It’s now your turn, and you’re making the move to the UAE for a new life. It is always super exciting to move to a new country. Yet, relocating to the middle east may sound intimidating as it can be different from what you know or hear from your home country.

Well, there is nothing to worry about. In this article, we are going to guide you through all the things to know when moving to the UAE.

Get Ready For a Sub-Tropical and Arid Climate

Coming from Australia you are probably already used to a warm to arid climate depending on where you live. However, Dubai takes the hot weather to another level with extreme heats during summertime.
The warmth is hardly tolerable with temperatures of 55/60 degrees Celsius during daytime and 35C at night. Air conditioning is definitely a must for all types of building, from malls to apartments.

Winter is more agreeable with temperatures around 20c. Finally, don’t forget the UAE is in the desert, meaning that temperatures can be as low as -15 degrees at night time and sandstorms occasionally occur.

Everyone Speaks English

Sometimes when relocating to another country like France, you must speak the country’s language before relocating. In the UAE it’s slightly different. Indeed, if you are moving to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, not knowing Arabic will not be an issue. Literally, everyone speaks English.

As seen before, the reason resides in the fact Dubai for example, is populated with many expats from all around the world. This makes English the language number #1 spoken amount of expats and emirates.

On the other hand, it is not because English is widely spoken that you cannot or don’t need to learn and speak Arabic. It is still the national language and as always, it’s pleasant for the locals when you try to speak the country language. You will be seen as friendly, open and you will surely meet new people outside the expats’ circle.

Middle Eastern Culture and Religion Are Difference

Moving to the UAE means relocating to a Muslim country. This implies different customs and habits that you require to apprehend before moving to Dubai or any other cities. The most important things are to make sure to be respectful and to show respect to people.

On the religious side, anything that hurt Islam is prohibited. Furthermore, they are laws against blasphemy and proselytizing for example. For instance, during Ramadan, you should not eat and drink in daylight in public as it is profoundly disrespectful for Muslims. This applies even if you are an expat and don’t do Ramadan. That being said, you will find Christian churches, Hindu temples etc…in Dubai as the city is mostly habited with overseas residents meaning that it’s a bit of a melting pot of different religions.

On the cultural side, you cannot wear some clothes as they can be considered offensive. For instance, wearing a bikini is forbidden at the risk of getting arrested and possibly going to jail. Thus, women must cover their shoulders and their knees. Men are also concerned. They should not wear short shorts. No sports clothes outside their sports field and no thongs at the beach.

Is UAE a Safe Place to Live?

Among all the countries around the world, the UAE was ranked 3dr in the ranking of the safest place to live. In addition, according to a study, 96.8% of people feel safe in the UAE at night. This makes the country a secure relocation destination for expats to move to.

All kinds of violence, scam crime, theft and are extremely low no to say non-existent for some of them.

As a consequence, the UAE has very strict laws and are rigorously surveilled. As a matter of fact, there are approximately 20,000 cameras in a city like Abu Dhabi and no less than 35,000 security cameras in Dubai. The second aspect is the laws. Indeed, the UAE has laws that can be very different from your home country. You can read here the 7 things to never do in Dubai city to avoid condemnation.

While some laws are more conservative than in Australia the UAE are overall a great and safe country for expats and their family.

Living in the UAE as Woman

Relocating to a country with a different culture and religion can mean several changes for the whole family. It is important to note that the constitution of the UAE guarantees equal right for men and women. With that being said, in the UAE women must follow the cultural rules.

There is no specific dress code nor the need to wear a hijab but you should dress “modestly”. In other words, women need to cover their shoulders, neck and knees. Bear in mind this only applies while you are in the public space. At home, you can wear other clothes.

Some other rules apply when you move to the UAE with your partner/husband. For instance, it is not allowed to show affection in public (like kissing). This kind of behaviour is not allowed and you can be punished for contravening the rules.

