![Dubai Diary: From Tourists to Residents](/img/default-banner.jpg)
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Dubai Diary: From Tourists to Residents
Приєднався 6 бер 2022
Welcome to Dubai Diary, the cosy corner of the internet where our family shares the rollercoaster ride of holidaying and living in Dubai.
Our love affair with Dubai began with a family holiday back in 2021, and since then, we’ve worked out it's where we want to be. Returning five times for more sun, fun, and a hint of business. These journeys have given us some of our most memorable experiences as a family, from belly laughs over camel rides gone awry to navigating the maze of relocation paperwork.
Here, you'll find everything from the essentials of travelling to Dubai, to the nitty-gritty of making it your new home. We cover the gamut - things you absolutely need to know before you pack your bags, the best family-friendly activities (and those perfect couple escapes), and all the critical details about visas, healthcare, and schooling for those contemplating a move.
Our love affair with Dubai began with a family holiday back in 2021, and since then, we’ve worked out it's where we want to be. Returning five times for more sun, fun, and a hint of business. These journeys have given us some of our most memorable experiences as a family, from belly laughs over camel rides gone awry to navigating the maze of relocation paperwork.
Here, you'll find everything from the essentials of travelling to Dubai, to the nitty-gritty of making it your new home. We cover the gamut - things you absolutely need to know before you pack your bags, the best family-friendly activities (and those perfect couple escapes), and all the critical details about visas, healthcare, and schooling for those contemplating a move.
Dubai Driving Licence: How I converted mine, process and costs
🚗 How to Convert Your UK Driving Licence to a Dubai Driving Licence 🚗
Join us as we guide you through the process of converting a UK driving licence into a local Dubai driving licence. Whether you’re planning to lease a vehicle long-term or simply need to ensure your driving credentials are recognised in Dubai, this video provides a comprehensive walkthrough. From understanding the requirements to practical tips for navigating the RTA (Roads & Transport Authority), we cover everything you need to know.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Starting the Process: Begin by visiting the RTA website to apply for a driving licence exchange. This initial step is quick and requires your Emirates ID and your current UK driving licence. Uploading these documents online can expedite your visit to the RTA Happiness Centre. (Timestamp: 0:00-1:00);
- Appropriate Attire: Remember, dress code matters in Dubai’s government buildings. Wear trousers to avoid any entry issues at the RTA Happiness Centre. Shorts are generally not acceptable, and while temporary trousers may sometimes be available, it’s best to dress appropriately from the start. (Timestamp: 1:00-2:00);
- Eye Test Requirement: Upon arrival at the RTA, you’ll need to pass a simple eye test, a mandatory step for the licence transfer. This quick test costs 185 AED and is crucial for progressing with your application. (Timestamp: 2:00-3:00);
- Completing the Licence Transfer: Submit your documents and finalise the licence transfer process. This involves verifying your documents and issuing your Dubai driving licence. The cost for this part of the process is 870 AED, totalling 1055 AED. (Timestamp: 3:00-4:00);
- Receiving Your New Licence: The entire process, from entering the building to receiving your new Dubai driving licence, can take as little as 30 minutes if you come prepared with all necessary documents and have completed the online pre-application. (Timestamp: 4:00-5:00).
Key Insights and Tips:
- Overall Costs: The entire process of converting your licence costs 1055 AED, covering both the eye test and processing fees;
- Service Efficiency: Despite the sometimes dated external appearance of government buildings, the services inside are modern and efficient, designed to facilitate a quick and smooth process;
- Cultural Considerations: Adhering to local dress codes is essential when visiting government facilities in Dubai.
