City Hub · DXB

Moving to Dubai

What official sources say about arriving, settling in, and working in Dubai, Dubai. Every point links to the page it came from.

Checked against official sources · last verified 28 Sept 2026

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Decide

Is this the right city for us?

Dubai at a glance

The basics about Dubai, plus official sources for time, money, weather and safety.

The official city portal reports that Dubai's population reached 3,863,600 by the end of 2024.
Source: Population and Vital Statistics — Dubai.ae (Digital Dubai Authority) ↗
Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the UAE; Abu Dhabi is the capital. Arabic is the official language.
Source: Fact sheet — The Official Platform of the UAE Government ↗
The UAE is 4 hours ahead of GMT. The currency is the UAE dirham (AED), pegged at 1 US dollar = AED 3.6725.
Source: Fact sheet — The Official Platform of the UAE Government ↗
For official forecasts and weather warnings, use the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) maps and warnings pages.
Source: Maps Weather Forecast — National Center of Meteorology ↗
The UK government's travel advice warns that rip currents can occur at any beach. Swim only at approved beaches with lifeguards and flags showing it is safe.
Source: Safety and security — UAE travel advice — GOV.UK ↗
The Dubai.ae city portal links to popular government services, including bill payments, traffic fine payments and Salik toll accounts.
Source: The Official City Portal of Dubai — Digital Dubai Authority ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 28 Sept 2026

Laws & local rules

The working week, Ramadan etiquette, ID, smoking and medicines rules to know before you arrive.

Since 1 January 2022, the federal government works Monday to Thursday 7:30 am to 3:30 pm and Friday 7:30 am to 12:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday are the weekend.
Source: Working hours in the public sector — The Official Platform of the UAE Government ↗
Private companies set their own days: the UAE fact sheet says most close on Sunday only, while some close on both Saturday and Sunday. Check your contract.
Source: Fact sheet — The Official Platform of the UAE Government ↗
During Ramadan, non-Muslims do not have to fast, but they must not eat, drink or smoke in public during fasting hours. Avoid playing loud music in public and dress modestly.
Source: Ramadan etiquette for non-Muslims — The Official Portal of the UAE Government ↗
Every UAE resident must get an Emirates ID and carry it with them at all times.
Source: Emirates ID — The Official Platform of the UAE Government ↗
You must be 18 to buy tobacco. Smoking is banned in a private car when children under 12 are inside, and Dubai bans shisha in parks, beaches and recreational areas.
Source: Tobacco provisions — The Official Platform of the UAE Government ↗
Some medicines need prior approval from the Ministry of Health and Prevention before you bring them into the UAE. Carry medicines in their original packaging with the prescription.
Source: Dubai Airport FAQs — Dubai Airports ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 28 Sept 2026

Arrive

The first 72 hours

Arriving at DXB

Getting from Dubai International into the city, and what to declare.

The Dubai Metro Red Line has stations at DXB Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. You can take up to two pieces of luggage on the Metro, including hand luggage.
Source: Dubai Metro at DXB — Dubai Airports ↗
Red Line hours listed by Dubai Airports: 5 am to midnight Monday to Thursday and Saturday, 5 am to 1 am on Friday, and 8 am to midnight on Sunday. Hours can be longer on public holidays.
Source: Dubai Metro at DXB — Dubai Airports ↗
Buses leave from stands in the Arrivals areas of Terminals 1, 2 and 3. You need a nol card to ride because buses do not accept cash. You can buy and top up nol cards at the terminals.
Source: Bus from DXB — Dubai Airports ↗
Taxis pick up at Arrivals. Follow the taxi signs to the official rank.
Source: Dubai Airport FAQs — Dubai Airports ↗
When you arrive, you must declare cash and traveller's cheques worth more than AED 60,000 (or the equivalent in other currencies).
Source: Dubai Airport FAQs — Dubai Airports ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 28 Sept 2026

Getting around

nol cards, the Metro and tram, fares and fines.

A Silver nol card costs AED 25, including AED 19 of credit, and works on all RTA transport. A Gold card costs the same and gives access to Gold Class cabins at double the regular fare.
Source: Choose nol — Roads & Transport Authority ↗
Students, seniors and people of determination can get discounted fares with the personal (Blue) nol card. It costs AED 70 with AED 20 credit, and you can recover the balance if the card is lost.
Source: Choose nol — Roads & Transport Authority ↗
The Metro has two lines: the Red Line (Centrepoint to Expo 2020) and the Green Line (e& to Creek). An 11-stop tram serves the Jumeirah and Dubai Marina areas.
Source: Metro & tram stations map — Roads & Transport Authority ↗
Tap your nol card at the gates when you enter and when you leave. Not tapping can mean an AED 200 fine. Eating or drinking where it is not allowed carries an AED 100 fine.
Source: A guide to the Dubai Metro and Tram — Roads & Transport Authority ↗
Metro fares depend on how many zones you cross. Every train has a cabin reserved for women and children.
Source: A guide to the Dubai Metro and Tram — Roads & Transport Authority ↗
The new Metro Blue Line (30 km, 14 stations) is under construction and is due to open on 9 September 2029.
Source: 10% progress achieved on the Metro Blue Line — Roads & Transport Authority ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 28 Sept 2026

Settle

Home, school, doctor, bank

Neighbourhoods & renting

Ejari registration, fair rent increases, and getting power and water connected.

