The Ultimate Guide to Moving to the UAE in 2025

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 are 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
• Car Rental: AED 1.5k–5.5k per month
• Groceries: ~25% higher than the UK
• Visas: AED 3k per dependent per annum

💡 My advice: Build a 6-month buffer. Budget forecast in advance. 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:

• Reality check: from UK to UAE
• Why salaries in the UAE never feel enough
• Salary Guidelines

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 beach clubs, bottomless brunches, breakfast at Gastronomy 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.

• How to get your CV noticed in the first 30 seconds
• Don’t send your CV everywhere!
• An Example of the 'perfect' CV that matches what employers in the UAE look for.
• Full breakdown of sectors & salaries: WorkPanda Salary Guidelines.
• If you need more help check out https://www.shyamvisavadia.com/

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

• Emirates Hills – Refined, luxury and modern — a gated community of ultra-luxury villas; big plots, lush landscaping, lake & golf-course views; privacy, prestige, redefined architecture. (Vida Emirates Hills, Banyan Tree (Close by, next to Canary Club)
• Dubai Marina – Where most expats spend their first couple of years; beach, nightlife, and social scene (Marina Gate, Dubai Harbour, Emaar Original 6, Vida Residences, Marina Promenade).
• Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) – Great location, balanced lifestyle (I spent 8 years here myself) (Me Do Re, Uptown Tower, W Residences (coming soon))
• JVC (Jumeirah Village Circle) – Affordable, up-and-coming, and full of Brits (Serenity Lakes, Bloom Towers, Belgravia II, Auresta Tower, Tetris Tower).
• JDowntown Dubai – Central, luxe and unmistakably iconic — high-rise elegance, Burj Khalifa & fountain views; walk-to-mall lifestyle, arts & dining at your doorstep; perfect if you want city-living with wow factor. (Burj Khalifa Residences, The Address, The Boulevard, Vida Residences Downtown)
• Business Bay – Cheaper Downtown alternative (personally, not my favourite) (The Opus, Executive Towers, SLS Residences, Jumeirah Living Business Bay, Baccarat Hotel & Residences Dubai).
• Palm Jumeirah – For deep pockets; luxury lifestyle, but not for everyone (Shoreline Apartments, Marina Residences, W Residences, One at Palm Jumeirah – Dorchester Collection)
• DIFC – Canary Wharf vibes, full of finance crowd, sleek but expensive (Sky Gardens DIFC, Central Park Towers, Burj Daman, Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers, Liberty House)
• City Walk – Trendy, urban lifestyle, walkable cafés and shops (rare for Dubai) (City Walk Residences (by Meraas), Central Park Plaza, Crestlane 1_
• Bluewaters Island – Modern, sea views, but pricey; popular with singles and couples, amazing views of ‘The "World's biggest wheel" Ain Dubai.

Families

Expensive Options

• 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.
• Al Barari – Ultra-luxury, eco-themed, lush greenery; for those wanting exclusivity.

More affordable but further out:

• Mirdif – Affordable villas, family-friendly, close to schools and malls, more traditional expat mix.
• Mudon – Affordable, family-friendly, spacious townhouses/villas; strong community vibe, lots of green spaces.
• Serena – Mediterranean-style townhouses, good value, very family-oriented.
• Green Community (Dubai Investment Park / Motor City) – Spacious villas and townhouses, great schools, more laid-back living.
• Dubai South (Emaar South) – Newer, upcoming; close to Expo City and Al Maktoum Airport; more affordable.
• Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT) – Similar to JVC but with larger villas/townhouses, strong family feel.

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?

I’m sure there are other communities I’ve missed, but these are the ones I know. I’d recommend speaking with trusted agents from Property Finder, Bayut, etc. You won’t click with everyone, so find someone qualified who really knows the area, not a newbie fresh off the boat trying to sell you a dead horse.

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. (Choose wisely, always rely on personal recommendations)
• 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 3,000-AED 3,500- (£600) a month. Again, most people find them through recommendations, not agencies. (Also factor in the parking fines 😜)
• 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
  • Keeping up with kids activities and their friendship circle
  • Day to day items nappies, cleaning materials etc (Many bulk by from UK)
  • Housing deposits (5% of annual rent or cheques)
  • 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.

