Top #25 Dubai Expat Lessons

Oops... it's actually 27, I realized I had some doubles, but eh, too much effort to go back and change them. :-) Soo... wanted to take this time to review the Life as an Expat Lessons that I started in my earlier blogs. I did this as a little reminder to myself and hopefully will give some tips to people coming to Dubai! After looking at it, I see I have some repeats, mostly to be patient! ha ha!

Top #25 Life as an Expat Lessons:

Lesson #1: Patience is your Friend

Lesson #2: Always, always be as polite as possible when dealing with locals here. I can't emphasize that enough. Whatever sounds the most cheesy and fluffy to you, that's how you communicate.

Lesson #3: Per other expats or people that have moved to new places: It takes 6 months to a year to get adjusted to your new life.

Lesson #4: If you want to show off, this is the place to do it.

Lesson #5: At all costs, network and make connections as much as you can. Here it can really get you places.

Lesson #6: Always make a good first impression.

Lesson #7: Arab nations are typical very disorganized, and Dubai is no exception. Be patient.

Lesson #7:  Take advantage of what's in front of you (i.e. me working in a medical hospital and getting free-bee consults and getting 'worked in' for medical needs like radiological imaging).
Lesson #8: If you can avoid it, NEVER have a local drive you! It is a death sentence waiting to happen. They are known to be horrible drivers.
Lesson #9: Any race, whatever distance, is pretty much referred to as a 'marathon' here.  Find out beforehand what the actual distance is (5K, 10K, actual marathon) if you plan on running a race!

Lesson #10: Things in Dubai are always changing, logistics, procedures, so always do your research!

Lesson #11: There is no such thing as "straightforward" here, if you need to get something done, expect to do it in about 5+ extra steps than what you are used to.
Lesson # 12: It's not what you know, it is WHO you know.

Lesson # 14: Be careful with overpromising. It is fairly common to that here... and nothing usually pans out. 

Lesson # 15: Dubai is all about Titles... and stamping. Pretty much everything has a VIP section so people can feel important, and pretty much every formal document has to have some kind of stamp on it.  They looooooooooooooove stamps. 

Lesson #16: Don't assume you will get information because you asked for it. You have to keep asking, otherwise you will NOT get any answers and whatever you asked for will not happen. 

Lesson #16: You cannot start a life in Dubai without your employment visa.

Lesson #17: Hardly anything in Dubai takes less than 3 tries.

Lesson #18: It is customary to tip for any service if you are a sheikh or uber rich local. 

Lesson #19: Take advantage of the central location to the world here in Dubai, and try and get out and see something new! 

Lesson # 20: DO NOT come to Dubai without a fair amount of money in your pocket! 

Lesson #21: One word: Downsize!

Lesson #22: It takes 6 months to a year to get used to living in a new environment.

Lesson #23: Once moving to Dubai, you have a VERY good possibility of getting the Dubai Stone - basically gaining 5-10 lbs. Ouch.

Lesson #24: Here in Dubai it is a bit of a workaholic atmosphere.... still try to ENJOY and take time for FUN!

Lesson #25: In a land of luxury, indulge!!! Take advantage of it and treat yourself every now and then!