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What is it about? Relocating to Dubai with children may initially seem challenging and unpredictable. However, with careful planning, adapting to life in a foreign country can be successful.
What are the specifics? Adjustment tends to be easier for children under the age of three, as they have not yet developed a strong attachment to a particular place. For teenagers, the main challenge lies in language proficiency. In the Emirates, people primarily communicate in Arabic and English, which may differ from the level of English taught in Russian schools.
Dubai, with a metro population of 5.894 million, is an ultra-modern city offering a high standard of living, abundant transport options, excellent roads and numerous leisure facilities. However, there are specific aspects to consider when residing in Dubai and the UAE, including:
For many, these factors may seem like disadvantages, but this is not necessarily the case, as explained below.
The climate in this geographical location is indeed hot. During winter, daytime temperatures remain comfortable at around 23–25°C, dropping to approximately 15°C at night. When summer arrives, Dubai's temperatures often rise to 40°C and above. At this time, being outdoors can be uncomfortable.
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Nevertheless, the authorities in Dubai have equipped all public transport and its stops with air conditioning for the comfort of both residents and tourists. The same applies to taxis, shopping malls and entertainment centres. To adapt to the climate, it is best to relocate during the winter months.
The predominant religion in Dubai is Islam, which significantly influences the daily lives of its citizens. There is no obligation to change one's religion upon relocating, but it is important to familiarise oneself with certain prohibitions and rules. For example, it is forbidden to approach unfamiliar women or take their photographs.
This should be explained to children. Even asking for directions should be directed towards men. The specifics of a Muslim city can also be observed in trade practices. However, there are stores and restaurants offering European selections. It is advisable to refrain from displaying emotions in public places. Displays of affection, heated arguments, and other expressions of emotion are best kept private.
There are advantages to this way of life. Dubai boasts an extremely low crime rate, and paedophiles and predators risk receiving the death penalty for abusing children. This is another strong reason for families with children to consider relocating to the emirate.
Obtaining citizenship in Dubai is not necessary, as a resident visa suffices for most transactions in the country.
When relocating with children to any foreign country, including the UAE and Dubai, it is important to consider their temperament and character. Some children adapt more easily to relocation, while others find it more challenging. The age of the child also influences how easy or difficult the move to Dubai will be:
Before relocating to Dubai permanently, it is advisable to make a guest visit to the country to avoid awkward situations. Additionally, it is important to explain the cultural nuances of the UAE and Dubai to your children. Many people find the local culture foreign and unfamiliar.
The rules and laws of the country may differ significantly from what you are accustomed to, so it is worth discussing these differences in advance. Watching films about the UAE as a family can help both you and your children better understand local laws and customs.
Prior to moving to the UAE, you must undergo a medical examination in the country of which you are a citizen. Failure to do so will prevent you from obtaining a resident visa. A medical check-up will also be required upon arrival in the Emirates. Every expatriate must pay for treatment in local hospitals and clinics.
Health insurance is mandatory for residing in the UAE. Typically, it covers the whole family. With insurance, you have the right to choose the medical facility where you wish to receive care. The cost of insurance depends on the services included. The insurance policy does not cover dental services.
The main advantages include the following:
Among the disadvantages:
The government does not hinder relocation, especially for affluent, proactive individuals who can contribute positively to their new place of residence. Expats in Dubai have numerous opportunities.
There are several ways to relocate to Dubai with children:
Dubai, like the UAE as a whole, is renowned for its developed tourism sector, officially recognised as one of the most progressive in the world. Consequently, the cost of living there is very high.
Only those with a decent salary can afford a comfortable lifestyle and cover daily expenses. This is important for families considering moving to the UAE. If the primary breadwinner is the husband and his income does not exceed $2,720, the wife will also need to find employment.
The main applicant, upon receiving their visa, has one month to submit documents for family members to relocate to Dubai. Their income must be at least 3,000 AED, and having savings in addition to this amount is recommended. Family visas are available only for immediate relatives, and these relationships must be officially documented.
To obtain a visa, the following documents are required:
All documents must be notarised. If the applicant is applying for a visa for their parents, they must prove their capacity to work and support them. The minimum official salary must be no less than $5,400 per month. The residence must have at least two bedrooms.