In addition, when moving to the UAE with a working visa, some restrictions may apply to women if they wish to work for example. A man can have his spouse on his visa, although extra paperwork will be needed to get a “No-Objection Letter”. For all legal and up-to-date information, consult the government’s web site.

One last thing you need to know is that in public transport, there are areas reserved for women only – no men allowed.

Make the Most of The Ladies Night

Ladies, if you like partying or being with your friends, this is for you. Tuesdays are your dedicated nights called “Ladies Night” in Dubai and other places across the country. Basically, you can find clubs and pubs offering ladies special offers and deals. You will have a big discount on the menu and the most beautiful part are the free drinks!

While those nights used to be only on Tuesdays, they are now all along the week. It’s definitely a great way to meet new people in a convivial environment.
Tuesday nights are definitely your night out ladies.

Weekends Are Different

Well, they’re not really different… However, what is different are the days of the week on which the weekend falls: Friday and Saturday.

You may find it odd, but there is a reason. For instance, in the Christian religion, Sunday is the holy day so it is a non-working day for many people. As the AUE is a Muslim country, Friday is the holy day making the first day of the weekend.

You need to know most often people do not work on Friday, much like a Sunday in other countries. In regard to Saturday, it varies and will depend on the company you work for and the area you live in. Indeed, public companies tend to not work on the weekend while other companies such as supermarkets etc… will be open.

Drinking Alcohol? Get Your Permit And follow the Rules

People think that it is not possible to drink alcohol in the UAE. Well, while it’s a Muslum country, with different laws than in Australia and most western countries, it’s a misconception; you can drink alcohol but under certain rules.

You will need a licence to drink alcohol in a venue and/or at home. If you are visiting, you can request a temporary permit. If you are a resident and a non-muslim, you must get a permit as well.

Once you get a licence, this does not mean you can drink wherever you want. Indeed, drinking in public is punishable. It is also illegal to be under the influence of alcohol on the street for example. As a visitor, your permit will allow you to drink alcohol in places such as restaurants, hotels, bars etc.. as long as they licenced.

Brunch and Arabic Food

For sure you are familiar with your Sunday brunch. If you are relocating to the UAE and Dubai for example, they take brunches to another level. Really, emirates love brunching, sometimes it’s a race and they attempt several brunches the same day!

You are a food lover? As Expats, you won’t be disappointed. The food and meals you can find reflect the climate, the culture and the geography of the country. They are delicious.

You may not know it, but you certainly have already had one traditional dish and fruit from the UAE? Maybe the hummus and dates.
Other famous dishes are the “Kabsa” which is made with lamb or chicken and spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, saffron etc… you may also want to try camel milk?

In the UAE you will experience a new type of cuisine with new flavours, ingredients and colours.

Living in the UAE is Not Cheap

The UAE is not known for being an affordable country to live and rent. In 2020 the country ranked in the 19th position for its cost of living but still behind Australia (15th position).
Dubai is the most expensive place in the country followed by Abu Dhabi then come to more affordable locations such as Sharjah, Fujairah or Al Ain.

Real estate and rent, in general, is expensive. In fact, rental prices are so high that housing costs will be approximately 50% of your monthly salary. That being said, living in Dubai means most of the time living in a luxury apartment or house with a different quality of life.

On the other hand, utilities and bills are relatively cheap. Of course, their prices largely depend on the type of apartment or house you live in. Just keep in mind that in a house with a pool etc.. you will have to add the maintenance etc.

The UAE Are (Mostly) Tax-Free

Many expats are attracted by the tax-free policy, but this does not mean there are no taxes at all.

First of all, the good side. In Dubai, there is no income tax whether you are employed or a freelancer. However, as the country is trying to emancipate from oil. UAE is looking at diversifying its revenue with diverse taxes.

