Now it’s time to start preparing for this new chapter of your life.<\/p>\n
We know that you are excited about starting your new job and broadening your horizons by living overseas; however, moving abroad can be a stressful process. We would like to recommend a few pointers that will make your transition to living in the UAE more seamless.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
View or download this info sheet:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Use this list to avoid forgetting to tie up any loose ends prior to leaving for the UAE.<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n <\/b><\/p>\n First off, your passport should have at least 6 months of validity left beyond the length of your visa\/residence permit. Your employer will help you to arrange your visa, but remember that this process is very detail-sensitive. Read the instructions carefully and don\u2019t skip any steps. You may also have to attest your documents on your own prior to getting a visa – we can help you with the attestation process!<\/a><\/p>\n Different cities have different work visa policies. Some may require you to arrive with your work visa already in hand, while others allow for the visa type to be changed later on without leaving the country. If you do need to arrive without your work visa, you can check the tourist visa requirements here.<\/a> <\/p>\n (And keep them regularly updated on your latest address in the\u00a0UAE.) It may be a good idea to get Skype installed on your computer (if you haven\u2019t already) and also get Skype installed on your family\u2019s computer. It might also be good to install another video chatting software as a backup in case Skype is unavailable later on.<\/p>\n Don’t forget to show your family how to use Skype if they\u2019re new to it. It’s also useful to schedule a specific day of the\u00a0week to talk with your family and friends.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sometimes, for your own security, banks will block your card if they detect that it has been used overseas. Although a simple phone call will unblock it, such instances can be a nuisance. Informing them beforehand will keep this from happening in most cases.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It’s best to do them at home rather than hunt around looking for a place that will take them for you. Take around 12 per person to be safe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If your employer is not providing accommodation, then you will likely need to pay your first month\u2019s rent when you arrive, plus a deposit (equal to another month\u2019s rent). You should consider living costs<\/a> when budgeting, and you may want to set aside money for an emergency fund, as well.<\/p>\n Rent and living costs vary widely by city, so ask your recruitment consultant if you need further advice on this matter.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The effects of jet lag will vary depending on where you’re coming from. Even those coming from a country as close as Australia will feel some degree of jet lag. Be sure to drink plenty of water during your trip to help offset this.<\/p>\n After you arrive,\u00a0immediately conform to the new time zone when you arrive, i.e. sleep at night and stay awake during the day (but don\u2019t exhaust yourself). Try not to put too much emphasis on what time it is in your home country, as this will further confuse your\u00a0internal\u00a0clock.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Before you set off to the airport, make sure that you know how much your bag weighs. Bathroom scales will suffice. Be aware that airlines often have very high charges for overweight luggage, even if they are only slightly overweight.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Example: Purchase something like Lonely Planet<\/a> and read up on the new city before you leave.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Choose the best clothing for your destination climate by either referring to your guidebook or checking Google for the latest weather updates. Temperatures in the Middle East can hit drastic highs and lows, depending on the season. We’re talking +40\u00b0C in the daytime and \u201310\u00b0C at nighttime.<\/p>\n Although shorts, tank tops, and other lighter pieces of clothing would be the most appropriate for this type of weather, bear in mind that religion rules the state and plays an important role in the local lifestyle.<\/a> Therefore, modest and conservative clothes are to be prioritized.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Consult your doctor about obtaining a longer prescription that will last the duration of your\u00a0trip. Although, most medications are easy to come by in UAE.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You will be able to use it in UAE! If you have a smartphone, you will just need to make sure you unlock it before you leave home. Being able to access GPS on your phone will definitely come in handy while you are overseas!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The UAE is infamous for being a shopping paradise, so it won\u2019t be difficult for you to find the right beauty products, makeup, creams, shampoos, contact lenses (if necessary), etc.