What is Relocate2UAE?

Relocate2UAE is an independent UAE relocation information platform founded by expats in Abu Dhabi. We provide free guides, tools, and verified partner connections for families and professionals moving to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or other Emirates. We do not provide regulated relocation services ourselves.

Is Relocate2UAE completely free?

Yes. All guides, calculators, and relocation resources are free to access. We earn referral commissions from vetted partners, but users never pay us directly.

Who should use Relocate2UAE?

Families relocating for work, remote workers seeking UAE residency, entrepreneurs setting up companies, and professionals moving from the UK, Ireland, Europe, or the US.

Do you cover both Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Yes. We cover all seven Emirates, with deep city-specific guidance for Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

How do you vet your partners?

Partners are vetted for licensing, reputation, and experience. This includes RERA, KHDA, ADEK, MOHRE, and GDRFA-regulated providers.

How current is your information?

Content is reviewed quarterly and updated for 2025. We monitor UAE government authorities and regulatory changes continuously.

Can expats buy property in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Yes, expats can buy freehold property in designated areas. Dubai freehold areas include Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, JBR, Palm Jumeirah, Arabian Ranches, and Dubai Hills Estate. Abu Dhabi freehold areas include Al Reem Island, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and Al Raha Beach. Property ownership grants eligibility for long-term residence visa (renewable). No restrictions on nationality for most freehold areas.

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Dubai?

Dubai rental prices vary by area. Studios: AED 25,000-60,000/year. 1-bedroom: AED 45,000-90,000/year. 2-bedroom: AED 70,000-140,000/year. 3-bedroom: AED 100,000-200,000/year. Premium areas (Dubai Marina, Downtown, JBR) are 30-50% more expensive than mid-range areas (Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Sports City). Budget areas (International City, Discovery Gardens) offer 40-50% savings.

What is EJARI and do I need it?

EJARI is Dubai's mandatory rental contract registration system managed by Dubai Land Department (DLD). All Dubai rental agreements must be registered on EJARI within 48 hours of signing. Cost: AED 220 for registration. Required for: DEWA connection, Emirates ID application, school enrollment, and visa processing. Your landlord or agent typically handles EJARI registration. Keep EJARI certificate for all official procedures.

How do I pay rent in UAE - monthly or annually?

UAE rent is typically paid annually or in multiple cheques (2-4 payments). Most common: 1 cheque (full year, 5% discount), 2 cheques (every 6 months), 4 cheques (quarterly). Monthly payments are rare and usually cost 10-15% premium. Post-dated cheques are standard practice. Keep sufficient funds as bounced cheques are illegal in UAE. New tenants may need to pay first year upfront plus 5% security deposit.

What are the best family-friendly areas in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Dubai: Arabian Ranches (villas, community feel, international schools nearby), Dubai Hills Estate (modern, parks, family amenities), Jumeirah Village Circle (affordable, family-friendly), The Springs/Meadows (established, good schools). Abu Dhabi: Yas Island (entertainment, schools, beaches), Al Reem Island (modern towers, sea views, schools), Khalifa City (spacious villas, family-oriented), Al Reef (affordable villas, community). Consider proximity to schools, supermarkets, parks, and your workplace.

What is the Founder Launch Partner program?

The Founder Launch Partner program offers 40-50% discounted rates and extended payment terms for service providers joining Relocate2UAE before March 2026. This limited-time offer helps us build our initial partner network with premium UAE businesses across education, housing, business setup, financial services, lifestyle, hospitality, and healthcare categories.

Who can become a partner with Relocate2UAE?

We partner with licensed UAE businesses serving expats and relocators including international schools, real estate agencies, business setup consultants, financial advisors, lifestyle brands, hotels, and healthcare providers. All partners undergo verification by our Abu Dhabi-based team to ensure quality and licensing compliance.

How much do partnership tiers cost?