Residents of the UAE can sponsor their children, who are entitled to resident status. The duration of their visa depends on the type of investor or sponsored individual and ranges from one to ten years.
The minimum monthly income for a male sponsor should be 4,000 AED (1,100 USD or 79,800 RUB) or 3,000 AED (816 USD or 59,800 RUB), but additional living expenses must also be covered.
If the family is supported by a working woman who is an engineer, teacher, nurse, doctor, or holds another medical-related profession, she must earn at least 10,000 AED (2,730 USD or 199,500 RUB) or 8,000 AED (2,200 USD or 159,600 RUB) per month and additional living costs must also be paid. If the woman works in another field, she must earn more than 10,000 AED (2,730 USD or 199,500 RUB) and she needs approval from the DNRD (Department of Naturalization and Residency Dubai).
It is important to note that if the couple has a daughter, she can be sponsored until marriage. Sons can only be supported until the age of 18 (with exceptions for illness), while students studying in the UAE or other countries can receive financial support up to the age of 21.
To arrange sponsorship, the following documents must be provided:
The processing time takes approximately 22 working days. The average cost of sponsorship is 2,000 AED (545 USD or 39,900 RUB).
Important point! To save costs, you can obtain an entry permit for one family member while they are abroad. This costs 490 AED (135 USD or 9,800 RUB). Accepting a dependent inside the country costs 1,140 AED (310 USD or 22,750 RUB). Changing the status will cost 640 AED (175 USD or 12,800 RUB).
Besides the expenses mentioned above, when moving to the UAE, it is important to consider several additional factors. These include finding housing or renting it, utility bills and so on.
According to data from Knight Frank, as of 2021, the number of residential units in Dubai is approximately 550,000. More than 70% of these are rented. Since renting accommodation in Dubai is extremely popular, prices are often very high.
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It should be noted that rental costs are set by RERA and cannot exceed these standards. The final price is influenced by many factors, including location, district, level of infrastructure development and more.
Rent is often paid by bank cheques: either one for the whole year or every three months (2, 4, 6 and 12 cheques). The more cheques you use, the higher the likelihood that the landlord will increase the annual living cost.
In addition, you must pay 5% of the annual rental cost for an unfurnished apartment and 10% for a furnished one. Moreover, the tenant must pay the agent's commission of 10% of the annual property price according to the contract.
The main provider of household services is the company DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority). Dubai differs from CIS countries in that utilities are not provided continuously but on demand.
As soon as you move into new property, you will be required to submit an application to DEWA for connection of necessary services. The cost of connecting to electricity and water supply varies from 100 to 300 AED (27–81 USD or 1994–5984 RUB). The price may vary depending on the meter.
In addition, you will need to pay: 10 AED for registration, the same amount for the first briefing and another 10 AED for implementation. To connect utilities, you need to make a security deposit of 2000 AED (545 USD or 39,896 RUB) for rent and 4000 AED (1100 USD / 79,793 RUB) for villa accommodation.
The main telecommunications providers in Dubai are companies such as Etisalat and du. The standard home internet package in the city costs up to 300 AED (85 USD, 5984 RUB) monthly. The cost of installing necessary equipment is approximately 199 AED (54 USD, 3790 RUB). Transferring the connection to another location will cost around 150 AED (55 USD, 2992 RUB).
Users can obtain both broadband internet access and a combination of interactive television and internet access. The cost of services from the provider is influenced by the inflation rate in the UAE.
Opening any type of bank account in Dubai is available to representatives of all nationalities. Deposits are free of charge. You can open an account even without resident status, with differences in chequebooks, monetary limits and more.
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You should keep in mind that when making purchases outside Dubai using foreign currencies, a standard conversion fee set by Visa and MasterCard, as well as a currency exchange fee of 1–3% of the transfer, will be charged. If the transaction has international status, the commission may vary from 0 to 100 AED (27 USD or 1994 RUB) excluding VAT.
Moving baggage from one country to another requires significant expenses. Due to Dubai being located at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula, cargo must travel a long distance to reach its new destination. Therefore, many expats wishing to save money opt for furnished rental accommodation or buy furniture upon arrival.
If you still wish to relocate to Dubai with your own furnishings, appliances and other belongings, they can be transported by air or sea.
