Your Complete Settling In Checklist
Arriving in the Middle East for your first teaching position is exhilarating and overwhelming in equal measure. There is an enormous amount to organize in your first few weeks, from government paperwork to finding accommodation, setting up banking, and getting your bearings in a new country. Without a clear plan, important tasks can slip through the cracks, leading to delays, fines, or unnecessary stress.
This week-by-week checklist is designed specifically for teachers relocating to the Gulf states (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain) in 2026. Use it as your roadmap for the first month and beyond. Each task includes practical details so you know exactly what to expect and what to bring.
Before You Arrive: Pre-Departure Essentials
| Task | Details | Done? |
|---|---|---|
| Document attestation complete | Degree, teaching certificate, police clearance all attested. See our attestation guide | ☐ |
| VPN downloaded and tested | Install on all devices before arrival. VPN guide here | ☐ |
| Health insurance reviewed | Understand employer coverage and consider supplementary plans. Insurance guide | ☐ |
| Copies of all documents | Scan and save digital copies of passport, visa, contracts, certificates to cloud storage | ☐ |
| Notify home bank | Inform your bank you are moving abroad to prevent account freezing | ☐ |
| International driving permit | Obtain from your home country if you plan to drive (required during initial period) | ☐ |
| Prescriptions and medications | Bring 3-month supply of any medications with doctor’s letter and original packaging | ☐ |
| Power adapters | UAE/Saudi/Qatar/Bahrain use UK-style 3-pin plugs (Type G). Kuwait uses Type G and C. Oman uses Type G | ☐ |
| Contact school HR | Confirm airport pickup, temporary accommodation, and first-day schedule | ☐ |
Week 1: Paperwork and Essentials
Your first week will be dominated by administrative tasks. Most schools schedule an induction week that aligns with these requirements.
| Day | Task | What You Need | Cost | Done? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | School induction | Passport, visa, attested documents, passport photos | Free | ☐ |
| Day 1-2 | Medical fitness test | Passport, visa copy, passport photos. Blood test and chest X-ray at approved center | AED 300-500 | ☐ |
| Day 2-3 | Emirates ID / Civil ID biometrics | Passport, visa, medical results. Appointment at ICP center (UAE) or PACI (Kuwait) or MOI (Qatar) | AED 270-370 (UAE) | ☐ |
| Day 2-3 | Get a SIM card | Passport and visa copy. Major providers: Etisalat/du (UAE), STC/Mobily (Saudi), Ooredoo/Vodafone (Qatar) | AED 50-100 for SIM + first recharge | ☐ |
| Day 3-5 | Open bank account | Passport, visa, Emirates ID receipt, employment contract, salary certificate. Major banks: Emirates NBD, FAB, ADCB (UAE); Al Rajhi, SNB (Saudi) | Free (most banks) | ☐ |
| Day 5-7 | Receive Emirates ID card | Collect from ICP center or delivery to address. Takes 5-7 business days from biometrics | Included above | ☐ |
| Day 5-7 | Download essential apps | Install: banking app, Careem/Uber, Talabat/Deliveroo (food delivery), Google Maps (download offline maps), government apps (UAEPASS, Al Hosn in UAE) | Free | ☐ |
Week 1 tip: Your school’s PRO (Public Relations Officer) will handle most visa-related paperwork. Follow their schedule and bring all original documents plus copies to every appointment.
