Welcoming Environment

Expatriates and foreign visitors - both male and female - enjoy a relaxed and pleasant lifestyle in Dubai. There is virtually no crime, the city is clean, apartments and villas are modern and spacious and the climate is pleasant for most of the year. There are many clubs and societies in Dubai. Freedom of worship is allowed to all religions, and Christian churches have existed in Dubai for many years. Foreign newspapers, magazines, films and videos are readily available. Alcohol may be consumed at home provide a permit is obtained, or in hotels, and on licensed club premises. Women can drive and move about unaccompanied.

Transport

It is essential to have a car as Dubai is a spacious city with most residences situated some distance from shops, schools and the office. Most Japanese, European and American models are readily available and there is an active second-hand market. Vehicle third party insurance is compulsory. Dubai has an excellent road system. Driving is on the right hand side of the road. A vehicle licence may be secured for first registration, then subject to annual renewal - following a road worthiness test. Taxis are easily obtainable in Dubai.

Education

There is a comprehensive network of government schools throughout the emirate, providing free primary and secondary education to UAE nationals. For expatriate families, there are numerous private foreign schools offering education of a high standard to the curriculum requirements of the UK, USA and a number of others, including Italy, Japan, Iran, India and Pakistan. English is usually the main language of instruction, but other languages are used by foreign schools.

Communication

Telecommunications in Dubai are excellent. Telephones have international direct dialling to most countries in the world. The UAE offers excellent Internet connections with high bandwidth to ensure an unmatched quality of service and a world class Internet experience to consumers in the UAE. Fax and mail facilities are widely available. There is an efficient and reliable postal service. The General Postal Authority also offers a courier service known as Mumtaz Post which delivers to almost anywhere in the world. Commercial courier services are widely used.

Clothing

For men, office wear is generally lightweight trousers, long or short sleeved shirts and ties. Jackets are worn for formal visits to Government offices and important meetings. Normally, a lounge suit is acceptable for most evening business functions, but a dinner jacket may also be required for some social occasions. Even in the private sector wearing a tie is quite the norm.

For ladies, normal smart lightweight office wear, such as a dress or long sleeved blouse and skirt is expected, or national dress. All offices are air-conditioned. In the evenings for informal dinners, casual evening dresses and skirts are usually worn. Although revealing sun dresses and tops are acceptable for home wear, they should be avoided in the city. All type of beachwear including bikinis is acceptable but only on the beach or by the pool.

Medical Services

The Health and Medical Services Department provides medical care for all UAE nationals, visitors and resident expatriates. Dubai has many well equipped public and private hospitals offering high quality health and dental care services. Emergency medical care in Dubai is free for anyone and there are no restrictions. For non-urgent health care, any UAE resident seeking treatment may register for a health card for which a fee is paid. New arrivals are advised to register immediately for a health card. They may otherwise have to pay full medical costs after the first two visits.

Media

In addition to the Arabic press, there are five English language dailies published in the UAE - Gulf News, Khaleej Times, Gulf Today, Emirates News and The National. Several popular magazines exist for business and consumer interests. International newspapers, magazines and journals can be bought at bookshops and supermarkets. Dubai has both Arabic and English commercial radio and television stations, as well as access to international satellite TV programming.

Source: Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing