Expats Struggle with Move to UAE

Expat Globe

Making the move to a new country is always a trying experience but a new survey suggests that the United Arab Emirates is an especially difficult destination.

Just over half of all expats living in UAE that were quizzed by YouGov on behalf of Zurich reported that they did not posses the required practical information prior to moving.

According to the survey of almost 800 UAE expats conducted by YouGov, 29% of expats found the overall experience of moving to the UAE more difficult than expected. Obtaining a driving license (21%) is cited as the most difficult part of relocation, followed by finding employment (18%), the cost of living (17%) and the weather (12%).

“Although the majority of people find moving to the UAE straightforward and simple, a third of expats struggle with the experience,” said Maroun Mourad, CEO of Zurich's General Insurance operations in the Middle East. “Moving to a new country is always a daunting undertaking, and everyone’s experience is different, but it seems that a lack of information increases the anxiety of people relocating to the UAE.”

As well as a guide produced by Zurich, expats planning on relocating to UAE or indeed those that are already there might like to read Expat & Offshore’s UAE city guide. The guide provides useful hints and tips to make the expat transition to life in UAE as smooth as possible.