Living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Moving to the United Arab Emirates is an attractive option for many foreigners with over 80% of the UAE’s population being born abroad.
The authorities in Dubai have set up many ‘free zones’ so expats can set up a business without needing a native sponsor, and the lack of income tax makes investing and doing business in the UAE enticing.
At the same time, it is important to be aware of the culture and traditions of the Arab nations so as to integrate successfully into this society.
What to expect when you arrive in the UAE
A knowledge of Arabic is essential when moving to the UAE. Very different from western European languages, it is read from right to left so investing in a language course and a phrasebook is recommended.
It is important to remember that the UAE is a Muslim nation. While more relaxed than the other Arab countries, it is wise to be aware of its rules and cultural traditions.
Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s federal capital, plays host to many international sporting events such as the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and its own Formula One Grand Prix.
Dubai also boasts the world famous Burj Al Arab Hotel, the only hotel in the world with a seven star rating.
There are 23 local and 28 foreign banks in the UAE. Opening a bank account varies in simplicity between each institution. You may require a letter of no objection or a letter confirming salary before opening an account. The UAE government website has a section dedicated to opening a bank account, helping you to do your research before choosing who to bank with.
Get support for your settlement in the UAE
Burgeoning expat communities exist, providing access to children’s playgroups and social groups for adults where you can adjust to life in the UAE.
Working in the United Arab Emirates
Working in Dubai will mean you require a health card, labour card and a residence visa, which will allow you to stay for up to three years. To obtain these documents you must have a contract of employment or sponsor. Short term stays are far easier to plan for. Nationals from 33 countries comprising Western Europe, The United States and Japan are all granted a thirty day visa on arrival in the UAE.
When looking for employment in the UAE international agencies such as Gulftalent.com and bayt.com are a good place to start. Unemployment is extremely low in the UAE at 4.2 per cent, which means there are a wealth of opportunities to find a promising career there. Many employers will also interview applicants via Skype before meeting them in person, which will give you time to prepare and hopefully secure a job before making your move.
The average working week runs from Sunday to Thursday with the typical working week being forty eight hours, although this may be higher if you work in the hospitality sector. During the month of Ramadan, working hours are shortened to allow for fasting and prayers.
Largely founded on the rich oil industry, the UAE’s powerful economy supports exceptional healthcare services in both the public and private sectors.
Removal quote appointment booking service
Britannia Goodwins Removals & Storage can help your overseas move go smoothly. Contact us for a free, no obligation quote, or by calling 01785 251161 and speaking with one of our Stafford and Cheshire removals specialists.
How are our appointments carried out
In the current times you might prefer that we don't visit your house in person to carry out a survey. This is fully understandable and we can just as easily undertake the survey by video call, using whatever method you're comfortable with, usually FaceTime or WhatsApp.
See what our customers think of us...
Reputable company
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Reputation, and online
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Reputable company
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
The team we had from start to finish were absolutely brilliant.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Nothing
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
John, Chris, Jack, Adam & Anthony were the team that helped us move. They were very professional, and John kept me calm when I worried about size of storage I had booked at other end. Credit to your company.
Couldn’t have had a better team
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Moved house previously with you. Contact details from internet
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Previously used your services
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
John, Anthony and Tyler couldn’t have been more helpful. Very clean, tidy, friendly and caring. Couldn’t have had a better team. Catherine Tuft and Matthew were also very sympathetic, accommodating and helpful.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Don’t know
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
All went very smoothly and quickly
Very grateful for the spirit in which they went about their work.
Email to Lynne
Dear Lynne
Darren and the team arrived on 16th October to start the packing and removal process, which was completed on 18th. Our domestic situation had been frustrated by a call only two days earlier to tell us that our proposed house purchase in Harrogate had fallen through. This greatly altered the amount of stuff that we could send for longer term storage, and we were still revising our arrangements when your team arrived.
So we (Pamela and me, and our sons, Simon and Richard) were doubly appreciative of the friendly and helpful manner that prevailed from start to finish. We enjoyed their company and we were very grateful for the spirit in which they went about their work.
The other part of the ‘acid test’ is the manner and condition in which our possessions are off-loaded when we finally take possession of our next home. But the whole process got off to a first class start.
Please don’t hesitate to pass on my remarks and grateful thanks.
With kind regards,
David CavellThanks guys, you were the best
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Our original removals were unable to move us due to short notice on completion date. Recommended by Ewe move agent.
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Great price and really helped us out when we had just a week’s notice to move. Also dismantled and reassembled triple wardrobe on the day which made a massive difference.
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Paul and Alan were tremendous from the minute they arrived. Constantly communicating with me and checking in regarding where boxes/items needed to go. They stored everything and organised our belongings brilliantly making the whole experience seamless and easy. Thanks guys, you were the best!
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
You can’t!
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
Garden pots were stored at your yard and yet to be delivered but we had no issues with this due to van size available to us
UK Quote
Complete the form below to get your UK Removals quotation
European Removals Quote Request
Complete the form below to get your European Removals quotation
International Removals Quote Request
Complete the form below to get your International Removals quotation
Call Me Back
Complete the form below and we'll call you back to discuss your requirements
Self Storage
Complete the form below to get your Self Storage quotation
UK Price Guide
Complete the form below to get a Price Guide sent to you
Please note: Our Price Guide tool is intended for moves within the UK Mainland only. If you're moving to or from the UK mainland please speak to one of our friendly team who will be able to provide you with a bespoke quote.
© Britannia Goodwins Removals & Storage 2025.
Registered in England 00719614
Britannia Goodwins is a trading name of John Bradshaw and Son Limited
An indicoll website
Privacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclaimerAccessibility