A Family Guide to Relocating to the UAE
The UAE has long been a place shaped by movement, enterprise and reinvention. Over the last half-century it has grown from a Gulf trading region into one of the world’s most dynamic destinations for families seeking stability, opportunity and an internationally connected life. Today, people choose the UAE not only for work, but for the quality of living it offers, the ease of global access, and the sense of momentum that defines day-to-day life here.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in particular, have become global cities in the truest sense. Their populations continue to rise, supported by steady economic expansion, long-term development plans and a lifestyle that appeals to internationally mobile families. Dubai’s population is estimated at more than four million and is projected to reach 5.8 million by 2040. New cultural districts, business hubs, free zones and international schools continue to open at pace, reflecting sustained demand from Europe, North America, Asia and the wider Middle East.
At Treberys Private, we support families through this transition with an approach that is structured, calm and highly personal. With teams operating in both the UK and the UAE, we provide continuity at every stage, from early planning to arrival to long-term settlement.
Why the UAE Is Becoming a Global Family Destination
Families are choosing the UAE for reasons that go far beyond its commercial reputation. It is one of the few places that balances safety, global connectivity, lifestyle and long-term vision with such consistency and clarity.
A Safe, Stable Environment
The UAE consistently ranks among the world’s safest countries. Daily life feels calm, well managed and secure, a quality that underpins the decision of many families relocating from large European and Asian cities.
Exceptional Global Connectivity
Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport place Europe, Asia and Africa within easy reach. For families with international business, education or personal commitments, this connectivity is invaluable.
Climate and Lifestyle
From October to April, the UAE offers warm, bright weather and a lifestyle centred around the outdoors, from beaches and parks to marinas and desert landscapes. Life moves at a purposeful but relaxed pace.
Infrastructure Built for Families
Healthcare, public spaces, transport networks and community amenities are modern, clean and exceptionally maintained. Neighbourhoods are designed with families in mind, offering immediate access to schools, sport, fitness, childcare and leisure.
A Thriving, Future-Focused Business Ecosystem
The UAE continues to attract entrepreneurs, professionals and high-growth companies across sectors including finance, legal services, technology, property, recruitment, online businesses and fully remote digital enterprises. Free zones provide favourable conditions for international business setup, and long-term residency initiatives attract founders, investors and digital nomads seeking a stable base with global reach.
A Country Built With Long-Term Vision
Dubai continues to expand strategically, with new cultural districts, museums, sustainability-driven communities and business hubs appearing each year. Leading school groups continue to invest too, with new institutions opening to meet growing demand.
Understanding the Emirates
Although the UAE is composed of seven emirates, four are most relevant to relocating families.
Dubai
Fast-paced, international and highly diverse. Known for its range of schools, global connectivity, neighbourhood variety and cultural calendar.
Abu Dhabi
Measured, elegant and increasingly popular with families seeking space, culture, stability and a quieter rhythm.
Sharjah
More traditional, centred around heritage, arts and learning. Close to Dubai yet culturally distinct.
Ras Al Khaimah
Known for beaches, mountains and a slower-paced lifestyle, appealing to families seeking outdoor space.
Dubai vs Abu Dhabi: How to Choose
Many families begin their search in Dubai, drawn by its breadth of neighbourhoods, schools, international communities and year-round events. It suits those who enjoy variety, movement and global energy.
Abu Dhabi offers something different, with its cultural institutions, large parks, wide boulevards and calm, spacious communities. Increasingly, families choose Abu Dhabi directly, rather than beginning in Dubai first.
The decision often comes down to lifestyle, long-term plans and the environments in which the family will feel most at home.
Education in Dubai: Choice, Standards and Structure
Dubai’s private school system is one of the largest and most diverse in the world, with more than 200 schools offering British, IB, American, Australian, Indian and other curricula.
KHDA Oversight
All private schools are regulated by the KHDA, which conducts inspections, publishes transparent ratings and monitors safeguarding, teacher quality and academic progress. Schools can only raise fees with strong inspection outcomes.
Four Types of School in Dubai
Dubai’s schools tend to fall into four broad categories:
Not-for-Profit Heritage Schools
Long established, academically strong and highly competitive.
International Sister-School Branches
Linked to established institutions abroad, offering familiar structure, ethos and pathways.
Major Educational Groups
Multiple campuses under one operator, known for facilities, stability and broad fee ranges.
Independent Stand-Alone Schools
Often newer, built around a particular philosophy, focus or educational approach.
What Makes the Process Complex
Dubai’s admissions landscape is competitive and fast-moving. Schools have different assessment models, deadlines and expectations. Availability fluctuates throughout the year, especially at key entry points.
Families often find it challenging to compare curricula, understand school culture, align academic pathways with long-term aspirations or manage the volume of documentation required. Demand continues to rise, and competitive schools may begin filling places a year in advance.
A Non-Negotiable Principle: School First, Property Second
This is one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of a Dubai relocation. School choice dictates family rhythm, neighbourhood selection and daily commute patterns. Selecting property first can result in long travel times, sometimes more than an hour each way, particularly across major roads or between older school districts and newer residential areas.
The right school makes the choice of community clearer and creates a far smoother transition for the whole family.
Families don't move to Dubai to spend hours in traffic
Residency, Documentation and the Practicalities of Relocation
Relocating to the UAE is generally straightforward, but it is detailed. Visa applications, document attestation, medical checks, Emirates ID registration and school documentation often run simultaneously.
Schools may request items such as attested birth certificates, previous academic reports, vaccination records and proof of residency or Emirates ID applications. Admissions timelines vary, assessments differ and every school follows its own process. Many use standardised reasoning assessments, and Treberys Private tutors support students preparing for these.
Alongside education, we introduce trusted partners across immigration, family office services, business setup, tax, property and lifestyle advisory. Our role is to coordinate these so they align, rather than functioning as isolated tasks.
How Treberys Private Supports Families Moving to the UAE
Our work begins with a conversation, understanding motivations, priorities and long-term plans. From here, we design a structure entirely around your family. We advise on school selection, manage applications, coordinate assessments, oversee timelines and introduce partners across property, immigration, tax and business. With teams in both the UK and UAE, we ensure continuity throughout the journey, guiding families through each step quietly and with clarity.
Timings Matters
Demand at leading schools is high, particularly at key entry points. Families should ideally begin planning a full year in advance. This allows time for school visits, applications, assessments and coordinated relocation planning. While we support urgent placements, availability is often limited at later stages in the academic cycle. Early preparation provides the best chance of securing the right environment for the long term.
Begin the Conversation
If you are considering a move to the UAE or would like clarity on the steps involved, Treberys Private would be glad to support you. Our work is quiet, personal and deeply tailored, ensuring that every decision supports your family’s long-term plans.