Back
Network of 500+ movers
150,000 moves annually
5 ratings as "Good Communication"
Moving House
Moving Abroad
Container Shipping
Services
Find a Mover
Are you moving to Dubai, the City of Gold? We’ve compiled this essential guide with removal costs, an amazing checklist, tips, and even free removal quotes, you can just think about how easy and stress-free life will be.
Read on moving costs and other aspects such as relocating with family or how to find a reliable moving company to assist you in the process.
Of course, the actual price you will pay when moving to Dubai from London, or anywhere in the UK will be affected by different factors. Below find the estimated costs of moving from London to Dubai:
| Household Size | Sea Freight | Air Freight |
| 1-bed flat | £3,700 – £4,400 | £7,500 – £8,350 |
| 3-bed house | £5,900 – £6,850 | N/A |
| 5-bed house | £8,800 – £10,200 | N/A |
Disclaimer: These prices are only estimates. The actual cost of moving will differ.
If you’re relocating with your spouse and children, the following might help you:
Organizing your relocation to Dubai can greatly simplify the process. Begin by hiring a reliable removal company, researching visas and entry requirements, and connecting with expat communities to familiarize yourself with the area. Consider talking with specialists to assist with housing and orientation before your arrival.
Find the best international removals that offer overseas services to Dubai:
Whether you require international removals from the UK to Dubai or the best freight options, there are many reliable services to choose from. Fill out the form below to receive up to 5 removal quotes, compare, and select the company that best fits your needs.
Before moving to Dubai, prepare your passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), medical documentation, university degree(s) and qualifications, financial statements, and your employment contract.
Your employer will play a big role in your move to Dubai. Visas and work permits are normally organised with their assistance.
Once your work permit and visa are sorted, you need to apply for additional documents. It’s required for expats to get a residency permit and a healthcare card after they move to Dubai. Your employer must apply for your e-card and e-contract within 60 days following your move to Dubai.
To live or work in Dubai, you will apply for a long-term visa. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for the following ones.
Work Visa
You must have a job offer from a registered national company in Dubai, that will act as your sponsor. They will arrange:
All these documents will be necessary for living and working in Dubai. Visit the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship for more information.
Freelancer Visa
To work as a freelancer in Dubai, you can apply for a visa that will allow you to do so. You’ll need to submit your application online along with the required documents. Once approved, the visa will be valid for two years.
To work as a freelancer in Dubai, you can apply for a freelancer visa, which enables you to operate independently. After that, you will need to apply for a residence visa by submitting the necessary documentation to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Family Visa
As we mentioned earlier, if a family member already holds a work permit and residence visa, they can sponsor the immediate family. Since it’s linked to the primary visa, the duration and renewal cycle will be the same.
Dubai is known for its high living standards, luxury, and modern architecture. It offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle and a vibrant atmosphere. The living costs will depend on your daily life, but it’s important to know they can significantly increase. Let’s explore the key expenses so you can have an idea!
According to Numbeo, living in Dubai is 28% cheaper than in London. To live in Dubai, a person would need around £4,900 to maintain the same lifestyle you would in the British capital.
Eating out, or leisure activities are generally more affordable. The average cost of food at a mid-range restaurant is around £30 per meal, and you could save about 24% on groceries. On the other hand, the cost of drinks tends to be expensive, with a pint costing £9 and £4.50 for a cappuccino.
Look at the table below to unfold the average cost of living in Dubai vs London:
| Item | Cost in Dubai | Cost in London |
| Restaurant Meal | £30 | £260 |
| Eggs (12) | £2.50 | £3.30 |
| Milk (1L) | £1.40 | £1.30 |
| Public Transport Ticket | £1.25 | £2.9 |
| Monthly Utilities | £155 | £250 |
| Rent (1-bedroom) | £1,720 | £2,160 |
Source: Numbeo
After securing yourself a job, an accommodation and familiarizing yourself with the culture and local regulations, it’s time to enjoy.
Dubai is a good place to live that boasts of modern spaces and cultural diversity. Known for its luxurious lifestyle, architecture and wide range of leisure activities, the city can be an attractive destination for expats.
However, this is the outcome of harsh punishments and a zero-tolerance outlook. The UAE has a lot of rules and regulations so it would be important to read up on them. Some examples are:
Expat women may face some limitations and even face legal consequences. Before moving, it’s key to understand that:
The expat life in Dubai can be challenging, and exciting at the same time. For British expats, it has become more and more popular and it’s understandable why. Dubai boasts a rapidly growing economy as well as an exciting lifestyle with plenty of opportunities for expats, all under their sunny blue sky.
You can meet people from all over the world as 85% of Dubai’s population is made up of expats and English is widely spoken in Dubai so there’s no pressure to be fluent in Arabic. But it is important, like with any move, to prepare for the changes you will experience.
Foreigners can invest in real estate in the UAE in designated freehold areas. If you’re moving there and are planning to buy a property, the following list may help you decide:
If you’re still wondering why you should move to Dubai, we gathered some advantages and disadvantages that may help you decide:
Dubai is renowned for offering tax-free salaries and fantastic professional opportunities in many sectors like IT, healthcare, real estate and hospitality. It’s probably the reason why so many expats move there every year.
Corporate relocations from the UK to Dubai are becoming more usual, as Dubai is a business hub growing and boosting the international market.
Salaries in Dubai vary by industry, with mid-level professionals typically earning around AED 25,000 (£5,500), while senior-level roles can reach AED 40,000 (£8,500) or more. For a single person, a decent salary is around AED 18,000, while AED 30,000 is generally sufficient for a family to live comfortably.
How to find work in Dubai? We recommend sourcing a job before you move as it can be difficult once you’re out there. Check out these websites for job opportunities: Gulf Talent, Indeed, Dubai Careers, Bayt, Edarabia.
You will need to adjust to a new working week. Friday is a holy day in Islam which means the weekend starts then. Sunday is the new Monday which will take some getting used to but once you’re settled, it will become the norm.
Learning about the culture is also important to integrate in the country. These interesting things about Dubai may surprise you!
Moving from the UK to Dubai isn’t as hard as it looks, especially when you’ve got a great guide. The following checklist will help you set everything up:
In the emirate of Dubai, employers are required to provide health insurance coverage for their employees, however, if you are moving there for retirement then your best option is to apply for a health card from UAE’s Ministry of Health (MOH); with this, you will be able to receive care at a public facility.
However, it’s very common for expats to see care through the private healthcare system as it can be more convenient. Thus, it is important to consider availing of private health insurance.
Some banks to consider opening a local bank account with are Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, Mashreq.
With all this knowledge you’re ready to take on a move to the City of Gold and have it go smoothly. Just remember, it can get really hot in Dubai, so pack some sun cream and enjoy the AC.
One last thing, why not explore Sirelo further to answer any further moving-related queries. We have even linked some useful articles below, just click on one! And good luck with your move!
