Are you planning to move to the UAE with your family? Well, welcome aboard and join the queue since you are not alone! According to our research, when it comes to settling down, a major chunk of families worldwide prefer the UAE. We found three principles that may have led to this mainstream opinion.
First is the acceptance of other cultures in the UAE. In an increasingly globalized world, this action serves as a distinct advantage. Another reason is the diversity of opportunities that exist for children. Options like sports, academics and others add zest to the overall lucrativeness of the country.
Lastly, education standards in the country are pretty top-notch, which makes UAE parents’ first choice. Not to forget the high-end real estate options the country has to offer. Whether it is the modern villas in Sharjah or condos in Dubai, life in the UAE is indeed one of a kind.
10 important aspects to know
Before you move to the UAE with a family, there are few things that you need to know. These pointers are worth pondering upon as they may save you hassle in the long run.
Housing options
Choosing the ideal home for you is one of the significant decisions you have to make as an expat family. Often, families want a home that is located close to their children’s school, their workplace, or the metro station. The UAE real estate market offers numerous options for families to choose from. These include sustainable 4 bed villas for sale, duplexes and townhouses to name a few.
Healthcare in UAE
Considering the potential healthcare costs is extremely important before moving to the UAE with family. Medical insurance is obligatory in cities like Dubai. Many employers tend to provide health assistance, but others don’t.
Expats in Dubai are eligible for a health card as well. Ensuring that your family has health cards and health insurance is predominantly important, especially in countries like the UAE, because hospital bills are capable of draining your savings in minutes. Being safe rather than sorry is always a better idea.
Culture & Customs
Before you move to the UAE with a family, you should consider the cultural norms. The UAE considers Islam as its national religion, with most of the population (local & expat) being Muslims.
All Muslim public holidays are marked, and particularly Ramadan will have an impact on residents. The country embraces diversity like no other; you will find numerous churches and temples in the UAE. However, you will also get accustomed to the sound of call-to-prayer 5 times a day as well!
Travel costs
Let’s accept it, with average temperatures in the emirates oscillating between 25 and 40 degrees Celsius, the car is really the only humane option to travel in the city. Some employers in the emirates may offer their newly hired employees company cars or fuel cards to ease the burden of owning a car. Others, however, may not be so flexible. Before you make your move to the UAE with your family, just ensure that the means of transport have been worked out.
Education options
Being a popular hub for expats from around the globe gives the UAE an upper hand in education. It can be challenging for parents to find schools that are affordable, international, and accepting of new students.
Expats often spend a lot of time researching, contacting, and applying to potential schools. The educational system in the UAE has been split into three categories. These include private schools, public schools, and higher educational institutions. Quality can be very significant in nature, and strong schooling options exist at every level in the Emirates.
Weekends
Unlike other countries in the West, in the UAE, Fridays and Saturdays are weekends. Since Friday is an Islamic holiday, the UAE observes it as it is. If you are seeking a job or business in the UAE, these factors are essential for you to consider.
All shopping malls, parks, commercial shops, and tourist places are open during the holiday. It is ideal for planning all your work in a manner that meets Sunday as the first working day.
Different Guidelines for Women
Belonging to the western side of the world can prove difficult when adjusting to the UAE. The rules and regulations in the UAE are quite stringent in nature, and one needs to follow their concerns thoroughly.
Otherwise, there is a high probability that you will be charged a significant amount. While entering grand mosques and government buildings, you must remember that western dressing is strictly prohibited. Before moving abroad, make sure you know the dress code by heart.
Avoid Traveling in Ramadan
In Islamic countries, Ramadan is one of the biggest festivals. You can get cheap flight tickets during that time of the year, but traveling during Ramadan is not recommended. During this time of the year, you will not be drinking or eating in public places in the UAE.
You can only have food after the completion of the evening prayer. Most restaurants and other entertainment venues also remain closed during Ramadan. Keeping this element of life in mind before making a move is quite important.
Using VPN Service
We understand popular services like WhatsApp are a necessity worldwide. But this is not the case when it comes to the UAE. Whatsapp calling services are unavailable in the emirates, and it is a strict cybercrime law to use VPN. The fine ranges from 5,00,000 to two million dirhams if you are caught using it.
Be mindful of your surrounding
When you live in the UAE, you must be extra careful about your behavior in public. Unlike other countries, UAE considers it a serious crime if you play loud music in your house or in an open place.
To conclude,
UAE confers itself as an ideal location for families worldwide with its viable options and array of choices. Most families consider the quality of life for children in the UAE as their primary incentive. However, these points to ponder are worth your time before you make a move abroad. Be sure that your choice has a positive impact on your family as a whole. After all, thoughtful decisions help avoid regrets in the long run. Happy Living!
