Trial stay in Dubai: test everyday life before you move

Why a trial stay instead of a holiday

On holiday you see beaches, hotels and restaurants. For a relocation decision, other questions matter: how long is the commute at rush hour, what does the school run feel like in summer, and what does the weekly shop really cost? A trial stay of a few days to a month answers these questions before you sign anything.

Entering without a residence visa

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when you arrive.
• United Kingdom: free visit visa on arrival for up to 90 days within 180 days (FCDO). USA: free visit visa on arrival for personal travel of up to 30 days; the UAE does not accept emergency passports (State Department). Germany: visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days (German Federal Foreign Office).
• For other passports, check the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa check or your airline before you travel.
• Working is not allowed on a visit visa, and repeated exits and re-entries do not replace a residence permit.

Accommodation, car and getting around

• Accommodation: holiday homes in Dubai must be registered with the Department of Economy and Tourism. Ask for the permit number. Check the location against the schools and workplace you have in mind, cancellation terms and whether power and air conditioning are included.
• Rental car: on a visit visa you may drive with a licence from an exception country. The RTA list includes the UK, the USA, Germany, Austria and Switzerland among others. After an accident, always call the police (999).
• Metro and bus: you need a Nol card. For several days, the Silver Card (AED 25 including AED 19 credit) works well. Always tap in and out at the gate.

Pick the right season

The UAE has a desert climate. According to Visit Dubai, average temperatures are around 34 °C in June and 36 °C in July, and around 28 °C in April. October to April is best for everyday tests with playgrounds, school runs and commuting. Schools have their summer break in July and August, so plan school visits outside that time.

What to test

• Your commute to work or a coworking space at rush hour.
• The school run and, if possible, visits to the schools on your list.
• Weekly shopping, a GP practice, a pharmacy and sport in the area you like.
• Flat viewings in two or three neighbourhoods on your shortlist.
• Your spending: note real costs and compare them with your budget.

In the app (from Plus) you get a plan for 3, 5, 7, 14 or 30 days, a district shortlist, everyday tests with ratings, budget against actual costs and, at the end, a clear trial-stay decision.

Safety and emergencies

Emergency numbers: 999 police, 998 ambulance, 997 fire service. Dubai's health insurance law also covers visitors; take travel health insurance that explicitly covers the UAE for your whole stay.

This page provides general information and is not legal, tax or migration advice. Rules, amounts and fees can change; the office named is authoritative. Euro amounts use the guide rate €1 = AED 4.00.