10 Best Apps to Use in Dubai: 2025

Dubai is one of the most exciting cities in the world! It's got a vibrant mix of modern luxury, cultural heritage and boundless opportunity. Whether you’re relocating for work, starting a business, or simply seeking a change of lifestyle, moving to Dubai can be life-changing.But before you pack your bags and book that one-way ticket, it’s important to understand what life in Dubai really looks like. From visa options to cost of living and local laws, here are 10 essential things you need to know before moving to Dubai in 2025.1. You’ll Need the Right VisaTo live and work in Dubai, you’ll need a valid UAE residence visa. Most expats obtain this through employment sponsorship, but there are other routes too — such as investor visas, freelancer permits or the Golden Visa for long-term residents.✅ Tip: If you plan to open your own business, a company formation license can also grant you residency.2. The Cost of Living Varies by LifestyleDubai offers everything from budget-friendly living to ultra-luxury lifestyles. Rent is the biggest expense with prices ranging widely depending on the area. Popular expat communities like Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) or Business Bay are more affordable than Downtown Dubai or Palm Jumeirah.Groceries, utilities and transport are generally on par with major global cities but there’s no income tax, which can balance the higher costs.3. It’s a Tax-Free Salary EnvironmentOne of Dubai’s biggest attractions is its no personal income tax policy. What you earn is yours to keep, making the city especially appealing for professionals and entrepreneurs.However, note that VAT (Value Added Tax) applies to most goods and services at 5% and corporate tax applies to businesses earning over AED 375,000 annually.4. The Weather Can Be ExtremeDubai enjoys sunshine year-round, but the summer months (June to September) can be intense, with temperatures exceeding 45°C. Most public spaces, offices, and homes are fully air-conditioned, and many residents travel abroad during the hottest months.✅ Best months to move: Between October and April, when the weather is pleasant and outdoor life thrives.5. The City Is Exceptionally SafeDubai consistently ranks among the safest cities in the world. Crime rates are extremely low, thanks to strong law enforcement and a culture of respect and tolerance.This sense of security makes Dubai especially attractive for families, solo travellers and female professionals.6. There’s a Diverse and Welcoming Expat CommunityOver 85% of Dubai’s population is made up of expats from around the world. You’ll meet people from nearly every country, and English is widely spoken — making integration easy.Dubai’s multicultural environment fosters global networking, friendships and professional opportunities.7. You’ll Need Health InsuranceHealth insurance is mandatory for all Dubai residents. Employers typically cover this for their staff but dependents and freelancers must arrange private insurance plans.Dubai offers world-class healthcare facilities, from public hospitals to luxury medical centers.8. Understanding Local Culture and Laws Is EssentialWhile Dubai is modern and cosmopolitan, it’s still part of an Islamic country with local traditions and laws that must be respected.Public displays of affection, offensive gestures or disruptive behaviour can lead to fines or legal trouble. Dress modestly in government buildings and traditional areas and avoid consuming alcohol in public.✅ Tip: Familiarise yourself with UAE laws before moving to avoid unintentional mistakes.9. Transportation Is Modern and EfficientDubai’s public transport system is world-class — from the Dubai Metro to air-conditioned buses and water taxis. Still, many residents prefer owning a car for flexibility, especially families.Driving licenses from certain countries can be converted easily, while others require a short driving test.10. Career and Business Opportunities Are Expanding FastDubai’s economy is booming across sectors, from real estate and logistics to technology, finance and tourism. With numerous free zones and business-friendly policies, it’s a great place for professionals and entrepreneurs alike.If you’re planning to start a business, you can enjoy 100% foreign ownership, access to international markets and a stable, tax-efficient environment.A City of Endless OpportunityMoving to Dubai is more than just a change of address, it’s a lifestyle transformation. With its mix of safety, opportunity and global connectivity, the city offers a future full of promise.By understanding these 10 key points before relocating, you’ll be better prepared to thrive in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.  

