Dubai is one of the top multicultural cities in the world. Many consider it more liberal and advanced than most of its neighbouring countries. Due to these reasons, Dubai has remained one of the top destinations of foreigners interested in pursuing a career or expanding their businesses.
But even though Dubai is a liberal city, if you are moving to this emirate to work or manage your business, you will still encounter challenges adjusting to the new lifestyle. Adapting to life in Dubai, therefore, can take time. However, you need to adjust to living in this city as soon as possible so you can focus on achieving your career or business goals and enjoy your stay.
Best Ways to Adjust Quickly to Life in Dubai
1. Find the Right Home in Dubai
Living in a home where you feel comfortable, safe and secure is a must if you want to adapt to your new life in Dubai. Your flat or villa in Dubai serves as your home away from home. You can design and decorate it any way you want to turn it into your happy place, where you are reminded of the joyful memories you have with the family and friends you have at home.
Your home will function as your haven where you can relax and surround yourself with positive energy at the end of a busy day and when you feel homesick. With these reasons in mind, you have to find the best flat or villa to rent in Dubai. If you are leaning towards getting a flat, there are several Dubai Festival City apartments for rent which you can consider.
Located beside the Dubai Creek, this is the emirate’s premier residential and commercial community. It’s home to residential properties, retail spaces, educational institutions, and sport and recreational hubs. The apartments here are spacious, equipped with modern features, and provide amazing views of the Dubai Creek and skyline. The buildings are also set in landscaped gardens, giving you another place to relax.
Dubai Festival City also has a gym, swimming pool, supermarket, and other amenities that make living here convenient, comfortable and delightful. Lastly, Dubai Festival City is within reasonable distance from the Dubai International Airport, Dubai Academic City, Business Bay, Al Garhoud, Jumeirah, the Dubai Marina, Nad Shamma, Umm Ramool and Ras Al Khor.
Living here, ensures you are near your place of work, reducing your travel time and expenses significantly. Once you have found your home, you can take additional steps to decorate it using the things you brought from home, fabrics, rugs and other decorative items that catch your fancy.
2. Be Sensitive Towards Different Religions
Since the UAE is a multicultural city, expect to meet people with different religious beliefs. Islam is the predominant religion in Dubai and the rest of the UAE. As such, you have to be accustomed to the sound of the call to prayer from various mosque loudspeakers at certain times of the day.
Also, be respectful of Muslims during their prayer times, wherever they and you are. One important rule to remember is to avoid walking in front of and staring at anyone praying. Aside from Islam, you will also encounter people practising Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism and other religions. Even if you don’t understand or share their philosophy, always be respectful to avoid causing any problems and getting involved in disputes.
3. Know the Important Rules you Have to Follow
Although Dubai is a liberal place and accepting of different cultures, there are many written and unwritten rules and laws that you have to follow to avoid finding yourself in any trouble here. Below are some of the most important things you always need to keep in mind when in Dubai:
- Making rude hand gestures and using foul language is frowned upon and can lead to arrests.
- Drinking alcohol in public is prohibited, except in licensed restaurants, cafes and bars.
- Cooking and eating pork in public is not allowed, except in some hotels and restaurants.
- Men are not supposed to offer their hand to an Emirati woman to shake. However, you have to shake her hand if the lady offers her hand to you.
- Men and women need to dress modestly – swimwear and skin-baring clothes are only allowed in swimming pools and beaches.
4. Learn Some Basic Arabic Words and Phrases
Although English is widely used in Dubai, it pays to know a little bit of Arabic too, even if it’s only some of the most commonly used words and terms. Doing so enables you to mingle with the local people and gives you the chance to impress people you want to get into good graces with.
You can learn basic salutations and commonly used words online, through an app or by buying a small guide book. If you want to be fluent in Arabic, sign up for an online or in-classroom class. There are many language centres in Dubai that offer Arabic language courses.
5. Know Where to Get Medical and Emergency Help
Knowing who to call and where to get help if you get hurt or find yourself in an emergency is a crucial part of feeling safe in a new place. Look up online or ask your colleagues or neighbours the emergency number of the nearby police, hospital, ambulance service provider and fire station.
Make sure you also know the number and address of the hospitals and dental clinics nearest your home. Lastly, ensure you save the contact details of your nearest embassy or consulate just in case the need arises. This way you can call on people in authority to give you consular assistance.
6. Go Out and Mingle with the Dubai Locals
Lastly, Dubai is home to various attractions that are too good to pass up like the Dubai Dolphinarium. As such, entertain yourself and alleviate your homesickness by visiting these places during your free time. Whether you want to spend a day at the beach, go on a food crawl, indulge in retail therapy, or commune with nature, you can do all these things in Dubai during weekends and holidays.
You can also do these activities with your colleagues or friends you have recently met so you can bond together and create new bonds. Lastly, regardless of whether you feel lonely, always stay in touch with your family and friends. Their voice and words of support will help you deal with all the changes in your life and help you adjust to your new life in Dubai faster.
