The Guide to Dubai helps tyou orient yourself with the city before and once you move there. How have you found life in the UAE? Is it what you expected? What tips or information do wish you had known before moving?

Anyone else located in Dubai? What tips would you share with prospective expats?

 

Things newbie expats in Dubai need to know:

1.Work days are Sunday to Thursday
2.Friday is a religious day
3.Workers will always call you sir/madam and will always respond to anything you say with “yes sir/madam”. This does not always mean they have understood your request
4.Parking fines and speeding tickets are sent immediately by sms or fax to the registered owner of the car
5.Cars overtake on the left and right
6.Alcohol is only served in restaurants within hotels or select sports clubs
7.Alcohol for your homes can only be purchased with a license.
8.Not only do you have to get your boss’s approval to obtain a liquor license, but you must also get the company’s approval to rent property, have a telephone, or get satellite TV
9.Be conservative and respectful in the way you dress. Save your beach wear for the beach and not the shopping mall
10.You can only buy pork products in special areas of a few shops. Including, Spinney’s and Waitrose at Marina Mall
11.Pray times are approximately at (depending on the sun) 4.45am, 12.25pm, 3.40pm, 6.25pm, 8.20pm, so do not be alarmed if you hear whaling/singing at these times. This is how the Muslims are called to prayer
12.Visit Expat Echo Dubai and buy a Timeout magazine to learn what is happening in the city

 

Hi, I want to move to Dubai but I don't have a job offer yet. I don't knw if u can help me with job placement over there. Though I've applied for many already but I believe u being there wil fast track d process... Pls any help u wish to render.

 

Start with the Guide to Dubai and the section on how to look for work in Dubai.

You can try using an employment agency, such as,
Clarendon Parker - positions throughout the Middle East, in a variety of sectors. Open positions are searchable on-line
Nadia - operating throughout the Gulf in a variety of sectors
Kershaw Leonard - recruiting in Dubai since 1999
BAC Middle East - running since 1979, placing candidates throughout the Middle East
Jobs at The Emirates Network - search engine for jobs in Dubai and UAE
IQ Selection - management / executive recruitment in a variety of sectors
SOS Recruitment - considerable coverage in oil and gas industries

We also recommend the search sites:
bayt.com - Based in Dubai, with offices throughout the UAE, the site has a good selection of positions in Dubai.
uaejobfinder.com - there is a charge for registration, but EasyExpat members have reported good results from this site
dubaidonkey.com - site has classified advertisements for jobs, cars and property

You can also try connecting with expats for tips through the expat network in Dubai, and expat blogs in Dubai. Anyone else have tips? Good luck!