Practical Info for Dubai
The everyday essentials that make Dubai life smooth: how to get a SIM card, open a bank account, connect your utilities, and navigate local customs. A practical reference for new arrivals and visitors.
SIM Cards & Mobile Plans
The UAE has two mobile operators: Etisalat (e&) and du. Both offer competitive plans. eSIM is available on both networks. VoIP calls (WhatsApp calls, FaceTime, Skype) are restricted to licensed operators only — this is enforced at the network level.
Etisalat (e&)
The UAE's original telecom operator. Strongest coverage across the UAE including rural areas. Slightly more expensive but excellent network quality.
du
The second operator, often slightly cheaper. Very competitive on data bundles. Popular with expats for value. Growing 5G coverage.
VoIP Restrictions
WhatsApp calls, FaceTime audio/video, Skype, and most VoIP services are blocked in the UAE. You can use text messaging and data freely. To make international calls, use your operator's international calling plan or apps like BOTIM and C'ME (approved VoIP apps available with a monthly add-on of ~AED 50/month).
Banking in Dubai
Opening a UAE bank account requires a valid residency visa and Emirates ID. Tourist visa holders cannot open standard accounts but can use international cards widely. ATMs are everywhere and most accept international Visa/Mastercard with 1–3% foreign transaction fees.
| Bank | Type | Known For | Min. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates NBD | UAE Government (Dubai) | Largest bank in Dubai. Great app, wide ATM network, excellent customer base | AED 5,000/month |
| ADCB (Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank) | UAE Government (Abu Dhabi) | Strong mortgage products, Touchpoints reward program, good digital banking | AED 5,000/month |
| Mashreq Bank | Private (UAE) | Best digital banking in UAE (Mashreq Neo), fastest account opening, fintech-forward | AED 3,000/month |
| FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank) | UAE Government (Abu Dhabi) | Largest UAE bank overall. Strong investment products, preferred by corporates | AED 5,000/month |
| HSBC UAE | International | Ideal for expats with global banking needs. Premier status links to global HSBC | AED 10,000+ (Premier) |
| Liv. (Emirates NBD Digital) | Digital bank | 100% app-based. No salary requirement. Instant account. Popular with millennials | No minimum |
| Wio Bank | Digital bank | UAE's newest digital bank. Business and personal accounts, competitive rates | No minimum |
Opening a Bank Account
- Required documents: passport, Emirates ID, visa page, salary certificate / employment letter
- Some banks require a minimum balance (AED 3,000–10,000) to avoid monthly fees
- Digital banks (Liv., Wio) can open accounts instantly via app — no branch visit needed
- IBAN transfers within UAE are free and instant (UAEFTS system)
- Exchange houses (Al Ansari, Western Union) offer better FX rates for international transfers than banks
Utilities — DEWA & Internet
DEWA (Water & Electricity)
DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) provides electricity and water to all Dubai residential properties. You must set up a DEWA account before moving in.
- How to connect: Apply online at dewa.gov.ae or via the DEWA app
- Security deposit: AED 2,000 (apartment) / AED 4,000 (villa)
- Connection time: 1–2 business days
- Bill payment: App, online, direct debit, or at customer service centres
- Average bills: AED 350–600/month (1-bed); spikes heavily in summer
- Smart meter reading: Automated — no manual readings required
Home Internet
Both du and Etisalat offer home broadband. Fibre is widely available in most newer buildings. Speeds of 100 Mbps–1 Gbps are standard.
| Plan | Speed | Price (AED/mo) |
|---|---|---|
| du Basic | 100 Mbps | ~299 |
| du Plus | 500 Mbps | ~399 |
| eLife 100 (Etisalat) | 100 Mbps + TV | ~399 |
| eLife 1000 (Etisalat) | 1 Gbps + TV | ~599 |
Safety in Dubai
Dubai is consistently ranked as one of the world's safest cities. The crime rate is extremely low — violent crime is rare, and petty theft is uncommon compared to most major cities. However, some behaviours that are legal elsewhere are illegal here.
