Living in Dubai: A Complete Guide for Culture, Climate, and Requirements

At GrowPro, we’ve set our compass towards the heart of the Persian Gulf so you can live the adventure of a lifetime in the United Arab Emirates. Want to know more? Then keep reading to learn all about living in Dubai.

With its stunning mix of futuristic architecture, rich culture, and world-class educational opportunities, this dream city has captured the attention of students and professionals worldwide.

But wait, there are countless benefits to living in the UAE! If you want to know them, read until the end. We’ll tell you about the culture, climate, academic and job opportunities… Let’s get started!

What is the culture and lifestyle in Dubai like?

First, you should know that living in Dubai offers a unique lifestyle that blends Arab tradition with modern cosmopolitan life. One of the main features of Dubai’s society is its tolerance and diverse population.

In fact, according to data from the Spanish newspaper “Expansión”, 93.91% of the inhabitants of the United Arab Emirates are immigrants. This significant percentage makes it the country with the highest number of immigrants in the world.

This cultural mix is reflected in the cuisine, fashion, and festivities, providing residents with a multicultural experience. Thanks to this blend, Western, Asian, and Arab influences come together harmoniously and respectfully.

However, not everything is perfect for living in Dubai. There are still laws and regulations that might seem restrictive compared to other countries. For example, alcohol consumption is restricted, and public displays of affection are frowned upon.

Additionally, the high temperatures for much of the year can be challenging for some residents. And the cost of living, though varied, can be high compared to other cities, especially in areas like housing.

Dubai’s Climate

Dubai has a desert climate, with very high temperatures in the summer and mild winters. The city experiences two main seasons: a hot, dry season and a cooler one. Learn more below!

Summer (April to October)

Summers in Dubai are extremely hot, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 40°C. During the peak of summer, in July and August, temperatures can even reach 45°C. The nights are relatively warm, and humidity can be high.

Winter (November to March)

Winters in Dubai are much more pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging between 20°C and 30°C. Nights can be cool, but rarely drop below 10°C. This season attracts many tourists and residents who enjoy outdoor activities.

Opportunities to Study and Work in Dubai

If you are thinking about living in Dubai, we already mentioned that it offers a wide range of opportunities for studying and working, attracting professionals and students from all over the world. Keep reading to learn more about studying and working in Dubai.

Study Opportunities

Dubai welcomes many foreign students who decide to visit this interesting city to improve their English language level or pursue a professional career. Study options include:

• English courses: Since English is the most spoken language in Dubai (even more than Arabic), there are basic, general, intensive, and exam preparation programs for TOEFL, Cambridge, or IELTS.
• Higher education: If you master English, you can pursue professional training programs in areas like Marketing, Business and Communication, and Hospitality and Tourism.

Hey! Don’t miss our experiences in Dubai. When you book with GrowPro, we’ll support you every step of the way.

Work Opportunities

You might not know this, but Dubai is a major financial and business hub. This means there are numerous job opportunities in sectors like banking, technology, consulting, and the oil and gas industry.

Additionally, Dubai has free trade zones, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, which offer a favorable business environment and attract international companies with numerous job opportunities.

Lastly, by living in Dubai, you’ll witness the significant investment the country has made in emerging sectors like technology, renewable energy, health, and education, creating job opportunities in cutting-edge areas.

Cultural and Leisure Activities in Dubai

Dubai is known for its impressive cultural and leisure offerings, from futuristic skyscrapers to world-class traditional events. Here are some of the top attractions and activities Dubai has to offer.

Burj Khalifa

This towering structure is considered the tallest building in the world. It offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. The “At the Top” experience allows visitors to enjoy breathtaking views of Dubai.

Dubai Mall

Located next to the Burj Khalifa, it is one of the largest shopping malls in the world. It features a variety of luxury stores, restaurants, an aquarium, and the famous Dubai Fountain.

