About Dubai &
Useful information
United Arab Emirates are a very young country founded on December 2, 1971. This date is celebrated every year as UAE National Day.
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the 7 Emirates Federation. Other Emirates are Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Um Al Qwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujeirah.
Much of the early existence is closely linked to the arrival and development of Islam in 10th century.
Portuguese then British dipped their oars into Arabian waters during 18th and 19th century already attracted by the area’s position between Europe and India. UAE were known till 1971 as The Trucial States and were under British governance to secure their maritime trading routes.
Oil discovery in 1958 in Abu Dhabi and in 1966 in Dubai dramatically transformed the UAE to become one of the fastest and most modern country in the world. As of today, the geographical location of UAE is still proved a real strength and local airlines such as Emirates Airlines or Etihad Airways are real assets to business development.
President
The President of the UAE is the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Prime Minister is Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Population
Total population of UAE as of 2024 is 10 million, 3 million for Dubai and Dubai Airport saw 83 million visitors in 2023!
Languages
Official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken everywhere especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Official religion is Islam.
Public holidays
Some public holidays in UAE are based on Islamic calendar and are determined according to moon sighting such as Islamic New Year, Eid Al Fitr, at the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha, Prophet’s Mohamed Birthday. Other public holidays are New Year (01/01), Commemoration Day (30/11) and National Day (02/12).
Working days
Working week is from Monday to Friday. Public offices and schools will only work half day on Friday as well as Muslim employees to attend Friday prayer. In the souks, most shops will have an afternoon break from 1.30 till 4.30pm when all malls open 7 days a week till 10PM (and later on weekends and during month of Ramadan).
Weather
UAE weather is very pleasant from November to April and awfully hot and humid from May end to October when walking outdoor is simply not possible due to heat and humidity.
Cost of Living in Dubai
Housing, utilities, health and education are important points to consider when moving to Dubai.
Healh system and education are private and it comes with a significant cost.
Internet and phone calls are also much more expensive than in Europe (around 90 Euros/month for internet + basic TV package)..
Public Transport Dubai
All Dubai Public Transports can be paid with a NOL card (gold, silver, normal) including taxis. Cost of the card is AED 25 including AED 19 credit fare. It can be topped up with AED (up to AED 5,000 for Gold card) can be used to pay at some shops.
Buses
Though very seldomly used by Western expatriates, Dubai bus fleet covers 87% of the city through 119 lines: 35 lines feeding metro stations and 12 intercity.
Taxis
All Taxis have meters and can be paid by credit card (or NOL).Taxis can be booked through Careem App or Sh’ail (RTA) or hailed in the street. Base fare is AED 12 when booked and AED 5 from the street. Price per km is AED 2.09.
Public Transport Dubai
All Dubai Public Transports can be paid with a NOL card (gold, silver, normal) including taxis. Cost of the card is AED 25 including AED 19 credit fare. It can be topped up with AED (up to AED 5,000 for Gold card) can be used to pay at some shops.
Dubai Metro
Red line runs from Dubai Investment Park/Jebel Ali to Dubai Airport (52kms)
Green Line runs from Creek to Al Qusais (Sharjah border). Blue Line is in project, it will depart from Creek and will serve north east part areas of Dubai: Al Warqaa, Mirdif, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Academic City (see map)
There’s a Gold class available as well as Women and Children only wagons.
Marine Transport
Abras are a must to try when visiting Dubai but also one of the most popular and affordable public transport. Abras will cross from one side of the Creek to the other at different locations. RTA is now also introducing Water Bus along Dubai Canal, Dubai Marina, Dubai Creek Harbour especially as well as Dubai Ferry (Sharjah to Dubai or Bur Dubai to Dubai Marina).
For more information about Dubai Transport, check Road & Transport Authority (RTA) website
Popular Residential Areas Dubai
Villas/Townhouses (3 to 4BR)
From AED 300k (and above)/year:
Jumeirah/Um Suqeim, Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills , The Villas, Al Barsha
Under AED 250k/year:
Mirdif, Damac Hills, Arabian Ranches 3, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Villanova DubaiLand, TownSquare, Tilal Al Ghaf, Al Furjan, DIP/Dubai South, JVC-JVT
Apartments ( 1BR-2BR)
Below AED 130/180k: Sheikh Zayed Road, Mankhool, Mirdif, Jumeirah Gardens/Al Satwa, Azizi Riviera, Sobha Hartland; Dubai Marina, Dubai Creek Harbour, Al Jadaf, Wasl Gate, Business Bay, JVC
Above AED 200/250k: Port La Mer, CityWalk, Downtown, Meydan; Dubai Harbour, Meydan District One, Dubai Canal (coming soon)
Useful information
The useful APPs to download when moving to Dubai
The first app to download to move around: rides, taxi, payment, delivery, car rental, city bike, etc. Waze Newly arrived or long time resident, we all need Waze for directions and traffic conditions! Road & Transport authority (RTA) Official...
Dubai French Schools
There are now 4 French curriculum schools and one international bilingual curriculum in Dubai : Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou, Lycée Français International de Dubai (AFLEC), Lycée International Jean Mermoz de Dubai, Lycée Libanais Francophone Privé et...
Ramadan Dubai 2024
If you’re about to spend your first Ramadan in Dubai, here below some useful information! Practical information Business Hours : Private sector companies usually work 2h less than usual and working hours/traffic hours change to 09.00 to 15.30/16.00 Public and...