For instance, the VAT/GST was introduced in certain places around the UAE. The VAT is still cheaper than most countries at 5% (10% in Australia). Additionally, other taxes exist such as rental tax for tenants in Abu Dhabi. It is important to check with experts what taxes you may be liable to pay and they may also vary depending on your visa, income, citizenship status, etc.

Relocation to the UAE

In this article, we’ve covered the most important things that you need to know when moving to the UAE. If you’re looking to relocate permanently and want to ship your household goods and personal effects, it is important to plan in advance your relocation with a removal company that can guide you all along the process.
Here at Palmers Relocations, we have the experience to move you to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and anywhere else. We offer both full and shared containers based on your needs. For more information on the relocation process and what it involves, feel free to contact your friendly team.

We are seeing significant progress in the fight against the Coronavirus with vaccines rolling out in many countries. Still, COVID 19 is not yet behind us. We must still follow strict rules such as social distancing, quarantine as well as good hygiene in order to reduce the spread of the virus.

Despite the situation, people are relocating from their homes for an extensive number of reasons including moving back to their home countries to be closer to family, moving for work purposes or simply looking for a new lifestyle in light of the pandemic. We know moving house can be stressful and that was before adding in the extra stresses surrounding COVID 19.

We also understand that many people have questions about their move, the process and what is involved in these particular times. Some of you may just want to know if moving house is still possible or not. So, we have answered some of the main questions we have on moving house during covid 19 (Q&A).

Are Moving Companies Impacted by Coronavirus Restrictions?

Moving Company in Australia during COVID-19

There are currently no restrictions on removal companies in Australia.

In other words, moving companies like Palmers Relocations can operate as normal.

The government has separated business into 2 categories; non-essential and essential service. At this time, removalists are listed as essential service (falling under the category transport and logistics). It means that we still can move your goods wherever you need including local, interstate or overseas moves.

Through utilising the rail network and sending shipments interstate in shipping containers, we avoid any unwanted issues with border closures as well.

At Palmers Relocations our offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth are open for business and to assist with every step of your move. You can rest assured that we are operating under strict hygiene guidelines and are registered as “COVID safe”. More questions? Feel free to discuss with our team.

Can I Still Move House During the Pandemic?

Most of the time, yes, but a few nos apply.

This cannot be taken for granted as state and federal governments restrictions vary considerably. Indeed, it depends on how the virus spreads in Australia and overseas as well as if there is an outbreak and (new) restrictions in place.

That being said, at the time we write this article, you can move in most cases. We so, however, advise you to prepare your move a little bit more in advance than usual.

Indeed, you and your family will probably be required to apply for a permit, or in some circumstances, you will need to self-quarantine after your move especially if relocating interstate.

Moves overseas as residents or Australian citizens are rather different. You will need an exemption to leave the country. For more detailed info, visit the Home Affairs website as well as the government or health website of the country you are moving to.

Still, even during COVID 19 moving house either locally, interstate and internationally is possible. For more information, our team is always here to assist with any questions you may have.

Can I Still Move Locally During Coronavirus?

Yes, you can move home locally.

Moves in the same state or city are allowed. While at this point when moving house locally there are no specific restrictions, common sense and state guidelines apply such as social distancing, good hygiene and you might need to wear a mask depending on the state you live in.

Can I Move Interstate in Australia During COVID-19?

It depends on the state stage and border restrictions in place at the time of your house move.

Currently, most of the Australian states require a permit and/or a border pass to enter their territory. In other words, you will need to apply for a permit online, on the states’ website before entering a new state.

In addition, most of the states such as VIC, QLD, WA, South Australia and Northern Territory might require 14 days self-isolation/quarantine.

If you are unsure about the current coronavirus restrictions, seek the latest news or on the states’ website using the links below:

• NSW Covid updates: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
• VIC Covid updates: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
• QLD Covid updates and border closing: https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/border-closing
• SA Covid travel restrictions: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/restrictions-and-responsibilities/travel-restrictions
• WA Covid Updates, travel and quarantine: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/covid-19-coronavirus-travel-and-quarantine
• NT Interstate Arrivals and Quarantine: https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/travel/quarantine
• TAS Covid updates: https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/travellers-and-visitors/coming-to-tasmania

Can I Move Internationally During COVID 19?

