These are some tips from those who have made the move, what they would do if they had to do it again, and how to get through the first few months of adjustment.

Have a look through them, and use them where you can:

Before Departure

• Take photos of your home, friends, favourite spots before you leave
  
• Make a small photo album for children of their daily lives in South Africa – it gives them a feeling of self-importance when they can show their new friends where they come from.
  
• Bring your own furniture with you if possible. The choice of household furniture is limited here, and the cost on the pricey side.
  
• Bring your gardening tools if you are going to be in a villa. Many of us arrived with no spade or hose and then had to find out which trading stores sold gardening tools at a reasonable price – all in a strange new city with no street names
  
• There are different sizes of bedding in the United Arab Emirates. There is a small selection at Woolworth’s and Edgar’s in Dubai, but it’s better to bring sheets and duvet covers from South Africa, or add them to your shopping list for your first trip home.
  
• Do bring South African memorabilia and curios with you – they all of a sudden become meaningful when you’re away from home. They are also of huge interest to other people living here that you will meet who have never been to Africa.
  
• Allow three days for packing
  
• Fill empty cardboard toilet rolls with small things that might get lost in the mounds of paper used when packing.
  
• Remember that NO pornographic material, liquor or drugs may be packed into your container. ALL videos will be taken by Customs for viewing, and will be returned to you after about six weeks. If you have any videos that have suggestive scenes or use particularly bad language, leave them behind.
  
• Make sure your personal papers (will, tax clearance, medical aid scheme, pension fund, rental agreement if you’re leasing property, bank account, power of attorney) have been attended to before you leave.
  
• Come with an open mind – everything is new and very different, but know that it will be an adjustment and your move will go smoothly
  

After Arrival

• Be prepared to downsize – although the sound of a villa sounds good, they’re big to furnish and expensive to keep cool in summer.
• A smaller semi-detached type of townhouse or apartment may be more feasible, a good networking place to be in and a smaller area to furnish and keep clean.
  
• Look at the option of living in an apartment, even though you might have your heart set on a villa. There are lots of centrally situated top quality apartments that offer full facilities (such as a swimming pool and gym). Being above street level, means there is also less sand and dust that needs to be cleaned.
  
• Know that you’re here on a semi-permanent basis. Expats are here to work, but may not buy property or retire here
  
• As soon as you’ve found yourself a home, draw a location map.
• Although Dubai is slowly introducing street names, most directions are given accordingly to landmarks. You will need to give this map to anyone needing to call at your villa/apartment.
  
• Once your furniture has been unloaded and Customs have finished, request the removal company to collect your empty boxes within 24 hours. Then you have no choice but to get unpacked by then! Get it behind you as soon as possible.
  
• Give yourself time to adjust to the road system, plan routes, identify landmarks and learn the lane discipline before driving yourself. Travel first as a passenger either with a friend or in a taxi until you have the confidence to drive
  
• It’s a good idea to take some driving lessons before you start driving. Some rules are different and remember that you drive left hand drive cars on the right hand side of the road.
  
• Dubai and Abu Dhabi have very good taxi services. Use them if you are going to have a drink or go in to a busy part of town.
  
• If you have boys, be prepared for a couple of adjustments. Males are not allowed into Hairdressing Salons. Your son will have to be taken to a separate barber shop or men’s only salon. Also, there are certain days of the week that public parks and paying beaches are open only to ladies and children, which exclude boys over the age of 6 years.
• Government Health Clinics also have separate sections for male/female. Depending on the age of your son, it might be necessary for his father to take him to the clinic, as his mother will not be permitted into the male section.
  
• Although the United Arab Emirates is far safer than South Africa, don’t let your teenage children walk the streets at all hours. As with any modern society, this could invite unwanted trouble.
  Extra murals for school children are all extra, and expensive – budget accordingly.
  
• Vet fees are high, and give a lot of thought before bringing over any pets, particularly dogs. From May – September, it is too hot to walk dogs during the day and not much better at night. Also, cats prefer using litter boxes during summer, rather than scald their feet outside.
  
• Don’t hanker after things that you cannot find in the stores here.
• Look for the best alternative and make the most of new tastes, products and sensations.
  
• Be prepared for a few dry months until you get your liquor licence.
  
• There are mosquitoes! Bring tabard!
  
• Public holidays are not fixed. Be prepared to change plans and commitments at short notice.
  
• Be prepared for a total change of lifestyle. Saturdays and Sundays will now be working days and Fridays the holy day. The working hours are longer, and your weekends shorter.
  
• Remember always that you are a guest in a foreign country. Behave in terms of the rules and customs, and respect the locals in their own country. Behave like a guest, not as if you own the place. If you follow these simple rules, you will be treated like a guest.
  
• Learn to relax. The pace and lifestyle is very different and it will be an adjustment. Don’t stress about it! Work out a way to relax that suits you best and you will soon come to terms with and accept the everyday way of life here in the United Arab Emirates.