Dubai
United Arab Emirates · 33°C / 91°F AQ 56

Dubai

Businesses, recommendations and stories from the neighbors next door

Starter Pack

Essential guide for settling in Dubai

Curated recommendations from local expats
Human Connections

Connections from people in Dubai

A stranger who helped, a friend lost touch with, someone worth thanking
Safety Map

Community safety reports

Warnings, tips & scam alerts pinned on an interactive map

Latest Activity

What's happening in Dubai

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Q&A Legal & Financial 1h ago

Dubai residency issues with Emirates check-in?

I've been a UAE resident since 2025 and travel frequently to Dubai. Lately, when flying from India to Dubai with Emirates, I've been having issues with the check-in process due to my residency status. They say I need approval from UAE immigration before I can board, which takes around 40 minutes to an hour. This doesn't happen when I enter or exit the UAE through the e-gates. My residency is valid until 2027. Has anyone experienced similar issues or knows what might be causing this? If so, were you able to get it resolved permanently?

K Kristine Castillo
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Business Directory

82 local businesses and services in Dubai

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Recommendations 5 Q&A 6 Blogs Classifieds

Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai

Common questions from expats moving to or living in Dubai

What is the cost of living in Dubai?

The cost of living in Dubai varies depending on your lifestyle. Generally, expats find housing, food, and services more affordable compared to many Western countries. Check our Housing & Relocation section for rental prices and our local business directory for service costs.

How is healthcare in Dubai for newcomers?

Dubai offers both public and private healthcare options. Many expats opt for private healthcare or international health insurance for comprehensive coverage. Browse our Health & Wellness directory to find doctors, clinics, and specialists recommended by the community.

Is Dubai safe for newcomers?

Like any destination, Dubai has safe neighborhoods popular with expats and areas that require more caution. Check our interactive Safety Map to see real-time warnings, tips, and scam alerts pinned by the community. We also recommend reading our blogs for firsthand experiences from local expats.

How do I find housing in Dubai?

Finding housing in Dubai can be done through local real estate agents, online listings, and our classifieds section. Many expats recommend visiting first for a short stay to explore different neighborhoods before committing to a long-term rental.

What visa do I need to live in Dubai?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and intended length of stay. Common options include tourist visas, temporary residency, and retirement visas. We recommend consulting with immigration lawyers listed in our directory for personalized guidance on the best visa pathway for your situation.

Have more questions about living in Dubai?

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Living in Dubai

Dubai is the largest city in the UAE and its most international one, with expats making up the large majority of residents. The visa routes are the draw: employer-sponsored residence, the 10-year Golden Visa, remote-work visas and property-linked residence all exist, and there is no personal income tax. Rent is usually paid in one to four cheques a year, health insurance is mandatory and the dirham is pegged to the US dollar. Summers regularly pass 40°C, which moves daily life indoors from June to September, and most people rely on the metro, taxis or a car rather than walking.

  • No personal income tax, dirham pegged to the US dollar
  • Residence through an employer, the Golden Visa, remote-work visas or property
  • Rent paid in one to four cheques a year
  • Health insurance is mandatory for residents
  • Summer heat above 40°C from June to September
  • Metro, taxis and cars, with few walkable neighbourhoods