<\/p>\n This wide variety of options does come at a price though. Although tax-free, the cost of living in the UAE is quite high<\/a> and therefore products can cost significantly more compared to your home country. It’s recommended that you stock up on all beauty products before coming abroad.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n While goods from Europe, South Africa, and Australia are compatible with Dubai\u2019s voltage supply, goods from the U.S. or Canada will\u00a0not be, so buy a converter or transformer to fix this.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As a Muslim country, the UAE does not promote the use of alcohol. Do not bring alcohol with you on your trip, because residents must first hold a liquor license to purchase and consume alcohol. Although alcohol can be legally consumed at licensed bars, hotels, and restaurants in Dubai, the price for a bottle of wine will be much higher due to heavy taxes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Although Dubai is far more liberal and laws are not always strictly enforced there, you should still be respectful and follow the rules. About 92% of the population in Dubai is made up by expatriates, but the UAE is still a Muslim country and the Emiratis are still very attached to their culture and history.<\/p>\n Dress conservatively because you will get called out for showing too much skin. Learn the customs and pay attention to Islamic culture\u00a0to avoid any uncomfortable situations, or worse, jail time. Although this may sound scary, if you do your homework, you won’t run into any issues while teaching in the UAE.<\/p>\n Current openings in the UAE<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Here are some things to do in order to prepare for your move the UAE! Moving abroad can be stressful, but we’re to help lessen that feeling.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":7503,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"Congratulations on your new job in the UAE!<\/strong><\/span>\n\nNow it's time to start preparing for this new chapter of your life. \n\nWe know that you are excited about starting your new job and broadening your horizons by living overseas; however, moving abroad can be a stressful process. We would like to recommend a few pointers that will make your transition to living in the UAE more seamless. \n\nTo avoid forgetting to tie up any loose ends, here's a brief list of important things to take care of before you leave:<\/b>\n![\"Preparing](\"https:\/\/www.teachingnomad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Preparing-for-the-UAE-Thumbnail.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nPreparing for the UAE<\/b><\/h2>\n
1. Arrange your visa<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/span>
Citizens of most countries receive a 30-day visa on arrival. If you have family coming with you, be sure to inform your employer so they can arrange proper visa sponsorship.<\/p>\n2. Inform your family and friends of your plans<\/strong><\/h3>\n
3. Inform your bank of your upcoming move to the UAE<\/strong><\/h3>\n
4.\u00a0Acquire\u00a0a lot<\/span>\u00a0of passport photos<\/strong><\/h3>\n
5.\u00a0Prepare a budget\u00a0for your first month in UAE<\/strong><\/h3>\n
6.\u00a0Prepare for jet lag<\/strong><\/h3>\n
7.\u00a0Weigh your bag<\/strong><\/h3>\n
8.\u00a0Purchase a guidebook<\/strong><\/h3>\n
9.\u00a0Pack appropriate clothing<\/strong><\/h3>\n
10.\u00a0Consider any prescription medications you’re on<\/strong><\/h3>\n
11.\u00a0Plan to bring your cell phone<\/strong><\/h3>\n
12. Plan to bring cosmetics\/toiletries<\/strong><\/h3>\n
13.\u00a0Buy a voltage converter or transformer<\/strong><\/h3>\n
14.\u00a0Apply for a liquor license<\/strong><\/h3>\n
15.\u00a0Read up on Middle Eastern culture and laws<\/strong><\/h3>\n
1. Arrange your visa<\/strong><\/h2>\nFirst off, your passport should have at least 6 months of validity left beyond the length of your visa\/residence permit. Your employer will help you to arrange your visa, but remember that this process is very detail-sensitive. Read the instructions carefully and don\u2019t skip any steps. \n\nDifferent cities have different work visa policies. Some may require you to arrive with your work visa already in hand, while others allow for the visa type to be changed later on without leaving the country. If you do need to arrive without your work visa, you can check the tourist visa requirements here.<\/a>\n<\/span>\nCitizens of most countries receive a 30-day visa on arrival. If you have family coming with you, be sure to inform your employer so they can arrange proper visa\nsponsorship. \n
2. Inform your family and friends of your plans<\/strong><\/h2>\n(And keep them regularly updated on your latest address in the UAE.) It may be a good idea to get Skype installed on your computer (if you haven\u2019t already) and also get Skype installed on your family\u2019s computer. It might also be good to install another video chatting software as a backup in case Skype is unavailable later on. \n\nDon't forget to show your family how to use Skype if they\u2019re new to it. It's also useful to schedule a specific day of the week to talk with your family and friends. \n
