Today, everyone has heard of Dubai. It is the city of bling, the city of excess, the city of superlatives. When contemplating a move to Dubai, you may wonder what lies beneath all of this. With images of luxury resorts, sun-drenched beaches, tall, glass-fronted buildings, and man-made islands in the sea.

Dubai is very modern and Westernized. The cityscape, nightlife, school systems and shops are very similar to those back home. Bars and nightclubs serve alcohol, pork is sold in supermarkets, women drive and nearly everyone speaks English. It is easy to forget that you are in an Islamic country in the Middle East.

Regardless of the reason you are relocating to Dubai, you will find yourself swept up in the excitement and dynamism of this city. Be prepared and get ready for an experience that may be many things, but will never be dull!

The Expat Info Desk guide to Dubai covers the following topics-

1) Living legally in Dubai

Visa requirements for living in Dubai vary significantly between different nationalities and for this reason you need to ensure that you are fully aware of the regulations before arriving. That’s where we come in. The Expat Info Desk guide to living in Dubai contains full and up to date details of what paperwork you will need to live here and how you can secure it.

2) Setting up home in Dubai

Lowdown on popular living areas with a comparison of how they stack up against one another in terms of local amenities, standard of living and transport links. We also provide crucial information concerning the cost of apartments and houses and the best way to approach finding a home that is suitable for you and your family.

3) Navigating the infrastructure

You may be wondering what real life is like for the expat residents who have set up home here. What is daily life really like in this tax-free haven in the sun? Where do they buy their groceries? Where do their children go to school? How do they go about such essential tasks as finding somewhere to live, opening up bank accounts and insuring their oversized cars? This guide will give you all the answers.

4) Having fun in Dubai

Dubai is a cosmopolitan, vibrant city that has a great deal on offer to suit people of all ages and backgrounds. Our guide to Dubai features reviews of the many bars, clubs, restaurants and cafes on offer in Dubai, with our opinion of which places are really worth a visit. We also point you in the right direction for meeting fellow expats and building your social network.

5) Staying safe and healthy in Dubai

The Dubai expat city guide contains comprehensive details about hospitals, clinics and other health services, including contact details, costs and locations. In addition to this, we also provide you with information about how you can remain safe in Dubai and avoid any of the problems typically encountered by expatriates.

6) Blending in

Some of the customs, traditions and bureaucracy that are present in Dubai belong very much to this part of the world and, if you’re not forewarned, can come as a big surprise. Living amongst such contradictions can seem confusing and somewhat overwhelming. However, by finding out the realities and becoming informed of the practicalities of expat life here, you can quickly come to appreciate this ever-changing city of contrasts.

7) Reality bites

When relocating to a new city, it is always good to have a friend to show you around. A friend who has "been there and done that" can help take the stress and strain out of the move. This friend can give you tips, insights and practical information to help you get set up fast and quickly start to fit in. This essential guide to relocating in Dubai from the Expat Info Desk is just that friend. It will be with you every step of the way to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible as you make this city your own.

Your only expat guide to Dubai; Feel at home abroad – Fast!