Expat Community > The UAE

camabie
Joined 2008
Posts: 2

Dubai

16 years ago

We are a young unmarried couple and would like to try to move to Dubai in September / October. I will probably try to find a job as an Interior Designer or English Teacher and my boyfriend will probably try to find a job in academia / teaching.

One of the questions we have is if it is Ok for us to live together since we are not married?

Do you have any knowledge about how other non-married couples have handled that?

Do you find their religious / cultural beliefs to be traditional or more westernized?

What is the housing situation like?

Do they have houses or is it mostly apartments?

Do you have any ideas on average costs to rent there - most likely a 2 bedroom place?

And do you know anything about the neighborhoods? Which ones are good / bad / safe, etc.

What is the cost of living like?

Do you find things (i.e. lunches / food, common needs) to be expensive or reasonably priced?

What is the food like? Again is it more traditional or is there a western influence?

Are there Organic / Bio Foods?

What is the transportation like? Do they have public transportation?

Are things spread out, would one need a car if there is no public transportation?

Are there any areas that are considered more pedestrian - where you can walk to all the things you need (similar to New York, etc.)?

Do people or can people ride bikes there to get around? Would that be considered dangerous?

How would you rate the level of safety / security there for westerners? Moreover, western women?

How much is Arabic spoken there? Do they speak English a lot?

How friendly are the people in general (native and non-native)?

Any information is much appreciated! Thanks for your time.

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