Every Dubai Relocation Guide in One Place
Each guide is written for UK expats and updated for 2026 — visas, housing, schools, banking, tax, removals, pets, internet, food and community. Pick a cluster below or browse the full list.
Before you move
5 guides
Dubai Visa & Residency
Golden, Green, Employment, Freelancer and Retirement visas — costs, eligibility, timelines and the step-by-step process for UK residents.
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UK taxUK Tax & HMRC When Moving to Dubai
Statutory Residence Test, P85, UK property income, National Insurance and the UK-UAE Double Tax Treaty — explained for UK leavers.
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PensionsUK Pensions in Dubai
Workplace pensions, QROPS, SIPPs and the UK State Pension. Pension scam warnings, regulated adviser checks and 2026 transfer rules.
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ShippingUK to Dubai Removals & Shipping
Sea freight vs air freight costs (£3–8k typical), UAE customs rules, prohibited items and what is cheaper to buy locally.
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PetsPet Relocation UK to Dubai
UAE import permit, rabies titre test, approved vets, £2–4k costs and the 4-month timeline for moving a dog or cat to the UAE.
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Setting up life in Dubai
6 guides
Renting in Dubai as a UK Expat
Best neighbourhoods (JLT, Marina, Downtown), 2026 rent prices, the cheque payment system, EJARI registration and agent fees.
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SchoolsBest British Schools in Dubai
British curriculum schools — 2026 fees, KHDA ratings, GEMS vs Repton vs Dubai College, how to apply, waiting lists and term dates.
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BankingOpen a Dubai Bank Account
Emirates NBD, ADCB, HSBC and Mashreq compared. Documents, opening times, salary transfer and sending money home.
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FurnishingBuying Furniture in Dubai
IKEA, Home Centre, West Elm, designer showrooms, bespoke carpenters in Al Quoz, and the best second-hand marketplaces.
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Internet & VPNInternet, VPNs & UAE App Restrictions
Are VPNs legal in Dubai? What apps are blocked? UAE internet rules, WhatsApp / FaceTime restrictions and which VPNs work for UK expats.
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Help at homeHire Domestic Help in Dubai
Live-in housekeepers, part-time cleaners and private drivers — visa sponsorship, AED 1,500–2,500/mo costs, contracts and what to expect.
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Settling in
4 guides
Dubai Expat Community & Facebook Groups
Where UK expats actually meet — Facebook groups (Dubai Buy & Sell, expat networks), social clubs, healthcare and finding your people fast.
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Food & drinkFood & Drink in Dubai
Groceries, restaurants, Friday brunch culture, alcohol licence rules, wine merchants and organic food delivery for UK expats.
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NightlifeDubai Nightlife for UK Expats
Best bars, rooftop lounges, Friday brunch culture, alcohol licence rules and how the Dubai social scene actually works.
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ConciergeDubai Concierge: Tailors, Vets & Tutors
Trusted picks for UK expats — tailors, jewellers, vets, music and academic tutors, clubs and kids' activities.
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Not sure where to start?
Try the visa checker first — it takes a minute and tells you which UAE visa fits your situation, then maps you to the relocation steps that actually apply.