Lama Al-Haqhaq

Expats in Abu Dhabi can establish a social network through various ways, such as joining expat groups online and offline, attending poetry nights or art fairs, joining various interest groups, or volunteering for different causes. The expat community in the capital is thriving, and for those searching for the perfect work–life balance, networking with fellow expats is for you. Read also Discovering Abu Dhabi

Dubai is, without any doubt, a city of opportunities for expats. However, expect a cultural shock and different laws and regulations from what you are used to while working or doing business in Dubai. So, before you make any decision regarding your project, make sure to have a professional network you can rely on. Here are some tips to get you started.

Developing a professional network as an expat in Abu Dhabi is easy as long as you are open to meeting new people. Here are some tips for getting started inside and outside of the office space.

Dubai, like most of the United Arab Emirates, is one of the most desirable job destinations worldwide. Over the years, this city has become a second home for so many nationalities, while many more are still on their way. The expat community is enormous and accounts for almost 90% of the UAE's population. A fast-growing environment surrounds expats who choose to live here, with the building of new malls, schools, residential complexes, etc.

Abu Dhabi is generally a city that tolerates a modern lifestyle, but minor adjustments are still necessary for new expats. While it is known for being a city of tolerance, it has strict rules that everyone must abide by, or else they will be punished by law. Here are some important things you need to know about these rules to adjust smoothly to the local culture.

In the United Arab Emirates, you will find clinics, public and private hospitals, and primary healthcare centers. In Dubai, more specifically, the healthcare system is of high standards and offers modern facilities. Whether you make use of the public healthcare network or the private one, you can rest assured that your medical needs will be catered for. Healthcare workers come from different parts of the world and can provide the best possible care for you.

Traveling through the United Arab Emirates is possible through various modes of transportation. You can travel by plane, train, boat, bus or car. The United Arab Emirates, being a modern country, has a well-developed road network, and cars remain the most popular mode of transportation in the cities. Read also The work culture in Dubai

Abu Dhabi has joined its neighbor emirate of Dubai in being a hotspot for tourists and expats moving for work alike. Its impressive attractions and booming economy have captured the attention of the international community.

Driving is the most popular way of getting around in the UAE — especially in big emirates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. To drive in the UAE as an expat, you will need to be in possession of an international driving license or an Emirati driver's license. Depending on the country your licence is from, you may be able to convert it and drive in the UAE.

To drive in Dubai, you will need a local driver's license. There is a list of 30 countries for which no driving test is required. Moreover, you can transfer your license if you belong to any of these 30 countries. If your home country is listed, you must get a letter from your national embassy or consulate confirming the validity of your license, then have it translated into Arabic before submitting your application to the police department. A photocopy of your passport is mandatory, and fees will apply. You should then be able to transfer your license.

The UAE is a country with over 9 million expats — and this alone says a lot. Dubai is the country's most popular emirate and the number one destination when it comes to travel, business, and career-building. Over just a handful of years, Dubai has grown from a village in the desert to a modern city that frequently hosts prime events like the GITEX Global Tech Show.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a popular destination among those who want to live and work in the region. Known as the more laidback counterpart of another emirate, Dubai, it is home to more than 200 nationalities that make up the melting pot they call home.

The expat population in the UAE makes up close to 90%, which means you will be living in a vibrant international community with lots of opportunities to make friends and more. As modern as some emirates may be, it is essential that you are aware of the local customs and traditions, even when it comes to dating. Read also Things to see and to do in the United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi is a relatively small city compared to Dubai and getting around is very convenient and easy. If you want to walk to your workplace or prefer a short commute, you can choose to stay in the city center or wherever your place of work is located.

Dubai is like a drug; from the minute you step into the city as a tourist, the love affair starts. Within a short period of time, Dubai has risen from the dusty banks of old saltwater to a luxury infrastructure with many amenities. 

The United Arab Emirates has 9.06 million expats, and most of them spend about 30 to 50 years in the country before retiring back home. Some even consider the UAE as their second home, thus considering buying instead of renting. Here is what you need to know about buying property in Abu Dhabi as an expat.

If you are moving to the United Arab Emirates, you will need to find accommodation. Many expatriates are relocating to the UAE, and there are various housing options available. Before you sign the contract, you will need to check with your employer whether you have a housing allowance included.

Located in the North of the United Arab Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah is an emirate that has its own unique charm. Surrounded by nature, it is quiet and laid back in spite of its rapid economic growth. This is due to the large number of visitors each year and also the many expatriates who choose to move there. 

One of the first things you will need to settle when relocating to Dubai is accommodation. If you are relocating to Dubai, you will find many options in terms of accommodation. Dubai is well-known for its luxurious and ultra-modern architecture. It is also possible to find luxury villas here, but these can be quite expensive.

Accommodation is your next step after securing a visa to fully settle into your new life as an expat in Abu Dhabi. Finding a place to live in Abu Dhabi is not particularly difficult. You will have a good selection of options for rent — however, it does get a bit more complicated if you want to buy property.

Many things are taken into consideration when accepting a job, such as the available opportunity, your potential career growth, and your overall package. Paid leave entitlement is another factor that might affect your overall decision-making process.

With around 3.5 million British expats living in different countries all around the world, it comes as no surprise that a large number of them consider it to be the best decision they've ever made. A recent study by iFast Global Bank, which polled 600 adults, showed that over two-thirds of British expats were happy with their move abroad. The remaining one-third of expats polled decided to move back home, as they couldn't deal with being away.

We live in a fast-paced world, and the workplace seems to be moving at an even faster pace. Outside of keeping up with the high demands of day-to-day tasks, you might also find yourself having to keep up with a range of different skills and requirements. In today's ever-evolving and highly connected world, we see a constant emergence of new ways to do things, new information, and new work methods.

In the coming months, the United Arab Emirates may have to send away many residents due to white and blue-collar job losses as a result of COVID-19 and record low oil prices. Oxford Economics consultancy firm estimates that about 10% (or one million people) of the UAE's residents

If you are relocating to Dubai, you might be bringing some items in your luggage in addition to what you're shipping over. These are probably items that you use on a daily basis, such as personal hygiene products, clothes, etc. While it is possible to make use of your personal baggage allowance, you need to know that certain items are prohibited. Some items may be subject to restrictions, which means you are only allowed to bring a certain limit, for example, for alcohol. Check with your airline carrier for the list of prohibited items.

The United Arab Emirates, commonly referred to as the UAE, is a federation comprised of seven emirates. Located in the Middle East, on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, the UAE has a surface area of 83,600 km². Abu Dhabi, the capital city and also the largest of the Emirates, is the centre of the oil industry. The other emirates are Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, 

Looking for a job in Dubai from abroad? Find, in this article, some useful information and tips to help you find a job in Dubai.

In this article, find essential information to help you find a job in Dubai. 

If you are planning to set up a business in Dubai, Expat.com is providing you with some useful tips to help you get started.