Think long-term when setting up a new UAE home

The start of the school year has seen several of Abdulla’s friends move homes, in a different locality within the emirate, from one emirate to another, or coming in from abroad. He and his family have a standard list of things they tell new arrivals. According to official data, the UAE’s population has risen to reach 11.2 million residents compared to 10.6 million in 2023.

Here is the best insider’s advice for those setting up a new home.

1. Ensure your papers are in order:

If you are entering the UAE as an entry permit holder, ensure that your residency requirements are met as soon as possible.
The sooner you get your Emirates ID, the faster you will get settled by accessing government services, home internet, opening a bank account, and obtaining a driving license, among others.

2. Think long-term:

Ahmed, who is planning to stay on his own, and doesn’t drive, has opted for a serviced apartment close to his office. For Halima and Mohammed, the choice was made based on their twins’ school location. While the couple have a long drive to their workplaces, they had researched the school they would opt for and chose to live near it to shorten their kids’ commute.
Choose a home you will be comfortable in for at least a couple of years. Minimizing the temporary phases at the start of your UAE entry can help you save money as you settle in faster.

3. Have a settling-in fund:

Maitha’s employer offers what they call a “furniture allowance”, which eases the transition for the first few months. This money is then amortized from the salary over the next year. If you are new to the UAE, budget extra for the first few months to be spent on driving lessons, if needed, and deposits for utilities and rentals, among other expenses.
Rental contracts in the UAE have monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annual terms. You can negotiate a better deal on rent by offering to pay on an annual basis.

4. Don’t rush into home décor:

Regardless of whether you are changing homes, emirates, or countries, settling into a new home requires buying at least a few new pieces of furniture and furnishings. Take your time to settle in, as you understand your new home and its layout.

5. Join neighborhood or hobby groups:

Most offices have a friendly HR person to ease the transition into the UAE. However, the best way to gain from others’ experience is to become a part of a community. Explore location-based residents’ groups on social media channels.
Don’t be afraid to venture out into specific groups for hobbies – this way, your community is larger than your immediate surroundings or officemates.

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