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NTD Team

Author

We are a group of friends who moved to Dubai and have lived here for at least 15 years. We write these guides. We want to share the lessons we have learned along the way. We hope they make your landing a little easier. Have a look through the guides and start with the step you need next.

Guides

22 October 2026 Ramadan in the UAE: what changes in Dubai and how to be respectful How Ramadan changes working hours, eating in public, prayer and iftar in Dubai, and the small habits that show respect in your first year. Moving to Dubai: what to sort out first, and in what order
22 October 2026 How to open a bank account in Dubai: documents, timing and choosing a bank The documents you need to open a bank account in Dubai, why you should wait for your Emirates ID, and how to pick a bank that suits how you live. Moving to Dubai: what to sort out first, and in what order
22 October 2026 Getting a UAE driving licence: convert yours or learn at one of the driving schools in the UAE How to swap your foreign licence for a UAE one, or earn one through a Dubai driving school, step by step, plus what the road test is really like. Driving in Dubai: licences, renting, buying a car and fines
22 October 2026 Dubai fines: how to check what you owe and pay it before it causes trouble Where to check Dubai fines for traffic, parking and tolls, how to pay them, and what to do if a fine looks wrong. Driving in Dubai: licences, renting, buying a car and fines
22 October 2026 Buying a car in Dubai: new or used, finance and registration How buying a car in Dubai works for newcomers: new or used, the checks that matter, finance, insurance and RTA registration, step by step. Driving in Dubai: licences, renting, buying a car and fines
22 October 2026 AC maintenance in Dubai: how often to service your home and car air conditioning How often to clean and service home and car AC in Dubai, who pays for repairs in a rented flat, and the warning signs to look out for. Dubai utilities: getting electricity, water, phone, internet and air conditioning working
22 October 2026 Food delivery apps in Dubai: the habit we love to hate How Dubai's food, grocery and shopping delivery apps work, how to get your address right, how to tip, and how to keep the habit in check. Living in Dubai day to day: apps, transport, delivery and holidays
22 October 2026 Car rental in Dubai: what to check before you drive away Which licence you need to rent a car in Dubai, and what to check on deposits, insurance, mileage, Salik tolls and fines before you sign. Driving in Dubai: licences, renting, buying a car and fines
22 October 2026 GDRFA Dubai: how to check your visa status and use its services What GDRFA Dubai does, how to check your visa status, the three ways to apply, and where the medical test, Emirates ID and UAE Pass fit in. UAE residence visa: how it works, from the medical test to Emirates ID and UAE Pass
22 October 2026 Does Dubai have a postcode? What to write on forms Dubai has no postcodes. Here's what to put in the postcode box, and how to write your address so a courier actually reaches your door. Moving to Dubai: what to sort out first, and in what order
22 October 2026 Ejari registration in Dubai: what it is, who does it and what you need What Ejari is, who registers your tenancy, which documents to have ready and why DEWA won't connect your home until it's done. Where to live in Dubai: searching, renting and registering your home
22 October 2026 RTA Dubai explained: the Nol card, the metro and getting around How RTA Dubai's metro, tram, buses and taxis work, which Nol card to get, how to buy and top it up, and the rules that catch newcomers out. Living in Dubai day to day: apps, transport, delivery and holidays
22 October 2026 UAE Pass: what it is and how to set it up What UAE Pass is, how to register and verify it with your Emirates ID, what you can use it for, and how to fix the usual problems. UAE residence visa: how it works, from the medical test to Emirates ID and UAE Pass
22 October 2026 How to get your Emirates ID in Dubai, and what you'll need it for How to apply for, collect and renew your Emirates ID in Dubai, what to bring, and why banks, phone companies and landlords all ask for it. UAE residence visa: how it works, from the medical test to Emirates ID and UAE Pass
22 October 2026 Must have apps in Dubai: what residents use and what each one is for The must have apps in Dubai for ID, visas, transport, bills, banking and deliveries: what each one does and which to download first. Living in Dubai day to day: apps, transport, delivery and holidays
22 October 2026 SIM card in Dubai: how to get one, plus home internet How to get a SIM card in Dubai, which ID you need, how prepaid and monthly plans differ, and how to get home internet into your new flat. Dubai utilities: getting electricity, water, phone, internet and air conditioning working
22 October 2026 DEWA new connection: how to get electricity and water switched on in your Dubai home How a DEWA new connection works in Dubai: Ejari first, the documents to keep handy, the refundable deposit and how long switch-on takes. Dubai utilities: getting electricity, water, phone, internet and air conditioning working
22 October 2026 Renting in Dubai: what to know about contracts, cheques, deposits and your rights What to check before you sign a Dubai lease: contracts, post-dated cheques, deposits, agent fees, shared rooms and your rights as a tenant. Where to live in Dubai: searching, renting and registering your home
22 October 2026 Apartment for rent in Dubai: how to find a flat, studio or room as a newcomer How to search for, view and secure a flat, studio or room in Dubai as a newcomer, from the first listing to registering your Ejari. Where to live in Dubai: searching, renting and registering your home
22 October 2026 Things to know about Dubai before you move: laws, customs and holidays The laws, customs, public holidays and everyday rules to know before you move to Dubai, explained in plain English. Moving to Dubai: what to sort out first, and in what order
22 October 2026 Glossary and acronyms: Dubai terms explained in plain English Short, plain definitions of the acronyms and local terms in our Dubai guides, from Ejari and DEWA to Salik, UAE Pass and black points. Moving to Dubai: what to sort out first, and in what order
22 October 2026 About the team: who writes New to Dubai and where to check the facts Who writes New to Dubai, what our guides are based on, which official bodies to check with yourself, and how we choose what to name. Moving to Dubai: what to sort out first, and in what order