So you have accepted an offer and you are moving to Dubai...........where do you start?

There is a quick turnaround with media companies in Dubai and most employees expect you to be joining them within four to six weeks from initial application.

Visa requirements for entering Dubai vary greatly between different nationalities, and regulations can often change with little or no warning.  For most western nationalities, the residency process is easy.  There are several ways to obtain a residence visa in the UAE - sponsorship by employer, family sponsorship or residence through investment.  New laws are constantly appearing so it is best to check the latest information at www.government.ae.

Some media companies in Dubai will provide subsidised serviced accommodation or a period in a hotel at the start of employment.  After this time you will need to find accommodation, however this is fairly easy to do.

There is no home delivery of post in Dubai and if you are concerned about personal mail being delivered to your place of employment then set up your own post box at one of the many Emirates Post offices.

The British Business Group in Dubai is one of the largest and most active business groups in the world. It works very closely with the British consulate and they run numerous networking nights.  The BBG is a great way to meet people and to start to develop a network and list of contacts. Visit www.britbiz-uae.com.