Helpful Links:
• RTA Official Website: www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home?lang=ar
• Driving in Dubai Guide: www.expatarrivals.com/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/dubai/driving-dubai
• Dubai Government Portal: dubai.ae/
Join us as we guide you through the process of converting a UK driving licence into a local Dubai driving licence. Whether you’re planning to lease a vehicle long-term or simply need to ensure your driving credentials are recognised in Dubai, this video provides a comprehensive walkthrough. From understanding the requirements to practical tips for navigating the RTA (Roads & Transport Authority), we cover everything you need to know.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Starting the Process: Begin by visiting the RTA website to apply for a driving licence exchange. This initial step is quick and requires your Emirates ID and your current UK driving licence. Uploading these documents online can expedite your visit to the RTA Happiness Centre. (Timestamp: 0:00-1:00);
- Appropriate Attire: Remember, dress code matters in Dubai’s government buildings. Wear trousers to avoid any entry issues at the RTA Happiness Centre. Shorts are generally not acceptable, and while temporary trousers may sometimes be available, it’s best to dress appropriately from the start. (Timestamp: 1:00-2:00);
- Eye Test Requirement: Upon arrival at the RTA, you’ll need to pass a simple eye test, a mandatory step for the licence transfer. This quick test costs 185 AED and is crucial for progressing with your application. (Timestamp: 2:00-3:00);
- Completing the Licence Transfer: Submit your documents and finalise the licence transfer process. This involves verifying your documents and issuing your Dubai driving licence. The cost for this part of the process is 870 AED, totalling 1055 AED. (Timestamp: 3:00-4:00);
- Receiving Your New Licence: The entire process, from entering the building to receiving your new Dubai driving licence, can take as little as 30 minutes if you come prepared with all necessary documents and have completed the online pre-application. (Timestamp: 4:00-5:00).
Key Insights and Tips:
- Overall Costs: The entire process of converting your licence costs 1055 AED, covering both the eye test and processing fees;
- Service Efficiency: Despite the sometimes dated external appearance of government buildings, the services inside are modern and efficient, designed to facilitate a quick and smooth process;
- Cultural Considerations: Adhering to local dress codes is essential when visiting government facilities in Dubai.
Helpful Links:
• RTA Official Website: www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home?lang=ar
• Driving in Dubai Guide: www.expatarrivals.com/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/dubai/driving-dubai
• Dubai Government Portal: dubai.ae/
Переглядів: 153
Відео
Moving to Dubai - Vlog Week 4: Driving licence, Emirates ID, Attestation and more
Переглядів 5719 годин тому
Welcome to another episode on our channel where we share the ups, downs, and exciting moments of our family’s relocation to Dubai. This week has been packed with activities and essential tasks as we continue to settle into our new home. Join us as we navigate family fun, administrative hurdles, and everything in between, providing detailed insights and useful links to help other families consid...
Inside Dubai's GREEN PLANET Rainforest in 2024
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Moving to Dubai - Vlog Week 2: Crocodile Park | Etihad Basketball Trip | Car Rental adnd more
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Moving to Dubai: Annual rent | Broker Fees | Deposits and more
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Moving to Dubai - Vlog: One week since relocating from the UK
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Moving to Dubai Vlog: We landed 24 hours ago
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Moving to Dubai - How much everything cost in AED, GBP and USD.
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Moving to Dubai. Furnishing our new apartment.
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Living in Dubai: Sobha Hartlands Tour
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Our Dubai Apartment - 3 Days to furnish this 3 bed apartment
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Rent in Dubai | Step by step including costs
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Moving to Dubai - We've got 72 hours to furnish our 3 bed apartment
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Buying a property in Dubai - what you need to know
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Golden Visa Dubai: What it is and how to get it
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Emirates ID Process: How to get your Emirates ID for moving to Dubai
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Choosing a British School in Dubai: Hartlands International | Repton Al Barsha | Jebel Ali
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Atlantis The Palm Dubai with Kids - Everything you need to know - Full Review - Part 1
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Haha love the chemistry ❤ New subscriber👍👍
😊 Thanks brother 🙏
Do you get to keep your UK license or do they hold on to it?
You keep your UK license. Great Q - I should have included it
Thank you for this video, really helpful!
Glad it’s been helpful and thanks for taking the time to drop a comment 😊
Loving your videos 🙂, do you think it would be possible for a musician to film a video in the public like for 60 seconds with a phone ? Or is that illegal ?
