Thread: Relocation to the UAE?

I will need some assistance from our family members here on L4P whom live over in the region and surrounding areas. I have plans in the next 2-3 years to exit the USA and move elsewhere and I have always had the UAE as my number one choice. I currently am in a position where I could job-wise transfer there. I am aware of work permits and visas and such but they are all temporary. Is it possible to move there perminantly or not? My uncle is in finance and lives in Thailand and he got out of the USA for financial purposes to avoid the meteor heading towards USA. I am doing the same. I am single and flexible and have a relatively good range (price-wise) for transportation and an apartment. I have visited Dubai but am unaware of how an outsider perminantly stays. I like the idea of no income tax or real estate tax. 30% sales tax on alcohol though?? lol I need some guidance. Thanks abunch!

Originally Posted by MarcNV

Most Definitely Yes.


Alcohol, going out for dinner, hotel restaurants are all expensive, yes.

At a traditional Irish pub a pint of stella is 26dhs, I always round to 30.

At a nice restaurant, shang ri la, fairmont, etc a beer can be upwards of 36dhs.


UAE has 7 emirates, it is not entirely Abu Dhabi & Dubai (as everybody sees in the press). Have you given it any thought what emirate you are interested in.

dhs as in durhams? That's like $3.60 tax! I guess you really don't care though with income tax not being there. I am aware of the other states because my uncle lived in Sharjah before he relocated to Thailand. I really have no problem with any but I prefer to be around alot of activities as I am more of a social bee and outdoors type of person. He said there wasn't much in Sharjah but Abu Dhabi had lots and Dubai was over the top. I have looked at prices and such for apartments and could really do any of the cities. I'm unsure but i still have 2 years to decide and plan out.

I goofed. It's $8.17 for a pint in USD from 30 AED

EDIT: I guess i am leaning towards Abu Dhabi then. I like a city that has alittle of everything but not to much or over the top as Dubai seems. It's not that far of a drive between them though is it? Dubai could be like a saturday thing for me. I saw a video where people were surfing in the gulf? I am Florida born n raised and am a beach person. Abu Dhabi is on the coast to isn't it? I appreciate your advice and knowledge.

Take the help of professional packers and movers to get your settlement easy. UAE is considered as tax heaven and I think t might prove a good choice for you if you are planning to save your money for the future. There are many professional relocators who may help you by charging a small fees if you are planning a permanent stay in Dubai.

for a family I'd go to Abu Dhabi, Dubai isn't what it used to be and I really don't know if it will get there again, the serious money all comes from AD and the Dubai Marina area is only like an hour away without traffic.

You know you still have to pay taxes on anything over 90,000 a year right?

Visiting Dubai and living there are two completely different things. I lived there for a year, really enjoyed it but was happy to leave. At the end of the day its a Muslim country and there are strange rules associated with that, most obvious is no freedom of religion or speech.

I also didn't like the "culture" or lack there of in Dubai, almost everyone is there temporary and everything is just a highway connecting malls, no street culture like NYC or European cities. nothing special about it once you get over the buildings and exotic cars.

Alcohol is insanely expensive unless you buy from the airport, $10 beer is standard and it gets up to $15 at some clubs. I'm not trying to put Dubai down, cause I really did enjoy my time out there and met people from all over the world, I just thought 1 year was plenty of time and it doesn't help the middle east is going crazy right now.

one day i plan to see several of the Emirates, but to relocate... whoa! GLWT!

I appreciate your input guys. I wouldn't plan on staying forever. it would be for a couple of years (1-4) at most. I really would like to be in a place where i can save money, make my primary focus on work and just get away from the USA for alittle bit. I understand connections are alot for success over there. Freedom of speech and religion is not something I'm worried about. I don't do anything religious here except gather with family on days like Easter or Christmas. I would not be buying anything over 90,000 AED/USD over there because my primary goal is to save and invest... When I strolled through the Mall of the Emirates, i noticed they openly sell gold and silver as is.... I would take some opportunity on that.. I would not go out there until i had something lined up though.

@Sir Robbins - an opportunity has presented itself for me to temporarily relocate to Dubai. The job calls for 6 months to 18 months. Are apartment rentals reasonable?
would I have to live in outter skirts of Dubai just to afford being out there? I have seen that it's tax free - which would be a great way to save $$ - but I'm worried what I earn out there - would go directly to rental/food/transportation. any tips/advice websites would be great. (from what I've googled - avg apt rental is somewhere in the 800 euro ballpark)

Thanks,

I consider myself a well-traveled person, and have no trouble meeting people and having a blast in distant lands...

I was unimpressed by the UAE. Been there on several occasions and end up meeting more Filippinos than anyone else (besides business contacts). The trouble is, its a Muslim country - no matter how hard they try or how much money they pump into a desert - the people will still generally be cold (yes they will welcome you for a traditional meal) - but the nightlife and outdoor sports/activities leave ALOT to be desired.

My prevailing memory of Dubai/Abu Dhabi: walking down the streets and noticing random men sitting on the grass in groups glaring as I passed by. Women have disappeared from the scene. Cookie-cutter modern palaces with copy and pasted x100 white Rolls-Royce's. Dreariest place I've been in the world by far. Best part about the damn place are the foreigners - if I wanted that: I'd go to Hong Kong or Tokyo.

Others might have different experiences, but that's my 2 pince...

Originally Posted by pionier

The trouble is, its a Muslim country

Really? I'm not even gonna get into this discussion on here.