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Moving to Dubai from Australia
Moving to Dubai from Australia is like stepping into a vibrant, futuristic cityscape where tradition meets modernity. From peaceful Arabian nights spent watching starry skies from the desert to fast-paced city living, Dubai has much to offer.
Whether you're drawn by career opportunities or the chance to immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience, a move to Dubai can be both exciting and challenging.
From navigating visas to remaining safe, the cost of living and more, this guide will help you prepare for your new adventure in this fascinating Middle-Eastern city.
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Dubai key facts
Before we delve into the details of moving from Australia to Dubai, here’s a look at some of this city's key facts.
| Country | United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
|---|---|
| Official languages | Arabic |
| Population | 3.638 million |
| Currency | United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) |
| Popular expat neighbourhoods | Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Arabian Ranches, Al Barsha, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) |
| Weather | Dry desert climate with minimal rain year-round. Summers (June to September) are extremely hot with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. Winters (November to March) are much milder, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C |
| Government type | Constitutional federation / Monarchy |
| Average yearly salary | Varies greatly across sectors for both locals and expats. Can range from AED120,000 to AED300,000 in mid-level positions to upwards of AED720,000 or higher for higher skilled or senior roles 1 AED = 0.407576 AUD on the 17th Oct 2024. See current rate here |
As at 09 October 2024
Life in Dubai
One of seven Emirates within the United Arab Emirates, Dubai offers its residents a unique blend of modern luxury, high-end shopping and fine dining alongside traditional markets and cultural landmarks.
While the urban lifestyle of Dubai can be quite fast-paced, this is offset by a wealth of leisure options including beach clubs, golfing, luxury desert escapes and more. The cost of living in Dubai can be quite high, especially when it comes to housing and schooling – though this is often countered by tax-free, competitive salaries.
A hub for expats, Dubai has a diverse international community and is known to be more liberal than other parts of the UAE. However, Islamic traditions are still followed so respect for local customs, particularly around dress codes and public behaviour should be maintained.
Moving to Dubai – pros and cons
Below is a brief rundown of the pros and cons of moving to and living in Dubai.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Dubai entry requirements for Australian citizens
Before moving to Dubai to live, it is worth noting that specific entry criteria for the UAE must be met.
These include¹:
-
Having a valid travel document – in this case your Australian passport
Having a visa appropriate to the length and purpose of your stay (tourist visas can be obtained on arrival)²
-
Having proof of an onward journey
-
Holding a current health insurance policy
It should also be noted that any unresolved or past criminal charges could see you denied entry, regardless of how long ago the offence took place.²
Dubai visa types and requirements
To stay in Dubai long-term you will need a residence visa for the UAE. If your visa is sponsored it may be valid for up to 3 years, while an unsponsored visa can be valid for up to 5 or 10 years.³
Which visa type you need to get will depend on your circumstances and your purpose for moving to Dubai. For most Australians the primary reason to move to Dubai is for work, so we have focused on these visa types which are the⁴:
Standard Work Visa
Typically valid for a period of 2 years, this visa is applied for by the employer on your behalf. This means you’ll need a job in Dubai before an application for this visa can be made and before moving there.
Green Work Visa
If you don’t have an employer to sponsor you then you can pursue A Green Work Visa – this allows you to sponsor yourself to work in the UAE for up to 5 years. This visa is largely aimed at freelancers, people who are self-employed contractors and other highly skilled workers.
This visa can be a little more challenging to obtain with some strict applications to meet. This includes a requirement for freelancers and self-employed people to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation as part of their application.⁴
Dubai residency and permits
In addition to securing permits as above for visa processing, you may also need an entry permit if your residence visa expires due to leaving the country for more than 6 months.³
While not a permit per se, to obtain a residency visa, a medical test as proof you are medically fit is also required and you must pass a security check. The later is also necessary to apply for an Emirates ID cardfrom Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.³
Is Dubai safe for Australians?
Yes, Dubai is generally a very safe destination for Australians with most areas of the city offering secure communities to live in. The crime rate is low with strict punishments enforced for criminal activity. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching may still occur.²
The UAE’s proximity to other regions of the Middle-East that are experiencing increasing tension have led to increased safety warnings from the Australian government. They advise all Australians travelling to or living in Dubai to exercise a high degree of caution and avoid any public demonstrations.²
Level of English spoken and learning the local language
While Arabic is the official language of Dubai, English is widely spoken. 85% of Dubai’s population are expats that either speak English as a first language or fluently as a second language.⁵
You’ll also find that road signs, menus, phone directories and public transport signage is also in English and that all members of the service industry also speak English. This ensures you can communicate, shop and explore with ease throughout Dubai.⁵
Healthcare in Dubai
The standard of healthcare facilities in Dubai is excellent with many modern hospitals and clinics available. To access this care, you will need to have health insurance which is mandatory for all Dubai residents.
In Dubai, it is the responsibility for employers to provide health insurance coverage for their employees.⁶ If you are planning to obtain a Green Work Visa as a self-employed worker, you will be responsible for arranging appropriate health insurance.
Cost of living in Dubai
As stated earlier, the cost of living in Dubai is considered to be quite high, however, this does not necessarily extend to all expenses. Additionally, as the cost of living in Australia is also quite high and climbing, Dubai’s prices may not seem as expected.