Standard rates: Bronze AED 1,500-3,000/month, Silver AED 4,000-7,000/month, Gold custom pricing. Founder Launch Partners (until March 2026) receive 40-50% discount: Bronze from AED 750/month, Silver from AED 2,000/month, Gold 50% off custom rates.

What audience will I reach as a partner?

Relocate2UAE attracts 2,000+ monthly visitors actively researching and planning their relocation to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These are high-intent users making real decisions about housing, schools, banking, business setup, and lifestyle services - not casual browsers.

How do I apply for partnership?

Submit the partnership application form with your company details, service category, and business information. Our Abu Dhabi team reviews applications within 2-3 business days and schedules a free consultation call to discuss partnership tiers, pricing, and onboarding.

🐾 Complete Pet Import Guide

UAE Pet Relocation Guide

Everything about bringing your pets to UAE - import requirements, pet-friendly housing, veterinary services, and life with pets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Pet-Friendly

UAE Culture

100+

Vet Clinics

Many

Pet-Friendly Parks

Easy

Import Process

Pet Import Requirements

Good News: UAE is Pet-Friendly!

The UAE welcomes pets and the import process is straightforward if you follow the requirements. Most expats successfully bring their cats and dogs without issues.

Dogs & Cats Import Requirements

📋 Required Documents

1

Original Health Certificate from licensed vet in country of origin (within 10 days of travel)
2

Official Vaccination Certificate showing rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old, not more than 12 months)
3

Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant, 15-digit)
4

Import Permit from UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (apply online)
5

Copy of owner's passport and UAE visa

✅ Key Requirements

Minimum age: Pets must be at least 4 months old
Rabies vaccine: Must be given at least 30 days before travel
Pet limit: Maximum 2 pets per person (can import more with special permission)
Quarantine: Usually NOT required if all documents are in order
Breed restrictions: Some dangerous dog breeds are banned (see below)

Banned Dog Breeds in UAE

The following breeds are considered dangerous and cannot be imported or owned in the UAE:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• American Bully
• American Staffordshire Terrier

• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Neapolitan Mastiff
• Wolf-dog hybrids

• Presa Canario
• Akita (in some emirates)
• And their crossbreeds

Pet Import Costs

Import permit (per pet) AED 200-400

Airport clearance fees AED 200-500

Pet relocation agent (optional but recommended) AED 1,000-3,000

International pet travel crate AED 300-800

Flight costs (as cargo) AED 2,000-8,000

Estimated Total AED 3,700-12,700

Pro Tip: Using a professional pet relocation service (like PetEx, Animal Movers, or Pawsome Pet Relocations) simplifies the process significantly. They handle permits, vet checks, flight bookings, and airport clearance.

Pet-Friendly Housing

Villas

Best option for pet owners, especially with gardens
Nearly all villas allow pets (check lease agreement)
Outdoor space for dogs to play
Popular pet-friendly villa communities: Arabian Ranches, The Springs, The Meadows, Al Raha Gardens

Apartments

Mixed policies - some buildings allow pets, others don't
Always confirm pet policy with landlord BEFORE signing
Some require additional pet deposit (AED 1,000-5,000)
Pet-friendly apartment areas: JBR, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, JLT

Important Housing Tips

Always get pet permission in writing in your lease agreement
Some buildings have size restrictions (e.g., "small pets only under 15kg")
Gated communities are ideal for pet owners with dog parks and pet-friendly facilities
Use property portals (Dubizzle, Property Finder) and filter for "Pets Allowed"

Veterinary Services & Pet Care

Vet Clinics

100+ veterinary clinics across Dubai and Abu Dhabi

• German Veterinary Clinic
• British Veterinary Hospital
• Dubai Veterinary Clinic
• Al Barsha Veterinary Clinic

Pet Stores

Large selection of pet supplies and premium brands

• Petzone (multiple locations)
• Pets Delight
• Pet Market
• Available online too

