If you are considering moving to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you’re likely well underway with your research.
Moving to the UAE can be a huge step, but at Bishop’s Move, we can organise your move to ensure that it runs efficiently in a clear and pragmatic manner. We have over 170 years of shipping experience to Dubai and Abu Dhabi and can provide you with excellent service at competitive rates as well as moving advice.
If you have chosen this exotic destination as a possible new home, there is much to research and plan. Planning your relocation starts with research. To help, we have created a guide to the steps and considerations involved when looking to move to the UAE. And should you need further practical assistance, contact our international moving teams today.
Moving to the UAE?
Why Move to the UAE?
Expats account for approximately 90% of the UAE population, and there are many reasons why. The United Arab Emirates offers a great deal of career progression opportunities, which is a significant pull factor for millennials in particular to relocate there. In addition, the UAE is one of the top countries where expats can make more money and achieve a higher disposable income, and what’s more, in the UAE your salary is completely tax-free. Home to the luxury cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, endless skyscrapers and lavish designs fill the country, giving both tourists and expats the ultimate glamorous city feel. There are also picturesque beaches and, paired with the UAE’s warm and sunny climate, this makes the destination ideal for the dream relaxed lifestyle.
Practical Steps for Moving to the UAE from the UK
Starting your new life abroad might be closer than you think! Let’s take a look at some of the more practical elements of an international move before you get started.
Healthcare in the UAE
There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement in place between the UK and the UAE, which means you’ll need to have medical insurance in place before arrival. If you’re employed in an emirate, your employer will likely provide you with insurance. As a general rule, any emergency treatment in UAE government hospitals won’t cost you, but you’ll need comprehensive insurance or a UAE medical card for private hospitals. The UK government website is a great source of information.
Visas for the United Arab Emirates
Spending more than 30 days in the UAE as a British Citizen will require you to procure a visa prior to entering the country. In most cases, finding a job in the destination city is the best option, as your employer will often sponsor your visa or even sort the whole process on your behalf. You will need to do further research if you are hoping to relocate with your family.
It’s important to plan ahead if you will be working in any way upon arrival in the United Arab Emirates. Arrangements that are needed will depend on exactly where you land. For example, you can procure a probationary work permit for 3 months from the Ministry of Labour if you have entered Dubai as a visitor. The UK government website has further information on entry requirements for the UAE.
Cost of Living UAE
It’s worth doing specific research for your circumstances, as life in the UAE can be expensive. London prices may not be too dissimilar, but it’s a good idea to check that you can afford to live your desired lifestyle abroad. It’s worth remembering the lack of income tax in the UAE so this may help with the price of rent in places like Dubai. To learn more, read our blog comparing the cost of living in the UAE vs the UK.
This also acts as a great time for you to discuss any queries that you may have in regards to your move to the UAE.
Where to Live in the UAE
Priorities will be different for everyone when moving, especially to new countries. And while Dubai is the most famous, there are 7 emirates and several cities to choose from. Where you move will depend on where you find work, which will often be in the larger emirates. It’s also true that the larger cities will be less of a culture shock with a more international presence, as these are where the majority of UK expats reside in the UAE.
Dubai
Dubai has a bustling expat community and is one of the most popular places to move to in the United Arab Emirates. This very modern metropolis has transformed over the past few decades and is a key hub for many industries. Moving to Dubai is a great option for UK expats who want to surround themselves with people while settling into a new culture.
Abu Dhabi
Moving to Abu Dhabi as an expat is also a great experience. Abu Dhabi as an emirate is an ideal place to explore the rest of the emirates as it typically has salaries and modern accommodation for the most part. You’ll need to learn the laws and customs surrounding the strict religion, as in any part of the UAE.
Removals quotes to the UAE
If you are settled on moving to the United Arab Emirates, it’s best practice for you to hire a UAE removals company that covers everything in the initial quote. Our free home removal surveys are designed to create a package which is best suited to you, and covers everything from packing to insurance. Throughout the survey, one of our expert international moving consultants will visit you at your home, and will discuss every concept of your move, from packing to shipping. Our representative will advise you on what you can and can’t take to the UAE, plus show you how our professionally-trained removals crew will pack and wrap your possessions. The success of an international house move is all in the detail, so once you are happy we’ve got all your individual requirements included, simply contact your consultant and we will actively start organising your forthcoming move to the UAE.
This also acts as a great time for you to discuss any queries that you may have in regards to your move to the UAE.
Moving to the UAE with Bishop’s Move
Upon acceptance of our quote, a suitable moving date can then be arranged for your move to the UAE. Depending on the scale of your move, our trained export packers will arrive on the day or the day before to expertly pack and wrap the entire contents of your home, making sure all valuables and delicate items are safe for the journey. We’ll then have all of your effects securely transported to your new home in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere else in the UAE, and delivered straight to your door.
If you require storage, we can arrange that too. As proud members of the British Association of Removers, you can rest assured that your move to the UAE will be handled with the utmost care and precision to ensure that all your effects are transported to your new home safely.
Should you decide to move back to the UK, we can move you back again in exactly the same way.
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