Table of Contents
From Novices to Navigators
Our Family's Journey to a New Life in Dubai then came Expat Zone
Our Journey to Dubai
A Family’s Leap into Expat Life
Our move from the UK to Dubai started with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. We had heard so much about the opportunities in Dubai the business friendly environment, the luxurious lifestyle, and the vibrant expat community.
But, the actual process of relocating seemed daunting.
We needed to understand everything from visa processes to finding a home and integrating into a new culture.
Learning the Ropes
Navigating the Visa Process:
We quickly learned the importance of the right visa for our family and business setup. The initial residence visa process, which allowed us to rent a home and enroll our children in school, was our first victory.
Renting vs. Buying:
Deciding between renting an apartment or buying a villa was a significant decision. Renting offered flexibility, but buying promised a sense of permanency and home in our new city.
The Car Dilemma:
The choice between buying and renting a car was influenced by our short term needs and long term plans.
Dubai’s driving license process, including the infamous Oman border run for license renewal, was an adventure on its own!
Unexpected Challenges
Higher Costs and Business Setbacks
The cost of living took us by surprise, especially dining out, which was a frequent treat back in the UK.
Additionally, our first attempt at setting up a business was met with challenges, including navigating local regulations and encountering companies that saw expats as easy targets for inflated service fees.