Relocating your family to a new city is never an easy decision. Two of the world’s most dynamic cities, Dubai and London, often top the list for families seeking better opportunities, lifestyle and financial advantages.While both cities offer global connectivity, excellent education options and vibrant cultures, they differ dramatically when it comes to cost of living, housing, taxes, healthcare and family lifestyle.In this guide, we’ll break down the Dubai vs London comparison for families in 2025, so you can make an informed choice that is best for you and your family!Overall Cost of Living: Dubai vs LondonThe first thing most families ask when comparing cities is: “Where is my money going to stretch further?”Housing: Dubai offers modern apartments and spacious villas with significantly more square footage for the same price compared to London. Rental costs in prime London neighborhoods are some of the highest in the world.Groceries: Imported goods can make Dubai pricier in some categories but local produce and essentials are generally more affordable than in London.Transport: Owning a car in Dubai is common thanks to cheap petrol prices, while London families rely heavily on public transport - costly but efficient.Utilities: Electricity, water and internet tend to be lower in Dubai compared to London.Let's do a quick comparison:A 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre is approximately AED 11,000 to AED 15,000 / month in Dubai VS £3,500 – £5,000 / month. London rents are typically 30–50% higher.Monthly groceries for a family of 4 is around AED 2,500 – 3,500 per shop VS £700 – £900. This is slightly higher in London, however, both are around the same bracket. Transport in Dubai is approximately AED 2.8/L VS almost £2 in London. Dubai is significantly cheaper when it comes to transport costs.Taxes & IncomeOne of the biggest advantages of Dubai for families is its tax-free personal income.Dubai: 0% income tax. Families can maximise savings, invest in property or allocate more to lifestyle. Businesses pay a 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 in profit.London/UK: Families face personal income tax rates ranging from 20% to 45%, plus National Insurance contributions. Corporate tax is at 25%.Over time, this makes Dubai significantly more attractive for wealth-building and family financial security.Housing & Family LivingFor families, housing is more than just a roof over their heads, it’s about space, safety and quality of life.Dubai: Family-friendly communities such as Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills and Jumeirah Village Circle offer villas with gardens, pools and community facilities. Properties are newer, larger and often come with modern amenities.London: Housing is older, smaller and more expensive. Central London properties are compact and large family homes are typically in outer boroughs with long commutes. Dubai offers more space for less cost, ideal for families looking for larger living areas.Education & SchoolingEducation is often the deciding factor for families.Dubai: Wide selection of international schools offering British, American, Indian, IB and other curriculums. Fees range between AED 40,000 – 100,000+ per year. Strong emphasis on multicultural environments.London: Public schools (state-funded) are free, while private schools cost anywhere between £15,000 – £30,000 per year. The UK is known for academic excellence, but competition for good public schools is high.Families relocating to Dubai must budget for private education, but benefit from more choice and diversity.HealthcareDubai: High-quality private healthcare system with modern hospitals and specialist care. Health insurance is mandatory and usually provided by employers.London: The NHS offers free healthcare at point of use, though waiting times can be long. Private healthcare is available but comes at a high cost.Families in Dubai enjoy faster access to private care, while London offers the affordability of public services.Lifestyle & Family ActivitiesFamily lifestyle is where the difference between Dubai and London becomes even clearer.Dubai: Known for its outdoor lifestyle, safety and all year round entertainment. Families enjoy beaches, theme parks, desert adventures and malls with kids’ facilities. The city hosts countless family-friendly events year-round.London: Rich in culture and history, with free museums, art galleries, theatre and lush green parks. Family weekends often involve cultural trips, football matches or exploring historic sites.Dubai offers sunshine and safety, while London provides cultural depth and history.Safety & SecurityFor parents, safety is paramount.Dubai: Consistently ranked among the safest cities in the world. Extremely low crime rates and safe public spaces. Children often walk safely in communities.London: While generally safe, London has higher rates of petty crime, particularly in tourist areas. Families need to be more cautious.For peace of mind, Dubai offers a clear advantage.Conclusion: Which City Wins for Families?Both Dubai and London are exceptional global cities but the choice depends on your family’s priorities:Choose Dubai if you value:Tax-free income and higher savings potentialSpacious housing and modern amenitiesYear-round sunshine and outdoor livingSafety and security for childrenChoose London if you value:Free public education and NHS healthcareRich cultural heritage and walkable city livingSeasonal weather and traditional neighbourhoodsFor many families, the financial and lifestyle benefits of Dubai in 2025 make it the stronger choice for relocation, especially for those prioritising savings, safety and a family-friendly environment.

