Things to Know Before Moving to Dubai
Relocating to Dubai must be exciting as the city has much to offer. But the process of an international move is not always as straightforward as it seems. You may have to go through many challenges from documentation and preparation to shipping. However, you can make the process less challenging and less stressful with careful planning. Secondly, if you know key information about your destination, you can quickly minimize the stress to a significant extent. Here are the top things that you should know before relocating to Dubai from India.
Job Opportunities in Dubai
Did you know that around 88% of the UAE’s population is expatriates? Most of the immigrants live in Dubai and the capital, Abu Dhabi. Surprisingly, Indians and Pakistanis are dominant communities. Have you ever thought about why expats prefer to live in Dubai? Well, do not stress too much. One obvious reason is the plethora of job opportunities in different sectors. As a global city and hub of tourism and real estate, Dubai attracts skilled workers and professionals from all around the world. There is a huge demand for marketing professionals, architects, engineers, software engineers, cybersecurity experts, teachers, language experts, and financial advisors, particularly in finance, real estate, healthcare, and technology. If you are planning to work and settle in this world city, you can find lucrative work offers via job search resources like Indeed, LinkedIn, Expatriates.com, Gulftalent.com, and Bayt.com.
Housing Options in Dubai
Another important thing that you need to know before moving to Dubai is the housing options available in the city. Whether you are looking for affordable accommodation options or luxurious ones, you will have diverse choices here. If you are looking for accommodation on a tight budget, you can go with apartments. Apartments in Dubai encompass one bedroom to multiple bedrooms. You can also opt for living in a condo if you have more budget. A condo is similar to an apartment but has more space and is more luxurious. The third accommodation option is living in a villa which is a free-standing house with multiple rooms, modern amenities, and a beautiful garden. However, this can be the most expensive option. So, choose the right option that best suits your budget and lifestyle.
You might be wondering, how much will it cost to live in Dubai? Well, here is a quick breakdown of estimated rental prices for living in apartments in Dubai.
- One-bedroom apartment monthly rent (within the city): 8,262.42 AED
- One-bedroom apartment monthly rent (in the suburb): 5,232.89 AED
- Three-bedroom apartment monthly rent (within the city): 16,024.98 AED
- Three-bedroom apartment monthly rent (in the suburb): 10,489.30 AED
Healthcare Facilities
A robust healthcare system is one of the major reasons why so many Indians are ready to follow the trend of settling in Dubai. Featuring public and private options, Dubai gives you access to top-notch healthcare facilities. Needless to say, the overall healthcare standard is better than in India. If you want to have free or low-cost healthcare facilities in Dubai, consider applying for a healthcare card. Additionally, you can also obtain private medical insurance. In most cases, employers offer healthcare insurance to their employees.
Culture and Tradition
The culture of Dubai is predominantly portrayed by its Islamic religion and traditional Arab culture and values. Here you will notice these features in its architecture, music, dress, cuisine, and lifestyle. However, you can also observe the diverse cultures due to expats from different countries residing here. From traditional values to glitzy nightlife and world-class shopping experiences, the cultural mix of modernity and tradition will amaze you. Due to the presence of Indian communities, you may not have issues with following your own traditions and cultures. However, you must respect and value Arab culture here.
Visa and Residency Requirements
Whether you are moving to Dubai to live, work, or study—you will need a residency visa. Without a valid visa, you cannot enter any part of the UAE. Popular visa options for entering the UAE are as follows:
- Green UAE Visa: It is a five-year renewable visa. If you are a skilled worker, freelancer, investor, or entrepreneur, this type of visa might be the best route for you.
- Golden UAE Visa: It is a 10-year renewable visa for long-term residency without sponsorship. If you are a high-net-worth individual, investor, entrepreneur, or professional, go with a Golden visa.
- Student Visa: As the name suggests, this visa type aims to provide a smooth entry into the UAE for students. If you are a student and planning to study in Dubai, you need to be enrolled in a UAE-based educational institution.
- Business Visa: This specific visa program offers you a residency permit and allows you to work, stay, and run your business.
- Family Visa: If your family members are already living in Dubai, this visa type is the best match.
- Retirement Visa: This is a 5-year long-term visa for retired individuals. If you are a retired person (aged 55 or above) and have a good monthly income (around AED 20,000 or more), you can apply for a retirement visa.
Please note: A health check at a government-approved facility is required upon arrival. You will need to undertake a medical X-ray to screen for tuberculosis and a blood test to screen for HIV/AIDS.
