2,578 words
Dubai attracts expatriates from all over the world because of the lifestyle it offers. The tax free environment combined with the relatively high salaries makes Dubai an ideal place to live in. The following is a rough guideline for a single 20 something who wishes to set up home in the UAE. Moving to the UAE involves a considerable amount of paperwork and having the correct documents makes an enormous difference to the whole procedure. Obtaining a visa to enter the UAE is relatively simple and hassle free; if all documents are in order, visas are typically issued in 72 hours. For more information, contact the Government of Dubai Department of Naturalisation & Residency website.
Dubai attracts expatriates from all over the world because of the lifestyle it offers. The tax free environment combined with the relatively high salaries makes Dubai an ideal place to live in. The following is a rough guideline for a single 20 something who wishes to set up home in the UAE. Moving to the UAE involves a considerable amount of paperwork and having the correct documents makes an enormous difference to the whole procedure. Obtaining a visa to enter the UAE is relatively simple and hassle free; if all documents are in order, visas are typically issued in 72 hours. For more information, contact the Government of Dubai Department of Naturalisation & Residency website.
The 'To-let' sign, a common sight in the UAE.
Photo Credit: Blassy Boben
Photo Credit: Blassy Boben
All non Emirati nationals who wish to live and work in the UAE require a residence visa. The employer acts as sponsor and assumes legal responsibility for individuals under their sponsorship entering and living in the UAE. To work in Dubai, one needs to apply for a work permit or labor card. The company arranges for both work permits and residency visa. The following documents are required to apply for an employment entry visa - clean copy of your current passport, 20 x colour passport sized photographs, attested copies of relevant educational or degree certificates. All important documents require notarisation by a public notary in the country of issue. A labour card is essential for working in the UAE and is issued by the employer after the labour contract has been completed. Labour cards and residence visas are renewable and valid for a period of three years.
A residential building in Al Qusais.Photo Credit: Blassy Boben
Looking for a home
Middle to high end apartments in Dubai typically have a swimming pool and gym facilities. Rooms are usually quite spacious and most have ensuite bathrooms. Covered car parking may be insufficient for the number of apartments in a building and, in the more densely populated areas, street parking is difficult to find. Areas of Dubai have parking meters to organise parking better. Going down the price scale, amenities become fewer and/or less well-maintained, and bedrooms become smaller. Most apartment buildings in Dubai will have at least a resident watchman, and the larger, more expensive buildings will have several security personnel with a 24 hour reception area. Apartments are available on a monthly rental basis, normally fully furnished and usually with some sort of servicing and cleaning arrangement. Cost of a studio or 1 bdrm is about 7000 to 15,000 dhs per month depending on location and quality of apartment/furnishings. For better standard (and more expensive) try Better Homes, Asteco, and/or Landmark Properties. They are the more well known and hopefully more reputable agents. Emaar has also recently (June 2006) started a property letting agency. There are over 1000 real estate and letting agents in Dubai apparently. A handful of the more popular and well-known companies are: Asteco, Better Homes and Emaar properties. Supermarket noticeboards are good sources for shared villa rentals.
The newer buildings come equipped with gyms and swimming pools.
Photo Credit: Blassy Boben
In order to rent property in the United Arab Emirates, you will normally have to pay for the entire year of tenancy either in cash or checks. If payment is made by cheques, most landlords will limit it to 2 to 4 cheque payments. In addition to the tenancy payment, if the flat/apartment/condo or house/villa was taken through a property agency, then a 5% commission is required to be paid to them. Most premises will require the payment of a refundable security deposit of 500 to 5,000 dirhams. As utility bills are paid by a tenant, it is normally required that a refundable deposit of 1,000 to 2,000 dirhams be paid to the landlord for usage of water, electricity and gas. Landlords are normally obligated to handle the annual maintenance of their property and they are not permitted to evict a tenant without just cause within the tenancy contract time period. Rent increases are subject to government’s rent cap policies and strong security of tenure is given to the tenant. Parties may freely agree on the initial rents. With the new rental law in place (Decree No. 1 of 2009), rent increases for contracts renewing in 2009 were not allowed if existing rents are equal to or less than 25% of the new rental index set by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). Rents are normally paid in advance for the entire year, either in cash or cheques. If the tenancy contract does not explicitly state when rent payments are to be made, rents a year must be paid in four equal instalments in advance. Landlord and tenant disputes are submitted to and executed by the Rent Committee. Water and Electricity can be applied for by applying online. One can apply manually by faxing the required documents to fax no. 04-3249345. Incase of sending the attachments through fax, don’t forget to write the account number on the tenancy contract copy. Once applied for, one needs to initiate the Activation process, the activation request for a Villa/House costs AED 2000 while Activation request for a Flat costs AED1000
Middle to high end apartments in Dubai typically have a swimming pool and gym facilities. Rooms are usually quite spacious and most have ensuite bathrooms. Covered car parking may be insufficient for the number of apartments in a building and, in the more densely populated areas, street parking is difficult to find. Areas of Dubai have parking meters to organise parking better. Going down the price scale, amenities become fewer and/or less well-maintained, and bedrooms become smaller. Most apartment buildings in Dubai will have at least a resident watchman, and the larger, more expensive buildings will have several security personnel with a 24 hour reception area. Apartments are available on a monthly rental basis, normally fully furnished and usually with some sort of servicing and cleaning arrangement. Cost of a studio or 1 bdrm is about 7000 to 15,000 dhs per month depending on location and quality of apartment/furnishings. For better standard (and more expensive) try Better Homes, Asteco, and/or Landmark Properties. They are the more well known and hopefully more reputable agents. Emaar has also recently (June 2006) started a property letting agency. There are over 1000 real estate and letting agents in Dubai apparently. A handful of the more popular and well-known companies are: Asteco, Better Homes and Emaar properties. Supermarket noticeboards are good sources for shared villa rentals.
