Hey there—welcome to your Dubai lifeline!
Thinking about moving to Dubai? Yeah, it’s exciting… but we get it—it can also feel like a lot. Where do you even start? Don’t worry. We’ve been there, and we’ve built this page just for you.
Think of this as your cozy little corner of the internet where you’ll find everything you need to not just move, but truly settle in and love your new life in Dubai. We’ve tested these resources, trusted these partners, and now we’re sharing them with you.
Quick note: Some of these links are partners, which means if you book or sign up through them, we might get a small coffee-on-us thank you—at no extra cost to you. But promise—we only recommend what we genuinely use and love.
🏡 Finding Your New Home Sweet Home
Let’s be real—finding the right place to live is a big deal. You want somewhere that feels like you. These websites are our go-to spots for browsing everything from sunny apartments to family-friendly villas.
Property Finder: This is like the friendly superstar of Dubai real estate. Super easy to use, tons of filters, and plenty of photos. Perfect for getting a feel for what’s out there.
Bayut: Another great option with lots of listings and helpful area guides. Think of it like your virtual neighbourhood scout!
Dubizzle: Great for private rentals and—bonus—it’s also awesome for buying second-hand furniture once you’ve moved. Hello, new-to-you coffee table!
A little insider tip from us: These sites are amazing for window shopping, but if you want someone to handle the hunt, negotiations, and all the tricky paperwork (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), our concierge team is here to make it easy. Just say the word!
✈️ Getting Here & Getting Settled
Time to pack those bags (and maybe ship a few boxes too). Here’s how to get yourself—and your stuff—safely to Dubai.
Emirates & Etihad: The home-team airlines! They often have good deals and extra baggage allowance—key when you’re moving your life overseas.
Skyscanner: Our secret weapon for flight comparisons. Just pop in your dates and see all your options side by side.
SSDC (Seven Seas): These guys are relocation pros. They help with packing, shipping, customs—all the stuff you’d rather not deal with on your own.
Emirates Post: You’ll need a PO Box for mail here. It’s easier than it sounds—you can even apply online with a coffee in hand.
📑 Sorting Your Visa Stuff
Visas—everyone’s favourite topic. 😉 Usually your employer handles this, but it’s good to know where to look for info.
GDRFA Dubai: This is the main source for anything residency-related in Dubai. Their app is actually pretty handy for tracking your application.
ICA UAE: The federal-level authority. Some visa steps go through here, so it’s good to have the link saved.
💡 Setting Up Your New Pad
Okay, keys are in hand—now let’s get the lights on! Here are the essential people you need to know:
DEWA: Your water and electricity bestie. You can’t live without ‘em—literally. Setting up an account is step one after signing your lease.
Empower or Tabreed: These guys handle air conditioning (which, in Dubai, is non-negotiable). Your building will usually tell you which one you need.
Etisalat or du: Your internet and phone folks. Compare their packages—you’ll want good Wi-Fi for those video calls back home!
Emirates NBD, ADCB, or Mashreq: Big, reliable banks most expats use. You can often start your account application before you even arrive.
📚 Finding the Perfect School
If you’ve got kids, this is probably priority #1. These sites are full of reviews, comparisons, and honest advice from other parents.
WhichSchoolAdvisor: Really detailed reviews and school guides. It feels like having a chat with a knowledgeable friend.
SchoolsCompared: Awesome for side-by-side comparisons. Because every kid is different, and every family has different needs.
🌴 Getting Out + Loving Life in Dubai
You’re moved in, set up, and now… it’s time to have fun! Dubai is bursting with things to do. These will help you explore like a pro.
The Entertainer: This app is legendary. Buy one meal, get one free. One spa treatment, get one free. It basically pays for itself in a weekend.
Visit Dubai: The official tourism site—great for finding hidden gems and what’s on each month.
Cobone: Perfect for deals on nice dinners, staycations, or trying something new—like dune bashing or a fancy brunch.
😌 Or… Just Hand Us the To-Do List
Look, that was a lot of info! And it’s totally okay if your reaction is: “Can someone just… do this for me?”
That’s what we’re here for.
At Flourish in Dubai, we don’t just give you links—we give you back your peace of mind. From finding your home and setting up utilities to choosing schools and getting your visas sorted, we handle it all. You just show up and start living.
Sound like a plan? Let’s chat! Book a free, no-pressure consultation with us, and we’ll make your move the easy part.