To provide some context, we’ve outlined some average expenses for a couple living in Dubai in a one-bedroom apartment in the CBD compared against Sydney.⁷
All prices quoted in (equivalent) Australian Dollars for ease of comparison.
| Dubai | Sydney | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (monthly) | AUD$3320 | AUD$3260 |
| Education (yearly, international/private primary school) | AUD$18,855 | AUD$27,359 |
| Utilities (electricity, phone, internet - monthly) | AUD$529 | AUD$418 |
| Groceries (Monthly) | AUD$749 | AUD$1075 |
| Regular cappuccino | AUD$9.10 | AUD$5.27 |
| Pint (0.5ml) of domestic beer | AUD$18.19 | AUD$10.45 |
| Fitness club/gym (monthly) | AUD$126 | AUD$90 |
| Transport (Taxi/km) | AUD$5 | AUD$1.21 |
As at 09 October 2024
Finding a job in Dubai
Securing employment in Dubai is something most expats do prior to moving there. There are a few ways to go about looking for work including:
Online
As in Australia, many jobs will be listed online. The most popular websites for job postings in Dubai include:
Recruitment Agencies
Many businesses in Dubai work with recruitment agencies who will seek out talent from all over the world. Often a highly competitive market, working with a recruitment agency, especially one that specialises in your industry can help you gain an edge over other applicants.
Often aware of jobs before they are posted or actively seeking qualified candidates, agencies can typically also help you navigate the hiring process.
Direct Contact
Wanting to work within a specific industry or with a certain employer in Dubai? Contacting them directly regarding any job opportunities can be a great way to get your foot in the door. Even if they do not have any job openings listed, you just never know if they might be open to employing new talent.
Networking
If you are already in Dubai scoping out a possible move or hoping to transition away from self-employment attending a job fair or expo is also worthwhile. A fantastic opportunity to network and learn about upcoming or existing opportunities, this can also help you make friends in a new city.
Banks and accounts in Dubai
To receive a salary and easily manage your day to day expenses in Dubai, you’re generally going to need to open a bank account.
Residents are permitted to open an account with any of the conventional or Islamic banks operating in the UAE. Before you can do so, you will need to ensure you have the following documentation prepared⁹:
- A copy of the passport with valid residence visa
- A copy of the Emirates ID card
- A salary certificate or a no-objection letter from the employer or sponsor
This means you can only open an account once in Dubai. Major banks in Dubai that you may like to consider include:
- Emirates National Bank of Dubai (ENBD)
- Emirates Islamic Bank
- First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
- Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)
- Dubai Islamic Bank
What to keep in mind about moving to Dubai
Moving to Dubai can be an exciting experience and great opportunity for any Australian, however, you should keep in mind:
- Due to the large number of expats living in Dubai, the community can be quite transient with people frequently leaving and arriving, potentially making it harder to make friends or feel settled
- While your income in Dubai may be tax-free, if you are still considered an Australian resident for tax purposes, you may still owe tax on it when lodging your Australian tax return
- The heat can be incredibly difficult to manage during the summer months and may see you spending much of your time indoors in air conditioning
- Friday is a holy day in Islam, which means your week in Dubai will run Sunday to Thursday which can take some getting used to
- Common behaviours in Australia such as swearing or taking photos in public without consent as well as other behaviours can see you fined, jailed or even deported. It is recommended to familiarise yourself with local legislation before moving to avoid any issues.
Dubai embassy addresses and contacts in Australia
Should you need to speak with an embassy or consular official regarding your proposed move to Dubai, you can do so via:
The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates
3/40 Blackall St, Barton ACT 2600
(02) 6286 8802
Consulate General of the United Arab Emirates, Melbourne
Level 4, 470 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
(03) 9622 2000
In conclusion
With its welcoming expatriate community, diverse job opportunities and a luxurious lifestyle on offer Dubai is an understandably attractive destination for both professionals and families.
However, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable transition it’s essential to understand Dubai’s cultural nuances, expectations and legal requirements.
While quite different to Australia in many ways, this shouldn’t dissuade you from making the move. By spending time on proper planning, Dubai can offer a rewarding new chapter full of adventure and growth.
The Wise Account and Debit Card
Opening a bank account overseas can be a bit of a process that’s made more difficult if you aren’t considered a resident yet.
The Wise Account from Wise — while not a bank account — enables you to store 40+ international currencies and get local account details for a number of different countries, including AUD, CAD, GBP, NZD, EUR and USD. You can use these to easily transfer your money to Wise or get paid by others. However, do note that features that are offered by traditional bank accounts such as interest, loans and in some countries, deposit protection, will not be available with the Wise Account. See how Wise safeguards your money.
You’ll also avoid high international transaction fees and get access to the mid-market rate on all conversions. The best part - you can open and manage your Wise account completely online.
To make everyday spending easier you can order a Wise Debit card for your Wise Account and generate virtual cards as needed. If you have the local currency in your Wise Account the Wise card will use it. If you don’t have local currency converted, it uses smart technology to auto-convert your money at the mid-market rate, for a transparent conversion fee.
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Sources:
- Visit Dubai - Entry requirements
- Smartraveller - UAE
- UAE - Residence Visa Provisions
- UAE - Visa Types
- Visit Dubai - Languages In Dubai
- UAE - Healthcare For Expats
- Numbeo - Cost Of Living Comparison
- Numbeo - Food Prices
- UAE - Banking
Sources checked on: 09 October 2024
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
