Introduction The city has grown rapidly in recent years from little more than a fishing port to a wealthy and decidedly cosmopolitan and modern location. Local Emirates make up a mere 22% of the population with Indians, Pakistanis, Iranians and Southeast Asians and latterly westerners choosing to make Dubai their home. The population remains predominately Muslim. However, in contrast to growing hostility towards western values elsewhere in the Middle East, ethnic and religious tensions are rare and Dubai has gained a reputation as something of a safe haven where westerners can go about their business without fear of attack, and crime in general is very low. Dubai Map

WHY DUBAI?
"What's good for business is good for Dubai. "Dubai's crown prince Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum is passionate about business development and his government has launched dozens of initiatives to attract business and talent. These include ports and shipping initiatives, a favorable tax environment, a stunning airport, and customer-focused public agencies. These also include Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City, two business development zones created to attract international firms and cultivate regional talent. Dubai's initiatives have drawn the likes of CNN and Microsoft.

Dubai's infrastructure, openness and effective government services make the emirate the most appealing place to do business in the Gulf (and perhaps in the entire Middle East). Dubai's proximity to India makes the port a natural point of access to the subcontinent. The subcontinent and the Gulf are markets that multinational firms cannot ignore - many see Dubai as the best place from which to serve them. Pepsi, for example, keeps its regional headquarters in Dubai.
  
     
NO STAMP DUTY
NO CAPITAL GAINS TAX
NO INHERITANCE TAX
NO VAT
RENEWABLE RESIDENCY VISA FOR PROPERTY HOLDERS
PROPERTIES FREEHOLD
THE SUN ALWAYS SHINES
SALARIES ARE TAX-FREE 
SHOPPING AND LEISURE FACILITIES RIVAL ANY OTHER MAJOR GLOBAL CITY

Basic Information
The United Arab Emirates, UAE is a constellation of seven unique Emirates that all share a sense of common goals and destiny.
The seven emirates are:
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Ras Al-Khaimah and Fujairah

Visas
In general all visitors except GCC nationals are required to have a visa to enter Dubai. If you are coming to work in Dubai, you need to acquire a resident Visa. If you already have a job and your company applied for a resident visa for you, then your visa should be at the airport at the time of your arrival and a residence visa will be stamped on your passport. On the other hand, if you are coming in search for a job, then you need to obtain a visit visa which is valid for 60 days but can be renewed for a further 30 days upon paying a fee of Dhs 500 at the Department of Immigration. Alternatively, a ‘visa run’ can be made, which entails flying to Doha or Muscat at a cost of approximately Dhs 300, and re-entering Dubai on a new visit visa. In order to work in Dubai, open a bank account or lease accommodation you must have a residence visa. There are two types of residence visas; one that your company sponsors for employment, and the other one a relative sponsors you to live in UAE. A residence visa will allow you to sponsor your spouse, children, and parents, if they are coming with you. In order to have a family residence visa, your salary must exceed Dhs. 4,000 a month.

Language
Arabic is the national language but English is widely spoken and used. A large number of expatriates are from the Philippines, Iran, India, Russia etc., which makes a variety of other languages available as well.

Climate
Far from being the boiling caldron of popular imagination, weather for the majority of the year (October-June) is lovely. It rains only a couple of times a year, mainly in winter (average 13 centimeters a year). Temperatures range from a low of about 10 degrees Celsius to a high of 48 degrees Celsius.

Currency
The United Arab Emirates currency is called the Dirham.
Arab Emirate Dirham (=Dhs or AED)

Transport
Cars and Taxis are the main forms of transport. Public transportation is available as well. A new metro is being developed and expected to be done by 2010.

Driving License
Until you obtain a residence visa, most nationalities are able to rent a car if they possess driving license from their country of origin, or an International license. For private vehicles, temporary Dubai license must be obtained from the Traffic Police, which is valid for one month. A privately registered vehicle cannot be driven on an International license as the vehicle is insured for UAE license holders only.
Once on resident visa, Individuals would have to obtain a UAE driver license. Those who have a driver's license from countries in America, Europe, a few other countries can transfer their driver's license to a UAE driver's license easily.

Documents required for UAE license:

• Traffic Police application form (typed in Arabic).
• Sponsors passport copy or copy of company’s trade license.
• NOC from your sponsor/company in Arabic.
• Original driving license + photocopy.
• Passport + photocopy.
• 2 passport size photographs. Dhs 100

If you don't qualify for a permit exchange then you will have to apply for a UAE driver's license and undergo driving lessons and exams.

Health Care and Education
In order to obtain a residency visa and labor card all expatriates are required to undergo a medical and blood test. Employers usually arrange for all the necessary paperwork and procedure. Medical facilities in Dubai are high both in public and private sectors. If a company or private medical insurance does not cover residents, it is advisable to purchase private insurance coverage. The Health and Medical Service Department provides medical care for all UAE nationals, visitors and resident expatriates. Currently expatriates can go to any hospital as long as they have a valid health card which entitles them to low cost medical treatment at public hospitals and clinics. An application form for the health card can be collected from any public hospitals then submitted along with the correct documents to your local Health Care Center. The health card is valid for one year.
Documents required obtaining a health card:

• Passport copy
• Covering letter from sponsor.
• Visa application copy
• 2 passport size photographs
• Completed Ministry of Health form
• Dhs 300 for health card plus Dhs 200 for medical examination

English is the medium of instruction in most schools, which adopt variations of the popular Montessori method of instruction. Annual fees may vary. An academic record of your child is required for admissions and some schools conduct entrance tests. Schools are available for students from various nationalities and adopt schooling systems that reflect their country's education system. Standards are above average.

Cost of Living
The cost of living is relatively comparable to other large big cities around the world. It is however advisable, that those in search for a job within UAE try to obtain employment packages that include a housing allowance as rent can be high.