5 Things to Prepare When Moving to Dubai Festival City

Moving to the UAE is a big step you can take towards a successful and fulfilling life.

Not only is the UAE a place filled with plenty of career opportunities but it is also lauded to be one of the world’s most prosperous business environments. Of course, let’s not forget the energetic lifestyle and affordable luxury the country is known for.

Speaking of luxury and lifestyle, one particular community stands out in these aspects in the UAE: Dubai Festival City (DFC).

You cannot go wrong with this “city within a city.” It is situated in a prime location for business and leisure and offers numerous amenities ranging from essentials to entertainment.

Here, you will learn the reason why Dubai Festival City is a great place to live in and what you need to prepare when relocating here.

Why Live in Dubai Festival City?

Although known as a shopping district because of the mall it houses bearing the same name, the Dubai Festival City is a mixed-use development in an advantageous location, with complete amenities and affordable luxury.

Spanning 232,258 square meters, both commercial and residential areas are just a ten-minute drive away from the Dubai International Airport. In 20 minutes or less, you can also visit Dubai Academic City, Business Bay, and Al Garhoud – all of which are areas that cater to business professionals.

Besides this, DFC also offers outstanding residential options subdivided into three communities:

• Al Badia Hillside Village
• Marsa Plaza
• Al Badia Residences

From a few villas to a multitude of flats and apartments, you can buy or rent the property of your dreams.

Ready to Move to DFC? 5 Things You Must Prepare

Once you’ve decided to move to the DFC, it’s time to tackle the five important things you must prepare:

Accommodation

Many expatriates looking to live in the UAE decide to rent a property first before investing in a permanent residence. This way, they can try living in various neighborhoods first and get a feel of the lifestyle and see which one suits them best.

In Dubai, you have a wide range of luxurious apartments to choose from, but they are mostly only available for rent. Some come with long-term leases, which allow you access to most facilities, such as exclusive parking, a swimming pool, a gym, or communal garden areas. Some may also offer cleaning services, while others provide on-site security.

Take note, however, these properties may require a security deposit aside from the monthly rent. However, there may also be an option to pay upfront for an entire year or a specific number of cheque payments within 12 months. Paying for the entire year offers more savings on fees, of course.

But if your mind is already set on buying a property in DFC, you can also take advantage of affordable mortgage programs for luxury properties. The Al Badia Hillside Residences, for instance, offers easy mortgage facilities along with:

• 100 percent Dubai Land Department (DLD) fee
• 15 percent relocation discount with Al Futtaim Logistics
• Zero percent commission
• A five-year mortgage with a 25 percent down payment

Documentation

Since you’re moving from another country, you need to have a UAE residence visa to live in Dubai Festival City legally. A Dubai residence visa is good for two years if you’re working in the private sector and three years for the public sector. You should also be able to renew this indefinitely.

After getting a residence visa, you can already open a bank account, get your driver’s licence (more on this later), and sponsor visa applications for your family.

If you’re relocating for work, you should make sure that your employer will sponsor your UAE residence visa and work permit. Below are some of the requirements for this:

• Medical check-up with a chest X-ray and a blood test
• Passport valid for six months or more
• Recent coloured photos
• Any additional proof of identity (as required)

You should get your visa within two to three weeks if the company applies for you. 

Health insurance

Health insurance is another requisite for visa applications – whether for renewal purposes or if it’s your first time to get one.

Employers are mandated by UAE law to provide health insurance coverage for their employees. This means that you may already have one arranged for you if you’re sponsored by your company, along with your visa and work permit.

If this is the case, read the insurance policy carefully as they may only offer basic level coverage. This so-called Essential Benefits Plan 3 provides a maximum of AED 150,000 coverage annually for one person only. You may need to arrange for a different plan with higher coverage limits and additional benefits if you want more protection.

Take note that, in general, Dubai employers currently don’t provide coverage for spouses and other dependents. If you’re bringing your family along, you can look for family health insurance plans instead.

Education

If you’re moving with your children, you will also need to work out their education plan. In Dubai Festival City, you’ll have two excellent international school options:

• Deira International School (DIS) – This is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a British curriculum school for your children. Aside from being an authorised Centre of Cambridge Examination, the DIS is also fully accredited by the British School Overseas (BSO), Council of International Schools (CIS), and International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO).
• Universal American School (UAS) – As an authorised IB World School, the UAS offers the IB Primary Years Programme for elementary students. It also runs on a standards-based curriculum that follows the AERO Common Core Plus Curricular Standards for middle schoolers and the IB Diploma Programme for students in Grades 11 and 12.

Private transportation

After you get your residency visa and work permit, you can already get your driver’s licence for the UAE.

The passport you hold could determine how easy it is for you to get a driver’s licence in the UAE.

In 2017, the government passed new laws that allow UAE residents from key countries to simply convert their original driver’s licence through a fast and straightforward process.

Those from the United Kingdom, for example, only need the following requirements to do so:

• UK passport
• Residence permit
• Original driving license
• Passport photo
• Eye test certificate

Whether you’re converting your driver’s license or applying for a new one, you will need to head to the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai before you can legally drive a vehicle in and around DFC and the rest of the country.

Prepare to Live in Luxury

Dubai Festival City has plenty to offer when it comes to a life of luxury. Once you’ve decided to live here, get everything in order, including all the documents you need.

Soon, you’ll be on your way to living a convenient and comfortable life in the UAE.