist hacks, and even which supermarkets stock the best UK snacks.
Some of the most useful groups my friends swear by:
- British Mums Dubai – Parenting advice, schools, nannies, family events.
- ExpatWoman – A long-running UAE forum with everything from jobs to home help.
- Dubai Expat Community – General group, but good for recommendations and classifieds.
- Abu Dhabi Q&A – The go-to group for families in the capital.
- Dubai Nanny/Nurse/Maid Network – Dedicated to finding trusted childcare and household help.
💡Tip from my friends: when it comes to drivers and nannies, word of mouth beats agencies every time. Trust is everything, and families tend to pass along people they’ve had good experiences with.
6. Work Culture & Reality Check
This isn’t London or Sydney. Expect:
- 10–12 hour days (common in project roles).
- Fast delivery cycles: delays aren’t tolerated.
- Multicultural offices: 15+ nationalities in one team.
- Hierarchy matters: titles still carry weight.
Remote/hybrid? Limited. In design, construction, and project delivery, being present is still the norm.
For more insights, read:
7. Admin & Paperwork
Nobody warns you about this part:
- Emirates ID wait times
- Attesting your degree (Get it done in advance)
- Housing cheques (yes, still a thing)
- Starting from scratch with credit history
Full breakdown: 10 things nobody tells you about moving to the UAE.
8. Mindset: Why Only 1 in 10 Actually Move
Plenty talk about moving. Few follow through.
Why? Because the first 6 months are tough.
If you’re serious, you’ll need:
- 6 months’ financial buffer
- A UAE-optimised CV
- Realistic salary expectations
- Resilience when it doesn’t happen in 2 weeks
More here: “Shyam, I want to move to Dubai!”.
Final Thoughts
One thing is for sure: UAE will remain the GCC’s hub for design, construction, hospitality, and finance for a long time to come.
Dubai offers the speed, network, and lifestyle. Abu Dhabi offers the stability, long-term plays, and government-backed mega-projects. Both are opportunity hubs, but the decision depends on your family setup, career goals, and appetite for pace vs stability.
I’ve seen people double their career trajectory in three years. I’ve also seen people leave in six months, disillusioned. The difference wasn’t talent: it was mindset, preparation, and honesty about what they wanted from the move.
If you treat this as an investment, budget wisely, respect the culture, and build your network early, the ROI is unmatched.
And if you want the full salary, cost of living, and relocation insights? Start here: WorkPanda Salary Guidelines.
Follow me on LinkedIn for more market insights and useful advice: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shyamvisavadia/
