Moving to the UAE from Australia: 7 Things Every Aussie Should Know

Thinking about relocating to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or elsewhere in the UAE? From visas and vehicles to desert life and social culture, here are 7 must-know tips to make your move seamless.

1. Visa & Residency Basics – What You Need Before You Go

Australians enjoy relatively straightforward residency options in the UAE, but you’ll still need a valid UAE Residence Visa to live and work there. Many expats get their visa through employment sponsorship, so make sure your paperwork is sorted before shipping your household goods.

Tip: Keep digital copies of your passport, visa, and employment contract handy for customs, car registration, and other admin tasks.

2. Packing & Shipping – Don’t Overpack Your Desert Move

Moving overseas is the perfect opportunity to downsize. Leave behind items you won’t need in a hot, desert climate—like heavy winter coats or snow gear.

Palmers can manage everything from packing and shipping to insurance and delivery, making it easier for you to focus on planning your new life. Shipping furniture, electronics, and personal items is straightforward, but timing is key. Plan at least a few weeks in advance to ensure your goods arrive smoothly.

3. Moving Your Car – Luxury, Taxes & Traffic

The UAE is famous for luxury vehicles—and yes, many expats upgrade while they’re there. But to import your car from Australia:

• You need a valid UAE Residence Visa

• Vehicles must meet UAE roadworthiness standards

• There are import duties for non-UAE specs (often minor, but check in advance)

Fun fact: Certain number plates are extremely valuable—less is more! If you’re not into flashy plates, you can save budget for something else in your new driveway.

4. Housing – From Skyscrapers to Suburbs

Finding a home in the UAE is a bit different to Australia:

• Rent is usually paid quarterly or yearly, so budgeting ahead is important

• Apartments in Dubai and Abu Dhabi can be pricey, but suburbs or satellite cities offer more space for less

• Utilities, internet, and housing fees are usually separate from rent, so factor them in

Pro tip: Work with a reputable real estate agent familiar with expat rentals to avoid surprises.

5. Climate – Surviving the UAE Heat

The UAE is hot. Really hot. Summers can reach 40–45°C, with high humidity in coastal areas. Thankfully, modern buildings, malls, and cars all come fully air-conditioned.

Winter is mild and lovely, sitting around 20–25°C in the day and cooler at night. December to February is perfect for outdoor activities, desert safaris, and exploring the city without melting.

6. Lifestyle & Culture – What’s Really Different?

Adjusting to UAE life is easier than most expect, but there are a few things to know:

• Healthcare is private—you’ll need insurance, but treatment is world-class

• PO boxes are the norm for mail, not home delivery

• Language & etiquette: Arabic is official, but English is widely spoken. Respectful dressing and greeting senior figures first are good habits

• Working week: Friday–Saturday is the weekend, so plan your social life accordingly

Making friends as an expat is easier with forums, clubs, and social networks that connect newcomers to like-minded people.

7. Things to See & Do – Beyond Work and Home

Life in the UAE isn’t just about work. There’s a huge variety of experiences:

• Desert adventures: safaris, dune bashing, and camel rides

• City exploration: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Abu Dhabi’s cultural sites

• Indoor fun: Ski Dubai, theme parks, and world-class restaurants

• Nature escapes: Mangroves, beaches, and mountain hikes

Plan your weekends around exploration and social activities—it’s a big part of adjusting to expat life.

Moving to the UAE with Palmers

Palmers Relocations has decades of experience helping Australians move to the UAE. We manage packing, shipping, Palmers Protect+ warranty, and customs clearance, so your household goods arrive safely and stress-free.

📞 Call us today on 1300 363 916 for a free consultation and make your UAE move smooth from start to finish.