How to Survive The First 90 Days in the UAE: A Realistic Guide for New Expats

Saturday, 24 January 2026| Dubai, UAE [ Posted at 5:36 pm, Updated at 5:39 pm ]

Are you thinking about how to survive the first 90 days in the UAE? The first three months often decide whether your move becomes a success story or a costly mistake. Shockingly, many expats struggle in the first three months in the country. You will not suffer because we will give you the UAE survival guide that breaks down everything you need to survive. 

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Why Does the UAE Attract Millions of Expats?

Overview: The UAE attracts millions of expats with tax-free income, strong career opportunities, and a safe, multicultural lifestyle.

Nearly 90% of the country’s population consists of expatriates, making it one of the most international cities in the world. Key reasons expats choose the UAE include:

• Zero personal income tax
• Strong demand for skilled professionals
• World-class infrastructure and safety
• Multicultural environment
• Strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa

However, Dubai, the most popular city of the UAE, ranks among the top 15 most expensive cities globally, making smart planning essential from day one. Similar conditions persist in other emirates of the country.

Quick UAE Facts

• Currency: AED
• Population: 11 million as of 2025
• Expats: 90%
• Climate: Hot summers, pleasant winters
• Safety: Among the safest cities globally

Understanding the Real Cost of Living in Your First 90 Days

Overview: The cost of living in the UAE can be challenging in the first 90 days, especially for new expats adjusting to high housing and daily expenses.

As we mentioned above, the country is expensive for most expats who are new in UAE. Hence, it is important to learn the real living costs of the nation. Here’s a list of the living costs:

1. Accommodation: Your Biggest Expense

Housing will consume the largest part of your budget. You will get several housing options. Most expats choose a shared room due to affordability. If you have a good salary and live with a family, you could opt for a studio apartment or a one-bedroom apartment.

For Single Bachelors

• Bed space (shared accommodation): AED 500–800/month (Shared with 4–8 people, often bunk beds)

• Costs increase near metro stations and central areas

For Families

• Shared master bedroom: AED 2,500–3,500/month
• Studio apartment (yearly rent): Around AED 3,800–4,000/month (including basic utilities)
• One-bedroom apartment: Costs rise depending on location and facilities

Reality check: Many new arrivals struggle initially with shared living due to lifestyle differences. It’s common but requires adjustment.

2. Food Expenses: Eating Smart Saves Money

It is the second type of expenses that would eat up your salary if you didn’t plan carefully.

For Single Individuals

• Average meal: AED 10
• Two meals per day: AED 20/day
• Monthly cost: AED 600 (eating simple, decent food)

For Families

• Monthly food expense: AED 900–1,200
• Home cooking significantly reduces costs

3. Transportation: Metro vs Car Ownership

You’ll get two options for getting around in the UAE, i.e, the metro and car ownership.
Bachelors. Here’s the UAE survival guide for transportation:

Metro & buses:

• Daily commute: AED 10–12
• Monthly estimate: AED 300–400

Families / Higher Salaries

Car on EMI:

• Small cars: AED 450–800/month
• Larger vehicles: Up to AED 1,500+

Fuel is affordable. However, maintenance and insurance add to the transportation costs.
In short, you should opt for public transport if you are wondering about how to survive the first month in UAE.

Minimum Salary Needed to Survive Comfortably

Overview: The minimum salary needed to live comfortably in the UAE depends heavily on job type, lifestyle, and family size.

The minimum salary differs based on the type of job. However, AED 1,200 is the minimum salary, but it could go up to AED 20,000. Here’s the common salary range for those new in UAE:

• Labour jobs: AED 1,200–1,500 (Usually includes free accommodation and food)
• Bike riders/delivery: AED 2,200–3,700 (performance-based)
• Admin & accountant roles: AED 3,000–4,000+
• Skilled professionals: AED 8,000–15,000+
• High-end roles: AED 20,000+

Survival Reality

• AED 3,000–4,000: One person can survive and send limited savings
• AED 6,000–9,000: Family (spouse + child) can live modestly
• AED 10,000+: Comfortable lifestyle, but expenses rise with income

Visa, Residency & Emirates ID: First-Week Priorities

Overview – Securing your visa, residency, and Emirates ID is the most important priority in your first week in the UAE.