3. Inform your bank of your upcoming move to the UAE<\/strong><\/h2>\nSometimes, for your own security, banks will block your card if they detect that it has been used overseas. Although a simple phone call will unblock it, such instances can be a nuisance. Informing them beforehand will keep this from happening in most cases.\n
4. Acquire a lot<\/span> of passport photos<\/strong><\/h2>\nIt's best to do them at home rather than hunt around looking for a place that will take them for you. Take around 12 per person to be safe.\n
5. Prepare a budget for your first month in UAE<\/strong><\/h2>\nIf your employer is not providing accommodation, then you will likely need to pay your first month\u2019s rent when you arrive, plus a deposit (equal to another month\u2019s rent). You should consider living costs when budgeting, and you may want to set aside money for an emergency fund, as well. Rent and living costs vary widely by city, so ask your recruitment consultant if you need further advice on this matter. \n
6. Prepare for jet lag<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe effects of jet lag will vary depending on where you're coming from. Even those coming from a country as close as Australia will feel some degree of jet lag. Be sure to drink plenty of water during your trip to help offset this. \n\nAfter you arrive, immediately conform to the new time zone when you arrive, i.e. sleep at night and stay awake during the day (but don\u2019t exhaust yourself). Try not to put too much emphasis on what time it is in your home country, as this will further confuse your internal clock. \n
7. Weigh your bag<\/strong><\/h2>\nBefore you set off to the airport, make sure that you know how much your bag weighs. Bathroom scales will suffice. Be aware that airlines often have very high charges for overweight luggage, even if they are only slightly overweight. \n
8. Purchase a guidebook<\/strong><\/h2>\nExample: Purchase something like Lonely Planet and read up on the new city before you leave. Most quality guidebooks also have a Chinese phrase-book toward the back.\n
9. Pack appropriate clothing<\/strong><\/h2>\nChoose the best clothing for your destination climate by either referring to your guidebook or checking Google for the latest weather updates. Temperatures in the Middle East can hit drastic highs and lows, depending on the season. We're talking +40\u00b0C in the daytime and \u201310\u00b0C at nighttime. \n\nAlthough shorts, tank tops, and other lighter pieces of clothing would be the most appropriate for this type of weather, bear in mind that religion rules the state and plays an important role in the local lifestyle. Therefore, modest and conservative clothes are to be prioritized. \n
10. Consider any prescription medications you're on<\/strong><\/h2>\nConsult your doctor about obtaining a longer prescription that will last the duration of your trip. Although, most medications are easy to come by in UAE. \n
11. Plan to bring your cell phone<\/strong><\/h2>\nYou will be able to use it in UAE! If you have a smartphone, you will just need to make sure you unlock it before you leave home. Being able to access GPS on your phone will definitely come in handy while you are overseas! \n
12. Plan to bring cosmetics\/toiletries<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe UAE is infamous for being a shopping paradise, so it won\u2019t be difficult for you to find the right beauty products, makeup, creams, shampoos, contact lenses (if necessary), etc. \n\nThis wide variety of options does come at a price though. Although tax-free, the cost of living in the UAE is quite high and therefore products can cost significantly more compared to your home country. It's recommended that you stock up on all beauty products before coming abroad.\n
13. Buy a voltage converter or transformer<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhile goods from Europe, South Africa, and Australia are compatible with Dubai\u2019s voltage supply, goods from the U.S. or Canada will not, so buy a converter or transformer to make up for this. \n
14. Apply for a liquor license<\/strong><\/h2>\nAs a Muslim country, the UAE does not promote the use of alcohol. Do not bring alcohol with you on your trip because residents must first hold a liquor license to purchase and consume alcohol. Although alcohol can be legally consumed at licensed bars, hotels, and restaurants in Dubai, the price for a bottle of wine will be much higher due to heavy taxes. \n
15. Read up on Middle Eastern culture and laws<\/strong><\/h2>\nAlthough Dubai is far more liberal and laws are not always strictly enforced there, you should still be respectful and follow the rules. About 92% of the population in Dubai is made up by expatriates, but the UAE is still a Muslim country and the Emiratis are still very attached to their culture and history. \n\nDress conservatively because you will get called out for showing too much skin. Learn the customs and pay attention to Islamic culture to avoid any uncomfortable situations, or worse, jail time. Although this may sound scary, if you do your homework, you won't run into any issues while teaching in the UAE.\n