10 Things to Do Before Boarding Your Flight to the UAE
Relocating to the UAE is one of the most rewarding career moves a lawyer or compliance professional can make. The region is dynamic, international, and growing fast, but it requires preparation to get right. At Collins Search, we work with senior professionals making this transition every day, and the difference between a smooth move and a difficult one usually comes down to planning.
Here are 10 things to do before you step on the plane.
1. Research the Market
The UAE legal and compliance market operates differently from other jurisdictions. Multinationals follow familiar frameworks, but many local organisations are family-owned or government-related with their own cultures. Understanding this before you arrive will help set realistic expectations for the scope of your role and the pace of change (sometimes that can be a lot faster, and sometimes a lot slower!).
2. Organise Your Documentation
Your residency visa, work permit and dependents’ visas all require attested paperwork. Degrees, marriage certificates and birth certificates (if applicable) should be prepared in advance. Missing documents are the single most common reason for delays, which could put you back weeks or even months.
3. Review Your Relocation Package
Not all packages are the same. Clarify exactly what your new employer covers - housing allowance, flights, schooling and medical insurance are all standard considerations. This is the right time to negotiate if something important is missing.
4. Prepare Financially
While the UAE offers tax-free salaries, you’ll need to account for upfront costs such as rental deposits (often several months in advance), utilities, and school fees if you have children. Having a financial buffer makes your first months far more comfortable.
5. Check Qualification Recognition
Lawyers should confirm how their jurisdiction is viewed. England & Wales remains the most widely recognised, but other common law backgrounds are also respected. For compliance professionals, global certifications such as ACAMS or ICA add credibility in financial services and beyond.
6. Build Cultural Awareness
The UAE is modern and cosmopolitan, but it is also proudly rooted in its traditions. Understanding business etiquette, dressing appropriately, and being aware of customs during Ramadan will help you integrate quickly and avoid missteps.
7. Research Banking Options
Opening a bank account usually requires your Emirates ID, but knowing which banks cater best to expatriates will save time once you arrive. It’s also wise to speak to your home bank about transferring funds internationally.
8. Explore Neighbourhoods in Advance
Dubai Marina, JLT, Downtown and Abu Dhabi Corniche each offer very different lifestyles. Researching these areas before you land will give you a head start in choosing accommodation that fits both your budget and personal preferences.
9. Start Networking Early
The UAE job market is heavily relationship-driven. Connect with professional associations, attend virtual events where possible, and introduce yourself to recruiters. Building your network before you arrive will make the first months significantly easier.
10. Work With a Specialist Recruiter
Relocating is more than a change of job - it’s a change of life. A recruiter who understands the market can guide you through local nuances, help you benchmark salaries, and introduce you to the right employers. At Collins Search, this is what we do best.
Final Thoughts
Relocating to the UAE is a career-defining decision. With preparation, foresight and the right support, you’ll be able to make the most of everything the region offers—professionally and personally.
At Collins Search, we support senior legal and compliance professionals through every stage of the process. From the first conversation about moving to your first role on the ground, our focus is on ensuring you succeed.