There’s no one-size-fits-all rule for settling into expat life in a new country, but here are a few helpful articles and personal stories that may help make your move a little easier.

Interview with Zaïnab – a Moroccan expat living in Dubai

Zaïnab is curious by nature, loves learning, and doesn’t handle monotony and routine very well. She wanted to meet new people and thought perhaps her future partner would be from a different culture; that is how she decided to move abroad and face her fears.Zaïnab is a computer sciences engineer by… Read more

Understanding hospitals in Dubai: a comprehensive guide for expats

Embarking on a journey to a new country is an exhilarating experience, but for expatriates, it is crucial to familiarise yourself with the local hospital system. Dubai is world-renowned for its diverse expat community and offers a healthcare infrastructure that is not only comprehensive but also… Read more

What to expect when having a baby in Dubai

Becoming a parent is a life-altering experience, filled with joy, anticipation and a touch of nervousness. For expats in Dubai, this journey comes with a unique set of considerations and procedures. From prenatal care to paperwork to parental leave, here is a comprehensive guide on what to expect… Read more

Navigating your healthcare as an expat in Dubai

Moving to a new country can be a stressful experience, and taking care of your physical and emotional health is essential to making a smooth transition. Sleep, emotional resilience, and access to quality healthcare are all important aspects to consider when relocating. Preparing for your move… Read more

7 benefits of hiring a relocation company for your move to Dubai

While relocating to Dubai can be a wonderful experience full of pleasant surprises and exciting times, it can also present many challenges and obstacles, so it can be wise to engage the services of a relocation company.A good relocation company like Helpxpat, with its local knowledge and expert… Read more

Buying property in Dubai

Buying property in Dubai is a fairly easy, if paperwork-heavy, process. With the rising cost of rent in Dubai and a healthy property market that looks set to continue growing, buying property is undoubtedly an attractive prospect for expats living in Dubai.The purpose behind a purchaseBefore… Read more

Protect your pension funds from IHT with a QNUPS

Are you an expat in Dubai, looking to boost your retirement benefits at the same time as reducing your tax liabilities? QNUPS could be the answer. Did you know that even though you are a UK expat, you could still be UK-domiciled, and if so, that means you remain subject to UK Inheritance Tax (IHT… Read more

Interview with Schalk – a South African expat living in Dubai

Originally from South Africa, Schalk moved to Bahrain in 2011 and then to Dubai in 2015. He shares some of his views on the great quality of life, excellent entertainment, superb healthcare and ample opportunities for adventure in the emirate, and why he and his wife are so happy to call Dubai home… Read more

Interview with ISS Relocations – a relocation company in the United Arab Emirates

Many expats moving to the United Arab Emirates report that relocation firms help ease the transition and can assist in many ways. Some may prefer to go it alone, but they must be prepared to do the research. Here is our interview with Mr Abhilash Nair from ISS Relocations, who has… Read more

Understanding the concept of Oqood registration and SPA when buying overseas

Dubai’s real estate has grown significantly, especially in comparison to how it was 10 years ago. One major difference that stands out is the formation of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) by Dubai Land’s Department. RERA – after being formed at the peak time of Dubai’s real estate in July… Read more

Interview with Cormandré – a South African expat living in Dubai

Cormandré is a South African expat. She moved to Dubai in 2015 and hasn’t regretted it once. She currently works as a teacher and recently got married.Read more about expat life in Dubai in our Expat Arrivals Dubai city guide.About CormandréQ: Where are you originally from? A: I’m… Read more

Interview with Mariëtte – a South African expat living in Dubai

Mariëtte is a South African teacher who decided to take her career further abroad. After working in South Africa for a few years, she decided to spread her wings and move to the United Arab Emirates. She’s been living in Dubai since 2016 now and thinks this is a great city for any expat.Read more… Read more

Lonely in the glamorous city?

Dr Rash Bassim of the Priory Wellbeing Centre Dubai explains how and why many expats suffer from depression. Are you living in one of the most glamorous cities in the world with lots of people passing by every day in the street, metro stations, malls, cafés,… Read more

Interview with Laura – a British expat living in Dubai

After visiting many times, Laura decided to make the move from England to move to Dubai. She started her blog, Laura Lou Travels, to document her new life in Dubai. Here, she chats about the ups and downs of being a British expat in Dubai.About LauraQ: Where are you originally from? A… Read more

We’re moving abroad – should we take the children or leave them at boarding school?

Moving overseas with children is a major challenge. Considering the best options for a child's education is a huge concern for expat parents. Is it always best to take your child with you? Or sometimes could leaving them behind at boarding school be a viable option? Expat Arrivals talks to Mr… Read more

Interview with Sergey – a Russian expat living in Dubai

Sergey is a Russian expat living in Dubai. In search of an opportunity to live and work in a different culture, he moved to the Emirates in 2011 to take up a position at an international marketing company. Despite the challenges of the extreme heat, Sergey, his wife and young son have made the most… Read more

Interview with Clare – a South African expat living in Dubai

Clare is a South African expat living in Dubai. She works in the travel industry and moved to the emirate to pursue a new job. Clare enjoys the quality of life in Dubai, and the fact that the emirate is so central makes it a great place to be for exploring the world.To find out more about Dubai,… Read more

Interview with Marianne – a British expat in Dubai

Originally from the UK, Marianne moved to Dubai four years ago with her husband and two children. Despite the extreme climate and chaotic road traffic, Marianne is enjoying her life as an expat by embracing all that Dubai has to offer. Marianne is a freelance writer and editor, and you can read… Read more

Interview with Mrs Dubai – a British expat living in Dubai

Mrs Dubai is a seasoned expat in the UAE, having lived in Dubai for the past 14 years. Originally from the UK, she came to the emirate with her husband in search of a better quality of life. They certainly found it here, and she enjoys the sunshine and outdoor lifestyle. Read more about her life as… Read more

Interview with Emily – an American expat living in Dubai

Emily Crutcher is a southern belle sounding off in hot and humid Dubai. She joined the ranks of the up-and-coming young professionals who relocated to Dubai to experience a more cosmopolitan lifestyle and to find out if expat life in the Middle East is all it’s chalked up to be.For… Read more

Interview with Seabee – an Australian expat living in Dubai

Seabee writes a blog called Life in Dubai, which is mostly a look at the things that happen around the city, the frustrations expats face, the good, the bad and the funny things they are likely to encounter. It’s a view from the street, one person’s record of daily life in the city during a… Read more

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