Top Areas to Live in Dubai for Indians
As Indians, you must have some concerns about living in Dubai, the UAE. However, you do not need to worry much about this because Dubai is a global city with a diverse cosmopolitan culture. Here you will find several suitable neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles and budgets. Whether you are looking for an affordable area or an expensive one, you can find it here. From affordable and family-friendly areas like Karama and Al Nahda to luxury neighborhoods such as Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina—there are plenty of options. Here is the list of the top areas to live in Dubai for Indian families.
| Area |
Overview |
Highlights |
Ideal for |
| Bur Dubai |
One of the oldest and most diverse districts, popular among Indian expats. |
- Vibrant Indian community
- Proximity to Hindu temple
- Indian restaurants and markets (Meena Bazaar)
- Affordable rent |
Families, middle-income expats, those looking for cultural vibrancy |
| Karama |
Budget-friendly area with a strong Indian presence. |
- Indian-owned businesses
- Central location
- Indian markets and restaurants
- Budget-friendly rentals |
Budget-conscious individuals, families, young professionals |
| Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) |
Modern high-rise living with a mix of expats from various backgrounds. |
- Stunning lake views
- Close to Dubai Marina, JBR
- Family-friendly amenities (schools, parks)
- Indian restaurants and social spots |
Young professionals, families, those seeking a contemporary lifestyle |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) |
Tech-focused area with affordable living options. |
- Growing Indian tech community
- Modern, spacious apartments
- Affordable rent
- Great for tech professionals |
Tech professionals, young families, those seeking spacious living |
| Mirdif |
Quiet suburban area ideal for families, with growing popularity. |
- Suburban, family-friendly
- Mix of villas and apartments
- Close to Indian schools and shopping centers
- Affordable housing |
Families, those looking for suburban tranquility near city amenities |
| Dubai Marina |
Luxurious waterfront area, popular with expatriates, including Indians. |
- Stunning waterfront views
- Upscale apartments
- Close to shopping, dining, entertainment
- Strong Indian community presence |
Young professionals, singles, families preferring cosmopolitan living |
| Al Nahda |
Affordable area on the Dubai-Sharjah border, popular with Indian expats. |
- Affordable housing
- Close to Indian markets and services
- Many Indian-owned businesses
- Proximity to Indian schools and places of worship |
Budget-conscious families, students, individuals seeking affordability |
| Tecom (Barsha Heights) |
Business district popular with professionals, especially in media & tech. |
- Close to Dubai Media City and Internet City
- Mix of apartments and serviced buildings
- Proximity to Indian restaurants and events |
Media/tech professionals, those seeking a balanced lifestyle |
| Al Qusais |
Established area with affordable living and a large Indian community. |
- Affordable housing
- Strong Indian business presence
- Close to schools and places of worship
- Proximity to major roads and airports |
Families, blue-collar workers, those seeking a family-friendly area |
| Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) |
Growing, suburban community with modern amenities at affordable prices. |
- Affordable villas and apartments
- Family-friendly with parks and community centers
- Proximity to Indian stores and schools |
Families, those looking for space and quiet living |
Cost of Living in Dubai, the UAE
Known for its luxurious lifestyle, world-class shopping malls, tall buildings, and vibrant culture, Dubai is one of the most preferred cities to live in the world. However, the average cost of living in this city can be expensive. According to the My Life Elsewhere website, the cost of living in Dubai is 4.1 times more expensive than in Mumbai and 4.3 times more expensive than in Delhi.
Also, compared to other cities in the UAE, living in Dubai is expensive. If you are wondering what the average cost of living in Dubai is, please refer to the following table. We have prepared this table considering factors like housing, food, transportation, utilities, entertainment, and personal expenses.
Average Cost of Living in Dubai for Singles, Couples, and Families
| Cost Driver |
Single |
Couple |
Family |
| Accommodation |
AED 5,000 - AED 8,000 (City Center)
AED 3,000 - AED 5,000 (Outside City) |
AED 7,000 - AED 12,000 (City Center)
AED 5,000 - AED 8,000 (Outside City) |
AED 12,000 - AED 20,000 (City Center)
AED 8,000 - AED 15,000 (Outside City) |
| Food and Groceries |
AED 800 - AED 1,200 |
AED 1,500 - AED 2,500 |
AED 2,500 - AED 4,000 |
| Transportation |
AED 300 (Public Transport)
Higher with Car |
AED 1,500 - AED 3,000 (Car Ownership) |
AED 2,500 - AED 5,000 (Car Ownership) |
| Utilities |
AED 100 - AED 1,000 |
AED 1,000 - AED 1,500 |
AED 1,500 - AED 3,000 |
| Entertainment & Personal Expenses |
AED 1,000 - AED 2,000 |
AED 2,000 - AED 3,500 |
AED 3,000 - AED 5,000 |
Shipping Goods from India to Dubai
If you are concerned about shipping goods from India to Dubai, you do not need to worry much. At Moving Solutions, we offer you the best solutions. As a leading packers and movers referencing portal, we can give you free quotes from the top 3 pre-screened companies. All you need to do is compare the quotes and select the best option.
