🌍 the Arab world · City guide
Moving to Dubai: Language & First Steps
A global expat magnet in the UAE; residency (iqama/visa) is usually employer-sponsored.
Living in Dubai
A global expat magnet in the UAE where residency (the Emirates ID and a visa) is usually employer-sponsored; Dubai Marina, JLT, Downtown and Deira suit different budgets. Everything runs in English, though Arabic is appreciated and useful in government dealings.
To settle into Dubai you'll need Arabic — and the practical kind: local residency (an iqama or residence permit) and address/registration steps that vary by country, opening a bank account, and seeing a doctor. Here's what to do first and the phrases to learn.
Sources: Language Lab's Arabic curriculum & culture notes; city/official processes vary — confirm with Dubai's local authority. · Join the beta →
What to do in your first week in Dubai?
- Register your address / residency — local residency (an iqama or residence permit) and address/registration steps that vary by country.
- Open a local bank account so you can get paid and pay rent.
- Register with a local doctor (GP) and sort health insurance.
- Get a local SIM / mobile plan and set up any required digital ID.
- Learn your transport options — tickets, passes and routes.
Arabic phrasebooks for Dubai
For the full country picture, see our guide to moving to the Arab world.
Arrive in Dubai ready.
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