Answers to the questions we hear most often about visiting, investing in, and moving to Dubai. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in touch and we’ll do our best to help.
About Tom Dubai
Is Tom Dubai a real estate agency or law firm?
No. Tom Dubai is an independent content site. We research and publish practical guides on travel, property, financing, and business setup, and where a decision needs a licensed professional, we point you toward trusted partners rather than acting as one ourselves. Read more on our About Us page.
Is your content free to read?
Yes, everything on this site is free. If you’d like personal input on your specific situation, reach out through our contact page.
Travel to Dubai
When is the best time of year to visit Dubai?
Most visitors prefer November through April, when daytime temperatures are milder and outdoor attractions, beaches, and desert trips are far more comfortable. Summer months (June to September) bring intense heat and humidity, though hotel rates and flights are often noticeably cheaper.
Is Dubai expensive for tourists?
It can be, especially for hotels and dining in top areas like Downtown or the Marina, but Dubai also has plenty of budget-friendly options: the metro is cheap and efficient, many beaches and parks are free, and there’s a huge range of hotel and restaurant price points once you look beyond the flagship names.
How many days do I need to see Dubai properly?
Around 4-5 days is a comfortable amount of time to cover the main landmarks, a desert excursion, and some downtime, without feeling rushed. See our full travel guides for detailed itineraries.
Real Estate & Investment
Do I need to visit Dubai in person to buy property?
Not always. Many overseas buyers complete much of the process remotely with a Power of Attorney and a trusted local agent, though a visit is generally recommended before committing, especially for off-plan purchases. Full details are on our Real Estate page.
Are there ongoing costs after I buy a property in Dubai?
Yes. Budget for annual service charges (set by the building’s owners’ association), a small property management fee if you’re renting it out, and DEWA (utilities) connection costs, on top of the one-time Dubai Land Department transfer fee at purchase.
Mortgages & Financing
What if I don’t have a UAE credit history yet?
That’s normal for most overseas buyers. Lenders typically rely on your home-country credit report, payslips, and bank statements instead, alongside the standard debt-burden assessment. See our Mortgages page for the full document checklist.
Can I refinance a Dubai mortgage later on?
Generally yes. UAE banks commonly offer refinancing once you’ve built up equity or if better rates become available, though early-settlement and processing fees will apply, so it’s worth comparing the numbers with a broker before switching.
Business Setup
Do I need a UAE bank account to operate my company?
Yes, a corporate bank account is a standard requirement for running a licensed Dubai company, and it’s worth applying early since account opening can sometimes take longer than the licensing itself. Our Business Setup page covers the full registration process.
What’s the most common mistake first-time founders make?
Choosing a jurisdiction or license type before confirming exactly what activities it allows. Free zone licenses are often cheaper and faster to set up but can restrict direct mainland trading, so it pays to match the license to how and where you actually plan to do business.
Visas & Residency
What’s the fastest way to get UAE residency?
It depends on your route in: an employer-sponsored visa can move quickly once a company files your paperwork, while Golden Visa applications through property or business investment involve more documentation but grant a longer-term residency. Our full breakdown is in UAE Residence Visas Explained.
Can my family join me on my UAE visa?
In most cases, yes. Employment, investor, and Golden Visa holders can generally sponsor a spouse and children as dependents, though income thresholds and required documents apply, so it’s worth confirming the current rules for your specific visa category.
Still Have Questions?
If you didn’t find your answer here, reach out to us directly — we read every message and are happy to point you in the right direction.