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By Rhiannon Williamson
Background Information to the United Arab Emirates and Dubai: -
Dubai is one of the seven states that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE);
it is located in the Middle East. The UAE borders the Gulf of Oman and the
Persian Gulf and is situated between Oman and Saudi Arabia. The United Arab
Emirates was formed in 1971 by the then ‘Trucial States' after their independence
from Britain.
The UAE is governed by a Supreme Council of Rulers, the council is made up
of the seven emirs and they appoint the prime minister and the cabinet for
the country. Despite being ultimately ruled by the Supreme Council, as with
the other six states, Dubai maintains a large degree of autonomy from the UAE
when it comes to general decision making for the city's development.
Oil was first discovered in the United Arab Emirates in the 1950s, before
that the country's economy was built on fishing and pearling, since 1962, when
Abu Dhabi became the first of the emirates to begin exporting the oil, the
country's economy has been completely transformed.
Sheikh Zayed, who has been the president of the UAE since its inception, quickly
understood the economic potential for the country from the oil industry. He
has continued to ensure that each of the emirates benefits from the oil generated
wealth, he has insisted on the reinvestment of oil revenues into the healthcare
system, the education system and the general national infrastructure.
The development of the oil industry has led to a large influx of foreign workers
to the UAE, in fact Dubai's population is the fastest growing in the world
and the foreign population makes up about three quarters of the entire UAE
population! As a direct result of this fact the UAE is one of the most liberal
countries in the Gulf, with other cultures and beliefs tolerated. Dubai has
also been quick to understand the need for diversification. Oil in the region
is only projected to last for about 30 years and so Dubai has successfully
embarked upon a major diversification program aimed to at developing industries
and commercial enterprises to take the place of oil as the predominate commodity
of the state's economy.
The climate in Dubai is sub-tropical and arid or desert like. The city enjoys
almost year round sunny blue skies. Rain is infrequent and if it does fall,
it falls in the winter.
Temperatures range from lows of 10°C to extreme summer highs of 48°C.
The average maximum daily temperature in January is 24°C and the average
maximum daily temperature in July is 41°C when humidity is very high.
About the city of Dubai
Dubai is recognised as the commercial and tourism capital of the UAE and is
globally regarded as one of the most sophisticated, futuristic and cosmopolitan
cities in the world, in fact Dubai is something of a phenomenon! It is an Arab
Muslim society with the fastest growing foreign population in the world, and
it has successfully developed harmony through ethnic diversity. It is a city
with unrivalled levels of economic energy and architectural ambition, a unique
city of contrasts where the most modern and architecturally stunning skyscrapers
stand alongside traditional beautiful Arabic structures.
The experiences and attractions available in Dubai are many and varied. From
the miles of immaculate beautiful white sandy beaches to the richly exotic
Arabian heritage, from the awe inspiring majesty of the desert to the lively
international bars, restaurants and nightclubs – a visitor to Dubai is guaranteed
an incredible, never to be forgotten experience. In 2003 Dubai was voted safest
holiday destination in the world by Conde Nast Traveller magazine, and in fact
Dubai is recognised globally as one of the safest cities in the world. Living
in Dubai you will find that it is virtually crime-free with the Dubai police
ensuring personal safety and security. Anyone found guilty of committing a
serious crime will be severely punished. Alcohol and drug related offences
are considered serious.
The economy of the city of Dubai is a mainly service-driven economy, with
every business amenity from banking to telecommunications offered. International
trading and industrialisation are actively encouraged through the provision
of favourable taxation advantages, offshore status, specialist free trade zones
etc. Recent innovative projects in the city include the foundation of Dubai
Media City and Dubai Internet City, bringing 21st century technology to Dubai
in the world's very first ‘Free Zone' wholly dedicated to e-business.
Day to Day Life in Dubai
Accommodation
If you are considering moving to Dubai one of your first thoughts will no
doubt be finding somewhere to live. This is not something you'll find too tricky,
there are many companies advertising rental accommodation in the classified
sections of local newspapers and they offer everything from private villas
to luxury apartments or even shared accommodation. Whatever your budgetary
and lifestyle requirements are, the specialist relocation and housing companies
will be sure to have something to assist you. If you prefer to find your accommodation
privately and avoid any agency costs, many people use supermarkets notice boards
to advertise or request accommodation.
