Moving to Dubai with Children

Moving to another country is always a complex and responsible decision. It is even more difficult to decide for those who already have children, as the number of nuances to consider increases significantly. However, it is much more pleasant when this move is to Dubai, where infrastructure is maximally developed and the prospects for both parents and the child are obvious.

The UAE is an amazing country that has evolved from deserts and isolated settlements into one of the most advanced nations in the world in record time. Foreigners have played a significant role in this process in recent years. The UAE attracts investors from all over the world with favorable conditions. This allows the country to remain a leader and investors to preserve and grow their capital. The state is most interested in such immigrants, although moving is accessible to other foreigners as well.

How to Move to Dubai with Children

Relocating to Dubai as a family requires certain preparation. It all comes down to obtaining a specific Residence Visa. To apply for it, one of the following conditions must be met:

• Purchase real estate for an amount of at least $205,000 (this can be a single property or multiple units);
• Secure employment with a salary of at least $2,720;
• Open your own business within a Free Zone or outside of it.

But how can you move to Dubai with children using this visa? It does not matter which parent obtains it. A father can bring his wife and children under his sponsorship, and a woman, in turn, can become a sponsor for her husband and children. It is important to note that $2,720 is an average salary for Dubai, and finding a job with such a paycheck is relatively easy. However, it is unlikely that an entire family can live on just one such salary in the city; therefore, it is better if both adults in the family are employed. Life in Dubai is expensive.

After obtaining the visa, an expat must submit documents for their family within 60 days. The fact of kinship must be confirmed with documentation. Furthermore, this right only extends to the spouse and children; it will not be possible to relocate other relatives under a standard residence visa. This is not the case for the 10-year Golden Visa, which allows one to become a sponsor not only for the family but also for domestic staff: nannies, tutors, personal drivers, and chefs.

Features of Living with Children in Dubai

Dubai is a modern city with a high quality of life, a developed transport system, and infrastructure full of places for entertainment and leisure. However, one should pay attention to the specific features of living in the UAE and Dubai in particular:

• The hot climate;
• Strict Islamic laws;
• The inability to obtain citizenship.

To many, these may seem like disadvantages, but upon closer look, that is not quite the case. The climate in Dubai is indeed hot. In winter, the temperature ranges from 23–25°C during the day to 15°C at night, which is quite comfortable. In summer, however, the air temperature often exceeds 40°C, even at night. Being under the open sun in such cases is extremely undesirable. Nevertheless, the Dubai authorities have taken maximum care of the safety and comfort of residents and tourists. All transport stops are equipped with air conditioning, as is the transport itself, taxis, and shopping and entertainment centers. To acclimatize properly, it is recommended to move during the winter period.

The main religion in the UAE is Islam. It introduces adjustments to daily life. No one is obliged to change their religion when moving, but it is worth familiarizing yourself with certain prohibitions and rules. For example, one cannot approach or photograph unfamiliar women. It is important to explain this to children as well. Even innocent questions about directions should be asked to a male. It is forbidden to take photos or videos of road accidents or other criminal events; this carries a heavy fine. The specifics of a Muslim country are also visible in commerce. Pork is only sold in special non-halal sections of large supermarkets, and alcohol in Dubai is sold in certain discreet shops around the city. One should also restrain emotions in public places; kisses, loud exclamations, and other displays of temperament are best left for when you are at home.

There are also benefits to such strict legislation. Crime in the country is at an extremely low level. Serious offenders can face the death penalty. Therefore, the country is unequivocally safe for family life. As for the inability to obtain citizenship, a residence visa is sufficient for exercising most rights in the UAE.

Education in the UAE

Before buying an apartment in Dubai and moving there with your family, you should consider where and how the children will study. Since Dubai constantly welcomes foreigners for permanent residence, the education system is maximally adapted for them. It should be understood that there are no free public schools in Dubai like the ones common in Europe. All schools are paid.

Preschool education in the UAE is divided into two parts. Nurseries are not mandatory. They accommodate children from 3–6 months up to 4 years old. Often, a nursery is a luxurious villa with plenty of greenery. Nannies look after the little ones, play with them, and ensure their safety. From ages 4 to 6, children move to Kindergarten. Skipping this stage is highly discouraged, as children not only spend their leisure time there but also prepare for school. Many kindergartens only operate half-day, so if parents are busy longer, they should arrange a full-day garden or hire a nanny for the remaining time.

A key feature of preschool education is that English is the language of instruction. Additionally, there is a transfer option where children are driven home. However, in the evening, it is more convenient to use the metro, as roads are too congested and one can get stuck in traffic. Instead of a kindergarten, little ones can also be enrolled in a school, as most schools accept children from age 4. Children will undergo a foundation stage course before the start of the primary school program.

Regarding school education, various international programs are available. You can choose British, American, Australian, Indian, or other curricula. The compliance of programs and teaching conditions is monitored by a special body—the KHDA. Each school receives a rating according to its level (from “Good” to “Outstanding”). This helps parents choose the best school for their children. Most schools provide discounts if two, three, or four children from the same family attend the same school. There are also additional discounts when paying with cards from certain banks (e.g., FAB). Costs range from $6,000 to $22,000 per year. Payment can be made in full for the year or on a per-semester basis.

Medicine in Dubai

Another crucial aspect when moving to another country with children is healthcare. In the case of Dubai, the level of medicine is quite high. The city has many hospitals, specialized clinics, dental offices, and pharmacies. However, medicine for expats in Dubai is paid. To receive all medical services, it is necessary to arrange health insurance. Often, it is issued for the whole family at once. The cost depends on the clinic and the list of services included. Dentistry is usually not covered by insurance. On average, the cost of good insurance covering decent medical institutions is about $800–$1,000 per person per year. It is important to know that during the residence visa application process, you will have to undergo a medical fitness test (blood test and chest X-ray).

Housing in Dubai

To obtain a residence visa, you can buy a villa in Dubai or other real estate for an amount of at least $205,000 USD. It is best to conduct the transaction through an agency, as this eliminates unnecessary risks and allows you to find the most profitable housing option. Brokers from Al Hayat Almushreqa Real Estate will select the ideal option and prepare all necessary documents. You can live in the purchased property yourself or rent it out while renting a more suitable option for your family elsewhere. You can also browse the property catalog in Dubai.

The cost of renting housing in Dubai depends on the type of property, its area, and location. The cheapest options start at $1,200 USD per month for a studio. The average price for a two-bedroom apartment in Dubai in the center is $2,800 per month, while in elite areas, it is closer to $5,000. Despite all the nuances and the high cost of living in Dubai, moving to the UAE is unequivocally a good investment in a happy and dignified future for your children.