International Relocation during COVID-19

Yes, but you need an exemption first.

For moving house overseas, you will need an exemption from the Australian government. Since covid 19 pandemics started, Australia has banned overseas travel. This does not mean you can’t leave the country but it involves extra preparation for people who want to move their house.

If you are an Australian Citizen or a permanent resident, you need to refer to the checklist provided here. For instance, you can leave the country for work and permanent relocation to another country. Our team can help you with paperwork and provide evidence that you are moving overseas.

If you are temporary visa holders such as WHV, Sponsor Visa (457) etc… Those requirements do not apply to you. You are automatically granted an authorization to leave Australia (without exemptions). However, we strongly advise you to check the travel information and advice as well as border controls in your home country or the country you are moving to. Most, if not all of the countries around the globe have some kind of restrictions for people travelling such as total ban, quarantine etc…in order to reduce the spread of covid 19.

Check the government website for more details.

Can I Move From Overseas back into Australia During Covid 19?

Moving from Overseas to Australia

Yes, but only if you are you and your family members are Australian citizens, residents or exemption category.

The same as with leaving Australia, there is a ban if you want to return home or migrate to the country. As removalists, we can import your goods anywhere in Australia, however, you will need to follow strict requirements for entering Australia, such as a mandatory quarantine and negative covid 19 test before flying.

Do I Need to Self Isolate When Moving House?

Local Moves: no – Interstate Moves: Potentially

• Moving house locally: there are no quarantines in place for local moves.
• Moving house interstate: currently, some restrictions with self-isolation are in place in QLD, VIC, SA and WA. There is no need to worry about your goods, however. As an essential service, we do not need to self isolate, which means that we can work on moving your home and personal effects as usual. For any questions regarding what you can or can’t do at the time your move is planned, you always can get in touch with our consultants. They will be able to provide you with the latest updates and rules.
• Moving house overseas: if you are moving internationally, it’s important to read the international section above. Almost every country, if not all, have quarantines requirements upon entry on their territory. Sometimes, they have bans on who can enter such as Australia and most of the European countries for example. As a moving company, we are still able to collect your house goods and to ship your items worldwide.

Is it Safe to Move With a Relocation Company?

When moving with a removal company such as Palmers Relocations, we put your health and safety first.

When quoting, we can provide a virtual in house inspection with one of our consultants as an alternative to a face to face meeting if you are more comfortable with this.

As a registered Covid-Safe business, we also comply strictly with all regulation in place by Government Health Authorities. Our team practices social distancing on every move as well as extra hygiene steps such as hand sanitiser and facemasks where applicable.

In addition to this, we also ask our customers to play their part. This includes opening all doors both internally and externally before our arrival, opening windows prior to our arrival, turning on all lights in advance and ensuring we never have more than 2 x people in a room where possible.

All these steps help us make your move as safe as possible. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact our team for more information.

Disclaimer: Information in the blog post is not guaranteed as details about coronavirus change regularly without notice. You must follow the Australian government advice and/or the rules of the country you are moving to.

Packing your Items – Think twice

Moving is a fantastic opportunity to not only see what you have, but downsize while you’re there. Decluttering as you pack is an effective way to not only reduce the cost of moving what’s left, but to make a new start and potentially let goof items you no longer need. The sub-zero parka from your trip to Canada? Consider letting it go, and maybe make some pocket money to spend at the world’s biggest shopping mall. The logistics of moving a house load of personal items can also be a daunting thought, but at Palmers, we’ll do the heavy lifting, and take care of the busy work, like shipment, budget, insurance and time frame, leaving you with more time for the things that matter, like planning your desert safari.

