Utilities & Services
Electricity & water along with sewerage are provided by Dubai electricity and water authority (DEWA).
Click here to visit their website for more information.
Electricity - The electricity supply in Dubai is 220/240 volts and 50 cycles. Socket type is identical to thethree point British system. Adaptors can be purchased at any grocery or hardware shop.
Water - Tap water is safe to drink though locally bottled mineral water is preferred. Some of the water suppliers in Dubai are:
Culligan: 800 4945; Desert springs: 800 6650; Nestle pure life: 800 4404; Oasis drinking water: 884 565
Gas - Gas mains don't exist in Dubai hence individual canisters need to be purchased and connected to a gas oven via an outside tap. Keep the telephone number of gas suppliers handy and canisters can be delivered to you in less than 20 minutes of your call, anytime of the day.
Telephone - Currently the main telecommunications provider in Dubai. It is an efficient and innovative company, continuously introducing new services and even cutting charges from time to time. You will require a residence visa to get a landline but you can get a SIM card for your mobile phone without residency.
Click here to read more about telephone services in Dubai.
Internet - For connection to the World Wide Web, Emirates Internet & Multimedia is the sole provider of internet services through its UAE proxy server. Access to some sites is restricted. You can access Emirates Internet from any standard telephone line using a 56K modem.
Postal Services - There is no house address based mailing system in the UAE. All mails are delivered to the central post office and then distributed to centrally located post office boxes. It is also possible to rent a personal PO box in the UAE
Television - There is a good selection of satellite channels to choose from in Dubai or video/DVD rental stores are plentiful in Dubai.
Click here to view a list of radio stations in Dubai and the other Emirates.
Tip: Due to extreme climatic conditions it is advisable to drink plenty of water in the heat, so carry a bottle with you at all times.
Health
Medical facilities in Dubai are high both in public and private sectors. The Health and Medical Services Department provides medical care for all UAE nationals, visitors and resident expatriates. Currently expatriates can go to any hospital as long as they have a valid health card. However this may change in the future and all expatriates may require having private insurance coverage
Pharmacies:
Most medicines are readily available at pharmacies. You may check in the local newspapers for information. In Dubai you can call a 24-hour municipality emergency number - 04 2232323 which lists the locations of open chemists.
Click here for a list of clinics in Dubai with their contact details.
Tip: Check this website run by doctors and health professional in the UAE that contains information on where to find a doctor who speaks your language, pharmacies etc.
Education
English is the medium of instruction in most schools which adopt variations of the popular Montessory method of instruction. Annual fees may vary. Some play-schools like the New Dubai Nursery (Satwa) accept children from 18 months onwards.
An academic record of your child is required for admissions. Some schools conduct entrance tests. Schools offer GCSE, 'A' Levels, French, American, Indian, Japanese and other systems. Standards are above average.
Children with special needs:
Handicapped centers supervised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs cater to those with hearing and physical disabilities, the visually impaired and others with special needs. The Ministry is constantly improving its facilities, at the same time emphasizing the role of the family in caring for the disabled.
Click here to view a list of educational institutions listed in Dubai alongwith their contact details.
Tip: Knowledge village is a key part of Dubai's commitment to improving educational services and attracting more international students to the country. Click here to visit their website.