Giles Thomas
Author, Moving to Dubai guides
Giles Thomas writes the Moving to Dubai guides on jobsindubai.ae: the practical side of moving here for work, from the work visa and Emirates ID to renting, banking, health insurance, setting up a company and what it costs to live. Giles is based in Dubai and is CEO of Whole Agency Group.
How the guides are written
- Every claim about visas, fees, tax, tenancy or insurance is checked against official UAE sources, such as u.ae, MOHRE, GDRFA, ICP, the Dubai Land Department, the Dubai Health Authority, the Federal Tax Authority and the Central Bank. Each guide links its sources.
- Each guide shows the date it was last checked, and is rechecked on a regular schedule: more often for figures that change quickly, such as fuel prices and government fees.
- Where a rule depends on your situation, the guide says so. For decisions about your own visa, tax or tenancy, confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified adviser.
Spotted something out of date? Let us know and we will check it.
Guides by Giles Thomas
- Moving to Dubai for workMoving to Dubai for work in 2026: the order things happen in, from job offer and work visa to Emirates ID, bank account, renting and health insurance, with official sources.
- Freelance visa in Dubai: permits, costs and how to applyFreelance visa Dubai guide for 2026: compare permit routes, eligibility, documents, step-by-step application, full costs and what the permit allows.
- Dubai work visa: how employment visas and work permits workHow a Dubai work visa works in 2026: MOHRE work permit, entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, who pays, timelines, changing jobs, bans and grace periods.
- Renting in Dubai: costs, Ejari and how to find a placeHow renting in Dubai works in 2026: rents by area, Ejari, deposits, cheques, DEWA, rent-increase rules, the new shared-housing law and how to avoid scams.
- Company setup in Dubai: options, costs, visas and taxCompany setup in Dubai explained: mainland vs free zone vs offshore, licence types, costs, visa quotas, bank accounts and 2026 corporate tax rules.
- Cost of living in Dubai: rent, bills and monthly budgetsWhat it costs to live in Dubai in 2026: rent, DEWA bills, transport, school fees and sample monthly budgets for singles and families, with sources.
- How to open a bank account in Dubai as a new residentWhat you need to open a bank account in Dubai as a new resident: Emirates ID, visa, salary letter, minimum balances, digital banks and WPS salaries.
- Health insurance in Dubai: the rules, basic cover and what to checkIs health insurance mandatory in Dubai? What employers must provide, what basic plans cover, dependants, freelancers and how to check your cover.