Welcome to Dubai! This guide is your practical checklist for the first weeks: the documents you need, how to rent a home, set up utilities, get around, sort healthcare and schools, and handle everyday rules. We’ve included mini English scripts you can use right away—and links to official sources so you can double-check details as they change.
1) First 30 days: documents & digital identity
Get your Emirates ID
Your Emirates ID is the key to almost everything—banking, mobile phone, rental contracts (Ejari), and utilities. Apply through ICP (the federal identity authority) or an accredited typing centre; you may be called for biometrics. UAE Government Portal
Activate UAE PASS
UAE PASS is the national digital identity. It lets you log in to hundreds of services (government and private), sign documents digitally, and access official documents on your phone. Download, scan your Emirates ID, and verify face ID to activate. UAE Government Portal
Open a bank account
Most residents need: 1) passport with residence visa, 2) Emirates ID, and 3) salary certificate/NOC. Banks list exact requirements on their sites; the government portal summarises what to bring. UAE Government Portal
Mini English script (bank counter):
“Good morning. I’ve just received my residence visa and Emirates ID. I’d like to open a salary account. Here are my documents—could you let me know the next steps?”
2) Finding a home: contracts, rent increases & legal basics
Ejari = your official tenancy registration
Every Dubai rental must be registered on Ejari. You’ll need it for utilities and to prove your tenancy. You can register via the Dubai Land Department’s eServices or at approved trustee centres. Dubai Land Department
Rent increases: check, don’t guess
Dubai uses a Rental Index/Calculator to decide if a landlord can raise rent at renewal—and by how much. Landlords must give 90 days’ written notice of any change. Use the official Dubai Land Department (DLD) calculator to verify increases. Dubai Land Department
Mini English script (reply to a rent-increase message):
“Thank you for your message. Could you please confirm the increase based on the DLD RERA Rent Calculator? As per the law, a 90-day notice applies. I appreciate the updated details.” Dubai Land Department
Practical tip: Keep digital copies of your tenancy contract and Ejari certificate in UAE PASS or DubaiNow so they’re handy for renewals and services. Google Play
3) Utilities & internet: DEWA + mobile SIM
Electricity & water (DEWA)
After Ejari is issued, DEWA can be activated online. You’ll receive a welcome email with your account number and a link to pay the refundable security deposit (AED 2,000 for apartments / AED 4,000 for villas) plus activation fees. DEWA
Mobile phone & internet
To register a SIM in the UAE, you must present the original Emirates ID (copies/scans aren’t accepted). Major providers (etisalat by e& and du) allow registration/renewals via app with Emirates ID. tdra.gov.ae
Mini English script (DEWA helpline):
“Hello, I’m moving into [building]. My Ejari is ready. Could you help me activate electricity and water under my name?”
4) Getting around: Nol, Metro/Tram/Bus, taxis & Salik
Nol card = your transport + parking wall
Buy a Nol (Silver/Gold/Blue/Red) to ride Metro, Tram, Bus and to pay for RTA parking. Top up and manage cards via RTA services/apps. rta.ae
Metro/Tram hours
RTA publishes official timetables; check before early flights or late events as hours differ by day. rta.ae
Plan and book with S’hail
RTA’s S’hail app bundles journey planning for Metro/Tram/Bus, and supports taxi/e-hail options in one place. rta.ae
Hala (Dubai Taxi) in the Careem app
For an official RTA taxi with app convenience (child seats, EV options), choose Hala Taxi in Careem. Pay by card, Apple Pay, or cash. Hala Ride
Driving & tolls (Salik)
Dubai introduced variable Salik pricing in 2025 (AED 6 at peak, AED 4 low-peak, free window overnight; Sundays may differ). Always check the current schedule before commuting. salik.ae
Mini English script (taxi):
“Hello, could you please take me to Dubai Mall, Fashion Avenue entrance? I’ll pay by card—thank you.”
