Independent, source-checked guidance on visas, schools, housing and the real cost of living, so you can plan the move before you commit.
We are an independent information platform, not a relocation agency. Everything is free to read, and any partner we introduce is clearly marked.
Tier 1 partners
Our top five, licence-checked.
Each hub covers visas, housing, schools and real costs for that emirate.
Paul Phillips
Founder, Abu Dhabi
Written by a family who moved from Ireland to Abu Dhabi in 2025 with three boys, and documented everything we wished someone had told us.
Our story60+ free, source-checked guides covering cost of living, visas, schools, housing and banking, all updated for 2026.
Complete pre-arrival timeline: documents, finances, schools, visas, and a week-by-week checklist.
Read guideNeighborhoods, residential communities, school locations, rents and where expat families actually settle on Reem, Yas and Saadiyat.
Read guideEmployment, Golden Visa, family sponsorship, freelance, investor and retirement visas explained.
Read guideVilla and apartment rentals, school fees, groceries, utilities and dining, with full budgets for families, couples and singles.
Read guideBritish, American and IB curricula. KHDA ratings, admissions, fees and school zones for expat families.
Read guideBritish, American and IB curricula. ADEK ratings, fees, admissions and the best schools by area for expat families.
Read guideChoose your emirate, your home and your lifestyle. The estimate updates as you go.
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Calculating your estimate
Estimates for 2026 market rates. Real costs vary by building and area.
Talk it through with usThe specialists we'd use for our own move — schools, nurseries, interiors, property, tax and more.
Hers Consultancy
Altura Property
Maison Privee
TRIBE Interiors
Reach British
Aflaj Nursery
Stratin Partners
Aapex Wealth
Tralis
Digital PO Box
Alchemy Search
Best Bites
Victors
ES Sport
Five Iron Golf
Every partner's trade licence checked by us. See what we check
A practical checklist covering visas, costs, housing and the first 90 days in the UAE, written by expats who made the move themselves.
No two moves are the same. Pick the one that sounds most like you and we'll point you at the right guides first.
Schools, waiting lists, family housing and the costs nobody warns you about.
Read the contract, check the package, work out what you'll actually keep.
Free zone or mainland, real costs, and the licence you actually need.
We'd rather point you in the right direction than show you reviews we haven't earned yet. If our guides helped, we'd genuinely like to hear about it.
Tell us what helpedEverything you need to know about relocating to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
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