How to relocate from the UK to Dubai with your family

Safe, family-orientated, and welcoming thanks to traditional Arabic hospitality, Dubai is a popular holiday destination.

However, families are increasingly wanting to live in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for longer periods of time too.

To help you decide whether moving to Dubai from the UK with family is the right step, the experts at EER Middle East explain why the city attracts so many expats.

Is Dubai a good place to raise a family?

Unsure whether Dubai is the right place to move your family?

While the UAE is a world away from the UK, relocating to Dubai with family offers many benefits, including:

Safety and security

Between consistently low crime rates, effective law enforcement, and advanced surveillance systems, , as supported by Numbeo’s 2025 City Safety Index.

Family-focused living

From exciting theme parks to serene beaches and many more recreational activities, resorts, and amenities aimed at entertaining children and families, this UAE city offers expats an enjoyable family-focused lifestyle.

Dry and warm desert climate

Unlike the rainy UK, Dubai boasts a hot and dry desert climate with minimal rain, humid summers, and mild winters. Thanks to a combination of cool, air-conditioned spaces and well-equipped outdoor facilities, families make the most of Dubai amenities year-round.

Strong healthcare system

The healthcare system in Dubai provides an excellent standard of care. Many practitioners in the city speak English, as well as Arabic, helping expats feel supported with any health concerns they have.

Expats and foreign residents must obtain private health insurance to cover their medical bills by taking out a policy with one of the private insurance companies operating in the UAE.

If you’re in the country to work, then your employer will arrange insurance for you.

High-quality education

Reputable and high-quality schools are often one of the highest priorities for UK expats with young families. Fortunately, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has rated 71 schools in Dubai as either ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Good’, giving families a list of great education options.

How to move from the UK to Dubai with family?

While expert relocation companies, like EER Middle East, can help to make the process as seamless as possible, moving to Dubai from the UK with family​ is a substantial undertaking with many steps.

You’ll typically need to:

Check validity of passports

Passports for all family members must be valid for at least six months after date of entry into the UAE.

Obtain the necessary work permits and visas

To secure a standard visa and work permit, you’ll typically require a job offer and employment contract from a UAE employer.

Golden Visas and Retirement Visas are accessible for high-net-worth individuals seeking an exceptional lifestyle and investment opportunities.

Arrange medical examinations

A prerequisite for securing a residency visa or work permit, medical examinations are often mandatory and involve screening for a number of communicable diseases, alongside tests for other conditions.

Determine where you want to live

With a land area of around 4,114 square kilometres, Dubai has many different neighbourhoods, ranging in property prices, amenities, and lifestyle. It’s important to spend time choosing a suitable Dubai neighbourhood that meets the needs of your family and budget.

Research local schools

Linked to deciding where you want to live as a family is selecting the best school for your children. Typically preferred by expats, Dubai is home to hundreds of private and international schools that teach the British curriculum in English.

Set a moving budget

Moving to Dubai with family can quickly become expensive as initial relocation expenses, including shipping fees, flights, airport transfers, and visa costs, build up. Deciding on a moving budget at the outset can help you to keep costs more manageable.

Bespoke support with Dubai relocation

Whether finding top-class schools or securing a spot in your favourite Dubai neighbourhood is your priority when moving to Dubai with family, the relocation specialists at EER Middle East can help you to launch your new life in the UAE.

From our headquarters in the UAE, our on-the-ground team has all the local, regional, and international expertise to support you with making the best decisions.

Most importantly, our relocation services are tailored to meet your needs.

That means we only provide professional support where you need us – whether that’s the immigration process, corporate compliance, or obtaining the relevant visa.

To discuss your relocation plans and learn more about how we can aid a seamless move to Dubai for you and your family, get in touch with our helpful team today.

Call: +971 (0)4 421 1819
Email: info@eerme.com