The United Arab Emirates , often referred to as the U.A.E, is a federation of seven emirates on the eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula, at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. It has coastlines on the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, with Saudi Arabia to the west and southwest, and Oman to the southeast and also on the eastern tip of the Musandam Peninsula as well as an Omani enclave within its borders. It is a country rich in history and culture and an easy starting point for travels in the Middle East.
The country is extraordinarily dry, getting only a few days of rain a year. Despite that, Emiratis use water at an alarming rate: there are broad swaths of grass in the major public parks, for example, and landscaping can be extensive in the resorts or other public places. The majority of this water comes from desalinization. Visitors do not pay for their water use.
The weather from late October through mid-March is quite pleasant, with high temperatures ranging from around 27 °C (85 °F) to lows around 15°C (63 °F). It is almost always sunny. Rain can happen between November and February, and can cause road hazards when it does. In the summer, the temperatures soar and humidity is close to unbearable — it is widely suspected that the officially reported temperatures are “tweaked” to cut off the true summer highs, which can reach 50 °C (122 °F), or even higher!
Whether you’re retiring, temporarily relocating or moving to Dubai for good, it’s helpful to have a picture of what life there will cost as an expat. The standard of living in Dubai is very high. In fact, the opportunity to live well in an interesting place is exactly why many foreigners go there. But this doesn’t come cheap.
Dubai has been dubbed the most expensive city in the world for tourists to visit, but what are the costs to actually live there as an expat?
General Living Expenses
|
Living expenses in Dubai (excluding rent) |
Average cost |
|
Single person, per month |
AED 3,190 |
|
Single person, per year |
AED 38,280 |
|
University student, per month |
AED 2,055 |
|
Four-person family, per month |
AED 11,137 |
|
Four-person family, per year |
AED 133,644 |
Renting in the UAE
|
Renting in Dubai |
Average monthly cost |
|
One-bedroom apartment (city center) |
AED 7,345 |
|
One-bedroom apartment (outside of city center) |
AED 5,043 |
|
Three-bedroom family home (city center) |
AED 14,442 |
|
Three-bedroom family home (outside of city center) |
AED 10,100 |
|
Internet |
AED 324 |
|
Utilities (gas, electric and water for a 85m2 apartment) |
AED 619 |
For more detailed cost of living in the UAE, please click here or visit:
Adapted curriculum / American High School Diploma / AP; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,800 students
Founded in 1966 for the education of children of families working in the oil industry, currently approximately 65-75 per cent of students carry North American passports and very few non-westerners. Located on a large, modern (2010) campus at Al Barsha in Dubai. The vast majority (nearly 90 per cent) of graduates move on to North American universities. Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA).
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ GCSE / A-Level; ages 11-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 950 students
Founded in 1978 by a determined English teacher and now supplying students to almost all the leading universities in the UK and several Ivies in the US. Exam results are consistently amongst the highest in global schools following the British curriculum. Recently, over 88 per cent achieved A*-A at GCSE and 60 per cent gained the same grades at A-Level. Approximately 50 per cent are British nationals and the school is accredited by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS).
Adapted National Curriculum for England; ages 3-11; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 900 students
The original half of the Dubai English Speaking pair of schools, founded in 1963 and located in Oud Metha, Dubai. An elementary school following the British educational system. The majority of students continue their education at its sister school and very popular as both schools are often full for the next academic year.
Adapted National Curriculum for England / Common Entrance; ages 3-13; co-ed; independent; privately owned; 500 students
Part of the partnership formed between Repton School (UK) and the Dubai company, Evolvence Knowledge Investments. Expanding organically, with Year 9 opening in September 2020 and the group’s nursery ‘Dovecote’ having joined the campus early the same year. Two thirds of the students are UK passport holders, with the remainder from over 40 other nationalities. Accredited as an IAPs World Hub School, only the second school, globally, to be awarded this status by the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools.
Adapted National Curriculum for England / GCSE / A-Level; ages 5-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,170 students
Founded in 1977 as a primary school for expat workers and now evolved (years 12 and 13 opened 2019) into an all-through international school providing a British education but retaining Arabic as a core subject. On a new, startlingly colorful campus on Emirates Road in Dubai. Approximately, 50 per cent of students hold British passports.
Though the UAE is relatively small, it is one of the most expensive countries to live and poses some of the highest restrictions wen importing house hold goods.
For full customs regulations for returning and foreign citizens, including details such as restricted and prohibited items, please follow the link to view and/or download an official UAE Customs Guide from FIDI:
That said, here are a few of the main points summed up for which you should be made aware of:
Following documents are required for import of household goods and personal effects into the UAE:
For more detailed information, please view the full Customs Regulations Guide from FIDI. Please also contact one of our move specialists who are here to help you with importing your house hold goods into the UAE from Thailand.
For more detailed information, please view the full Customs Regulations Guide from FIDI. Please also contact one of our move specialists who are here to help you with importing your house hold goods into Canada from Thailand.
Sea Shipments:
|
Port of Entry |
Transit Time |
Customs Clearance |
|
Abu Dhabi |
20-26 Days |
2-7 Working Days |
|
Jebel Ali |
18-19 Days |
5-7 Working Days |
Air Shipments:
|
Port of Entry |
Transit Time |
Customs Clearance |
|
Jebel Ali |
1-2 Days |
3-5 Working Days |