Register your tenancy contract in Ejari: tenants, landlords or property managers can register it on the Dubai REST app, on the DLD website or at a Real Estate Trustee Centre.
Source: Register / Renew Tenancy Contract — Dubai Land Department ↗
The Dubai Land Department lists the Ejari fee as AED 177.75 through the app or website and AED 220 at a Trustee Centre.
Source: Register / Renew Tenancy Contract — Dubai Land Department ↗
Before you renew, use the DLD Rental Index to see the average rent for your area and how much your rent may legally go up. The check is free and gives an instant result.
Source: Rental Index — Dubai Land Department ↗
Allowed rent increases range from 0% to 20%, depending on how far your rent is below the area average. Either side must give at least 90 days' notice before the contract ends to change its terms.
Source: Tenancy Guide — Dubai Land Department ↗
When your Ejari is issued, DEWA opens your electricity and water account automatically and sends payment details by SMS and email. The refundable deposit is AED 2,000 for a flat and AED 4,000 for a villa.
Source: Activation of Electricity/Water (Move-in) — DEWA ↗
A landlord who wants to evict you when the contract ends, for example to sell or use the property, must give 12 months' notice with the reasons.
Source: Tenancy Guide — Dubai Land Department ↗

External links

Dubai REST app — Dubai Land Department ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 28 Sept 2026

Schools

How KHDA rates private schools, fees and what to bring when you enrol.

KHDA inspects Dubai's private schools and rates them on a scale from Outstanding to Very Weak. You can read each school's summary report in KHDA's online directory.
Source: Dubai school inspection ratings — KHDA ↗
School is compulsory from Grade 1. Most schools run from September to June, but Indian, Pakistani and Japanese curriculum schools run from April to March.
Source: Enrolling in a School — KHDA ↗
Every private school publishes a School Fees Fact Sheet. It lists tuition plus extras such as transport, trips and books, and any discounts or scholarships.
Source: School Fees Fact Sheet — KHDA ↗
KHDA regulates tuition, application, registration and re-enrolment fees. It does not regulate fees for services like transport and extracurricular activities.
Source: Schools Fees Fact Sheet FAQs — KHDA ↗
KHDA confirmed there will be no fee increases at Dubai private schools for the 2026–27 academic year.
Source: KHDA confirms no fee increase for Dubai's private schools in 2026-2027 — Dubai Media Office ↗
To enrol above Grade 1, bring proof of your child's previous schooling in Arabic or English. Documents in other languages need a legal translation.
Source: Common questions for parents — KHDA ↗

External links

KHDA school inspection reports ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 28 Sept 2026

Healthcare

Emergency numbers, mandatory insurance, and finding licensed doctors and clinics.

In an emergency, call 999 for police, 998 for an ambulance or 997 for the fire department (Civil Defence).
Source: Emergency phone numbers and apps — The Official Platform of the UAE Government ↗
Health insurance is compulsory in Dubai. Employers must give expatriate staff at least the Essential Benefits Plan. If your employer does not cover your spouse and children, you must insure them yourself.
Source: Frequently Asked Questions — ISAHD (Dubai health insurance) ↗
Since 1 January 2025, employers must buy health insurance for private-sector employees and domestic workers. You need it to get or renew a residence permit.
Source: Getting a health insurance — The Official Platform of the UAE Government ↗
Use the DHA Dubai Medical Registry to check that a doctor or clinic is licensed. You can filter by speciality, language and area.
Source: Dubai Medical Registry — Dubai Health Authority ↗
Dubai Health, an integrated academic health system, runs 6 hospitals, 27 ambulatory health centres and 23 medical fitness centres, plus telehealth and homecare.
Source: Our Network — Dubai Health ↗
Visitors to Dubai need valid medical insurance that covers at least accidents and emergencies.
Source: What does it mean to me — ISAHD (Dubai health insurance) ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 28 Sept 2026

Banking & IDs

Emirates ID, your residence visa steps, UAE PASS and opening a bank account.

Residence visa applicants aged 18 and over must pass a medical fitness test and a security check, and apply for an Emirates ID from ICP.
Source: Medical test — The Official Portal of the UAE Government ↗
To get your first Emirates ID, you need a valid passport, proof of UAE residence and an ICAO-standard photo. Anyone 15 or older gives fingerprints at an ICP centre. The standard service takes about 5 days.
Source: New Identity Card Issuance — ICP ↗
UAE PASS is the national digital identity. You set it up in the app by scanning your Emirates ID and verifying your face, then use it to log in to services and sign documents digitally.
Source: UAE Pass — ICP ↗
To open a personal account, banks usually ask for your Emirates ID or passport, proof of residence (such as a tenancy contract or utility bill) and a letter from your employer. It can take up to four business days.
Source: Opening a personal bank account — Central Bank of the UAE ↗
If your bank or insurer does not resolve a complaint within 15 calendar days, you can take it to Sanadak, the UAE's financial and insurance ombudsman.
Source: Submit a Complaint — Sanadak ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 28 Sept 2026

Driving & cars

Exchanging your licence, fees and road safety.

