Digital Nomad Life in the UAE

"Major international hotels are (in order of my preference) the Intercontinental, Hilton, Rotana, Mercure Jebel Hafeet. The Palm Resort has a Rugby Club and Golf Club and both are good value. Have a look at the Living in Al Ain thread on the British Expats site in the Middle East Forum, it is a very popular thread and full of information about events, schooling, life in general," remarked one member in Al Ain.

"People (expats) work hard and play hard, live revolves around malls and shopping, socialising, attending events/concert, some major sports events are happening during the winter season, Rugby 7, Dubai Horserace, Dubai Duty Free tennis, etc," explained one person living in Dubai, UAE.

"The best way to find a place to live in the UAE is to research online. There are many websites that list available properties for rent or sale in the UAE. Additionally, you can contact a real estate agent who can help you find a suitable property. You can also look for classified ads in newspapers and magazines, or ask friends and family for recommendations. Once you have identified a few potential properties, it is important to visit them in person to get a better feel for the area and the property itself," said one person in UAE.

"Before retiring in the UAE, expats should be aware of the cost of living, which is generally higher than in other countries. They should also be aware of the local laws and regulations, as well as the cultural norms and expectations. Additionally, expats should research the healthcare system and the availability of medical insurance. It is also important to understand the taxation system and the process for obtaining a residence visa. Finally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, as English is not widely spoken in the UAE," remarked one foreigner who made the move to UAE.

"Sun, Sea, Camping in the desert at the weekends, BBQ's with friends, eating out, free ladies night in the hotel's, the perfect weather and climate from Nov through to May," said one expat who made the move to Dubai.

"Expats in the UAE appreciate the hospitality of the local culture, which is evident in the warm welcome they receive from the locals. They also appreciate the cultural diversity of the country, which is reflected in the variety of cuisines, languages, and religions that are present in the UAE. Additionally, expats enjoy the vibrant nightlife and the many leisure activities available in the country, such as shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Finally, expats appreciate the safety and security of the UAE, which is a major factor in why many choose to live and work in the country," explained one foreigner living in UAE.

"If you live in Abu Dhabi you may find yourself living 45mins plus outside the city as the only cheap accomadtion in AD is out near the airport Al Raha is slowly after 2 years only now becoming easier place to live with it now being on a bus route, and new supermarket's opening, AlReef still has very little out by the compounds in the way of taxis and shops Meeting new friends who are likeminded," explained one expat living in Dubai, UAE.

"Expats in the UAE often find the local culture to be quite different from their own, which can be challenging to adjust to. The conservative dress code and social norms can be difficult to adhere to, and the language barrier can be a challenge for those who do not speak Arabic. Additionally, the hot climate and the lack of public transportation can be difficult to get used to. Furthermore, the cost of living in the UAE can be quite high, making it difficult for expats to make ends meet," said one person in UAE.

"If you plan to stay in the UAE for a while, you will need to apply for a residency visa. Depending on your nationality, you may also need to obtain an entry permit or a visit visa before you can apply for a residency visa. Additionally, you may need to provide documents such as a valid passport, a valid UAE residence permit, a valid UAE work permit, and proof of financial stability," said one expat in UAE.

"It is important to be mindful of cultural norms when visiting the UAE. It is important to dress modestly, especially for women, and to avoid public displays of affection. It is also important to be respectful of religious beliefs and practices, and to avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or religion. Additionally, it is important to be aware of local laws and customs, such as not drinking alcohol in public or consuming pork products. Finally, it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to avoid making negative comments about the UAE or its people," remarked one foreigner who made the move to UAE.

"Do not park our car outside the yellow lines I got a parking ticket at 7:30 in the morning 200 aed," explained one person living in Dubai, UAE.

"The medical care in the UAE and in Dubai was mostly really good. We had a range of private and government hospitals and clinics available to us. The staff were international, as were the hospitals. There were a range of well known American, Canadian and English hospitals," remarked one member in Dubai.

"Its a nice metropolitan city to live in, with over 200 nationalities & what i dislike is that after your work permit/retirement you have to leave this country which you call your second home," explained one digital nomad living in Dubai, UAE.

"Expats and digital nomads in the UAE often appreciate the country's modern infrastructure, excellent public transportation, and low cost of living. They also enjoy the diverse culture, warm climate, and the fact that English is widely spoken. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the country's strict laws and regulations, lack of personal freedoms, and high cost of certain goods and services to be a bit of a challenge," said one member in UAE.