AskDaveDowntown
Lifestyle 5 min read

The Expat Settling-In Guide to Dubai - Everything You Need After Landing

A practical guide for new expats arriving in Dubai - visas, bank accounts, driving licence, health insurance, schools, and the essentials for getting set up.

By Dave Buckley
Dubai cityscape from above showing residential areas

You have accepted the job offer, booked the flights, and arrived in Dubai. Now what? The first few weeks in a new country can be overwhelming. This guide covers the practical steps to get yourself set up - in roughly the order you need to do them.

Week 1: The Essentials

Emirates ID

Your employer will process your residence visa, which includes your Emirates ID application. The Emirates ID is your primary identification document in the UAE - you need it for almost everything (bank accounts, phone contracts, rental agreements, driving licence).

Processing time: typically 5-15 working days after biometrics.

UAE Phone Number

You need a local number immediately. Etisalat and du are the two providers. You can get a prepaid SIM from any of their retail stores with just your passport. Postpaid plans (better rates, more data) require an Emirates ID.

UAE Pass

Download the UAE Pass app and register as soon as you have your Emirates ID. This is your digital identity for government services - you will use it constantly for everything from DEWA registration to visa applications.

Weeks 2-3: Getting Set Up

Bank Account

You will need:

  • Passport and visa page copy
  • Emirates ID (or application receipt)
  • Salary certificate from your employer
  • Proof of address (tenancy contract or employer letter)

Major banks: Emirates NBD, FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank), ADCB, Mashreq, HSBC, and Standard Chartered all serve expats. Most offer online account opening now, but the process still takes 1-2 weeks.

Tip: Some employers have banking partnerships that speed up the process. Ask your HR department.

Finding Accommodation

See my complete renting guide for the full process. Key points:

  • Budget for 5% agent commission plus AED 10,000-15,000 in setup costs
  • Start searching before you arrive if possible
  • Consider a short-term furnished rental for the first month while you search properly

DEWA (Water and Electricity)

Once you have signed a tenancy contract and registered Ejari, set up your DEWA account. Security deposit: AED 2,000 for apartments, AED 4,000 for villas (refundable). Register online at dewa.gov.ae.

Weeks 3-4: Building Your Life

Driving Licence

If you hold a licence from one of the recognised countries (UK, USA, Canada, most of Europe, Australia, South Africa, Japan, South Korea, and others), you can convert it directly to a UAE licence without a driving test.

You need:

  • Valid home country licence
  • Emirates ID
  • Passport copies
  • Eye test from an approved optician
  • Visit an RTA service centre or use the RTA app

If your country is not on the recognised list, you will need to take driving lessons and pass a test. This can take 2-6 months depending on the school and your availability.

Health Insurance

Your employer is legally required to provide health insurance. Check your coverage carefully:

  • Network - does it cover the hospitals and clinics you want to use?
  • Limits - what are the annual limits for inpatient and outpatient care?
  • Dental and optical - often excluded or limited in basic plans
  • Maternity - typically has a waiting period of 6-12 months

If your employer’s plan is basic, you can upgrade privately. Companies like Bupa, AXA, and Cigna offer expat-focused plans.

Schools (If You Have Children)

Dubai has a huge selection of international schools following British, American, IB, Indian, and other curricula. Key considerations:

  • Start early - popular schools have waiting lists, especially for FS1/FS2 and Year 1
  • Location matters - school runs in Dubai traffic can be brutal; choose a school near your home or work
  • Fees vary enormously - from AED 15,000/year to AED 100,000+/year depending on the curriculum and school tier
  • KHDA ratings - Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority rates all private schools. Check ratings at khda.gov.ae

Useful Apps to Download

  • UAE Pass - digital government ID
  • Dubai REST - property and rental services
  • DEWA - electricity and water management
  • RTA (Dubai) - public transport, parking, driving licence services
  • Careem/Uber - ride-hailing
  • Noon/Amazon.ae - online shopping
  • Talabat/Deliveroo - food delivery
  • Tabby/Tamara - buy now, pay later (widely used in UAE)

For a full list of essential Dubai apps, check my Dubai Essentials page.

Things Nobody Tells You

  • Everything requires a deposit - DEWA, building move-in, phone contract. Budget an extra AED 15,000-20,000 in cash for your first month
  • Summer is quiet - many expats travel between June and September. It is the best time for rental deals but the worst time for social life
  • The commute matters more than you think - Dubai is spread out. Choose your home based on where you work and where your children go to school
  • Join community groups - Facebook and WhatsApp groups for your building, area, or nationality are the fastest way to get local recommendations
  • Be patient with bureaucracy - some processes take longer than expected. Build in buffer time for everything official

Need Help Finding Your First Home?

Getting settled starts with finding the right place to live. Whether you are looking for a rental or thinking about buying, I can help you navigate Dubai’s property market. Get in touch on WhatsApp or email dave.buckley@paragonproperties.ae.