In terms of which areas of the city offer the type of accommodation you are
after, Jumeirah, Umm Sequiem and the Safa Park area are upmarket and offer
villa-type accommodation. Satwa and Garhoud also offer villas but are slightly
cheaper. Rashidiya, Mirdif and Al Quoz are mainly Arabic areas and they actually
attract a lot of expats.
If you are after an apartment the most popular areas are around Bur Dubai,
the Sheikh Zayed Road with cheaper flats are available in Deira, Satwa and
Karama. Some of the more exclusive apartment developments offer shared gym
and pool facilities together with garaged car parking and the like.
Education
If you are considering moving to Dubai with family and are interested in finding
out about the education system and the availability and quality of schools,
one of the best ways is to ask around! Because of the numbers of expats in
Dubai there is actually a large number of primary and secondary schools from
which you can to choose. Most schools are private fee paying schools and really
the best way to get an idea of the reputation of a school is to ask friends,
colleagues and other expats who live in Dubai. Many of the schools also have
their own websites where you can learn about the curriculum they follow, after
school programs etc.
When it comes to enrolling your child in the UAE there are a few restrictions
you should be aware of. For example you are not allowed to change your child's
school during the academic year…unless approval is given by the Ministry of
Education and the circumstances are ‘special'. This means that you have to
make sure the school you choose for your child will definitely suit them. Another
restriction you should be aware of is that is you move to Dubai on or after
the 1st May each year you can't enrol your child into the schooling system
for that year. Instead you'll have to enrol for the beginning of the new school
year which is usually the beginning of September.
Health
Another consideration you may have if thinking about relocation to Dubai may
be the state of the health care system available there. It is fair to say that
Dubai has many very well equipped hospitals and surgeries. Dubai's Department
of Health and Medical Services runs Dubai, Rashid, Maktoum and Al Wasl hospitals,
with Dubai Hospital one of the best medical centres in the entire Middle East.
Al Wasl is a maternity and gynaecology hospital.
The Department of Health also run out patient clinics or surgeries and in
addition there are a number of quality private hospitals in Dubai offering
in and out patient facilities – e.g., The American and Welcare Hospitals. Overall
both the private and publicly offered health care services in Dubai are first
class.
Working
Working in Dubai you will enjoy a tax free salary and all shop goods can be
bought at tax free prices, making it an incredibly attractive city to international
workers and international companies. Job opportunities in Dubai and diverse
and plentiful, particularly since the additions of the Media and Internet cities…Dubai
is a city expanding its horizons at an unrivalled rate.
It is important to mention that some countries worldwide have tax laws enabling
them to tax their nationals on their worldwide income. It is important to check
your status with an international accountant before taking up employment in
the city.
Lifestyle
Dubai has a thriving expat population who make the most of their tax free
lifestyle in this amazing city of opportunity. The nightlife in the city is
excellent, with cocktail bars, wine bars, themed bars and typical British or
Irish pubs available, many of which offer food and entertainment as well.
High standard international cuisine is available in the city's many restaurants
and if you are looking for lively evening entertainment there are numerous
night clubs around the city. Some of the clubs attract international DJs; there
are also Middle Eastern, Indian and Asian nightclubs offering entertainment
with singers and dancers. Dubai also welcomes international touring singing
and entertainment acts which cater to all tastes and ages…from traditional
theatre groups to ballet, from opera to international rock and pop bands -
all are regular visitors to the United Arab Emirates.
You can be assured of an exciting pace of life in Dubai and a high standard
of living.
Rhiannon Williamson is an experienced publisher who has produced articles
for leading travel and tourism guides and financial magazines. Her specialist
knowledge about both travel and finance gives her site Shelter
Offshore the unique ability to literally cover every single aspect of
moving & living abroad - including the often less discussed offshore tax
advantages that can be available when leaving our homeland.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/ |