Week 2: Housing and Utilities
| Day | Task | What You Need | Cost | Done? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 8-10 | Start housing search | Browse Bayut.com, Property Finder, Dubizzle. Contact agents. Ask colleagues for recommendations. See our Abu Dhabi housing guide | Free (agent fee 5% of rent at signing) | ☐ |
| Day 8-12 | View properties | Visit 5-10 properties. Check commute time, AC, water pressure, building facilities. Take photos | Free | ☐ |
| Day 10-14 | Sign tenancy contract | Passport, Emirates ID, employer NOC (if required). Prepare security deposit (5% of rent) and first rent cheque | Security deposit + rent cheque | ☐ |
| Day 11-14 | Register tenancy | Register with Ejari (Dubai) or Tawtheeq (Abu Dhabi). Online or at typing center | AED 100-220 | ☐ |
| Day 11-14 | Set up DEWA/ADDC utilities | Tenancy contract, Emirates ID, passport. Apply online at dewa.gov.ae (Dubai) or addc.ae (Abu Dhabi) | AED 2,000-4,000 deposit | ☐ |
| Day 12-14 | Internet connection | Etisalat or du (UAE). Home internet packages start at AED 299/month for 250 Mbps | AED 299-599/month | ☐ |
| Day 12-14 | Driving license appointment | Book driving license conversion test (if applicable). UK, US, Canadian, Australian, and other select country licenses can be converted directly. Visit RTA (Dubai) or ADPol (Abu Dhabi) | AED 500-1,500 | ☐ |
| Day 14 | Move in | Arrange furniture delivery or purchase. See furnishing tips in our housing guide | AED 3,000-15,000 for furniture | ☐ |
Week 2 tip: If your school provides temporary accommodation, use every available evening and weekend for property viewings. The best apartments go quickly during the teacher arrival season in August.
Week 3: Getting Settled
| Task | Details | Done? |
|---|---|---|
| Explore your neighborhood | Walk around your area. Find the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, laundry, petrol station, and ATM. Identify the quickest route to school | ☐ |
| Grocery shopping orientation | Major supermarkets: Carrefour (budget), Lulu Hypermarket (best for Asian/Indian groceries), Waitrose (UK products), Spinneys (quality local chain). Download loyalty apps for discounts | ☐ |
| Join social groups | Facebook groups: “[City] Teachers,” “[City] Expats,” “[Nationality] in [City].” Apps: Meetup, Bumble BFF. School social committee events | ☐ |
| Register with embassy | Register with your home country’s embassy or consulate for emergency alerts and consular assistance. UK: register on gov.uk. US: STEP program. Australia: smartraveller.gov.au | ☐ |
| Set up money transfers | Open a Wise (formerly TransferWise) or Revolut account for sending money home at best exchange rates. Local options: UAE Exchange, Al Ansari Exchange | ☐ |
| Find a GP/clinic | Register with a nearby clinic covered by your insurance. Save the clinic’s number and your insurance card details in your phone | ☐ |
| Car rental or purchase | If needed, arrange short-term car rental (AED 1,500-3,000/month) while deciding whether to buy. Used cars from AED 15,000-30,000 on Dubizzle | ☐ |
Week 4 and Month 1: Establishing Your Routine
| Task | Details | Done? |
|---|---|---|
| Gym or fitness membership | Gym memberships: AED 200-500/month. Many compounds include gyms. Popular chains: Fitness First, GymNation (budget), Gold’s Gym | ☐ |
| Explore on weekends | Visit landmarks, beaches, malls, cultural sites. UAE: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Dubai Frame, desert safari. Saudi: Al Ula, Jeddah Corniche | ☐ |
| Start dependent visa process | If bringing family, begin the process now. See our dependent visa guide | ☐ |
| Set up recurring payments | Automate rent, utilities, internet, phone bill through your bank’s auto-debit system | ☐ |
| Driving license conversion | Complete the eye test and license conversion at the traffic authority. Bring home license, passport, Emirates ID, photos | ☐ |
| Create a savings plan | Set up an automatic transfer to your home bank account. Target saving 30-50% of salary. Review salary optimization tips | ☐ |
| Learn basic Arabic phrases | Key phrases: Shukran (thank you), Marhaba (hello), Yalla (let’s go), Inshallah (God willing), Mashallah (God has willed it). Apps: Duolingo, Memrise | ☐ |
| Plan first trip home or holiday | School holidays fill up fast. Book flights early for half-term and winter break. Budget airlines: FlyDubai, Air Arabia, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi | ☐ |
Essential Apps for Teachers in the Middle East
| Category | App | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | Careem / Uber | Ride-hailing (essential until you have a car) |
| Food | Talabat / Deliveroo / Zomato | Food delivery with restaurant reviews |
| Banking | Your bank’s app + Wise | Local banking and international transfers |
| Government | UAEPASS / Al Hosn / Absher | Digital ID, government services |
| Navigation | Google Maps / Waze | Navigation with traffic updates (Waze better for commuting) |
| Shopping | Noon / Amazon.ae | Online shopping with fast delivery |
| Social | WhatsApp / Meetup | Communication and finding social events |
| Fitness | ClassPass / Playtomic | Gym classes, padel, tennis bookings |
Grocery Shopping Guide: Where to Shop
Grocery shopping in the Middle East can be surprisingly affordable if you know where to go:
- Carrefour: Best for general groceries, competitive prices, frequent promotions. Found in major malls
- Lulu Hypermarket: Excellent for Asian, Indian, and Middle Eastern ingredients. Very affordable
- Spinneys: Premium local chain with quality fresh produce and bakery
- Waitrose: UK imports including British brands, cereals, sauces, and comfort food. Premium pricing
- Union Coop: UAE cooperative with competitive prices, especially in Dubai
- Kibsons: Online fresh produce delivery, organic options, popular with expats
Budget tip: A single teacher can manage grocery spending at AED 800-1,200/month ($218-$327). A couple can budget AED 1,200-1,800/month ($327-$490). Download store apps for weekly promotions and loyalty points.
