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Moving To UAE With Kids? Family Travel Tips

Suggestions for Relocating to the Emirates with Children

Are you moving to UAE with kids? Looking for Dubai international schools? or schools in other areas of the UAE for your children? Thinking about housing? Stop and look no further! Direct from a mum who has ‘been there and done that’ here is all you need to know to make your transition a smooth one!

The UAE (or United Arab Emirates) is a family friendly country to live in. If you are moving to Abu Dhabi or Dubai you will find these are very Westernized places to live. There are expats living out in Fujairah and other Emirates too. As long as you respect the Emirati culture and follow the laws of the land you should not encounter any problems when you are moving to UAE with kids.

The Emirati people are very friendly and welcoming. 80% of the population of the UAE is expatriate so the Emiratis are grateful for all the industries being run by this visiting population.

Children may feel both excited and nervous about moving to a new country. Help your child feel calm by reading Sammy's Next Move a book about a snail who lives all over the world including the UAE! This expat children's book is written from the perspective of a child who is going to live abroad and will help your child feel reassured that his/her thought or feelings are completely normal. Don't forget to get Sammy's Next Move when you are moving to UAE with kids.

Mums and dads will have lots of chances to meet up with others in the same situation and make new friends. Most of the schools have parent's rooms and meetings for new parents to meet each other. There are also many expat groups online that have coffee mornings and others meetings for mums so you will have a new community of friends and support in no time when you move to UAE with kids!

Local Customs & Traditions Of The United Arab Emirates

A great way to introduce your children to the United Arab Emirates culture is to get your children the UAE Fly It Quiet Activity Pack. This activity pack will teach your children about the culture, currency, language and food through educational games! There is also a Moving Travel Journal available for children about to relocate abroad.

Although the UAE appears quite Westernized, expats must always be aware of the local regulations and respect the traditions and culture of the UAE. For example, people are expected to dress modestly in shopping malls and about town, more so in Abu Dhabi than Dubai. Short skirts, shorts and tank tops will attract unwanted attention. Public displays of affection are not only frowned upon but some expats have ended up in jail for offenses such as kissing in public.

You can drink alcohol if you purchase a liquor license which is relatively easy thing to do at any Spinney’s once you gather the correct documents. There are plenty of ways to get alcohol without a license but the risk is not worth it. There is a 0% driving with alcohol policy so even if you have had one drink you may not drive. This could include jail time and immediate deportation- so again not a risk worth taking!

The UAE is a relatively safe place if you follow the rules and take normal precautions.

Food can be a concern when you are moving to UAE with kids. If you are moving to Dubai with kids or Abu Dhabi you will find several large grocery stores selling many Western products. The local food is quite delicious. Check out these tasty Emirati food for kids when you relocate to UAE with children.

Moving to the UAE with babies is easy as there is a great deal of child care options available. Younger children usually enjoy the UAE as there are so many fun and exciting activities for them to take part in. Teenagers enjoy a different kind lifestyle than they may have been used to in the past, although they may not be as ‘free’ as in your home country there are lots of interesting places to see and things to do, like sand surfing, that they may not have experienced before.

If you are moving to Dubai with kids check out these fun things to do in Dubai with kids. Wild Wadi Water Park, skiing in a mall or exploring the souks are some the fun family attractions you can enjoy once you move to Dubai with children.

If you are moving to Abu Dhabi with kids, you will find plenty of fun family attractions. Visit the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, watch camel racing or play on the beautiful beach are some of the fun things to do in Abu Dhabi with kids.

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