Dubai's rapid growth is made all the more appealing by stunning beaches and bustling city streets loaded with possibilities. Whether you enjoy clubbing, shopping or immersing yourself in arts and culture, you're bound to find things you love about this city.
Moving to Dubai from the US is a massive endeavor, but it's one you can manage, especially if you have the right moving company by your side. Atlas International has made expat dreams come true in countries around the world. We're well-versed in facilitating a seamless move that safely gets your belongings to their final destination.
Expats around the globe turn their sights on Dubai as their international destination of choice for several reasons, including:
Moving to Dubai requires extensive planning, but it will all be worth it when you arrive at your new home. Before you begin, you'll need to understand the legal documentation and visa requirements to relocate, know what to expect from the cost of living and have a general idea of how to integrate into life.
To move to Dubai, you'll need a UAE residence visa. They're most commonly given to people who want to work, study or retire in the nation, although other options exist. Each has its own specific requirements.
People seeking to work in Dubai are classified based on the type of work they intend to do. Skilled employees may self-sponsor and enter the UAE for up to 5 years without requiring an employer or UAE national to sponsor them. A standard work visa allows individuals to seek employment and requires an employer to sponsor them.
Some people opt for residence visas while maintaining employment based outside the UAE. Dubai allows people to relocate under the virtual working programme, which allows them to stay in the city for 1 year.
Student visas allow people to stay under the sponsorship of a university or their parents — if their parents are residents of the UAE. These visas last 1 year and are processed by the Student Affairs offices at the universities.
Retirement visas last for up to 5 years at a time. They require the individual to have worked for at least 15 years or be aged 55 or older upon retirement. Applicants must also meet financial eligibility requirements.
The cost of living in Dubai compared to the US varies based on where you live. If you live in a major city, such as Seattle, New York or Los Angeles, the housing costs may seem comparable, but if you're used to a lower cost of living, Dubai may be more expensive.
Food is typically more affordable in Dubai than in the US, although milk tends to cost more in the UAE than expats may be used to.
You'll likely see savings in transportation. It's much more affordable to get around in Dubai than in the US, thanks to lower fuel costs.
Likewise, public health care provides free coverage for basic care (although this excludes vision and dental). However, private insurance to bridge the gap in care tends to be more affordable in the UAE.
Before you finalize your move, you'll want to ensure your finances are in order. You'll need to be able to cover the following:
Integrating into Dubai can feel overwhelming. However, you'll have one benefit — English is commonly spoken. While the official language is Arabic, you'll often see forms, signs and menus available in English.
Leisure activities vary greatly, from enjoying time on yachts and at upscale clubs to rugged adventures amid the sand dunes. Shopping opportunities abound here. However, the internet is much more restricted than in other areas of the world.
Some items you'll want to bring to Dubai include:
One area that may bring some culture shock is dressing norms. As part of a Muslim country, Dubai encourages its residents to avoid revealing clothing. While there's no official dress code, it's generally a good idea to adapt to the environment you're in.
Ready to move to Dubai? You need the right international moving services to make it happen. Atlas International boasts over 60 years of experience helping expats expand their horizons internationally. With impeccable customer service and the accreditations to back our claims, we help make your move as seamless as possible.
Our custom solutions ensure you get a moving experience that's uniquely your own. Our full-service packages can eliminate relocation hassles by providing door-to-door moving services. This includes packing up your belongings and unpacking them in your new home. We also offer storage solutions that keep your belongings safe until you're ready to receive them.
The moving process with Atlas International couldn't be simpler. After helping thousands of people with moves like yours, our process has been streamlined over the years.
Once you arrive in Dubai, it's time to settle in and make yourself at home. Some things you'll need to do include:
Ready to make your dreams of sand dunes and shopping malls a reality? Start by reviewing our international moving resources. Then, contact Atlas International for a consultation or quote for moving to Dubai from the USA. We'll ensure your move comes off without a hitch.