The flurry of things to do immediately after landing has started to calm down, but there are still a number of things to get organised in order to get your new life in the UAE under way.
By now, your visa should be sorted, but what else do you need to know?
Driving licence
Many people in the UAE can get around on public transport for the first few months while they get their new lives in order. Public buses and metro lines are well maintained and affordably priced, meaning many need never drive at all.
But if you would like to get behind the wheel, there are some things to take into account. If you are from a select number of countries then all that's required is to transfer your home licence to a UAE licence.
If you are not from one of the listed countries and need to take your test again. Here's a complete guide to getting a new driving licence in the UAE.
Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer a Golden Chance option where – as long as you pass the theory test – you can go straight to the practical without having to take the required lessons. If you fail this then you will need to take the mandatory lessons before taking it again.
Buying or renting a car
Buying or renting a car in a new country can be daunting, but knowing some tips and tricks before making a purchase should help.
Many new arrivals will choose to first rent a car as they get used to the roads, and hiring a car is a great way to first explore the country.
Buying a used car has traditionally been seen as a cheaper alternative to obtaining a new model off the production line.
Prices can vary throughout the year, with Ramadan deals being particularly popular, but it's important to not fall victim to any financial mistakes when making the big purchase. Here are five financial mistakes to avoid when buying a car in the UAE.
Electric vehicles are an increasingly popular option. Here's our map of EV charging stations in Dubai.
Cars can be a big financial purchase, so make sure you keep your car safe during the summer heat.
Making friends
It can be daunting living in a new country where the only people you know are your colleagues, but we've got a handy guide to making new friends. Whether it's joining a netball or rugby team, or downloading an app, there are plenty of ways to meet people in the Emirates.
Finding a place of worship
For those looking for a mosque in the UAE, you can be assured there is always one nearby. Here's our list of 20 of the most architecturally impressive mosques to visit.
The UAE is committed to religious tolerance and hosts various houses of worship. Here's our list of temples, churches, and synagogues in the Emirates.
Furnishing your home
Once you've settled on somewhere to live, you'll likely want to furnish your home.
Here's our comprehensive guide to buying furniture in the UAE, including second hand and budget options to high end and luxury pieces.
See you soon...
We hope this has helped you feel more at home in the Emirates. When the time comes, make sure to check out our next guide: Living in the UAE: Settling In
Previous guides:
Before Moving to the UAE
Just Arrived in the UAE
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Vaccine Progress in the Middle East
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Why it pays to compare
A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.
Route 1: bank transfer
The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.
Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount
Total received: €4,670.30
Route 2: online platform
The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.
Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction
Total received: €4,756
The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
The specs: Aston Martin DB11 V8 vs Ferrari GTC4Lusso T
Price, base: Dh840,000; Dh120,000
Engine: 4.0L V8 twin-turbo; 3.9L V8 turbo
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic; seven-speed automatic
Power: 509hp @ 6,000rpm; 601hp @ 7,500rpm
Torque: 695Nm @ 2,000rpm; 760Nm @ 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 9.9L / 100km; 11.6L / 100km
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What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
