The first 14 guides, in the order you will need them
From visa to settled. Each guide has simple steps, a short FAQ and links to the official websites.
Visas & Residency
Clear guide to UAE residence visas: work, Golden, Green, retirement and family visas, the steps after you land, and how long each one lasts.
Read the guide →02Emirates ID & UAE Pass
Simple guide to the Emirates ID and UAE Pass: how to apply, renew, report a lost card, the late fee and the steps for each, with official sources.
Read the guide →03Renting & Housing
A simple guide to renting a home in Dubai and the UAE: documents, cheques, deposit, agent fees, Ejari, the 5% housing fee, rent rules and how to avoid mistakes.
Read the guide →04Banking
Simple steps to open a UAE bank account: documents, salary vs normal accounts, sending money home, building credit, and the cheque rules to know.
Read the guide →05Healthcare
How healthcare works in the UAE: mandatory insurance, public vs private care, finding a doctor, emergency numbers 998 and 999, pharmacies and costs.
Read the guide →06Schools
How to choose and enrol in a school in the UAE: curricula, KHDA and ADEK ratings, fees, waiting lists, nurseries and the steps to apply.
Read the guide →07Work & Labor Law
Plain guide to UAE employment: contract types, probation, notice period, working hours, leave, WPS salary protection, gratuity and how to file a complaint.
Read the guide →08Starting a Business
Plain guide to starting a company in Dubai and the UAE: mainland vs free zone, licence types, steps, costs to plan for, tax and the mistakes to avoid.
Read the guide →09Driving & Transport
A simple guide to transport in the UAE: Salik tolls and fines, the Metro and nol card, parking, taxis, buying or leasing a car, and your driving licence.
Read the guide →10Utilities & Internet
Easy guide to setting up utilities in the UAE: DEWA deposit and steps, chiller fees, internet with e& and du, gas, the 5% housing fee and move-in tips.
Read the guide →11Culture & Etiquette
Easy guide to UAE culture and etiquette: greetings, dress, Ramadan, alcohol, photos, social media and the laws new residents should know.
Read the guide →12Taxes
Simple guide to UAE taxes: no personal income tax, 5% VAT, corporate tax at 9% above AED 375,000, small business relief and your home country rules.
Read the guide →13Family & Pets
Plain guide to bringing your family and pets to the UAE: sponsoring a spouse, children and parents, marriage, pet import permits, microchips and registration.
Read the guide →14Making Friends
Practical ways to meet people and build a social life in the UAE: community groups, events, sports, school networks and a simple first-month plan.
Read the guide →Specific questions, clear answers
Visas and work
Golden Visa
Who qualifies for the UAE Golden Visa, the 5- and 10-year categories, what each one requires, and where to check your eligibility and apply.
Read the guide →Freelance Visa
How to live and work as a freelancer in the UAE: the 5-year Green Visa, freelance permits from free zones, and what to check before you apply.
Read the guide →Remote Work Visa
The UAE virtual work visa for remote employees: the 1-year validity, the USD 3,500 income requirement, documents needed and where to apply.
Read the guide →Jobseeker Visa
The UAE jobseeker visit visa lets you look for work without a sponsor for 60, 90 or 120 days. See who is eligible, documents needed and where to apply.
Read the guide →Emirates ID Renewal
How to renew your Emirates ID online or in person, when you can renew, the late fine of AED 20 a day, and what to do if your card is lost or damaged.
Read the guide →End of Service Gratuity
How UAE end of service gratuity is calculated: who is eligible, the 21-day and 30-day rule, the two-year cap, with a free gratuity calculator.
Read the guide →Unemployment Insurance (ILOE)
How the UAE Unemployment Insurance Scheme (ILOE) works: who must subscribe, the monthly premium, the AED 400 fine and how to claim after job loss.
Read the guide →Home and health
Ejari in Dubai
What Ejari is, how a Dubai tenancy contract is registered, the official online fee of AED 177.75, the documents needed and how rent disputes are handled.
Read the guide →Health Insurance
Who must have health insurance in the UAE, who pays in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, what the basic package covers and what is still to come in other emirates.
Read the guide →Cars and getting around
Drive Dubai: Car Guide
Buying a used car, dealership vs independent garage, servicing in the heat, AC repair, luxury car care and breakdowns: a practical Dubai car guide.
Read the guide →Driving Licence
How to get a UAE driving licence, the minimum ages, how long it is valid for expats, and what the official portal says about exchanging a foreign licence.
Read the guide →Life in the UAE
Public Holidays
The official UAE public holidays, which ones follow moon sighting, how many days each gets and where to confirm the exact dates for the year.
Read the guide →Best Places to Visit
Not sure where to go in the UAE? Pick by what you love: beaches, desert, hiking, culture, food, family fun or a budget trip. Simple tips for residents and visitors.
Read the guide →Not sure where to start?
Use the first-month checklist to track what to do, or ask our community. Someone has done it before.