Dubai

## When to Use User asks about Dubai for any purpose: visiting, moving, working, studying, or starting a business. Agent provides practical guidance with current data. ## Quick Reference | Topic | File | |-------|------| | **Visitors** | | | Attractions (must-see vs skip) | `visitor-attractions.md` | | Itineraries (1/3/7 days) | `visitor-itineraries.md` | | Where to stay | `visitor-lodging.md` | | Tips & day trips | `visitor-tips.md` | | **Neighborhoods** | | | Quick comparison | `neighborhoods-index.md` | | Downtown, DIFC, Business Bay | `neighborhoods-downtown.md` | | Dubai Marina, JBR, JLT | `neighborhoods-marina.md` | | Jumeirah, Palm, Al Sufouh | `neighborhoods-beach.md` | | Arabian Ranches, Springs, DSO | `neighborhoods-suburban.md` | | Choosing guide | `neighborhoods-choosing.md` | | **Food** | | | Overview & dining scene | `food-overview.md` | | Local & Middle Eastern | `food-local.md` | | International & fine dining | `food-international.md` | | Best areas for dining | `food-areas.md` | | Dietary, alcohol, Ramadan | `food-practical.md` | | **Practical** | | | Moving & settling | `resident.md` | | Transport (metro, taxis, Salik) | `transport.md` | | Cost of living | `cost.md` | | Safety & laws | `safety.md` | | Weather & survival tips | `climate.md` | | Local services (banking, SIM) | `local.md` | | **Career** | | | Tech industry & salaries | `tech.md` | | Business setup & free zones | `business.md` | | Visas (employment, golden, freelance) | `visas.md` | | Startups & funding | `startup.md` | | **Lifestyle** | | | Culture & customs | `culture.md` | | Healthcare & insurance | `healthcare.md` | | Schools & education | `education.md` | | Expat lifestyle & social | `lifestyle.md` | | Driving & car ownership | `driving.md` | ## Core Rules ### 1. Identify User Context First - **Role**: Tourist, resident, tech worker, student, entrepreneur - **Timeline**: Short visit, planning to move, already there - Load relevant auxiliary file for details ### 2. Expat-Centric City Dubai's population is ~90% expatriate. Nearly every topic involves visa/residency considerations: - Employment requires employer sponsorship (until 2024 reforms) - Golden Visa (10 years) available for investors, specialists, entrepreneurs - Freelance permits through designated free zones See `visas.md` for current requirements and processes. ### 3. Cultural Context Dubai operates under Islamic law with modernized enforcement: - **Ramadan**: Public eating/drinking restricted during daylight - **Dress code**: Conservative in malls and public areas - **Alcohol**: Licensed venues only; drinking age 21 - **Cohabitation**: Unmarried couples now legally permitted (2020 reforms) See `culture.md` for detailed guidance. ### 4. Weather Reality - **Summer (May-Sep)**: 40-45°C+ with high humidity — outdoor activities limited - **Winter (Nov-Mar)**: 20-30°C — peak tourist season - **Indoor culture**: Most daily life happens in air-conditioned spaces See `climate.md` for monthly breakdown and survival strategies. ### 5. Current Data (Feb 2026) | Item | Range | |------|-------| | 1BR rent (Marina) | AED 70,000-110,000/year (~$19K-30K) | | 1BR rent (Downtown) | AED 90,000-150,000/year (~$24K-41K) | | Senior SWE salary | AED 35,000-55,000/month (~$9.5K-15K) | | Metro monthly pass | AED 350 (Gold), AED 140 (Silver) | | Brunch (mid-range) | AED 200-400/person | | School fees (British/American) | AED 40,000-120,000/year | ### 6. Cost Reality Dubai is tax-free but expensive: - **Housing**: 30-40% of budget typical - **Schooling**: Major expense for families (private only) - **Healthcare**: Mandatory insurance via employer - **Car ownership**: Common due to limited public transit coverage - **Hidden costs**: Housing agency fees (5%), security deposits (5-10% rent) ### 7. Transit Limitations Unlike London/Barcelona, Dubai is car-centric: - **Metro**: Two lines, limited coverage (mostly Downtown/Marina corridor) - **Buses**: Extensive but slow; connectors to metro - **Taxis/Ride-hailing**: Primary transport (Careem, Uber) - **RTA app**: Essential for all transport planning Most residents own or lease cars. See `transport.md` and `driving.md`. ### 8. Neighborhood Matching | Profile | Best Areas | |---------|------------| | Young professionals | Dubai Marina, JLT, Business Bay | | Families | Arabian Ranches, Springs, Meadows, Mirdif | | Beach lifestyle | JBR, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach | | Budget-conscious | JLT, Al Barsha, Discovery Gardens, DSO | | Tech workers | DIFC, Business Bay, Dubai Internet City area | | Luxury seekers | Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, Downtown | ## Free Zones Context Dubai has 30+ free zones, each with different rules: - **DMCC**: Most popular, commodities focus, ~AED 15,000/year - **DIFC**: Financial services, English common law jurisdiction - **Dubai Internet City/Media City**: Tech and media companies - **JAFZA**: Industrial, logistics, manufacturing - **Dubai South**: Aviation, logistics, near Expo/Al Maktoum airport Free zone vs mainland trade-offs: - Free zone: 100% ownership, but can only trade within zone or export - Mainland: Need local sponsor (51% unless exempt sectors), but can trade locally See `business.md` for detailed comparison and setup costs. ## Dubai-Specific Traps - **Summer underestimation** — 45°C+ is debilitating. Plan indoor activities May-September. - **Alcohol assumptions** — Only in licensed venues/hotels. No public drinking. DUI = jail. - **Dress code violations** — Cover shoulders and knees in malls. Swimwear only at pools/beaches. - **Photography restrictions** — Don't photograph government buildings, airports, or people without consent. - **Bounced checks** — Criminal offense in UAE. Can lead to arrest and travel ban. - **Debt issues** — Unpaid debts can result in travel bans. Settle before leaving. - **Social media posts** — Defamation laws strict. Critical posts about UAE can lead to arrest. - **Cohabitation confusion** — Legal since 2020 reforms, but not all landlords accept unmarried couples. - **Ramadan rules** — No eating/drinking/smoking in public during daylight hours. - **Friday = Sunday** — Weekend is Friday-Saturday. Some businesses closed Friday morning. ## Legal Awareness Key laws visitors/residents must know: - **Drugs**: Zero tolerance. Trace amounts can mean 4+ years prison. - **Alcohol**: Legal at 21+ in licensed venues only. No public intoxication. - **VPN usage**: Legal for legitimate purposes, but using VoIP illegally is not. - **LGBTQ+**: Same-sex relationships are illegal. Discretion essential. - **Public displays of affection**: Keep minimal. Kissing in public can be prosecuted. - **Swearing/gestures**: Offensive gestures can lead to arrest. See `safety.md` for comprehensive legal guidance.