The first two days in Dubai, in priority order: what has to happen, what should, and what can wait. Tick things off as you go.
For Dubai
How long you are staying
Must do
du, e& (formerly Etisalat) and Virgin Mobile sell visitor SIMs at the airport with your passport. Once you have an Emirates ID, move to a line registered against it; many services verify you by text.
Carry your passport, or your Emirates ID once you have it. Hotels, banks, police checks and even some gyms ask for it.
Buy a Silver nol card at any metro station (AED 25, including AED 19 of credit) for the metro, tram, buses and water buses. Gold class costs double. A personalised card unlocks monthly passes and discounts.
Your employer or sponsor usually books it. Bring your passport, entry permit and photos; results feed the residence file.
At the ICP or typing centre your sponsor names. Keep the application receipt; it stands in for the card for some services.
Ask for the agent's RERA broker number and the listing's Trakheesi permit number and check both. Money follows a signed contract, never a verbal promise.
Should do
999 is police, 998 an ambulance and 997 fire. All answer in English.
Photographing people without consent, swearing or rude gestures online and public drunkenness carry real penalties. During Ramadan, be discreet about eating and drinking in public in daylight hours.
From roughly June to September, walking outside at midday is not realistic. Use air-conditioned station links and footbridges, and drink more water than you think you need.
Most banks open a full account once the Emirates ID number is issued, with your passport, visa and a salary certificate from your employer. You need the account to write rent cheques.
Download it and verify it against your Emirates ID once issued. It signs documents and logs you in to government services across the country.
Once the lease is signed, register it with Ejari through the Dubai REST app or a typing centre, then open your DEWA account with the Ejari number and pay the deposit.
Nice to do
Since 2022 the weekend has been Saturday and Sunday, with government offices closing early on Friday for prayers. Plan admin visits for Monday to Thursday.
Many embassies run a registration or alert service for nationals living abroad. Two minutes now saves a scramble in an emergency.
The Red Line runs most of Sheikh Zayed Road. One ride shows you which areas really are within walking distance of a station.
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