Your First 90 Days in the UAE: What No One Tells You

So, you’ve made the call, landed in the UAE, the sun’s shining, and you’re ready to build something big. You’ve sorted the setup and relocation. But once you’re here, the real work begins, building your business.

From getting your Emirates ID to figuring out banking, contracts, and hiring, those first 90 days can be a mix of “this place is unreal” and “why is this so complicated?”

That’s why we work alongside Founders Law. While we handle getting you set up and moved out here, they step in to cover everything legal once you’re operating: contracts, compliance, employment docs, and making sure you’re protected as you grow.

Together, we’ve pulled together your no nonsense guide nonsense guide to surviving (and thriving) in your first three months in the UAE.

1. Paperwork is your new personality

Your first few weeks will be full of admin. You’ll be getting your Emirates ID, having your medical and biometrics, getting your residency permit, sorting all your insurances personal and business and our personal favourite… getting your company stamp. So much stamping (more on that later).