On average, transporting movable property from Russia to Dubai takes:
Household goods and personal items are often cleared without customs duties, but you may need to present a residence visa in advance. Customs tax in each emirate may vary, but if the inspector decides that the goods are being imported for sale, they will be taxed at 5% of the cargo value. This amount will be refunded upon obtaining a residence visa.
Important! Try to keep a list of all shipped items, original insurance policies, invoices and payment receipts until the cargo is delivered. Additionally, you must be present during the customs clearance of packages.
It is also worth noting that importing pirated materials, poppy and its seeds, narcotic substances, gambling equipment and tools, and any printed materials criticizing the Islamist movement into the UAE, particularly Dubai, is prohibited. The full list of prohibited items is available on the UAE government website. Importing tobacco and alcohol is also taboo in Dubai.
This term refers to a closed elite community by Emaar Properties, known as the Arab equivalent of Beverly Hills. It consists of approximately 600 gated villas and an 18-hole golf course named Montgomerie Championship. The residencies in this area are considered among the most expensive in the Emirates.
Originally conceived as a place for peaceful living in Dubai for wealthy families with children, it offers large pools and parks with luxurious landscaping designed for walking. For golf enthusiasts, there are two clubs within the community: Montgomerie and Emirates Golf Club.
Image source: Dubai Properties Expert / shutterstock.com
Near Emirates Hills, there are several elite secondary educational institutions, including Dubai International Academy, JSS International School, Regent International School, and ES Dubai for English language learning. If there are toddlers in the family, they can be enrolled in such nurseries as Raffles Nursery Emirates Hills, Raffles Nursery Hattan Gardens, or Dewdrops Nursery.
The community is geared towards those who own private vehicles. There are no metro or public transport stops near Emirates Hills. The closest metro stations, Dubai Marina and Al Khali Metro Station, are an hour's walk or a 10-minute drive away.
The coastal district of Dubai is recognized as elite and stretches along the sea for more than 5.5 km. The wide beach area and numerous amenities make this place extremely attractive for affluent tenants and wealthy investors. As early as 2020, the district was included in the top-4 most attractive premium villas in Dubai.
Both purchasing and renting villas or townhouses are possible there. However, as the district is one of the oldest in the emirate, much of it is not a freehold zone. This means that foreigners can purchase only part of the villa. But it can be fully rented without restrictions.
Additionally, this district offers adjacent villas with 3 to 8 bedrooms. Each has its own style, from colonial to ultra-modern. Some homes are equipped with backyards, servant quarters, swimming pools, and underground parking.
This district is dotted with villa complexes. For example, Roda Boutique Villas, Sidra Village, Al Manara Village. Regarding infrastructure for large families, Umm Suqeim can offer dozens of schools and progressive clinics.
A closed community covering 1.7 sq km with spacious villas and premium apartments. Some buildings rank among the most expensive in the emirate.
The main distinctive feature of the complex is its focus on ecology. Approximately 60% of its area is covered with greenery: over 500 varieties of plants, numerous water bodies and landscaped gardens.
The concept of health and interaction with nature is reflected in the infrastructure: on the complex's premises, there are elite SPA salons, namely Heart & Soul and the Body Language wellness centre. Business schools and healthcare facilities may also be opened.
The educational branch of the complex includes such institutions as Kids Spot Nursery Barari, Georges school, Dunecrest American School, GEMS Winchester School Dubai.
This community is also oriented towards car owners. It cannot be reached by metro. Public transport stops are located quite far away. Since Al Barari is close to the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), you can easily reach any location in Dubai by car from this point.
One of the most progressive districts of Dubai. Within its 7.2 sq km, residential areas coexist with technology parks, trading venues, and numerous offices. The district offers gated villa complexes and many skyscrapers with countless apartments.
Housing there can easily be found for both young couples and families with children. The latter are offered villas with 3–6 bedrooms or apartments with 3 bedrooms.
For relocating to Dubai with children, many families choose the Dubai Silicon Oasis district. The reason for this is the developed social infrastructure. For children there are nurseries (Toddlers International Nursery and Emirates British Nursery), general education schools (Gems Wellington Academy, Vernus International School, Yannick’s School), and an art school (Melodica Music & Dance Institute).