The newer buildings come equipped with gyms and swimming pools. Photo Credit: Blassy Boben
Goods for daily use are readily available in the supermarkets and groceries strewn all across the city.Photo Credit: Blassy Boben
Internet access comes from the UAE’s two service providers: Etisalat or Du. In order to apply for ain internet connection, one require – a passport copy, with valid residence visa, and an application form available online. Internet access range from 56 kbps to 4 mbps. For Etisalat users, The wireless modem costs AED 240, while the wired modem costs AED 108.
Getting a telephone connection in Dubai is easy and involves very little paper-work, the line is installed within the next 24 hours. Fixed telephone lines can be obtained from Etisalat and in some areas from Du. To apply for a landline connection from Etisalat, one requires a Passport copy, a copy of Tenancy Agreement or Proof of Ownership, an existing telephone number at or near the premises, and a completed application form. Installation charges are priced at AED180, while rental is AED 45 a quarter.
There are two mobile service options available from both etisalat and du, with both standard GSM (post-paid) and pre-paid mobile service. Both operators also provide iPhone and Blackberry services. To get an etisalat Mobile Phone Connection one requires a passport copy with a valid residence visa stamp or a valid visit visa along with a completed application form. The SIM costs AED 165, with an annual renewal fee of AED 100. Local calls cost 30 fils per minute for first 60 seconds.Text Messaging Charges are fixed at 18 fils per message. For queries relating to internet, telephone and cellphone lines, apply for service online, or call
or visit the Etisalat or Du offices.
Private post boxes are situated at all post offices, shelters, a number of commercial buildings and some postal agencies. To rent a box, one requires a passport copy with residency stamp, two passport photos, and a completed application form, found at the nearest post office. For more information, please visit Emirates Post website.
Convenient Finance and Banking services Photo Credit: Blassy Boben
For a health card in Dubai
In order to obtain a residency visa and labour card, all expatriates are required to undergo a medical and blood test. Employers usually arrange for all the necessary paperwork. An application form can be collected from any public hospital then submitted (typed in Arabic), along with the correct documents to your local Health Care Center. The health card is valid for one year and can be renewed online. Documents required include a Passport copy, a letter from one’s sponsor, a visa application copy, 2 passport size photographs and a completed application form. A citizen’s health card is valid 4 years while a non-citizen’s card is valid 1 year. For more information, please visit the Department of Health and Medical Services
In order to obtain a residency visa and labour card, all expatriates are required to undergo a medical and blood test. Employers usually arrange for all the necessary paperwork. An application form can be collected from any public hospital then submitted (typed in Arabic), along with the correct documents to your local Health Care Center. The health card is valid for one year and can be renewed online. Documents required include a Passport copy, a letter from one’s sponsor, a visa application copy, 2 passport size photographs and a completed application form. A citizen’s health card is valid 4 years while a non-citizen’s card is valid 1 year. For more information, please visit the Department of Health and Medical Services
Travel in Dubai
Petrol pumps and rest stops dot the city. Photo Credit: Blassy Boben
Driving licences can be obtained by adult UAE citizens/residents after training from an authorized driving school in Dubai. If you possess a driving licence from one of the 36 countries on the approved list, it is relatively easy to obtain a UAE driving licence from the Roads & Transport Authority. This involves an eye test and provision of your passport and residence visa (original and copy) along with a No Objection certificate from your employer and eight colour passport sized photographs. In order to apply for a licence, one requires - passport (original & copy) with residence stamp, No-Objection Certificate from employer & 8 photos. Authorized Driving Schools in the UAE include - Al Ahli Driving School, Belhasa Driving School, Dubai Driving Centre, Emirates Driving Institute, Galadari Driving School. New applicants must go through the evaluation stages, like the road test, the parking test and the signal test. For more information, please visit RTA website or call RTA on 8009090. Importing one’s car from abroad can prove to be a hassle as specifications differ from country to country, therefore making one’s car unsuitable to drive in the UAE. Clearance of vehicles from overseas cannot occur until one’ revieces their residence visa which usually takes 4-6 weeks after your date of arrival in the UAE.
