Expat living within your means in Dubai

Dubai is now one of the expat world’s most desired relocation destinations, but managing your salary to its best advantage can be somewhat of a challenge.

Rediscovering your new life in a new country isn’t easy at first and Dubai, for all its first-world comforts, is no exception. As with all other first-world destinations, the cost of living is a major consideration for recent arrivals, and tax-free doesn’t mean cheap. Inflationary pressure on even the highest salary may mean more effective everyday management of available funds and caution as regards housing costs and luxuries. Doing your homework as regards expectations and career goals before the actual relocation should help with your understanding of this very different country and your place in it.

Deciding exactly where in the metropolis to live should involve checking out the cost and availability of transportation to and from your place of work, whether it’s by public transport, taxi, rental car or your own vehicle. Banks in Dubai are stable, and banking policies are, in the main, not restrictive to incomers, and property can now be bought as well as rented. Your personal cost of living will depend on your preferred lifestyle which, in Dubai, can be almost anything you want it to be.

Renting a property is admittedly expensive, although bargains can still be found outside the city centre. Renting a studio apartment through AirBnB gets you somewhere to hang your hat before you decide on a more permanent arrangement. It’s sensible to wait for several months before buying a car, with renting on arrival the best idea. Alternatively, taxis are plentiful and cheap.

Food in Dubai is surprisingly cheap, especially if home cooking is the preference. Popular restaurants can be expensive, as can favourite Western foods in chains such as Waitrose, Carrefour and M&S. Local eateries are plentiful outside the centre and deliver at all hours. Eating out at quality restaurants all week and partying at the weekend may sound ideal, but running out of cash when the rent is due is no fun. New arrivals should note VAT at five per cent will be charged, starting on January 1 2018 – next week!