First 7 Days Checklist
A focused list of avoidable errors that cost newcomers money and time.
Complete these steps in order for the fastest, safest setup.
Signing a lease too fast: a rushed lease can lock you into a bad apartment, overpriced area, or unfair contract terms for 12 months. Take at least 2–3 days to compare options. Using taxis exclusively: newcomers who don't use the metro spend 500–1,000 AED more per month on transport. Food delivery every meal: convenient but expensive. First-week habit that's hard to break. Budget delivery to max 3 nights per week. Paying for unneeded add-ons: mobile data bundles, insurance extras, club memberships — say no in week one, decide in month two.
Not applying for Emirates ID immediately: you need Emirates ID for almost everything — bank accounts, insurance, driving licence, government apps. Apply the day after your visa is stamped via ICP.gov.ae or a typing centre. Not registering Ejari: without Ejari, you can't set up DEWA, which means no utilities. Not saving key numbers and documents: in a crisis (lost phone, accident), you need your insurance number, bank contact, and emergency numbers accessible — not buried in your email.
Alcohol: legal in licensed venues (hotels, bars, licensed restaurants) and licensed liquor stores (MMI, African+Eastern). Not permitted in public spaces or unlicensed premises. Dress code: modest dress in malls, government buildings, and public transport. Swimwear is fine at beaches and pools. Ramadan: businesses have different hours. Eating or drinking in public during daylight hours during Ramadan should be avoided out of respect — most expats eat in private. Fines and laws: traffic fines are high (200–3,000 AED). Jaywalking carries a 200 AED fine. Treat all official rules seriously.
City context: Dubai
These steps are tailored for newcomers in Dubai. Costs, availability, and requirements may differ in other cities — switch the city selector above to switch context.
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