The well developed bus network connects all parts of the city.Photo Credit: Blassy Boben
Travel in the UAE is made easy even for those without a personal vehicle. The Road Transport Authority provides the residents with an ample number of public transporty options that cover road, and waterways. The RTA's Wojhati service allows commuters a complete journey plan as it estimates how far a passenger must walk to get the first public transport and which route a commuter must take to reach a destination. The well designed bus routes link various residential and the industrial areas with over 1200 buses. Passengers can also obtain bus timetables, fares and connecting services either from bus stops or by calling the toll free phone 800 9090.
Another way of getting around Dubai is by taxi. To reserve a taxi, call Dubai Taxi on (+971 4) 2080808. If you call a taxi instead of waiting for one in the street, there is an extra charge.
Water transport options include the Motorized Abras, the rowing abras as well as the Water Bus. For more information on the water bus, to book your journey, check your reservation status or departure schedule, call 04-3963135 or toll free 8009090.
Visit the RTA website for updated information on all journey travels in Dubai.
Another way of getting around Dubai is by taxi. To reserve a taxi, call Dubai Taxi on (+971 4) 2080808. If you call a taxi instead of waiting for one in the street, there is an extra charge.
Water transport options include the Motorized Abras, the rowing abras as well as the Water Bus. For more information on the water bus, to book your journey, check your reservation status or departure schedule, call 04-3963135 or toll free 8009090.
Visit the RTA website for updated information on all journey travels in Dubai.
The Metro, the latest feather in RTA's cap. Photo credits: Blassy Boben
Family
For visiting family members Visit visas for immediate family members can be obtained by residents with a monthly salary above AED 4000 or AED 3000 + accommodation. A short term visa costs AED 620 application fee + typing fees, while a long term visa costs AED 1120 application fee+ typing fees. A deposit of AED 1000 needs to be paid, which can be reimbursed after your relative has left the country. Documents required include: a typed application form, a copy of the sponsor’s passport & family member's passport, and paperwork of the visiting person. For more information, visit DNRD website or call their friendly Amer Toll free service on 800-5111
It is against the law in the UAE for a couple to reside together without being married. The rules and procedures vary depending on nationality and/or religion of the persons involved in the marital agreement. The Dubai Courts oversee procedures and regulations pertaining to marriages. Their website is mostly in Arabic and it is difficult to find relevant information in English. The Dubai Health Authority insists on medically screening both parites before allowing a marriage. For more detailed information please contact the Dubai Courts at 04-334-7777 or http://www.dubaicourts.gov.ae/
Education
Dubai offers a number of options for education, with both international and local syllabuses on offer. Photo credits: Blassy Boben
Pets in the UAE
Keeping a pet in Dubai.
Keeping a pet in Dubai.Photo credits: Blassy Boben
To import a dog to Dubai you need an import permit. The UAE Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries issues this document. The following fax copies are required - a Copy of owner’s passport, a copy of UAE residency visa or offer of employment letter, a copy of the animal’s vaccination card. It takes 2 to 3 days for your permit application to be processed. Pet Bull Terrier, American Pet Bull, American Staffordshire Terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and the Fila Braziliero come into the list of prohibited dogs under the government. Illegal possession of prohibited dog give the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries the right to send the dog back to the exporting country at the expense of the owner, confiscated or destroyed in case the owner refused to do so . Code of Conduct
Even though United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country and Dubai is one of its most important cities, the clothing rules are not very conservative and strict. However, it would be nice to respect general traditional sentiments and wear appropriate clothing when seen in public or when traveling, shopping etc. During the holy month of Ramadan, one should avoid playing loud music and eating in open places during the time of fasting etc. One should be very observant and aware of local religious practices and customs and thus avoid offending anybody.
The best of cuisines from all around the world. Photo credits: Blassy Boben
All formalities in the UAE include application forms and passport size photographs. The background of the photograph needs to be white. The requirements of the UAE immigration include rules on how to dress in a passport photograph. These are – covered shoulders, a ban on earrings and sunglasses and other facial ornaments. A bank account in dubai requires a minimum balance or AED 1000-10,000. The official currency of the UAE region is the Arab Emirates Dirham (AED or Dhs). Dirhams are divided equally into 100 fils. The Arab Emirates Dirham is one of the most stable currencies holding constant against the US Dollar at an average of 3.67.
Dubai’s success story as a world leader in enterprise and modernization has earned the city great international distinction and has made Dubai an important business, trading and tourism hotspot. Dubai is a dynamic, business-friendly city with a great track record for executing major projects.
Dubai’s success story as a world leader in enterprise and modernization has earned the city great international distinction and has made Dubai an important business, trading and tourism hotspot. Dubai is a dynamic, business-friendly city with a great track record for executing major projects.
The skyline as seen from Mamzar CornichePhoto credits: Blassy Boben
No comments:
Post a Comment