Nearby is the Academic City university campus spanning 12 sq km, home to about 30 different universities.
Image source: Master1305 / shutterstock.com
For healthcare in the Silicon Oasis district there is the dental clinic Magnum Clinic, while a few minutes' drive away in Academic City is the Fakeeh University Hospital.
In terms of public transport, visitors to the district can use buses No. 50, 320, 367, X25. The nearest metro stations (Al Jadaf, Creek Metro Station, World Trade Centre) are a 20-minute drive away.
Before buying an apartment and relocating to Dubai with children, it is important to determine where and how they will study. Since Dubai is welcoming to foreigners, education has the highest degree of adaptation for them.
Before starting school, children undergo a two-stage preparation process. Attending nurseries is not mandatory. Usually, children aged from 3–6 months to 4 years are enrolled in them. Nurseries are luxurious villas with lush vegetation where experienced nannies look after the children. Safety is the top priority there.
At the age of 4 to 6, children move on to kindergartens. Skipping this stage is not recommended as it is where children socialize and prepare for school. Some kindergartens operate for only half-day, so it is advisable to choose an institution for full-day care or hire a nanny for the remaining hours.
All preschoolers receive education in English. Any school can offer transportation of students to their homes. Nevertheless, using the metro in the evening is much easier as traffic jams are common on the roads.
When it comes to school education, Dubai offers numerous programs for expatriates. A child can study under the British, American, or international curriculum. Compliance with programs and learning conditions is monitored by a specialized body.
The cost of one year of education in the UAE (kindergarten) is 27,000 AED (7,350 USD, 538,700 RUB). Tuition at a good school costs 30,000 AED, which equals 598,600 RUB or 8,200 USD. University education will cost 60,000 AED (16,335 USD, 1,200,000 RUB).
School activities in the UAE are regulated by the Ministry of Education and the authorities of each emirate separately. Keep the following tips in mind:
To enrol in FS2 or KG1, a child must be at least 4 years old.
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During the transfer to one of the UAE schools, parents must give permission for the child's education in Arabic or English, provide a school reference letter and grade report card.
Children who start studying in a new school after the first days of September will need to repeat last year's material.
Institutions offering IB-diploma, GCSE, and A level programs, as well as British (10–13 grades) and American (9–12 grades) curriculums, are in high demand. If you plan to enrol your child after the school year begins, there may not be an open spot available.
To make the relocation with children as smooth as possible, parents should ensure they have positive emotions. All conditions for this are present, as the new city is full of entertainment.
Here are some examples: the Dubai Miracle Garden amusement park with numerous outdoor playgrounds for active children's leisure, the Al Marmoum Camel Racetrack for camel racing, the Dubai Garden Centre — an oasis with an abundance of exotic flora and fauna.
Dubai also offers plenty of entertainment for adults. This includes nightclubs with frequent performances by world-famous DJs, a remarkable restaurant immersing guests in virtual reality, visiting the iconic Burj Khalifa, and strolling through the largest aquarium.
There are countless options. Water sports enthusiasts can try diving, surfing, and snorkelling. The list of leisure activities is extensive, and it's best to experience everything firsthand.
If possible, it is better to relocate with children from Russia during winter. This way, the child will have time to acclimate to the new climate before the heat arrives. If the whole family hasn't moved yet, the child can spend the summer with grandparents to avoid the heat.
To quickly place your child in a good institution, follow a clear algorithm: start with an introductory visit similar to an open house day. During this time, the principal will show how the school is organized and explain the curriculum used.
Next, if there are available spots, the child will be asked to take a test in English demonstrating language proficiency, knowledge of physics and mathematics, general intelligence, literacy, and key personal qualities. The test has both written and oral parts. It usually takes from one to one and a half hours, during which a specialist from the admissions committee will communicate with the child.
Entrance exams for schools also come with a fee. The cost of the tests is approximately 525 AED (about 14,000 RUB). It is not necessary to retake the test in every school — you can do it once, send the results to several schools, and join their waiting lists. If the scores are approved, the principal of the chosen educational institution will contact you directly.
Despite the fact that living in Dubai is not cheap, moving to this UAE city will open up many opportunities for both you and your children.
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