Step 1: Communication
As I’m sure you will be coming to Dubai with at least a temporary accommodation sorted out, before you decide to look for the place you can call home you should get yourself connected with a mobile phone and number. All you have to do is hail down a taxi and head to your nearest mall. Ask the information desk at the mall to direct you to a mobile phone and service provider and you’re all set. Make sure you carry your passport and visa with you as those are the requirements asked for to obtain a mobile phone line.

Step 2: Transportation
To get anything done in Dubai a car is essential. But before you work out the down payments you’ll be putting on that car you’ve always dreamed of having, settle for a rental. Taxis can be very helpful for newcomers but the best way to get a feel for the country is to buy a map, rent a car and learn its curves and grooves on your own. It’s your home now so you are going to have to learn more about it at some point, right? Also, house hunting can burn a hole through your pocket if you constantly need a taxi to transport you. You could ask the reception area of the accommodation you are staying at for car rental shops in the area or you can click here to go to our section on renting a car.

Step 3: Securing a Bank
Now that you have communication and transportation covered the next step is to open up a bank account. Normally large companies transfer all salaries to a specific bank. Ask your company what bank they deal with and what documents are required to open up an account there. If your company doesn’t have a bank preference, click here to go to our banking and finance section for some help on choosing a bank.

Step 4: Finding a Home
This is sometimes considered the hardest step because naturally choosing a home is where we all tend to get picky.  Where do I want to live? What is my budget? What places are available within my budget? Can I see myself living here indefinitely? Does it feel like home? Would the kids be happy living here? Your home should be your haven away from the hustle and bustle that is Dubai. So don’t rush into it. Make sure you can really see yourself living there and living there happily not just eager for your contract to end so you can move somewhere else. In our section planning the move we outline ways to find a home before you come to Dubai but if it happened to slip your mind before you got on that plane don’t break a sweat, there’s no need to panic. We can still help. Click here to go back to Planning the Move.

Step 5: Buying a Car
That rental isn’t looking too good on your new driveway now is it? The time has come, you’ve got a phone, a bank account, a home and you’ve learned the routes a bit better around Dubai. Are you ready to buy yourself a car? Click here to view our guide to owning a vehicle.