Dubai guide

Dubai from scratch

What to do from the moment you land — written and filmed, day by day. Each step links to a video.

D-01

First day

  • Airport pickup and SIM card
  • Move in, basic shopping
  • Get your Nol card
  • Join the student WhatsApp/Telegram group
D-07

First week

  • Placement test and class assignment
  • Emirates ID application and medical
  • Open a bank account
  • Orientation meetup and city tour
D-30

First month

  • Emirates ID delivered, visa complete
  • Set a monthly budget
  • Part-time / internship interviews
  • Social life: clubs, sports, events

Monthly cost of living

Shared room
450–800 USD / ay
Studio flat
900–1.500 USD / ay
Groceries + eating out
300–500 USD / ay
Transport (Nol)
90–130 USD / ay

Visa and Emirates ID

After enrolment your visa file opens. The school books the medical and biometrics; we go with you. The Emirates ID usually arrives in 2–3 weeks.

Where should you live?

Budget and school location are the two variables. Al Barsha, JVC, Deira and Barsha Heights are the most common picks; being near the metro pays for itself.

Marina district
Marina district

Transport and cars

Nol card for metro and buses; taxis and Careem are affordable. If you're staying long, car prices are worth a look.

Car prices in Dubai

Dubai for female students

Safety is one of the most asked questions. We collected the comments of female students who came to Dubai for language school.

Dubai through female students' eyes
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