5) Healthcare & insurance
Health insurance is mandatory
What to do now
In Dubai, employers must provide at least basic coverage for employees; sponsors arrange cover for dependents. Dubai Health/DHA supervises the scheme, and national rules were updated in 2025 to tighten employer obligations at residency issuance/renewal.
Dubai Health Authority
Dubai Health Authority
What to do now
- Ask HR for your insurance policy number, network list, and how to add dependents.
- Save your digital insurance card and Emirates ID on your phone for clinic check-in.
Mini English script (clinic reception):
“Good afternoon. Here is my Emirates ID and insurance card. I’d like to see a GP for a general check-up, please.”
6) Working life & weekends
The UAE public sector follows a Monday–Friday workweek with a half-day on Fridays (private companies generally align, but confirm your contract). UAE Government Portal
Office English tip: Start emails with a courteous opener and clear subject line.
Example: “Good morning, Team. Please find attached the revised timeline. May we meet on Tuesday at 10:00?”
7) Schools & families
Dubai’s private schools are overseen by KHDA. Parents rely on KHDA guides and inspection reports when choosing schools and understanding fee frameworks. Check KHDA pages for the latest inspection updates and fee rules. KHDA
Mini English script (admissions email):
“Dear Admissions Team, We’re relocating to Dubai in September. Could you share availability for Year 5 and the required documents for transfer?”
8) Everyday rules you’ll actually use
Alcohol (for non-Muslim adults 21+)
Dubai removed the 30% alcohol tax and licence fees in 2023, but purchasing from retailers still requires a personal alcohol licence (tourists can obtain temporary permits; residents apply with Emirates ID). Check an authorised retailer (MMI or African+Eastern) for current licensing steps.
AP News
AP News
Public transport etiquette & fines
Eating/drinking in prohibited areas, sitting in reserved sections, or causing disturbance can incur fines—RTA publishes the rules and periodic updates are covered in local media.
rta.ae
rta.ae
City apps worth installing
- DubaiNow: pay bills, renew vehicle reg, check housing and health services in one app.
- UAE PASS: your login and digital signature for most services. Google Play
- UAE Government Portal
9) Cost savers & local know-how
- Cross-check rent with the DLD calculator before negotiating. It’s the fastest way to know what’s legal. Dubai Land Department
- Time your drive around Salik variable pricing to cut tolls (free overnight window at most gates). salik.ae
- Load a Nol and use S’hail to combine Metro + taxi efficiently, especially for airport transfers. rta.ae
- Keep documents in UAE PASS/DubaiNow—landlords, clinics, and government counters accept digital documents signed in-app. UAE Government Portal
- Google Play
10) Phrasebank for new residents (English you’ll use this week)
- At the real-estate viewing: “Could we confirm the annual rent, number of cheques, and the maintenance responsibilities in the contract?”
- At the RTA service centre: “I’d like to top up my Nol card and check today’s Metro timings for the Red Line, please.” rta.ae
- With HR (insurance): “Could you please share my policy details and the process to add my spouse?”
- With a neighbour: “Hi, I’m new to the building. Is there a WhatsApp group for residents?”
11) How Speak English Institute can help you settle faster
- General English (Dubai & RAK): real-life scenarios—DEWA calls, taxi bookings, landlord chats, clinic visits.
- Business English: polite emails, meeting language, negotiation culture tailored to the UAE workweek.
- IELTS Preparation: UAE-relevant topics (transport, sustainability, tourism) with feedback on speaking & writing.
- Corporate Training: relocation-friendly onboarding—English + UAE workplace etiquette for teams.
Class activity example: a 15-minute “Move-in role-play” where you practise:
(1) replying to a rent-increase email using the RERA calculator,
(2) calling DEWA to activate utilities,
(3) booking a Hala Taxi in clear, concise English.
Jake Borland
Jake Borland is an experienced English teacher with 20 years in the field. As the co-founder and Marketing Manager of Speak English Institute, he is dedicated to delivering high-quality education both in-person and online. Jake’s passion lies in helping students improve their English skills through engaging and effective learning experiences.
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