Pet Services

Professional pet grooming and care services

• Pet grooming salons
• Dog training services
• Pet sitting/boarding
• Mobile vet services

Typical Pet Care Costs in UAE

Veterinary Services:

Consultation AED 150-300

Vaccinations AED 100-200

Spay/Neuter AED 800-1,500

Emergency visit AED 500-1,000+

Other Services:

Grooming (full service) AED 150-400

Dog training (per session) AED 200-500

Pet boarding (per day) AED 50-150

Premium pet food (monthly) AED 200-500

Pet-Friendly Places & Activities

Dog Parks & Beaches

Kite Beach - Dog-friendly beach area (early mornings)
Zabeel Park - Dogs allowed in designated areas
JBR Beach - Early morning dog walking permitted
Arabian Ranches Dog Park - Dedicated fenced dog park
Barsha Pond Park - Dog-friendly walking area

Pet-Friendly Venues

Many outdoor cafes allow dogs on patios/terraces
The Courtyard - Multiple pet-friendly restaurants
City Walk - Pet-friendly outdoor shopping area
Bark Park Cafe - Dedicated dog cafe with play area
Several hotels welcome pets (Grosvenor House, JW Marriott Marquis)

Tip: Always keep dogs on leash in public areas. Clean up after your pet (fines for not doing so). During summer (June-September), avoid walking dogs during midday heat - early morning or late evening is best.

Essential Tips for Pet Owners in UAE

🐕 For Dogs:

• Register with municipality (required in Dubai & Abu Dhabi)
• Keep vaccinations current (especially rabies)
• Summer heat is dangerous - walk early morning/late evening
• Always carry water on walks
• Join expat pet groups on Facebook for community support

🐈 For Cats:

• Keep indoors or supervised outdoor access only
• Register with municipality if required
• Ensure AC access during summer
• Pet insurance available from local providers
• Traveling with pets out of UAE requires export permit

Related UAE Guides

Explore more comprehensive guides to plan your family's move to the UAE

Before You Arrive

Pet Import Planning

Complete pre-arrival checklist including pet documentation, vet appointments, and import permit timeline before your move.

Read Guide

Housing Guide

Pet-Friendly Properties

Complete guide to finding pet-friendly housing including villa communities, apartments that allow pets, and rental requirements.

Read Guide

Area Guide

Parks & Pet Areas

Interactive guide to Dubai areas with parks, pet-friendly spaces, and communities ideal for pet owners.

Read Guide

Cost of Living

Pet Care Budget

Complete breakdown of living expenses to help you budget for pet care, vet visits, and pet-related costs.

Read Guide

Visa Guide

Immigration Timeline

Everything about UAE visas and immigration timeline to coordinate with your pet's import requirements.

Read Guide

First 30 Days

Pet Registration

Complete step-by-step guide including pet registration, finding vets, and settling your pet after arrival.

Read Guide

Browse All UAE Guides

UAE Pet Relocation Guide

Table of Contents

Need Help Bringing Your Pet to UAE?

Import Process

Pet Agents

Pet Housing

Vet Services

Pet Import Requirements

Good News: UAE is Pet-Friendly!

Dogs & Cats Import Requirements

📋 Required Documents

✅ Key Requirements

Banned Dog Breeds in UAE

Pet Import Costs

Pet-Friendly Housing

Villas

Apartments

Important Housing Tips

Veterinary Services & Pet Care

Vet Clinics

Pet Stores

Pet Services

Typical Pet Care Costs in UAE

Veterinary Services:

Other Services:

Pet-Friendly Places & Activities

Dog Parks & Beaches

Pet-Friendly Venues

Essential Tips for Pet Owners in UAE

🐕 For Dogs:

🐈 For Cats:

Ready to Bring Your Pet to UAE?

Related UAE Guides

Before You Arrive

Housing Guide

Area Guide

Cost of Living

Visa Guide

First 30 Days