Dubai, UAE

Visa Requirements

• Tourist Visa
  Tourists from many countries can obtain a visa on arrival for stays ranging from 30 to 90 days. Check the UAE’s official government website for your country’s eligibility.
• Visa on Arrival
  Visitors from countries like the US, UK, and EU can receive a visa on arrival free of charge. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.
• Digital Nomad Visa
  The UAE offers a one-year virtual working program, allowing remote workers to live in Dubai while employed elsewhere. Applicants must provide proof of employment, a valid passport, health insurance, and a minimum monthly income of $5,000.

For visa information, visit the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

Cost of Living

Accommodation

• Budget: Shared apartments or studio accommodations start at $800-$1,200 per month.
• Mid-Range: Modern apartments in neighborhoods like Jumeirah Lakes Towers range from $2,000-$3,500 per month.
• Luxury: Exclusive villas and penthouses in areas like Palm Jumeirah start at $6,000+ per month.

Food

• Budget: Local eateries and food courts offer meals for $5-$10.
• Mid-Range: Dining at international or casual restaurants costs $20-$50 per person.
• Luxury: Fine dining at celebrity chef restaurants starts at $100 per person.

Transportation

• The Dubai Metro is efficient and affordable, with fares ranging from $1-$2.50 per trip.
• Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber are widely available, starting at $3 per ride.
• Renting a car costs $30-$50 per day, excluding fuel.

Healthcare
Dubai has world-class healthcare facilities. Basic consultations at private clinics cost $50-$150, while comprehensive insurance is advisable for expats, averaging $1,000-$2,000 annually.

Climate & Weather

Dubai has a desert climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters:

• Winter (November-March): Pleasant temperatures averaging 20°C-30°C (68°F-86°F), ideal for outdoor activities.
• Summer (April-October): Extremely hot, with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F). Indoor, air-conditioned spaces become essential during these months.

The best time to visit is from November to March when the weather is cooler.

Landscape

Dubai’s landscape is a striking mix of natural and man-made wonders:

• Beaches: Pristine stretches like JBR Beach and Kite Beach are perfect for relaxation and water sports.
• Desert: Explore the Arabian Desert through camel safaris, dune bashing, or overnight camping.
• Urban Skyline: Iconic structures like the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and Dubai Frame dominate the skyline.
• Green Spaces: Parks like Zabeel Park and Dubai Miracle Garden add a touch of greenery to the cityscape.

Things to Do

Heritage Sites

• Visit the Al Fahidi Historical District to explore traditional Emirati architecture and museums.
• Explore the bustling Dubai Creek and ride an abra (traditional boat).
• Discover local culture at the Dubai Museum and Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding.

Adventure Activities

• Skydive over Palm Jumeirah for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Go sandboarding or quad biking in the desert.
• Enjoy water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, or paddleboarding.

Nightlife

• Dubai boasts a vibrant nightlife scene, with upscale nightclubs like WHITE Dubai and Skyview Bar.
• Rooftop lounges such as At.mosphere and Cé La Vi offer breathtaking views.

Wellness Retreats

• Indulge in luxurious spa treatments at Talise Spa or One&Only Spa.
• Join yoga sessions on the beach or at wellness centers like Zen Yoga.

Shopping

• Explore the world’s largest mall, Dubai Mall, featuring over 1,200 stores.
• Visit the Gold Souk and Spice Souk for traditional shopping experiences.
• Discover designer brands at Mall of the Emirates or boutique stores in City Walk.

Lifestyle

Dubai offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle with endless dining, shopping, and entertainment options. The city’s infrastructure is modern, and its multicultural community ensures a rich blend of traditions and experiences.

While Dubai’s culture is rooted in Islamic traditions, it’s also incredibly welcoming to expatriates. Participating in local events like the Dubai Food Festival or National Day celebrations can enhance cultural understanding.

Other Important Locations in the UAE

• Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s capital, known for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
• Sharjah: A cultural hub with museums, art galleries, and historic sites.
• Fujairah: Famous for its beaches, mountains, and scuba diving opportunities.
• Ras Al Khaimah: Home to the Jebel Jais mountain and thrilling zip lines.

Rental Accommodations

• Budget: Shared rooms or studios in areas like Deira and Al Barsha ($500-$1,000/month).
• Mid-Range: Apartments in Dubai Marina or Jumeirah Lakes Towers ($1,500-$3,000/month).
• Luxury: Villas in Palm Jumeirah or Emirates Hills ($5,000+/month).