Residents can exchange a valid licence from an approved country for a Dubai licence. In 2025, RTA exchanged licences from 57 countries. Check the RTA list before you rely on it.
Source: Replacing over 58,000 driving licences from 57 countries — Roads & Transport Authority ↗
For an exchange, you need a valid Emirates ID, an eye test and your original valid licence, plus a legal translation if required. RTA lists the total cost as AED 1,050.
Source: Apply for a New Driving Licence Based on Exchanging Licences — Roads & Transport Authority ↗
RTA's exchange list includes Canada and the United States. Texas licences are listed separately from the rest of the US.
Source: Apply for a New Driving Licence Based on Exchanging Licences — Roads & Transport Authority ↗
The minimum age for a car licence is 18. Some visitors can drive on their national licence and exchange it once they become residents, under the 'Markhoos' initiative.
Source: Getting a driving licence — The Official Platform of the UAE Government ↗
Salik toll gates read a sticker tag on your windscreen as you drive through and deduct the toll from a prepaid account.
Source: How it Works — Salik ↗
UK travel advice warns of a high rate of traffic accidents and widespread speeding. Police can impound your car for traffic violations.
Source: Safety and security — UAE travel advice — GOV.UK ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 28 Sept 2026

Thrive

Work, study, belong

Jobs & work

Work permits, job-seeker visas, leave and where to find vacancies.

It is illegal to work in the UAE without a valid work permit. Your employer applies to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for it.
Source: Work permits — The Official Platform of the UAE Government ↗
If you qualify, a job-seeker visit visa lets you look for work for 60, 90 or 120 days without a sponsor. You need a bachelor's degree and must meet skill-level or university-ranking conditions.
Source: Jobseeker visit visa — The Official Platform of the UAE Government ↗
Dubai Careers is the official portal for Dubai government jobs. For private-sector roles, the city portal points to Bayt, GulfTalent, Indeed, NaukriGulf and LinkedIn.
Source: Finding a Job in Dubai — Dubai.ae ↗
After one year of service, private-sector employees get 30 days of fully paid annual leave. After six months, you earn 2 days for each month worked.
Source: Annual leave — The Official Platform of the UAE Government ↗
Private-sector employees can file a labour complaint with MOHRE online. MOHRE aims to settle it within about 14 working days, and otherwise refers it to court.
Source: Register Labour Complaints — Private Sector Employees — MOHRE ↗
To work in the UAE with a foreign degree, you may need to have it formally recognised. First verify it with a trusted partner, then apply for recognition.
Source: Recognition system for university certificates — The Official Platform of the UAE Government ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 28 Sept 2026

Universities & colleges

Who regulates Dubai's universities and how to check a programme is recognised.

KHDA reports 33 higher education institutions in Dubai offering 432 programmes, mostly bachelor's and master's degrees.
Source: FAQs on universities in Dubai — KHDA ↗
Universities in Dubai's free zones are regulated by KHDA. Those outside the free zones are accredited by the federal Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA).
Source: FAQs on universities in Dubai — KHDA ↗
International branch campuses in areas such as Dubai International Academic City, Knowledge Village and Dubai Silicon Oasis go through KHDA's quality-assurance process.
Source: FAQs on universities in Dubai — KHDA ↗
Before you enrol, check that both the institution and the programme are listed in KHDA's education directory. After you graduate, you can have your degree attested by KHDA for work in Dubai.
Source: FAQs on universities in Dubai — KHDA ↗
For a foreign degree, recognition depends largely on the university's ranking. Degrees from universities ranked in the top 200 only need their validity checked.
Source: Recognition system for university certificates — The Official Platform of the UAE Government ↗

External links

KHDA higher education directory ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 28 Sept 2026

Newcomer support

Places of worship, libraries, volunteering and support services.

People of other faiths practise their religions freely in the UAE. Temples, churches and gurdwaras are permitted and operate across the country.
Source: Other religions and religious festivals — The Official Platform of the UAE Government ↗
Dubai Public Libraries are open to residents as well as citizens. Members can borrow books, use free internet and join events.
Source: About Dubai Public Libraries — Dubai Culture ↗
You can volunteer through Volunteers.ae, the national platform, or the Dubai Volunteering Center, set up by the Community Development Authority.
Source: Volunteering platforms — The Official Platform of the UAE Government ↗
Seniors aged 60 and over can get the Thukher card for discounts on healthcare, shopping and transport. RTA also gives them free parking and 50% off public transport.
Source: Social Affairs — Dubai.ae ↗
People of determination can get free RTA parking permits and free public transport. Dubai Health's Reaya homecare service is on 800588. The child protection hotline is 800988.
Source: Social Affairs — Dubai.ae ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 28 Sept 2026

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