September 6, 2025 | Dubai: So you’ve landed in the UAE, welcome! Whether it was for work, lifestyle, or a new adventure, this Newcomers guide to Dubai is here to ease your transition. With so many things to sort, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, which is why we’ve pulled together practical moving to Dubai tips and a simple Dubai arrival checklist. From SIM cards to bank accounts, this is everything you need to know in your first weeks.

Stay Connected From Day One

First on the Dubai arrival checklist: pick up a local SIM card. You’ll find counters from Etisalat, du, and Virgin Mobile at the airport itself. This quick step saves you from hefty roaming charges and gives you immediate access to maps, ride-hailing apps, and WhatsApp. For anyone flipping through a guide to Dubai, staying connected isn’t just about calls, it’s about navigating your new city stress-free.

Get Around Like a Local

Next up, transport. One of the best moving to Dubai tips is to buy a nol card, which works across metro, buses, trams, and even water taxis. The silver card is the most popular and affordable, while gold gives you access to premium carriages. Adding this to your Dubai checklist means you’ll quickly get familiar with the city’s excellent public transport network.

Sort Out the Essentials: Emirates ID and Health Insurance

A Newcomers guide to Dubai wouldn’t be complete without mentioning your Emirates ID. This little card is essential for almost everything, renting an apartment to opening a bank account, or even setting up utilities. Your employer usually helps, but keeping tabs on the process ensures there are no delays.

Alongside that, check your health insurance coverage. Employers are legally required to provide a plan, but it’s worth double-checking the details. One of the smartest moving to Dubai tips is to confirm coverage for your dependents early, so everyone is protected from day one.

Open a Bank Account and Manage Your Money

You can’t build a life without a local bank account. Popular options include Emirates NBD, Mashreq, and international names like HSBC. Bring your passport, Emirates ID (or registration slip if it’s still processing), and a salary certificate. This should be near the top of your Dubai arrival checklist since it simplifies salary transfers, rent payments, and daily expenses.

A Newcomers guide to Dubai often reminds people that rent here is usually paid with post-dated cheques, so setting up banking quickly helps you avoid delays when signing your lease.

Find a Place That Feels Like Home

Housing costs vary widely depending on location. From vibrant Downtown to family-friendly Mirdif or budget-friendly Jumeirah Village Circle, there’s something for everyone. One of the most important moving to Dubai tips is to factor in not just rent, but deposits, utilities, and annual payment terms. Your Dubai arrival checklist should also include checking tenancy contracts carefully, it’s standard practice for landlords to give 90 days’ notice before raising rents.

Build a Social Life and Explore

A big part of settling in is meeting people. Whether through fitness classes, social clubs, or coworking spaces, you’ll quickly find how easy it is to connect here. Every Newcomers guide to Dubai will tell you the same: this city thrives on networking. At the same time, don’t forget to explore the sights, Burj Khalifa, beaches, desert safaris because discovering your new city helps it feel like home faster.

Make Dubai Yours

Adjusting to a new country takes time, but with the right preparation, it can feel seamless. Keeping this Dubai arrival checklist handy, following practical moving to Dubai tips, and leaning on a friendly guide to Dubai will make your first weeks easier. From paperwork to people, the city is set up to welcome you, it just takes a little organization to unlock its full potential.