Cultural Tips for Your First Month
- Dress code: Dress modestly in public spaces. Shoulders and knees should be covered in malls, government offices, and traditional areas. Swimwear is fine at pools and beaches
- Ramadan awareness: If you arrive during or near Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited. Restaurants operate behind screens during fasting hours
- Weekend: The weekend in most Gulf states is Friday and Saturday. UAE shifted to Saturday-Sunday weekends in 2022 for government and many schools
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated. 10% at restaurants, AED 5-10 for delivery drivers and service staff
- Photography: Do not photograph people (especially women) without permission. Avoid photographing government buildings and military installations
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to fully settle in as a teacher in the Middle East?
Most teachers feel settled within 6-8 weeks of arrival. The first 2 weeks involve intense paperwork and house-hunting. Weeks 3-4 are about establishing routines and exploring. By the end of the second month, you will have a regular schedule, a social network forming, and familiarity with your surroundings. The first full school term (September-December) is the adjustment period, and by January most teachers feel fully at home.
What should I pack for my move to the Middle East?
Pack light for the first trip. Essentials: lightweight professional clothing for school, comfortable casual wear, good sunglasses, sunscreen (expensive locally), any specific medications, key documents, a laptop, and personal items you cannot easily replace. Everything else, from bedding to kitchen items, can be purchased locally at competitive prices. Most schools allow 30-50 kg checked luggage on the initial flight.
How do I open a bank account as a new teacher?
Visit a bank with your passport, visa, Emirates ID (or receipt), employment contract, and a salary certificate from your school. The process takes 30-60 minutes. Your account will be active immediately, but the debit card arrives in 3-7 business days. Popular teacher-friendly banks in the UAE include Emirates NBD (no minimum balance), FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank), and ADCB. Some banks offer welcome packages for new expats.
When should I start the dependent visa process for my family?
Begin the dependent visa process as soon as your own residence visa is stamped, which is typically 2-3 weeks after arrival. Gather all required attested documents before your family flies out. In the UAE, the full process takes 2-4 weeks. Many teachers have their family join them 4-6 weeks after arrival, once accommodation is secured and basic setup is complete.
Is it difficult to make friends as a new teacher abroad?
No. International teaching communities are inherently social because everyone is in the same situation. Your school colleagues will be your immediate social circle, and most schools organize welcome events. Beyond school, join Facebook and WhatsApp groups for expats in your city, attend Meetup events, sign up for sports leagues or fitness classes, and explore hobby groups. The Middle East expat community is famously welcoming to newcomers.
What are the biggest mistakes new teachers make when settling in?
Common mistakes include: rushing into a housing contract without viewing enough properties, not negotiating rent (always negotiate), forgetting to set up a VPN before arrival, not bringing enough copies of attested documents, opening a bank account at the first bank they visit without comparing options, and not budgeting for the initial setup costs (first month expenses beyond salary can reach AED 15,000-25,000 for visa fees, deposits, furniture, and supplies).
For more relocation resources, explore our full relocation guide and teaching in the UAE overview.
