10 Things You Need to Know Before Moving to Dubai (2025 Guide)

Living in or visiting Dubai is all about convenience and with the right apps, life becomes even smoother. From transport to food delivery and government services, Dubai has a digital solution for almost everything. If you’re new to the city or planning to move, here’s a roundup of the best apps to use in Dubai that will make your experience stress-free.1. Careem – Ride-Hailing & MoreCareem is Dubai’s answer to Uber (though Uber also operates here). Beyond rides, you can use Careem for food delivery, grocery orders and even bike rentals. It’s a one-stop app for getting around and managing daily needs.Why it’s essential: Reliable rides, multiple services and widespread availability.2. RTA Dubai – Public Transport Made EasyIf you’re using Dubai’s metro, buses or trams, the official RTA Dubai app is a must. You can check routes, recharge your Nol card, pay parking fees and even plan your trip in real-time.Why it’s essential: Saves time, avoids fines and keeps your commute seamless.3. Talabat – Food Delivery at Your FingertipsWhen hunger strikes, Talabat is Dubai’s go-to food delivery app. From local favorites to international chains, it covers almost every restaurant in the city. They also deliver groceries, flowers and even pharmacy items.Why it’s essential: Huge variety, fast delivery and frequent promotions.4. DubaiNow – Government Services in One AppDubai is famous for its smart government. The DubaiNow app brings over 130 government services into your pocket. Pay utility bills, renew car registration, apply for visas or track residency status all in one app.Why it’s essential: Saves trips to government offices with quick digital services.5. Zomato / Deliveroo – Dining & DeliveryZomato is great for discovering restaurants, checking reviews and browsing menus. Deliveroo, on the other hand, is known for premium restaurant delivery. Many residents keep both apps handy.Why it’s essential: Zomato helps you find places, Deliveroo gets food delivered fast.6. Noon & Amazon.ae – Online Shopping Made SimpleFor electronics, groceries, or fashion, Noon and Amazon.ae are the top online shopping apps in Dubai. They offer fast shipping, easy returns and competitive prices. Noon even has a service ‘Noon 15’ which guarantees 15-minute delivery to wherever you are!Why it’s essential: Convenient shopping without leaving home.7. Dubizzle – Buy & Sell AnythingNeed a new apartment, car or even a job? Dubizzle is Dubai’s leading classifieds app. Expats use it daily for everything from furniture to real estate.Why it’s essential: Huge marketplace for buyers and sellers.8. Entertainer – Discounts & 2-for-1 DealsDubai is known for its luxury lifestyle but with the Entertainer app, you can enjoy restaurants, spas and activities at half the price. It’s especially popular with residents who love a good deal.Why it’s essential: Saves money while enjoying the best of Dubai.9. Carrefour UAE – Grocery DeliverySkip the supermarket queues with Carrefour UAE’s app. You can order groceries online and have them delivered straight to your door.Why it’s essential: Fast delivery, wide product range and loyalty rewards.10. Dubai Calendar – What’s Happening in the CityDubai is buzzing with events all year long. The official Dubai Calendar app keeps you updated on concerts, exhibitions, festivals and more.Why it’s essential: Never miss out on the city’s biggest events.Final ThoughtsWhether you’re an expat, tourist, or long-time resident, these are the top apps to use in Dubai in 2025. From navigating the city to managing government paperwork, each app makes life easier and more connected in one of the world’s most advanced 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.