Cities & Hotspots

Dubai is more international and entrepreneurial; Abu Dhabi is calmer, greener and often more family-oriented, with strong professional infrastructure.

  • DubaiOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • Abu DhabiOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.

Best Time of Year

November to March Conditions vary by city, so check the local forecast before booking a long stay.

Air Quality, Simply

Outdoor comfort is the issue: heat, humidity and dust dominate much of the year. Summer means air-conditioned indoor life rather than easy outdoor routines.

Use the city-level AQI or official air-quality service before planning long outdoor days, especially if you have asthma or are travelling with children.

Getting Around the Country

  • International arrivalCompare the main gateway airport with the city you actually want. A cheap flight can create an expensive onward journey.
  • Between citiesCheck rail, coach and domestic-flight time including airport transfers, luggage and seasonal disruption.
  • Inside citiesEach city guide covers the local mix of public transport, taxis, ride-hailing, walking and driving.
  • DrivingCheck licence recognition, insurance, tolls, parking and road conditions before renting a car or scooter.

Housing & Cost of Living

  • RentCapital, coastal and visitor-heavy markets can be completely different. Compare like-for-like homes and contract lengths.
  • DepositsVerify the property, owner or authorised agent, inventory, notice terms and payment trail before transferring money.
  • Daily costsGroceries, transport, healthcare and imported goods often matter more than a headline rent figure.
  • Family costsSchool fees, insurance, larger housing and transport should be priced before choosing the city.

Hospitals & Healthcare

Mediclinic, NMC and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi are familiar private networks. Call 998 for ambulance emergencies.

SIM, eSIM & Local Apps

e& and du offer local SIM and eSIM options. Careem and Uber cover rides; Talabat and Deliveroo cover food. UAE Pass is important for digital government services.

  • Mobile networkse& / Etisalat and du are the main UAE networks. Tourist SIMs are straightforward at the airport; resident plans link to Emirates ID.
  • Ride appsCareem is the core daily app for taxis, rides, bike rentals and services; Uber is also present in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
  • Food deliveryTalabat, Deliveroo, Careem Food and Noon Food cover the main urban areas.
  • PaymentsCards are widely accepted; UAE Pass, Emirates ID and local banking become central once resident.
  • Home internetdu and e& fibre availability is building-led. Ask the landlord which provider serves the exact unit.

Working & Remote Life

  • Legal positionRemote work and local employment can be treated differently. Match your visa, tax and company arrangements to what you actually do.
  • ConnectivityTest home internet, mobile backup and power reliability at the exact address before a long lease.
  • WorkspacesUse day passes to compare coworking, call space and commute before paying for a membership.
  • CommunityIndustry groups, recurring activities and professional events are more useful than relying only on broad expat groups.

Long-Stay & Paperwork

  • ImmigrationICP covers federal identity and immigration services; Dubai also uses GDRFA for many residency processes.
  • ResidencyMost long stays connect to employment, investor, property, family or remote-work style residency routes. Emirates ID is the anchor document.
  • TaxThe UAE has no general personal income tax, but corporate tax, foreign tax residence and home-country obligations can still matter.
  • DrivingLicence exchange depends on nationality; otherwise plan for tests, insurance and parking costs.
  • Admin habitKeep passport, visa, Emirates ID, Ejari or tenancy contract and insurance documents aligned.

Schools & Family Fit

International and bilingual schools are usually concentrated in the largest city hubs listed above. Ask about curriculum, admissions dates, language support, transport, deposits and whether the school year matches your current country before choosing a neighbourhood.

Safety & Practical Risks

  • Personal safetyUse city-level advice: neighbourhood, time of day and transport habits matter more than broad country labels.
  • Health and weatherUnderstand heat, storms, flood, fire, air-quality, altitude or sea risks before choosing a season.
  • MoneyUse traceable payments, verify rentals and keep emergency access to more than one card or account.
  • Official adviceCheck government travel, immigration and health sources before decisions that affect status or safety.

Who It Suits

Career moves, founders and families who need regional infrastructure and can budget for housing and schooling.

Before you move: visa rules, hospital access, mobile registration and app coverage change. Confirm the current position with the relevant official provider before making a non-refundable commitment.