More Australians are packing up for Dubai than ever before. The pull is obvious – tax-free salaries, year-round sunshine, and career opportunities that simply don’t exist back home.
But like any international move, it helps to arrive with your questions answered.
Visas and Jobs
Most Australians come to Dubai on an employment visa, usually sponsored by a company. It covers residency and often includes healthcare, which is mandatory in the UAE. If you’re arriving with a partner or children, you’ll need to arrange dependent visas – a fairly standard process, but one that requires your own visa to be fully processed first.
Freelancers and remote workers can also apply through Dubai’s remote work visa or Golden Visa options if they meet the income thresholds. It’s worth speaking to a relocation agent or legal advisor in advance – rules change quite often, and the fine print matters.
Choosing Where to Live
Where you live in Dubai shapes your experience more than you might expect. For families, suburbs like Arabian Ranches, Jumeirah, or Dubai Hills offer schools, space, and a slower pace. Professionals might gravitate towards Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, or Jumeirah Beach Residence – all lively, walkable (by local standards), and close to business districts.
If you’re used to a coastal lifestyle, neighbourhoods near Jumeirah Beach, Palm Jumeirah, or Bluewaters Island are great options, with cafes, gyms, and beach clubs that feel familiar, but with more sun and scale.
Schooling and Family Life
Dubai’s school system is entirely private, with a strong presence of British and IB curricula, both popular among Australian families. Reputable schools like Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS), GEMS Wellington, or Kings’ Dubai are sought-after, so early applications are essential. Most run on a similar calendar to Australia, but with shorter summer breaks and a few regional holidays added in.
Outside school hours, you’ll find everything from netball and surf lifesaving to camel rides and desert treks. Family life in Dubai can be surprisingly active – even if it’s structured around air-conditioning during summer months, and early starts.
Lifestyle and Daily Differences
There’s no escaping the heat – especially in the summer – but most Australians adapt quickly. Outdoor life doesn’t disappear; it just shifts earlier in the day, or into shaded, air-cooled spaces. Supermarkets stock familiar brands, coffee culture is thriving, and the brunch scene feels like a supersized version of Saturday at home.
Alcohol is legal but regulated – you’ll need a license to buy it for home consumption, and public drinking is not part of daily life the way it might be in Australia. That said, Dubai’s social scene offers a lot and is increasingly inclusive, with wellness clubs, galleries, rooftop bars, and members-only beach spots all part of the landscape.
Money Matters
Salaries in Dubai are typically tax-free, which is a major pull factor — but don’t forget to factor in school fees, medical insurance, and rent, all of which are paid upfront annually. Budgeting can feel front-loaded, but with smart planning, many Australians find themselves saving more here than they could at home.
Setting up a bank account is straightforward, especially with employer support. International transfers, multi-currency accounts, and local mobile payment apps (like Zina or Apple Pay) are all part of day-to-day life.
Etiquette and Cultural Awareness
Dubai is open, multicultural, and easy to navigate — but it’s still important to understand local customs. Dress codes are relaxed but respectful (especially in government buildings), public displays of affection are minimal, and Islamic holidays like Ramadan may influence how you plan your day. Most Australians find the cultural shift is more about awareness than adaptation.
The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken. You’ll likely hear a mix of accents and languages on any given day – a reflection of just how international the city is.
Finding a Familiar Accent
The Australian community in Dubai is well-established and easy to connect with. From beach barbecues to rugby nights, there’s no shortage of familiar accents or shared cultural touchpoints.
Groups like Aussies in Dubai or Australian Business Council UAE regularly host social mixers, networking events, and celebrations for occasions like ANZAC Day and Australia Day – often bringing a slice of home to the desert. Whether you’re looking for business contacts, school recommendations, or just someone to discuss the AFL ladder with, these circles can be a lifeline.
You’ll also find a strong Aussie presence in hospitality, wellness, and entrepreneurship – think cafes with flat whites done right, boutique fitness studios, and lifestyle brands founded by expats who made the move a decade ago and stayed. Many newcomers find their footing through casual meetups, sports clubs, or even WhatsApp groups dedicated to neighbourhood life.
In a city where connections form fast and networks matter, tapping into this ready-made community can make Dubai feel less like a relocation and more like an upgrade.
The Verdict
For many Australians, Dubai offers a chance to earn more, explore new opportunities, and experience life in one of the world’s fastest-evolving cities. It’s not a copy-paste of Sydney or Melbourne – nor should it be – but with the right mindset, it can be a natural extension of the lifestyle Australians know and love: warm weather, outdoor living, and a global outlook.