• Visa & Sponsorship – What type of visa will I get, under what designation, and who is the sponsor?
• Family Sponsorship – Will my dependents (spouse/children) also be sponsored?
• Healthcare – What does the medical insurance cover, and does it include my family?
• Repatriation – Will flights home (annual or end-of-service) be covered for me and my family?
• Salary Breakdown – What is my basic salary vs allowances (housing, transport, schooling, etc.)?
• Annual Leave – How many leave days do I get per year, and are public holidays included?
• Working Hours – What are the official weekly hours and days off?
• Probation & Notice Period – How long is probation, and what is the notice period for resignation/termination?
• End-of-Service Benefits – Will I receive gratuity/EOSB, and how is it calculated?
• Relocation Support – Are relocation costs (flights, shipping, temporary housing) covered?
• Questions you should ask: Breakdown of relocation support
• If you’re planning to move with your family to Dubai: Here’s what no one tells you.

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. Tax implications & Financial Planning

a. For those from the UK:
• Tell HMRC you’ve left: File Form P85 (and usually SA109 with your Self Assessment). This helps avoid dual-tax issues and triggers potential tax refunds.
• UK Statutory Residence Test (SRT): Your UK status depends on days and ties (family, accommodation, work, 90-day tie, country tie). The flowchart shows when you flip from non-resident to resident as day-counts rise.
• Voluntary NI: Consider Class 2/3 to protect your UK state pension (flag for a tax advisor to confirm).

b. UAE tax residency: You’re a UAE tax resident if you spend ≥183 days in any 12-month period, or ≥90 days with additional conditions (UAE residence + permanent place of residence or employment/business).

c. US day-count (for frequent visitors): Substantial Presence Test: 31 days this year and 183 “weighted” days over 3 years (all days this year + 1/3 of last year + 1/6 of the year before). Crossing it can make you a US tax resident.

d. Investments & Pensions: double-tax treaties matter; pick fund domiciles wisely (e.g., Irish ETFs). Always speak to a professional.

7. Visas & Long-Term Residency

Let’s keep it simple: no visa = no work. In the UAE, your right to work is always tied to your visa and Emirates ID. Unlike the UK or Europe, you can’t just arrive, apply for jobs, and hope for the best. Here’s how it works in practice:

i. Employment Visa (the standard route)

• Who sponsors it? Your employer.
• Validity: Usually 2 years (renewable).
• Process:
  1. Employer applies for your work permit through the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE). (for mainland jobs)
  2. Entry permit issued → you fly in (or adjust status if already in UAE).
  3. Medical test, biometrics, and Emirates ID registration.
  4. Visa stamped in passport + Emirates ID issued (this is your all-in-one resident card).
• Cost: Typically covered by the employer, but confirm this in your offer letter.
• Restrictions: You can only work for your sponsor unless you officially transfer.

👉 The UAE Onboarding checklist: Don’t make this mistake when signing the offer letter.

ii. Green Visa (5-years):

• Best for freelancers, skilled employees, or self-employed professionals who want more flexibility.
• Doesn’t require an employer sponsor.
• Lets you sponsor your family.
• Renewable every 5 years.

iii. https://icp.gov.ae/en/services/golden-residency/ Golden Visa (10-years):

• For investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals.
• Gives long-term stability and freedom to switch employers.
• More attractive for senior professionals or those setting down roots.

iv. Company Setup / Free Zone Visa

• If you want independence:
• Set up under a Free Zone (e.g. IFZA, DMCC, RAKEZ, Meydan).
• You get a trade licence + visa under your own company.
• Costs vary (AED 12k–20k+), depends on activity and free zone.
• Use licensed formation firms (Virtuzone, Creative Zone, PRO Partner Group).

⚠️ Avoid shortcuts. Never buy “freelance visas” off WhatsApp or classifieds, many are scams. Always go through official free zones or government portals.