Co-Working Facilities and Costs

Dubai has a thriving co-working scene:

• Astrolabs: Focused on tech startups, with monthly memberships starting at $300.
• Impact Hub: Offers flexible packages from $200/month.
• NEST Dubai: A chic space in Barsha Heights, with memberships from $150/month.

Connectivity

• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is fast and widely available in Dubai, with free connections offered in malls, cafes, and metro stations. Hotels typically provide high-speed internet for guests.
• SIM: Etisalat and du are the main providers of prepaid SIM cards. These can be purchased at the airport or retail outlets with passport registration.

Volunteering Opportunities

• Education: Teach English or mentor students through local organizations.
• Environmental Projects: Participate in beach cleanups or sustainability initiatives.
• Community Development: Support women’s empowerment or work with charities like Dubai Cares.

Explore more options at www.volunteerhq.org or local volunteer websites.

Local Employment Options

• Corporate roles in finance, IT, or marketing.
• Teaching positions in international schools or universities.
• Jobs in the hospitality or luxury retail sectors.

Real Estate Investment Options

• Residential Properties: Luxury apartments and villas in neighborhoods like Downtown Dubai and Business Bay.
• Commercial Properties: Invest in office spaces or retail outlets in high-traffic areas.
• Holiday Rentals: Short-term rental properties in tourist hotspots yield high returns.

Start-Up Ecosystem

Dubai is a startup-friendly city with initiatives like Dubai Future Accelerators and DIFC FinTech Hive. Its strategic location, tax-free income, and innovation hubs attract entrepreneurs from around the world.

Business Setup Process for Expats

Here’s an overview of the business setup process for Dubai, UAE:

1. Choose Your Business Structure

• The UAE offers several business structures, including:
  • Limited Liability Company (LLC): The most common structure, offering limited liability for its shareholders.
  • Free Zone Company: For foreign nationals, where 100% ownership is allowed, often beneficial for businesses focused on international trade.
  • Branch Office: If you are setting up a branch of an existing foreign company.
  • Sole Proprietorship: Allows for individual ownership of a business, usually for service-based businesses.

2. Register Your Company

• Register with the Department of Economic Development (DED) for companies not located in a free zone, or the relevant free zone authority if your business is to operate within one.
• Submit your business name and required documents, including a business plan, passport copies, and proof of local address.

3. Obtain Necessary Licenses and Approvals

• Dubai requires businesses to have the appropriate licenses for operation:
  • Commercial License for general trading.
  • Professional License for service-based businesses.
  • Industrial License for manufacturing companies.
• Additional approvals may be needed based on the nature of your business, such as from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) for medical businesses or the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) for aviation businesses.

4. Open a Bank Account

• Open a business bank account with a local bank to facilitate transactions. Required documents typically include your trade license, passport copy, and company registration certificate.

5. Register for Taxes

• Businesses must register for Value Added Tax (VAT) with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) if their turnover exceeds a certain threshold.
• For foreign-owned businesses, there is no income tax in the UAE, though certain business types like oil and gas have specific tax regulations.

6. Visa and Work Permits

• Apply for work visas and permits for yourself and any employees through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
• Free zone companies often provide a streamlined process for obtaining multiple visas depending on the business size.

7. Comply with Local Labor Laws

• Ensure that you adhere to UAE’s labor laws by registering employees with the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and providing them with health insurance and labor contracts.

By following these steps, you can set up a business in Dubai. It’s advisable to consult with a local business setup consultant to guide you through the specific requirements.

Business Opportunities in Dubai

Thriving Sectors
Dubai offers numerous business opportunities across diverse industries:

• Tourism & Hospitality: The city attracts millions of visitors annually, making it ideal for ventures in hotels, travel agencies, and entertainment.
• Real Estate: Dubai’s booming property market offers lucrative opportunities in development, brokerage, and property management.
• Technology & Innovation: With initiatives like Dubai Internet City and Dubai Silicon Oasis, tech startups and innovative businesses thrive.
• Retail: Dubai is a shopping hub, with opportunities in e-commerce and brick-and-mortar retail stores.
• Financial Services: As a global financial hub, Dubai welcomes businesses in fintech, investment management, and consulting.

Free Zones
Dubai’s 30+ free zones provide tax benefits and streamlined processes for foreign entrepreneurs. Key zones include:

• Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC): Focused on trade and commodities.
• Dubai Internet City (DIC): Ideal for tech and IT-related businesses.
• Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA): Catering to logistics, manufacturing, and trade.

Expo Legacy & Growth
The success of Expo 2020 has left behind enhanced infrastructure and global interest, paving the way for new investments and ventures in Dubai.