Common misconceptions people have about living in Dubai

Prior to making the move to Dubai, I had no idea what to expect. I had never been here & didn’t know a

Anybody living here so I was going straight into the unknown.

However, within a matter of days I realised that the Dubai I had “heard about” was very different to the reality! 

So, here’s some common misconceptions cleared up! 

🏡 Unmarried couples can’t live together.

Okay, so this was true when I first moved to Dubai. However, as of February 2021 it has been made legal for unmarried couples to live together under the same roof. 

🥂 Dubai is a “dry” country.

Completely not true. Dubai is a liberal city that caters to over 200 nationalities and is home of the world famous “brunch.” You can also get a free alcohol licence should you wish to have a few scoops at home.

What you can’t do is be drunk & disorderly in the streets or be a public nuisance. (Pretty sure this is illegal everywhere). 

✈️ Employers hold your passport.

Not only is this not true, it’s actually illegal. Your employer should only have your passport for scanning to initiate the visa application process. 

Speaking of visas this is also a legal mandatory requirement and this process should start on your first day of employment. 

🚗 Women can’t drive. 

Another rule that changed a long time ago. Females are extremely well looked after & the UAE actually seen one of the highest percentages of females in leadership positions. Dubai was also voted the safest city for solo female travelers. 

🌆 The Real Estate market is over saturated.

Okay, so I’m going to be controversial with this one… 

There are a lot of agents in Dubai. I won’t ever deny that.

However, there is not a lot of “quality” agents in the market. 

With minimal requirements to be an agent and the industry operating on commission only, lots of agencies will hire anyone who comes knocking. 

These agents will then be thrown in at the deep end and navigate their way through the market blindly. Some not even complying with RERA regulations simply because they don’t understand it or have no guidance. 

That’s why it is SO IMPORTANT to choose a reputable brokerage. 

When interviewing, every recruiter will tell you 

1. “Our training is the best”

2. “We give lots of guidance & support“

3. “We are always here to help” 

Do your due diligence. Ask the agents that are working there to verify if the training program is good and is the support actually there.

When I say it, I mean it. 

I chose to represent White&Co for this very reason. We deliver on what we promise. Every time.

If you’d like to know more about opportunities within our team, feel free to get in touch.