8. Commuting & Transport

Transport costs in the UAE are more than just getting from A to B. They shape your lifestyle and monthly cash flow.

• Salik tolls: Every trip through a gate costs AED 4–6 depending on timing. If your daily commute crosses 2–3 gates, that’s easily AED 600–800/month. Factor this into your salary expectations.
• Parking: Expect AED 4–6/hour in many city zones. Monthly parking permits help if you drive daily.
• Car ownership vs. rental: Buying a car comes with upfront insurance, annual registration, and ongoing Salik. Subscription models (Invygo, Carasti, Diamondlease) offer flexibility with no long-term lock-in, useful if you’re unsure how long you’ll stay.
• Ride-hailing & public transport: Careem and Uber work well, but costs add up for daily commuting. Dubai Metro and Tram are reliable, but coverage is limited in suburban areas like JVC or Arabian Ranches. A Nol card is essential for all public transit.

💡 Before signing a tenancy, map your commute. A “cheaper” apartment far from the Metro may end up costing more once you add tolls, fuel, and parking.

9. Healthcare & Insurance

Healthcare access in the UAE is advanced, but costs can come as a surprise to newcomers.

• Employer coverage: Insurance is mandatory, but quality varies by employer. Check hospital networks, co-pays, maternity/paediatrics cover, and whether dependents are included.
• Premium providers: Bupa Global, Cigna, Allianz, and Aetna International cater to expats seeking international coverage. Daman/Thiqa serve many locals and residents.
• Hidden costs: Beyond premiums, factor in excesses (out-of-pocket before insurance pays), specialist consultation fees, and out-of-network surcharges.
• Utilities link: Don’t forget DEWA deposits when moving in, they often catch newcomers off guard.

⚠️ Remember, don’t assume “insurance included” means you’re fully covered. Ask HR for a copy of the policy schedule, and review limits carefully before signing your contract.

10. Banking, Credit & Money Movement

UAE has some of the most well-structured financial system but be ready for compliance-heavy processes.

• Opening accounts: You’ll need your passport, residence visa, Emirates ID, and salary certificate. Some banks require a minimum monthly salary (AED 5,000–10,000).
• Credit history: Everyone starts with zero in the AECB (Al Etihad Credit Bureau). Build it by paying bills and cards on time. Keep utilization below 30% to strengthen your score.
• Transfers & FX: International transfers via banks can be expensive. Platforms like Wise or Revolut are cheaper, but banks may still ask for source-of-funds documentation.
• Major banks: HSBC, Emirates NBD, ADCB, FAB, and Mashreq are the most expat-friendly.

💡 Open your bank account as soon as you receive your Emirates ID. Without it, you can’t get paid, rent a home, or apply for utilities.

11. Housing & Tenancy

Housing is where most expats underestimate costs.

• Ejari/Tawtheeq: Your tenancy must be registered (Ejari in Dubai, Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi). Without this, you can’t connect utilities. Dubai now allows registration via WhatsApp, a small win for convenience.
• Cheques & deposits: Landlords often require 1–4 post-dated cheques upfront. Budget for a security deposit (usually 5%).
• District cooling: Many communities (Downtown, JLT, Business Bay) use district cooling via Empower. Deposits and monthly bills are separate from DEWA, and they spike in summer.

12. Living Costs You Need To Account For

It’s the “small” recurring costs that sneak up.

• Utilities: DEWA + district cooling together can run AED 1,000+ in summer for a two-bedroom apartment.
• Telecom: Etisalat and Du packages average AED 199–299/month, but read the fine print — many increase after a promo period.
• Groceries & lifestyle: Imported brands are pricier, gyms and kids’ activities add up, and Dubai’s social culture (brunches, networking dinners) can quietly inflate your budget.

💡 Use Numbeo to set expectations before you move. Track your first 3 months of expenses before making long-term commitments. Many expats overcommit early and only realize later how lifestyle inflation eats into savings.

13. 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:

• Job titles in the UAE: Why are they so important?
• Deep dive into hybrid work in the UAE here: “My employer won’t let me work remotely”.

14. 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.

15. 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/