101 Tips for People Moving to Dubai
By Raouf Shabayek
ISBN: 978-1-4467-4188-7
Smashwords Edition
Copyright © 2012 Raouf Shabayek
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher.
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Table of Contents
Temporary license requirements
Permanent license requirements
Vehicle registration requirements
Professional etiquette in Dubai
Professional Labor Information
Additional labor info for professionals
Drugs and prescription medications
Required vaccinations for dogs
Required vaccinations for cats
Here is a list of dogs that are banned in Dubai.
Other Useful Information About Dubai
Dealing with a traffic accident
Procedures for dealing with a bad check
Many people fall in love with the amazing cosmopolitan city of Dubai when they visit. There are many great things about living in Dubai. The city offers a diverse and multi-cultural society with a low crime rate, spectacular shopping, and let’s not forget about the great career opportunities for professionals. Dubai is simply a major hub for the Middle East. Like a magnet it attracts visitors from around the world, especially the West. Businesses from all over the world are welcome in the city.
The Western professional may find a need to explore what the city has to offer in career opportunities. Western professionals are well-paid and sought after by many companies situated in Dubai. There are virtually no income tax responsibilities for certain professions. This is by far one of the biggest perks to working in Dubai.
Once you have secured a professional opportunity in Dubai, you will have to quickly become familiar with the cultural nuances, societies, and the intricacies of everyday living in Dubai. This guide is intended to help you prepare for the big move to Dubai, and it is designed to facilitate the process of getting acclimated to life in the new vibrant city that is Dubai.
Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is located south of the Arabian / Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula. Dubai is the most populous (1.96 Million in June 2011, according to Dubai Statistics Center www.dsc.gov.ae) and the second largest emirate by area, after Abu Dhabi, the capital of UAE. The currency is called the Dirham (AED). One US Dollar is equivalent to AED 3.67
About the author:
Raouf Shabayek is a veteran blogger, editor, and book author, working in Dubai, UAE since 2001. He has worked for many publications and in various posts, which allowed him to deal closely with many and different nationalities in Dubai. He’s written this concise guide to help those planning to relocate to Dubai. He writes in his blog: Wajeez.com
There are several ways to go about traveling throughout Dubai. An individual can travel by ferry, taxi, public transportation, shuttle, or by car for private use. Taxis are more affordable than private car rentals. Driving in Dubai is seen as a convenient form of travelling for individuals that want to travel freely about the city. You can expect rush hour traffic and a high traffic volume in the city. The average commute for driving to and from work is around 45-90 minutes. This would be something worth keeping in mind when looking for a place of residence.
Dubai has recognized the importance of improving traffic conditions in Dubai. Dubai is the first metro rail system in the Arabian Peninsula. You will be able to commute using metro rail in the city of Dubai. Some of the metro rail routes are still under construction. There are a total of 43 stations. You will be able to use the blue and green lines to commute to the downtown area of the city.
The bus system in Dubai is another option for traveling throughout the city of Dubai. Approximately 20 million people utilize the bus system for commuting purposes annually. There are numerous buses that operate in Dubai and over 200 routes are available. It is possible to travel throughout Dubai using public transportation via bus.
The city uses international road signage, so it’s important to pay careful attention to the signs for safety purposes. The speeding laws in the city are heavily enforced, as there’s been a crackdown on poor driving behavior. According to travel.state.gov website, Dubai has one of the highest rates of traffic accidents in the world.
Salik, meaning open or clear in Arabic language, is Dubai’s electronic toll collection system, and was launched in July 2007. Motorists are required to buy a 100 AED pre-paid RFID card that is affixed to their windscreens. 4 AED ($1.08) will automatically be deducted from their account each time they pass through a toll gate. Initially there were two toll gates, till September 2008 when two more gates were installed. The maximum charge per day per car using the tolled roads is 24 AED ($6.48). Dubai Taxis are exempted from all Salik toll. (For more info, visit salik.ae)
1. The steering wheels in the vehicles are on the left-hand side, so remember to drive on the right side of the road.
2. Never drive without a UAE license. This will likely cause you to have your car impounded and your car insurance will be invalidated.
3. Aggressive driving with obscene hand gestures can land you in jail and then deported from the country.
4. Never drink and drive in Dubai. The penalties for drinking and driving in Dubai are harsher than the penalties in the US. Penalties for the offense can lead to imprisonment and fines. An individual can even be deported for being caught drinking and driving.
5. Speed radar detectors are not allowed in UAE, and might be confiscated at the airport if detected. Using them while driving has severe penalties as well, and is not allowed. Radar jammers are not tolerated also.
6. Always call the police if you are involved in an auto accident. Failure to do so will complicate the process of getting your car repaired at a garage. Garages are prohibited by UAE regulations to repair cars with damages caused by a car accident without a police report. If caught in a traffic accident, you are encouraged to move your car away from the road to avoid traffic jams.