Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The UAE has a lot to offer, including a diverse population of nationalities, a vibrant nightlife that competes that of New York and London, and a completely zero income tax. Whether you're relocating to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or another city in the UAE, there are lots of factors to take into mind. The following are the top 10 things you need to know. Rents are not cheap According to listings on local property websites, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the heart of either Abu Dhabi or Dubai costs between Dh60,000 to Dh130,000 per year. Even daily expenses like coffee can cost up to Dh40 per cup. You must be prepared for these kinds of pricing if you come from a major metropolis like London or Los Angeles. Just be sure, as always, that your compensation is in line with your lifestyle—a calculation made easier by the UAE's complete lack of income tax. Prepare your visa and ID card If you're a citizen of one of a number of nations, such as the UK, US, Australia, Canada, or Ireland, you can obtain a free 30-day visa and extend it for an additional 30 days while you're there. But since you're probably looking for anything longer-term, you'll need a visa. There are now several residence visas that you can get in the UAE without a sponsor, although your employer can also issue a residence visa for you if you are moving for employment. You don't also have to leave anyone behind because your UAE visa will allow you to sponsor close family members like your spouse and children so they can visit you or live with you in the emirates. ALSO READ: 8 ways to live in UAE without a sponsor Learn some Arabic It would be simpler for you to connect with locals and colleagues if you learn a little Arabic. Like in any other nation, having some ability to speak the language shows your respect for the locals. Although English is widely spoken, there is always a community available to you if you need it because to the vast number of expats in the UAE. You may simply stay in touch with individuals who are in a similar situation to you by subscribing to online groups on social media, like Facebook or online communities like InterNations. Know your future healthcare situation in UAE Your employer will likely give you access to private healthcare as an expat. In reality, having private insurance is a legal requirement for foreigners in the UAE. You will also need to obtain a health card from the Ministry of Health. Each resident must have health insurance that is compliant with the ministry’s guidelines on the minimum level of cover required, which include annual claims limit of Dh150,000 per person and full coverage for pre-existing conditions. Unemployment insurance is mandatory If you are moving to the UAE to work, you are required to subscribe to the UAE Unemployment Insurance Scheme. Under the insurance scheme, expat and Emirati workers will pay a minimum of Dh100 per year for insurance coverage that guarantees cash support of 60 percent of their basic salary up to Dh20,000 each month for a limited period in the event that they lose their job. Prepare for a number of unexpected laws Except Sharjah, you can go to licensed bars, clubs, and restaurants to drink, but be on the lookout for other regulations. You risk being imprisoned if you engage in gossip, use profanity—both in person and on WhatsApp—raise money for a good cause without a permit, transport food containing poppy seeds, or take pictures of others without their consent. If you take pictures of traffic accidents, you risk being deported for all of these offenses, being compelled to leave the country, and paying a five-figure fine. In the UAE, abortion is prohibited unless the mother or the unborn child are in imminent danger. It may result in a year in jail. Respect Islam and Muslim people Islam is the official religion of the UAE, and as such, it permeates every aspect of life here, from the law to the daily calls to prayer. It's possible that your friends and co0workers in the UAE have different cultural standards around things like relationships, clothes, and drinking, to name a few. Some of these distinctions are protected by the law. Sharia Law is incorporated into the legal system in the UAE, which means that offenses like insulting Islam can result in penalties, including deportation. UAE is a monarchy If you're from the UK, you might think you're accustomed to living under a king, but King Charles III is nothing compared to the seven rulers of the UAE. Each emirate has its own ruler and all are members of the Federal Supreme Council (FSC). The president and prime minister are typically chosen by the seven FSC members. In the UAE, it is illegal to criticize the rulers, or any government entity. Very low crime level The UAE has the lowest crime rate in the world, according to numerous studies and surveys. In Gallup’s Global Law and Order report, the UAE came in second place with an index score of 93 in the Law and Order index, ranking higher than Switzerland, Finland and China. It is also one of the most tolerant cities in the world, allowing people to practice their religion in the country. The UAE will be a lovely place for you and your family to live as long as your pay enables you to take advantage of everything the Gulf country has to offer and you can respect the local laws and religious customs. JG/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page