Opening a bank account — timeline expectations
Dec 13, 2025Dubai · Experience date Feb 25, 2026
Cannot open UAE bank account without Emirates ID (except some banks allow with employment visa page). Emirates ID takes 3-6 weeks to arrive. During this time: keep your home country bank card, withdraw cash from ATMs (expect 3-5% fee), use Wise for transfers. Some banks (Mashreq, ADCB) allow limited online account opening with employment visa + salary certificate before Emirates ID. Ask your HR to write a salary certificate on Day 1.
Contributor: Anna Kowalski Health insurance — you must have it, here's the minimum
Dec 1, 2025Dubai · Experience date Feb 20, 2026
UAE law requires all employers to provide health insurance. Confirm coverage with HR on Day 1. Dubai Health Authority (DHA) monitors compliance. If your employer is still processing insurance: get the policy number and coverage card ASAP — you need it for clinic visits. Without insurance: private clinic visit AED 200-600, emergency AED 1,000+. Government hospitals: much cheaper but long waits. Check your policy covers dental and vision — many basic policies don't.
Contributor: Emma Larsson Dress code and cultural norms — what actually matters
Nov 29, 2025Dubai · Experience date Apr 8, 2026
Dubai is generally liberal compared to rest of UAE. What's actually enforced: swimwear only at beaches/pools (not streets or malls). Avoid very revealing clothing in government buildings, mosques, traditional souks. Public displays of affection: technically illegal but rarely enforced for brief kisses/hand-holding. Alcohol: only in licensed venues (hotels, restaurants, clubs) — cannot drink on streets or public spaces. Ramadan: no eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours — tourists and non-Muslims must also comply.
Contributor: Tom Fletcher Prayer times — they affect business hours, know the schedule
Nov 26, 2025Dubai · Experience date Dec 16, 2025
Dubai has 5 prayer times daily. Small shops and souks may close for 15-20 minutes per prayer. Government offices close during prayer (usually midday and afternoon Asr prayer). Prayer times change daily with the Islamic calendar — download an app (Athan, Muslim Pro) to know current times. This mostly affects you in Deira souks, old Dubai areas, and government offices. Modern malls, supermarkets, and corporate offices continue operating.
Contributor: Sophie Martin