Burj Al Arab

This iconic sail-shaped hotel is famous for its luxury and is located on an artificial island. While generally, only guests have access to the interior, the exterior view is impressive. If you visit, don’t forget to take a photo!

Dubai Museum

Located in the Al Fahidi Fort, this museum offers a fascinating insight into Dubai’s history and culture, from its humble beginnings to its transformation into a modern metropolis. The galleries recreate historical Arab houses, mosques, and date farms.

Jumeirah Beach Walk

Dubai’s beaches, such as Jumeirah Beach, offer a relaxing escape with views of the Persian Gulf and the city’s iconic skyline. You can sunbathe, take a yacht ride, or engage in activities like water-skiing.

Theme Parks

Dubai is home to several theme parks, such as IMG Worlds of Adventure, Legoland Dubai, Play DXB, and Motiongate Dubai, offering exciting experiences and attractions for the whole family.

Desert Safari

A visit to Dubai isn’t complete without a desert safari! Living in Dubai means you can enjoy thrilling 4×4 rides, camel rides, and dinner under the stars in a Bedouin camp.

Special Events

The city also hosts world-class events like:

• The Dubai Shopping Festival.
• The New Year’s Eve fireworks show at the Burj Khalifa.

Cost of Living in Dubai

We know one of the questions you need answered about living in Dubai is: What’s the cost of living?

First, you should know that it depends a lot on your lifestyle. Even so, here are some general facts to help you budget.

Food

There’s a big price difference between restaurants in Dubai. For example, in cheaper places, you can eat for as little as USD 9*. However, if you’re looking for a more upscale restaurant, the bill won’t be less than USD 30* per person.

By the way, fast food restaurants like Burger King and McDonald’s aren’t very popular. There are fewer than five franchises in the whole city. If you order a meal with dessert and drink, it will cost about USD 7*.

Accommodation

If you’re searching for a place to live in Dubai, we recommend avoiding hotels, as they can be quite expensive. Renting a one-bedroom apartment rarely costs less than USD 900* per month.

On the other hand, renting a three-bedroom apartment in Dubai is about USD 1,600* per month. Keep in mind that you’ll need to add utility bills (electricity, water, and gas), which are about USD 180* more.

Transportation

A public transport ticket costs USD 1.36*, although for USD 80*, you can buy a monthly pass. Taxis are quite affordable too; a one-hour ride will cost you about USD 9*.
Keep this in mind! In Dubai, a liter of gasoline is about USD 0.64*.

Leisure

Not everything will be work and study in Dubai! That’s why two movie tickets will cost you USD 27.23*, a cappuccino in the city center will be USD 6.54*, and a cocktail at a club will be USD 25.87*.

*Prices are for reference only and they may vary.

General Requirements for Living in Dubai

The requirements for living in Dubai vary depending on your situation and purpose of stay, whether for work, study, or residence. Here are some general requirements you should consider:

• Have a valid passport with more than 6 months of validity.
• Obtain a visa, whether for studying, working, or residence.
• If you plan to work in Dubai, you’ll need a job before applying for a visa. Employers usually handle the visa application process for their employees.
• Pass medical exams to certify you don’t have contagious diseases.
• Have health insurance for your entire stay.
• Present a criminal record certificate showing no pending legal issues in your home country.
• Prove financial solvency to cover your stay in Dubai.
• For women: You cannot be pregnant without being married.

Do you need help with the procedures? Don’t worry, at GrowPro we can help you! Scroll down and we’ll let you know how.

Live, study, and work in Dubai with GrowPro!

At GrowPro, our commitment has always been to provide the best experiences for adventurous souls. With our experiences, living in Dubai and enjoying the best academic programs is possible.

We’ve helped more than 35,000 growers in living the adventure of their lifetime abroad! Want to take the first step? Choose your educational experience and fill out the contact form. One of our Student Advisors will soon guide you through the process and support you every step of the way.

Take the big leap with us. We’re waiting for you!