In this section, we guide you through certain basic areas of life which face you in any country. Insurance, taxation, public services, clubs and so on. We aim to provide the maximum information to ensure minimum hassle for yourselves and family.

What's in this section:

Your Visa
It's the biggest concern that every expat has in Dubai. Here's the lowdown on visas, converting visit visas to residency visas, the rules, the tips and tricks, and the traps...

Making Dubai Home
Once you know you're here to stay in Dubai (well, at least for more than say, 6 months!) and you've had your visas taken care of, you'll need a place to stay. You'll need Bank accounts, telephone and gas and water connections etc. Where do you begin?

Public Transport
A great option most of the time - clean, efficient and hassle free. Buses, taxis and the limousuine services available.

Owning a vehicle
Dubai is known as one of the least expensive places in the world to own and drive a car. For a lot of expats it's somewhat difficult to get a driving license and a four wheel route to freedom but for a lot of expats from the UK, US and Canada, you can simply get a license by showing your current valid license. Find out more >>

Road rules and regulations
Dubai is a crowded place in certain parts of the city, while other stretches are open and prone to high speed driving – and that is reason enough to be more careful when driving here. Here we provide basic local rules and regulations as well as information on driving licences and other general pointers.

Renting a car
Phew - another section on automobiles. This time, how to go about renting one.

Used cars
Since the price of a new vehicle in Dubai is also very affordable you may want to go for new. But for those of us who believe in 'gently-used', here is a guide to buying a used model - probably the more logical option for the less wealthy among us.

Banking & Finance
An ever popular subject on our Message Board, banks and which one to go for is always a subject of debate. We aim to provide you with an overview of the system here in Dubai and information on services available, together with useful telephone numbers here.

Buying Insurance
Insurance is a necessary thing and never more so when you are abroad. Dubai has a good range of effective policies from reputable companies, details above.

Doing Business in Dubai
In this section, the ins and outs of setting up a representative office or branch of your organisation here in Dubai.

Health Care
Dubai has an enviable reputation for excellence in its hospitals and doctors, meaning that you can expect high quality treatment when ill. Details here of hospitals, services and local numbers.

Police and other emergency services
Dubai is a very safe country and you should not have to worry too much about robbery or violence during your stay. However, here is information on the emergency services for your peace of mind.

Getting on-line
Dubai is a very wired place indeed and here is how to get wired yourself...

Expatriate clubs
Your homes far from home - expatriate clubs cater for many nationalities including (but not restricted to) British, German, French, Dutch and local people.

Golf and Country Clubs
The lush and verdant green swathes that cut through part of Dubai tell you that the golf courses here are among the world's best, although expensive.

Travelling in and out of Dubai
There are no travel restrictions in Dubai, except that there is a 6-month ban on re-entering the country if you quit your job and leave. You'll need to wait for 6 months before attempting to come back to live and work again. While you are here as an expat, and as long as your Resident Visa is valid, you may come and go as you please, provided you do not stay out of the country for more than 6 months. Most Dubai residents enjoy the fantastic Dubai Duty Free at the airport and avail of it's huge offerings at great prices.