You’ve launched your business, selected a location, paid for the fit-out and opened your doors with high hopes.But weeks, or even months later, the foot traffic is underwhelming, conversions are low and revenue isn’t where it should be.Sound familiar?In Dubai’s ultra-competitive commercial real estate market, even small mistakes in site selection can significantly impact your bottom line.If you’re wondering why your shop, clinic, café or workspace isn’t performing as expected, here are five common reasons and how to fix them.1. You’re in the Wrong Footfall ZoneJust because an area is busy doesn’t mean it’s right for your business.You may have picked a location with high pedestrian traffic but is it the right kind of traffic? A luxury skincare boutique won’t thrive in an area dominated by office workers on quick lunch breaks. Likewise, a kids’ activity center in a business park may not see the kind of steady flow it needs.Solution:Before you sign a lease, analyse footfall patterns and demographics. At CRC Property, we provide real-time footfall insights by category, whether you need access to tourists, residents, families or corporate professionals.2. Poor Visibility from the Street or Mall Access PointIf your customers can’t see you, you don’t exist.A few meters in the wrong direction can mean the difference between a bustling storefront and an invisible one. We've seen corner units or spaces closer to main entrances increase walk-ins by over 30%.Solution:Always ask for detailed layout maps and visit the property at different times of day to assess visibility, lighting and natural flow. CRC can help you shortlist spaces that maximise exposure and customer access. 3. Your Layout or Power Load Is Limiting OperationsA great deal isn’t a great deal if your space doesn’t meet your technical or operational requirements.Restaurants with insufficient kitchen power, clinics with poor drainage or salons with low ceiling heights all face daily operational frustrations. These issues not only limit efficiency but they also directly impact customer experience and revenue.Solution:CRC's experts conduct technical due diligence on every property, checking power capacity, AC specs, drainage, ceiling heights and more, so you don’t run into costly surprises after signing.4. Your Lease Terms Are Too RigidA bad lease can cripple your business before you even begin.No exit clause? No rent-free period? Uncapped annual rent increases? These are more common than you think and they can unfortunately leave business owners trapped in unsustainable contracts.Solution:Have a commercial advisor negotiate on your behalf. At CRC, we help clients negotiate better exit clauses and structure agreements that reduce risk and boost flexibility.5. You’re Not Leveraging Your Space as a Brand AssetYour commercial space isn’t just a monthly cost - it’s a marketing tool.If the fit-out, finishes or surrounding businesses don’t align with your brand image, you could be silently turning away your ideal customers. For example, a sustainability-focused brand won’t thrive next to low-quality retailers or in a poorly maintained building.Solution:We help clients choose spaces that reflect their brand values, whether that’s luxury, tech, sustainable, wellness or local-first. We help you turn your physical location into a powerful extension of your identity.Before You Relocate, Talk to CRCSometimes a relocation is the right move. Other times, all you need is a lease restructure, a signage change or a technical upgrade.At CRC Property, we don’t just lease and sell, we optimise commercial real estate to work for your business goals. 

Quick escapes that feel like a world awayDubai’s fast-paced lifestyle calls for the occasional escape. Luckily, you don’t have to go far to reset and recharge. Whether you're looking for mountains, beaches, culture, or pure luxury, the UAE and its neighbouring regions are packed with options that are perfect for a weekend break.Here’s your 2025 guide to the best weekend getaways from Dubai, all within a 2- to 4-hour drive or flight.1. Hatta – For Mountain Adventures and Cooler WeatherDrive time: 1.5 hoursTucked in the Hajar Mountains, Hatta is a nature lover’s dream. Think kayaking in Hatta Dam, hiking scenic trails, or staying in glamping domes with starry night views. Perfect for a quick digital detox.Top things to do:Hatta Wadi Hub adventure parkHatta Heritage VillageMountain biking and hiking trails2. Ras Al Khaimah – Desert Meets MountainsDrive time: 1.5 hoursHome to the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah offers a mix of outdoor adrenaline and beachside relaxation. In winter, it becomes a popular glamping destination for families and couples.Don’t miss:Jebel Jais Zipline (world’s longest)Bear Grylls Adventure CampSunset beach resorts3. Abu Dhabi – Culture, Luxury & ArtDrive time: 1 