Our partner movers offer two options to ship your goods: sea cargo and air cargo. There will be different prices for these two different modes. Air cargo shipping will be faster but costlier. On the other hand, sea (ocean) cargo shipping will be cheaper than air freight but will take several weeks. So, make the correct decision correctly.
Sea Freight Shipping Services
For shipping goods from India to Dubai, sea freight (container) shipping is a popular choice among many businesses and individuals. After all, this is a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective method to ship goods globally.
Our partner movers specialize in a diverse range of container moving services. Whether you need FCL shipping services or LCL shipping services, the movers will execute the shipping process with expertise and efficiency.
If you have a very tight budget and looking for an affordable option to ship your belongings from India to Dubai, sea freight shipping will be the cheaper option. But this service will take time for several days to ship your cargo.
Air Cargo Shipping Services
If the budget does not bother you, go with the air freight shipping option. It is because it is the fastest way to ship goods from one country to another. A cargo plane will carry your belongings. This option will take just two or three days to ship your belongings to Dubai.
But if you choose this option, you must be prepared with heavy charges. If you want to ship your belongings on a budget, this is certainly not the best option for you. You must choose sea cargo shipping to save money.
Types of Containers for Shipping from India to Dubai
There are several types of container options available for shipping goods from India to Dubai, the UAE, or other countries. The choice of shipping containers depends on the specific goods you need to transport.
Different types of cargo require different types of containers, such as temperature-controlled or open containers. The options range from sealed containers to specialized containers, and everything in between.
Common types of shipping containers used by our partner moving companies include 20 ft containers, 40 ft containers, and car shipping containers. Other types of shipping containers are as follows:
| Container Type |
Size (ft) |
Door Type |
Roof Type |
Floor Type |
Empty Weight (tons) |
| Dry Container |
20, 40, 40HC |
Double Doors |
Solid |
Wooden or Steel |
2-4 |
| Refrigerated Container |
20, 40, 40HC, 45HC |
Double Doors |
Insulated |
Wooden or Steel |
4-6 |
| Open Top Container |
20, 40 |
Double Doors |
Open |
Wooden or Steel |
2-4 |
| Flat Rack Container |
20, 40 |
Open Sides |
Open |
Wooden or Steel |
2-4 |
| Platform Container |
20, 40 |
Open Sides |
Open |
None |
2-4 |
| Transportable Tank |
20, 40 |
Top and Bottom |
Closed |
None |
4-6 |
| High Cube Container |
40HC, 45HC |
Double Doors |
Solid |
Wooden or Steel |
4-6 |
| Side Loader Container |
20, 40 |
Side Doors |
Solid |
Wooden or Steel |
2-4 |
| Double Door Container |
20, 40 |
Double Doors at both ends |
Solid |
Wooden or Steel |
2-4 |
| Tunnel Container |
20, 40 |
Double Doors at both ends |
Solid |
Wooden or Steel |
2-4 |
Freight Shipping Costs from India to Dubai
The cost of shipping goods from India to Dubai (UAE) is not fixed. It depends on many factors, mainly on the weight & dimension of goods and the shipping methods. Other factors may also influence the overall shipping charges. In short, no one can let you know the price of international shipping. However, you can know the ballpark figures of the approximate shipping costs. Please refer to the following price table to learn about charges for India to Dubai shipping services.
| Shipping Method |
Container Size |
Approximate Cost (USD) |
| Air Freight |
Per kilogram |
Varies widely based on weight and destination |
| Sea Freight |
20 ft Container |
Around 1500-2000 USD |
| Sea Freight |
40 ft Container |
Around 2500-3000 USD |
| LCL (Less than Container Load) |
Per cubic meter |
Around 500-800 USD |
| FCL (Full Container Load) |
20 ft Container |
Around 1500-2000 USD |
| FCL (Full Container Load) |
40 ft Container |
Around 2500-3000 USD |
Factors That Affect India to Dubai Shipping Costs
The above price chart shows approximate costs and can vary based on the following factors:
- Shipping methods
- Container size and type
- Weight and dimensions of items
- Nature and types of goods
- Desired delivery time
- Current market conditions
- Fuel surcharges
- Port charges,
- Specific items being shipped
- Customs duties and taxes
- Transit insurance coverage
- Handling charges (loading, unloading, and transportation within ports)
Customs Rules and Regulations
Shipping goods from India to Dubai involves customs clearance. Not unexpectedly, your shipment will have to pass a series of rules and regulations. However, you can save your time and make the process less stressful by preparing for the process and having the documents ready that will be needed.
- HS Code: The items you want to ship to Dubai must have an HS code in their import/export declarations. This is a specific code that categorizes the goods for traffic purposes.
