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.