Glad you’re enjoying the videos. I’m sure they would be fine as long as your the focus off the content and not focussing the camera on the public . But I’m not 100%
@@ourdubaidiary I appreciate your answer. Thank you. Looking forward to more videos from you all
How much would you estimate the upfront costs to be, to relocate? Mainly the visa's, attestation, licences, for example, but excluding accommodation? Seems so expensive
What are the laws around filming in public? Why do security approach you so often?
Hey - to be honest we're still working it out. We're ensuring we're not getting general public as the focus of any shots and security approached as we have 'professional equipment'. They've also been polite / cool about it but needed to check what our purpose of recording was and once confirm with management (at Dubai Mall).
Unfortunately, it is very expensive to attest docs in the UAE. I got my degree attested in the UK with a solicitor/notary.
I wish we had known whilst in the UK .. would have saved money and time!
Could you please share contacts of the curtain company ?
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What they saying😅😅😅😅
Love your vlogs….. it’s defo making me want to move even than ever! You guys are so good as presenters - love it! Biggest thing for me is the volatile work environment it terms of job security as I can see. We would only move our family of 3 if we had jobs - project manager and speech and language therapist - that’s our current stopper! Love Sunday mornings waiting for your blog release!
You need to toughen up buttercup.
💪🏼 Thanks.... Done!
My daughter is going into FS2 at Hartland, we're flying out in 2 and a half weeks. Good to know we will need a bank loan for school uniform hahaa.
Congrats on your move… are you moving to Sobha Hartlands? 🤣🤣 Yeah strap in!!! I did buy shorts and socks as these don’t need to be branded in UK before we came out, I would probably recommend buying your daughters shoes in the UK if you have space in your luggage … not sure but guessing they will be more expensive here, there is a clarkes 👌🏼
I guess you've already done the medical and biometrics now but if not, try Smart Salem. You can turn up, 30 minutes later it's all done (medical) and they do free valet parking. I used the DIFC one, in case it helps.
No booking needed :)
Thanks Matt... Smart Salem is where I went, unsure of the location though as I got driven there! Super fast service!
Moving in September from Germany. We have a son who is 5 years old. Hoping to meet you guys🎈
Why wasn’t safe? Thanks for sharing your experience 🙏🏼
I don’t think we can help here. You look like you have all informations in the world up there
Hey girl my friend is looking to make some new friends x
Aww we should meet up then Claire 🥰 x
Really enjoying the vlogs - keep it up!
Thank you 🙌🏼
Absolutely loving these vlogs thank you for sharing! Can you share the name of the car rental company for the 1 month rental please? Xxx
What is the air quality like in general and does it vary greatly between different areas?
We haven’t really noticed the air quality to be honest.
A car would make everything easier
We are definitely finding that now - we have hired one for a month 🙌🏼 lots more flexibility!
Watching a lot of these family abroad channels, a common theme is safety, lifestyle, economy, and the weather, of course. Shouldn't we be demanding a political/ economic system that delivers this for the ordinary worker in the UK.😮
I’m moving to the Terraces in August. I’ll buy an e-sim on Airalo so I can use my phone before getting a phone contract.
Congrats on the move! You will be close by ☺️ Wish I’d of known about this sooner would have definitely made a difference for me.
Thanks for these videos, super interesting and something me and my family are thinking about. Would be great to see a video on how you’re transitioning your work/businesses from UK to Dubai. FYI, long term listener from the start up diary 😊
Thanks for the support 🤩 amazing to hear! If you need any support happy to help. Yes, we will be making a video on this for sure 👌🏼 in the process so once we are all sorted ✔️
Look forward to more similar contents
Hi guys, awesome contents thanks a lot! We’re moving to Dubai in September, however we quitted our jobs because we don’t wanna stay in Germany anymore. Our aim is to find there an apartment to buy to get the golden visa. We only focus on Marina. However, after watching your videos I thought where you live could be an option as well. If you don’t mind I would like yo know why you guys didn’t go for marina? And how you ended up there. Just because of schools or is there any other reason. Thanks in advance. Regards
Marina is horrible for traffic and commuting. Also if you are looking to be near water then look at Creek Harbour project by Emaar. There will be private beach and lagoons there. Sobha is high quality but it’s part of MBR city. It’s a great place to live but amenities compared to Dubai Hills and Creek Harbour are not that many. If you are looking to live in good community where you have tons of shops, mall, and many restaurant then always look for project built by Emaar as they build great communitities.
