I found this post which I think proves useful if you want to know some important facts about Dubai before you move.
Schools
BSME: British Schools in the Middle East - there are more but doing an internet search is a good way to find out information
Residency Visa
This is supplied by your employer, once you arrive the application for residency visa starts. You will need to have a blood test and in some cases a chest X-ray. This is organised by your Company. If you are a British Passport Holder you can stay in the UAE for 60 days without a visa, you can also exit and re-enter on two occasions before completing your residency visa.
In most cases you will need your residency visa to enable you to rent accomodation. Some however will take a letter from your Company confirming that they are infact going through the process of applying for your visa. Some banks will allow you to open an account without your visa but I am not 100% sure which ones. You WILL need a visa to obtain any credit and also to buy and register a vehicle.
Accomodation
Expensive! ensure that you get a big enough housing allowance to cover your rent. Rents for one bed apartments are starting in the region of 90k up to 120k and 120k to 150k for a two depending on the area where you choose to live.
Villas - 3 bed - 180 - 200K
4 bed - 220 upwards
The main European areas are the developments that have been built buy Emaar - The Springs, The Meadows, The Lakes, The Ranches, The Greens. There are however europeans living all over Dubai so don't isolate yourself to just one area. The best way to chose where to live is to live as close to your place of work as possible.
Traffic and the Roads
Horrendous - no other word to describe the standard of driving out here. You do get used to it. Cars are way cheaper than the UK and it cost me 10 quid to fill up the tank - that is the plus point of having to endanger your life every day!
thanks for this info [img_assist|nid=139|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=400|height=222]
A few more things:
1. Note the quoted going rates for accommodation. (AED 90K pa one bed, AED 145k pa 2 bed - approx)
2. Quote income on a monthly basis in Dirhams (AED) please
3. If you want to drive immediately, get a lease car, but obtain an International Driving Permit from your home country. That way you haven't got to worry about taking the time to get a Dubai licence during your first couple of weeks.
4. Yes, you can get pork & alcohol and no, women don't have to cover (although some respect for our hosts doesn't go amiss).
5. It is illegal for unmarried couples to cohabit.
6. If you want to know what's going on, get a copy of Time Out.
7. For information on how to get things done/deal with government departements/legal issues/etc, buy yourself a copy of Dubai Explorer - available from Amazon.
8. If you don't know already, learn a little about Islam. You will find it useful. And be aware that everything takes longer in Ramadan and certain restrictions apply.
9. The driving is bad. It is worse than you think & driving in various capital cities is not the same.
10. Get various documents notarised before you move to the UAE - marriage certificate, education certificates.
11. Voltage is 220/240v. Plugs are UK style 3 pin.
12. Summer is VERY hot and it can be chilly in winter, especially in the evenings. Bring a few jumpers.
I want to share a few thoughts about all the hype surrounding Jumeirah Beach Residence and all that constitues The Marina. All this "living on the beach" is a pure joke. JBR residents have access to very little beach. Current occupancy at JBR is not more than 30% as far as I am aware. So there is enough space for people to be moving in, but they are not because I think JBR is simply dull, there's nothing nice about it, except the main part surrounding the original marina where Marina Walk is situated.
If you're considering moving in to this area, don't bother - a bunch of high-rise building with no views.