- Duty & Taxes: Your goods will not pass customs without paying duty fees. A standard duty of 5% is applicable on shipments entering the land of the UAE.
- Prohibited and Restricted Goods: Beware of shipping prohibited and restricted items from India to Dubai. You cannot ship narcotics, gambling tools, and goods that contradict Islamic morals at any cost. Although, you may send some restricted items but will have to pay heavy taxes and duty fees. For example, you may have to pay a 50% duty fee for sending alcohol from India to Dubai.
- Compliance with UAE Regulations: Your shipment must comply with the UAE’s law regarding prohibited and restricted items.
- Customs Clearance Process: Once your goods arrive in Dubai, your shipments will go through the customs clearance process. The officials will check the shipment and review all documents. Any discrepancies or missing information can lead to delays or fines.
Documents Required for Customs Clearance
To ship your goods, you will need the following documents.
- Commercial Invoice
- Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
- Packing List
- Certificate of Origin
- Import Permits
- Health Certificates for Certain Items
- Bill of Entry
- Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED)
Please Note: You will get faster customs clearance and total support in documentation with our partner movers.
Documents Need for Moving to Dubai from India
- A valid visa that has at least 6 months of validity.
- A completed and signed visa application form as per the type.
- A job offer letter for employment
- A letter of sponsorship for family sponsorship
- Passport-sized photos as per the UAE visa specifications
- Academic records or certificates for employment or specific visa types
- Medical certificates to provide you are feet and healthy
- Proof of income such as bank statements or other financial documents
- Lease agreement proof of accommodation
- A hotel booking receipt for the initial stay
- Birth certificates or marriage certificates for family or dependent visas
Process of India to Dubai Moving and Shipping
If you plan your India to Duba move with one of our partner movers, you will have a streamlined process. The process will/may include the following steps.
Pre-Move Planning and Assessment
Movers discuss your specific needs, timeline, and budget. Then, they create a detailed inventory of the items you want to ship. Thereafter, they will estimate the value of your items so that they can cover any loss with the appropriate insurance coverage. In addition, they will provide information on customs regulations and documentation.
Packing and Unpacking
The expert packers will pack your goods. They will use specialized packing materials and techniques. They will take extra care of your fragile items when packing. After finishing the packing and carting, they will label and document packed items. At your destination (Dubai), they will also help with unpacking and setting up your belongings at your new destination.
Transportation and Shipping
Our movers use the appropriate methods for transporting and shipping your belongings. Also, they will handle all necessary customs procedures and documentation. To protect your belongings, they will also offer insurance coverage. Plus, they will provide you with real-time tracking of your shipment.
Additional Services
Apart from the aforementioned services, our movers may also offer you storage facilities for your goods if you need them. Other additional services you can get from our partner movers include pet relocation, car shipping, temporary accommodation, and cultural orientation.
Top Shipping Ports in India
| Port Name |
Location |
Key Features |
| Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) |
Mumbai, Maharashtra |
Largest container port in India, handles over half of India’s container cargo. |
| Port of Mundra |
Gujarat |
Largest private port in India, known for high cargo handling capacity. |
| Port of Chennai |
Tamil Nadu |
Oldest artificial port in India, handles diverse cargo including containers, bulk, and liquid cargo. |
| Port of Visakhapatnam |
Andhra Pradesh |
Major port on the eastern coast, handles iron ore, coal, and container cargo. |
| Port of Kolkata |
West Bengal |
Oldest operating port in India, serving as a gateway for trade with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. |
Top Shipping Ports in the UAE
| Port Name |
Location |
Key Features |
| Jebel Ali Port |
Dubai |
Largest man-made harbor and the busiest port in the Middle East, major global hub for container transshipment. |
| Port of Fujairah |
Fujairah |
Only multi-purpose port on the UAE’s eastern coast, strategic location on the Gulf of Oman. |
| Port Rashid |
Dubai |
Important hub for cargo and cruise ship operations, close to the city center. |
| Khalifa Port |
Abu Dhabi |
Advanced deep-water port, part of Abu Dhabi Ports, handles container, bulk, and general cargo. |
| Port of Khor Fakkan |
Sharjah |
One of the most important transshipment hubs, known for its deep waters and strategic location. |
Why Moving Solutions to Hire International Relocation Services?
Moving Solutions has established itself as a leading relocation service booking platform in India. Whether you want to move within a city in India or from a city in India to a global city, we can help you select the best relocation service for your budget. Here are the top reasons you can count on.
- Have been in the relocation industry since 2006.
- Partnered with top-notch domestic and international movers.
- Verified credentials like license, registration, reputation, and experience.
- No obligation, free quotes from the top 3 best-matched moving companies.
- Top-notch customer support and fast grievance redressal.
- Total transparency in what we do.
- Easy and fast booking of the best and most affordable moving company.