What Makes Dubai Safe
- Extensive CCTV surveillance throughout the city
- Rapid police response — average 6 minutes nationally
- Very low corruption rate in law enforcement
- Safe to walk at night in most areas
- Women travelling solo consistently report feeling safe
- Strict penalties for crime act as strong deterrents
Know the Rules
- Public displays of affection (kissing) can result in fines or arrest
- Posting negative content about the UAE government online is illegal
- Swearing or rude gestures in public (including driving) can result in fines
- Dress modestly at malls and public places (not at beaches)
- Cannabis is completely illegal — even traces in your system
- Criticizing religion (especially Islam) publicly is a serious offence
Tipping Culture
| Service | Expected Tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (no service charge) | 10–15% | Most budget restaurants — AED 5–20 cash left on table |
| Restaurant (service charge included) | No obligation | Many upscale restaurants add 10% service — check the bill |
| Taxi / Careem / Uber | Round up fare | Not mandatory; rounding up AED 5–10 is appreciated |
| Hotel porter / bellboy | AED 5–10 per bag | Expected at 4- and 5-star hotels |
| Hotel housekeeping | AED 10–20/day | Leave cash in the room with a note |
| Delivery drivers | AED 5–10 | Common if not charged via app |
| Barber / hair salon | 10–15% | Common practice; cash preferred |
| Valet parking | AED 10–20 | For hotel and restaurant valet |
Business Hours & Weekend
Government & Public Hours
- Weekend: Saturday & Sunday (since Jan 2022 reform)
- Government offices: Mon–Thu 7:30am–3:30pm, Fri 7:30am–12pm
- Banks: Mon–Fri 8am–4pm (some open Saturday mornings)
- During Ramadan: reduced hours by 2 hours across the board
- Public holidays follow the Islamic lunar calendar — dates vary yearly
Private Sector & Retail
- Most offices: Sun–Thu 9am–6pm (older businesses may use Sat–Wed)
- Malls: 10am–10pm (Thur–Sat until midnight)
- Supermarkets: 8am–midnight; many 24/7
- Restaurants: typically 12pm–11pm (Fri brunch 12:30–4pm)
- Pharmacies: many open 24/7; all until at least 10pm
Key Government Apps
UAE Pass
National digital identity — log in to all government services without passwords. Mandatory for residents.
RTA Dubai
Taxis, metro, bus, parking, nol card, vehicle registration — all in one app.
DubaiNow
One-stop government services: DEWA, Ejari, visa renewals, traffic fines, and 130+ services.
GDRFAD
Federal immigration authority — check visa status, apply for entry permits, file complaints.
Darb (RTA)
Real-time traffic information, Salik toll tracking, journey planning.
Smart Dubai
City-wide smart services, events, and information about Dubai government initiatives.
Emergency Contacts at a Glance
Currency Exchange
The UAE Dirham (AED) is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of approximately 3.67 AED to 1 USD. For the best exchange rates, use licensed exchange houses rather than banks or airport kiosks.
Best Exchange Options
- Al Ansari Exchange — largest network in UAE, competitive rates
- UAE Exchange / Unimoni — good rates, widespread branches
- Al Rostamani International Exchange — strong for major currencies
- Wise (TransferWise) — excellent for international transfers online
- Western Union / MoneyGram — popular for remittances to South Asia
Tips for Best Rates
- Compare live rates at cbuae.gov.ae (Central Bank UAE)
- Avoid airport exchange counters — rates are significantly worse
- Exchange houses in Deira and Bur Dubai often offer the best walk-in rates
- Banks charge higher margins — use exchange houses for cash transactions
Laundry Services
Self-service laundromats are rare in Dubai — most residential buildings have shared laundry rooms, and many apartments have in-unit washers. On-demand laundry apps have become very popular.
App-Based Laundry Services
- Laundry Box — app pickup and delivery, AED 2–5 per piece
- Washmen — app-based, same-day options available, 24-hour turnaround standard
- Champion Cleaners — established chain, pickup available, known for quality
- 5àSec — French dry cleaning chain, multiple Dubai locations
Dry Cleaning Prices
- Suit (2-piece): AED 25–40
- Dress: AED 20–35
- Shirt: AED 8–15
- Abaya: AED 20–35
- Curtains (per metre): AED 10–20