I just checked in on my emails after some time and had a few requests to continue blogging.
I do enjoy it but at times I think 'Is my life interesting enough to post about?'
I mentioned this to my boyfriend and he rattled off so many funny stories and crazy events and travels that I get up to, it was nice to hear because sometimes I forget what an adventure this is!
Before elaborating on the above topics, which I will definitely be doing so soon, I have had some questions thrown to me by readers about living and moving to Dubai.
Moving your whole life over from another country to start fresh here in Dubai is tough, stressful and can be a daunting process. I remember frantically organising documents and thinking 'Is this all worth it?'
There are a lot of things to finalise before you shift to the desert but once you get here I assure you so many of the things you may had initially lost sleep over will be far from your concerns.
If you are fortunate enough to have your accommodation provided by your employer then there's one less thing to worry about, to be honest it was a massive relief to know my apartment was waiting and ready for me.
If you are moving here without a place, know that location and type of accommodation make a huge difference to price in Dubai. Do your research and find a good agent to get you something in your budget.
Cost of living in Dubai is really depending on your lifestyle.
It can be notably higher due to the cost of housing and retail.
YES Dubai is a tax free environment but note that you're moving to a new country and in order to be set up and comfortable the first few months in your new surroundings it is harder to minimalist costs.
Dubai has a lot of great and exciting things to see, which a lot involve costs to travel and enjoy the activities. Ensure you don't live beyond your means here because it can be very easy to get caught up in the exciting Dubai lifestyle of extravagance.
Living in a new city be aware of costs for transportation and utilities before all else, as it can be a misery trying to settle yourself somewhere on an inadequate salary.
Ladies, I have read your questions about clothing attire in Dubai.
I honestly believe you CAN wear what you like here (within reason) it all depends on what you're comfortable with.
I feel I do dress more modestly most of the time here in Dubai as opposed to how I would dress in the Australian Summer heat.
My point is mainly because I would rather not be 'stared at' or be deemed as wearing anything inappropriate as this is an Arabic country where the locals and many surrounding countries are Muslim and modest dress is respected.
There are exceptions where to the gym, the beach and night clubs/bars where it is acceptable to wear your bikini, shorts and short dresses. You will notice that even in the malls some people will dress in the above, however the malls do in fact have a dress code for females to wear modest attire ie: no beach wear, cover shoulders, cover knees etc. I have heard that indeed people have been asked to cover up in the mall if they were not following the dress code.
This doesn't mean you need to rock an abaya but just be sensible and take note of your surroundings.
Alcohol in Dubai can be purchased with an alcohol license. It actually is a very simple process to obtain this by providing a few documents and paying a small fee. This license also is meant to allow you to obtain alcohol in your home.
You will find that you can buy drinks in bars and clubs without providing this licence where the alcohol must be drunk on site.
Being drunk in public in Dubai is not tolerated and there is zero tolerance for drinking and driving in Dubai.
If you go out, cabs are very easily accessible and cheap to get your way home.
Dubai can be a fun and eye opening place to experience people from all walks of life and live amongst them in a busy and fun multi-cultural City. My main tip is to continue your interests and hobbies here when you move in order to help you feel settled and at home.
Enjoy it!