For those wondering about how to survive the first week in UAE, legal status is everything in the country for banking and healthcare services. Key elements to secure the legal status for those new in UAE include:

Common Residency Options

• Employment visa (2–3 years) or Investor or business visa
• Dependent visa
• Student or remote work visa

Emirates ID Is Mandatory

It is important for the following:

• Opening bank accounts
• Renting property
• SIM cards
• Healthcare
• Vehicle registration

Banking in the UAE: What New Expats Should Know

Overview – Opening a bank account in the UAE is straightforward once your residency and Emirates ID are ready.

You can open your bank account if you have:

• Passport
• Emirates ID
• Residency visa
• Salary certificate or contract

Minimum Requirements

• Salary: Usually AED 5,000/month
• Minimum balance: AED 3,000–5,000 (varies by bank)

Tip: Islamic banking is available for Muslims and non-Muslims.

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Healthcare Insurance Is Not Optional

Overview – Health insurance is mandatory for all UAE residents and is essential for accessing medical services.

For those who are new in UAE, it is mandatory to understand that these insurances are compulsory for all residents.

• Employers must provide insurance for employees.
• Dependents need separate coverage.
• Basic plans cover essential care.
• Private insurance ranges from AED 5,000–25,000/year

Public hospitals offer quality care but may have longer wait times.

Cultural Rules Every Newcomer Must Respect

Overview – Understanding local customs and laws helps avoid trouble and ensures a smooth transition.

If you are wondering how to Survive The First 90 Days in the UAE, you should understand that the country is modern, but it is culturally conservative.

Key points to remember:

• Modest dressing in public places
• No public displays of affection
• Alcohol is allowed only in licensed venues
• Special conduct rules during Ramadan
• VoIP restrictions on WhatsApp & Skype calls

Respecting local customs ensures a smooth transition.

Taxes: What You Pay—and What You Don’t

Overview – The UAE is known for its tax-friendly system, with no personal income, wealth, or capital gains tax.

One of the main reasons to visit the UAE is its tax-friendly structure. The country doesn’t have tax on personal income, capital gains, wealth or inheritance. Below are the key applicable taxes in the nation:

• VAT: 5%
• Alcohol tax: 30%
• Municipality rental tax: 5%
• Property transfer fee: 4%

Some nationalities may still owe tax in their home country.

Biggest Mistakes to Avoid in Your First 90 Days

Overview – Many new expats face difficulties by making avoidable mistakes in their first 90 days.

The following mistakes are mistakes that you should avoid if you are wondering about how to survive the first 90 days in the UAE:

• Renting too fast without comparing areas
• Overspending due to lifestyle pressure
• Ignoring savings goals
• Accepting underpaid jobs without benefits
• Not understanding visa obligations

Final Advice: How to Survive The First 90 Days in the UAE

Overview – The UAE offers immense opportunities, but long-term success depends on discipline and smart financial habits.

There is no doubt that the country has limitless opportunities. Still, discipline determines success in the UAE. If you are anxious thinking about how to survive the first 90 days in UAE, you should definitely consider the following tips:

• Live below your means.
• Track expenses weekly
• Save before upgrading your lifestyle
• Build skills to grow income
• Plan long-term, not emotionally

As many long-term residents say, “In the UAE, you can earn a lot, but you can also spend it just as fast.” Hence, disciplined living is important in the country.

Conclusion 

You might be feeling overwhelmed while thinking about how to survive the first 90 days in the UAE. The reality is that smart planning and cultural awareness can make the transition smooth and rewarding if you are new in UAE. 

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