hourOften overlooked, Abu Dhabi is a cultural powerhouse. From the Louvre to the Grand Mosque, it’s ideal for those who want a taste of art, history, and high-end hospitality—all in a calm, polished setting.Highlights:Sheikh Zayed Grand MosqueQasr Al Watan & Presidential PalaceSaadiyat Island’s beach clubs and museums4. Fujairah – For Scuba Diving & SerenityDrive time: 2 hoursThe UAE’s east coast feels like a different world. With a more laid-back vibe and natural beaches, Fujairah is perfect for snorkeling, diving and a more rustic weekend by the sea.Best spots:Snoopy IslandAl Aqah BeachFriday Market (for local crafts)5. Musandam, Oman – The “Norway” of the GulfDrive time: 3 hours (passport required)Known for its dramatic fjords and crystal-clear waters, Musandam is a slice of untouched beauty. Take a traditional dhow cruise, go dolphin-watching or snorkel in quiet coves.Tip: Border crossing requires your original passport and a visa (usually available at the border for most nationalities).6. Doha, Qatar – Quick Flight for a Luxe City BreakFlight time: 1 hourThanks to visa-free entry for many nationalities, Doha is an easy hop from Dubai. Whether it’s art at the Museum of Islamic Art or shopping at Place Vendôme, it’s perfect for a refined city break.What to see:The Pearl-QatarMsheireb DowntownSouq WaqifTravel Tips for Dubai Weekend GetawaysLeave Thursday evening or early Friday to beat traffic.Book in advance during peak season (Nov–March) – Hatta, RAK, and Fujairah get busy fast.Don’t forget your Emirates ID or passport for border travel.Why These Trips MatterWeekend getaways aren’t just about relaxation — they’re a vital part of keeping pace with Dubai’s non-stop energy. Whether you're a resident, entrepreneur or business traveler, these short breaks can boost productivity, creativity and mental clarity.If you’re relocating your business or life to Dubai and want to know more about where to live, work, or invest, the team at CRC Property is always here to help.

In a significant regulatory shift, the Dubai Land Department has mandated that proceeds from property sales to overseas sellers must now be issued via cheques made out in the seller’s own name, as listed on the title deed. This means Power of Attorney (PoA) holders can no longer receive or clear payments on behalf of sellers. It’s a pivotal move that reinforces transparency and marks a new chapter in the evolution of Dubai’s real estate market.A Strategic Pivot Towards Global CredibilityDubai’s property market has enjoyed tremendous popularity among overseas investors, who now continue to buy units at rates exceeding 2024 volumes. This new rule is more than a procedural tweak, it’s a strategic credibility enhancer.Financial regulators worldwide are tightening their definition of trustworthy transactions and Dubai’s move aligns perfectly with this global trend. It bolsters investor trust by ensuring that funds flow from buyer to rightful owner, unmediated and auditable.Behnam Bargh, Managing Director at CRC Property touched on this new guideline stating:“By insisting that banks accept cheques only in the seller’s name, Dubai signals an unambiguous commitment to streamline transparency, reduce fraud risk, and reinforce the direct link between legal ownership and financial settlement.” Practical Impacts and Soft Landing Yes, PoAs remain valid for executing sales, but the final payment must match the name on the title deed . This ensures that the beneficial owner is clearly identified, and the transaction footprint is clean.Expect changes across one key layer: compliant PoA issuance. To meet DLD’s expectations, PoAs now can, and should, be authenticated directly via Dubai courts, even remotely via Zoom and tied to verified bank accounts within the UAE. Implications for Investors & BrokersFor Investors:You’ll need a UAE bank account as seller for each transaction.PoAs remain allowed but you’ll need clear legal attestation ensuring proceeds go to you.Prepare for a more straightforward and scrutiny-ready payment clearing process.For Brokers:Double down on compliance: vet PoAs, confirm seller account details and ensure documentation is clean.Anticipate higher demand for administered PoAs and containerised escrow-like systems to support overseas sellers.Final Insight: A Step Ahead in Institutional MaturityDubai’s policy marks a significant leap toward heightened institutional maturity. It's a small operational adjustment with major signaling value, speaking volumes about Dubai’s deepening sophistication as a real estate investment hub. For overseas investors, this spells confidence. For the broader ecosystem, it means accountability. And for Dubai, it fortifies its position as a transparent, reliable and trust-driven global market.In an era where certainty is capital, Dubai just made a brilliant investment in its own credibility.