Yes, we love Marina but we wanted to be able to walk to the school that is why we chose Sobha Hartlands and we are enjoying it 🙌🏼 Congrats on your move, any questions please let us know as happy to help ☺️
@@SA-ht1id which building would you sugges at Creek Harbour?
Wow, over 500 a month? We used Etisalat and I can't remember the cost. I don't think it was that much. Granted, it was 2010-2013! Enjoy
Thanks, loving life in Dubai 😎 we didn’t look at Etisalat,noted for renewal time!
Nice video, keep us engaged. Can we know Which location is your apartment in dubai? As we also looking similar style apartment with city views
We are in Sobha Hartlands 🙌🏼
Only just found this channel, really good btw, But one question , why not rent a bigger apartment?
We wanted to be in Sobha Hartlands near the school and the amenities were key for us and there wasn’t anything else really available at the time but definitely big enough t for us for now.
We are coming to Dubai mid August inshaAllah, how's the weather now? Any tips for the heat? Coming from Toronto, Canada.
It is very humid 🥵 are you coming for a holiday or moving here? We tend to just avoid the mid day heat.
💜🎉
Got a quick tip for you guys. Look out for "Pocari Sweat". Awesome electrolyte drink which saved my time while travelling Dubai in summer last year :)
I will definitely look out for this! Gatorade is the go to right now 🙌🏼
I am not moving to Dubai
Ok. Thanks for letting us know 😊
@@ourdubaidiary😂😂
Great video guys love watching your channel .. I’ve just moved over with the missus and the two boys and have been following you from the start of your journey early part of the year . If you want to get a car I’ve been using a subscription service call Carasti.. you can subscribe on monthly / 6 / 12 month basis depending on the car and you can take the hassle out for the first 6 months / year as insurance is included in the price..
Hope you are settling in well 👌🏼 Thanks, for the info .. I will check this out! Definitely a game changer having a car!
thanks for sharing , funny that i can see from your balcony the building progress in sobha creek vista heights where i bought an apartment there . 😂
That’s brilliant. When is it due to be ready?
@@ourdubaidiary should be ready in june 2026 🙂
💜
I know someone whom was put in jail for accidentally bumping into someone at a club ... Also twice during my visits I was slipped a note at a mall that had a phone and address that said please help ... There is an unseen part of that place for sure ...
Wow 😮 I don’t know how I’d react to be slipped a note 📝 like that
It's so hot everyone stays inside
This one wins 😂
Hi, did you buy a return flight ticket when you initially entered the country ?
No. We’re here for good 😊 one way ticket 🎫 how come ?
@ourdubaidiary we due to enter on visitor visa and then swap over to our own company work visa. But I heard they don't allow entry if you don't have return ticket on a visitor visa.
The cheque system is such a hassle. And landlords feel entitled to be paid more if you want to pay them in 3 month chunks instead of 4. It's ridiculous honestly.
I found it so odd that cheques were a thing, then learning you still order online in some places and pay cash on delivery.
It is safe. Lived there for 13 years so I know what I'm talking about. Will be coming back to Dubai wih my family soon.
Wishing you guys well
Your videos are a joy to watch, we learned alot for our move in early 2026 😊
Thank you so much - here to answer any q’s that help you’re move
We have been on holiday as a family of 3, 4 and 5 and as a mum and a woman I felt so so safe and I felt my kids were all safe. Love the country. We can’t wait to move!
We agree 😊 when are you hoping to move ?
@@ourdubaidiaryhopefully by the end of this year depending on my husband’s job!! Very exciting 😊
Great video, what about white fittings? Where they included or did you buy them?
Wardrobes are built in , it came with the white goods but no curtains
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Wow you guys did a beautiful job! Was wondering which home center you visited?
Thank you so much 😊 We went to one in Dubai Hills Mall.