Every year hundreds and thousands of people around the world decide they are looking for a change. Inspired by others or frustrated by their surroundings, they opt to pursue the dream of an expat lifestyle. Whilst the spread of the pandemic has slowed international travel, it has not damped the passion of those keen for exploration and adventure.  As airports and borders, not to mention companies, start to open and grow, many of those people are looking for their chance to start over. At EER we have years of experience in global mobility and relocation, so we wanted to take you inside how you can become an expat and why Dubai might just be the perfect place to do it.

How does relocation work?

When it comes to relocating as an expat, each country has their own rules regarding immigration, visas and residency. With the UAE, there are even further nuances between the seven Emirates, although they are similar overall. In Dubai, residency is tied to employment or sponsorship.  Non-citizens can be employed by a company based here and that company is legally required to provide that individual with a residency visa and health insurance.  Depending on the organization, further benefits may be added including spousal and dependent sponsorship, relocation costs, school fees, accommodation allowance and more.  The multi-cultural environment of Dubai also makes it one of the most advanced, inclusive and easiest environments to acclimatize to. The ratio of expats provides endless opportunities for connections and networking. The government’s insistence on understanding, cultural inclusion and fostering talent drives the ambitious and welcoming spirit of the city. Plus, no matter where you come from, we promise there is a native restaurant with your favourite dish to be found somewhere in the city!

Top 5 Benefits

1. Safety Measures – Thanks to swift action and targeted restrictions Dubai has consistently had some of the lowest Covid-19 numbers in the world. Whilst the pandemic is still here, the management and containment of it continues at the highest levels. Superb safety precautions are in place throughout the city, as well as first-rate testing facilities, enabling the country to be one of the first to welcome back tourists. As well as this, Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world to live in terms of crime and violence.
2. Ambitious Growth – Dubai, and the UAE, is one of the most ambitious and strategic places on earth. Ever since its inception, it has worked to build an evolving, productive economy that could compete on a global scale. Even with the global pandemic, our economy is rebuilding and growing at a record pace. Government support enabled a variety of industries and organisations to weather the crisis and retain staff.  Major construction projects have continued to attract major international investment and the city continues to grow at a rapid rate in terms of buildings, residents and infrastructure.
3. Educational Potential – With plenty of private schools and a range of curriculums to choose from, the educational system in Dubai is ideal for fueling your child’s development. They will be immersed in a diverse environment with first-rate teachers and the chance to build life-long friendships with people from all over the world. Right now the schools in Dubai are stepping up to provide hybrid learning for their students to keep them safe and are in turn offering large discounts to their school fees, so you could grab a great education for a lower price.
4. Property Market – It is hard to imagine a more varied and diverse property market anywhere else in the world. Dubai has some of the finest and most exotic homes available for rent or sale. From grand villas nestled in a lush, green oasis to a designer brand luxury apartment atop a man-made island there are plenty of options in terms of look, location and size. Best of all, the current climate makes most of these properties very budget-friendly. Whether you are looking to buy property or rent, at the moment you can find some amazing deals that will ensure you can enjoy your expat lifestyle from a truly spectacular base (without breaking the bank).
5. Flexible Opportunities – The immigration and visa system of Dubai has undergone a variety of changes in recent years. Whilst company-sponsored residency is still the most utilised pathway, expats can now also choose to avail themselves of freelance visas, retirement visas and options for property and business owners. In recent days the government has even announced wider rules for those wishing to become citizens.

If you would like to discuss your relocation options, do get in touch with our team on info@eerme.com or +971 4 4211819.