Vehicles – Time for an upgrade

To move a car to the UAE, you must provide a valid UAE Residence Visa, which can be a task considering you aren’t even there yet. However, the UAE is one of few countries where residents enjoy tax-free living and because of this, many people treat themselves to an upgrade. The second-hand car market is thriving and so some incredible deals can be snatched.

If you watch the streets of Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you’ll notice an abundance of luxury cars; however, the car isn’t everything. Number plates also contribute significantly to the value of a vehicle, and the less numbers, the richer you seem to be. If a number plate isn’t everything to you, that’ll only leave more in the budget for your new Ferrari – or, maybe just a smart beamer.

Destinations – You’ll need a long bucket list

The UAE is loaded with things to do and see, covering every sight and sound imaginable. You can discover the breathtaking expanse of the Dubai desert with a guided safari, or if a taste of cold weather is more your thing (hopefully not if you’re moving to a desert), you can shred the slopes at the Emirates Mall indoor ski park. The UAE is most famous for, of course, the Burj Khalifa, and what better way to take advantage of the world’s tallest building than to go to the top. The observation deck sits comfortably at 555 metres above sea level, allowing you to see all of Dubai and the Arabian Gulf in astonishing style.

It’s hard to mention Dubai and the UAE without shopping. If you have cash burning a hole in your pocket, the extravagance and luxury of the multiple world-class shopping centres are hard to go past. The Dubai Mall, for instance, is the world’s largest shopping centre, boasting a modest 5.9 million, yes million, square feet of leasable space. With over a thousand shops, a hundred restaurants, a hotel and 22 screen cinema, you’ll be here a while.

Weekends – The working week is a bit different

You might think to reserve Saturday and Sunday for sightseeing and mall exploration, but in the UAE, things are a bit different. Because of the high importance of Fridays to Muslim faith, weekends fall on a Friday and Saturday, meaning Sunday hangovers aren’t as cruisy.

Lifestyle – Some other differences

While moving to the UAE is a pretty easy transition from Australian life, there are a few surprising differences that people often don’t know about:

Health care is all up to you. While this seems like a disadvantage, Dubai Healthcare City provides some of the world’s best medical treatment, and is no less extravagant than the rest of the metropolis. Covering 4.1 million square feet and counting, it houses over 100 medical facilities and over 4000 professionals working within them.

Payment on things such as rent and receiving paychecks is also different to what you’d be used to. Rental payments are usually made either quarterly or yearly, and salaries come in monthly, making it important to budget and monitor your money a bit differently.

The postal system in the UAE relies heavily on PO boxes, instead of home addresses. This can be a strange transition, however it’s really no different; also, because of the incredible shopping facilities, online shopping isn’t as popular. Why order it online when there’s an eye-catching store to browse instead?

Language/Culture – A boiling pot

Islam is the national religion and Arabic the official language. However western culture and business have created a slurry of cultural integration, meaning English is actually more widely spoken. You won’t have any trouble with signs or conversation, but it is a good idea to research respectful practices that will make social and business interactions that little bit more seamless. These include greeting the most senior person first in a conversation, and dressing modestly when it is expected; most of which is common sense anyhow.

Climate – She’s a scorcher

Arabian summers are among the absolute hottest, with the humidity of a sauna to match. This double team of wet heat make the desert landscape even more formidable than our own outback. The mercury regularly touches up into the forties, however, every building is packing adequate air-conditioning, so it’s not too much of an inconvenience. Thankfully, winters are much cooler, sitting around the mid-twenties and at night dipping into the teens. December to February is prime winter weather, so don’t dismiss the idea of a jacket, even though it won’t be necessary for the rest of the year.

Social life – Making the most of being an expat

One last thing that you might not consider, is making new friends. Having a support network of relatable and likeminded individuals can make moving to a new country exponentially less daunting. The many forums and social network groups connecting expats can ease you into a new social circle, and get you savvy with the life you’re about to dive head-first into.