First month in the UAE: Driving licence, buying a car, places of worship

The flurry of things to do immediately after landing has started to calm down, but there are still a number of things to get organised in order to get your new life in the UAE under way.

By now, your visa should be sorted, but what else do you need to know?

Driving licence

Many people in the UAE can get around on public transport for the first few months while they get their new lives in order. Public buses and metro lines are well maintained and affordably priced, meaning many need never drive at all.

But if you would like to get behind the wheel, there are some things to take into account. If you are from a select number of countries then all that's required is to transfer your home licence to a UAE licence.

If you are not from one of the listed countries and need to take your test again. Here's a complete guide to getting a new driving licence in the UAE.

Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer a Golden Chance option where – as long as you pass the theory test – you can go straight to the practical without having to take the required lessons. If you fail this then you will need to take the mandatory lessons before taking it again.

Buying or renting a car

Buying or renting a car in a new country can be daunting, but knowing some tips and tricks before making a purchase should help.

Many new arrivals will choose to first rent a car as they get used to the roads, and hiring a car is a great way to first explore the country.

Buying a used car has traditionally been seen as a cheaper alternative to obtaining a new model off the production line.

Prices can vary throughout the year, with Ramadan deals being particularly popular, but it's important to not fall victim to any financial mistakes when making the big purchase. Here are five financial mistakes to avoid when buying a car in the UAE.

Electric vehicles are an increasingly popular option. Here's our map of EV charging stations in Dubai.

Cars can be a big financial purchase, so make sure you keep your car safe during the summer heat.

The Mitsubishi Pajero is seen as one of the more affordable 4x4 vehicles on the market. AFP

Making friends

It can be daunting living in a new country where the only people you know are your colleagues, but we've got a handy guide to making new friends. Whether it's joining a netball or rugby team, or downloading an app, there are plenty of ways to meet people in the Emirates.

Finding a place of worship

For those looking for a mosque in the UAE, you can be assured there is always one nearby. Here's our list of 20 of the most architecturally impressive mosques to visit.

The UAE is committed to religious tolerance and hosts various houses of worship. Here's our list of temples, churches, and synagogues in the Emirates.

Furnishing your home

Once you've settled on somewhere to live, you'll likely want to furnish your home.

Here's our comprehensive guide to buying furniture in the UAE, including second hand and budget options to high end and luxury pieces.

See you soon...

We hope this has helped you feel more at home in the Emirates. When the time comes, make sure to check out our next guide: Living in the UAE: Settling In

Previous guides:

Before Moving to the UAE

Just Arrived in the UAE

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Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

Available: Now

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UAE currency

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo

Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm

Transmission: eight-speed auto

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On sale: now

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Employment lawyer Meriel Schindler of Withers Worldwide shares her tips on achieving equal pay

Do your homework
Make sure that you are being offered a fair salary. There is lots of industry data available, and you can always talk to people who have come out of the organisation. Where I see people coming a cropper is where they haven’t done their homework.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate
It’s quite standard to negotiate if you think an offer is on the low side. The job is unlikely to be withdrawn if you ask for money, and if that did happen I’d question whether you want to work for an employer who is so hypersensitive.

Know your worth
Women tend to be a bit more reticent to talk about their achievements. In my experience they need to have more confidence in their own abilities – men will big up what they’ve done to get a pay rise, and to compete women need to turn up the volume.

Work together
If you suspect men in your organisation are being paid more, look your boss in the eye and say, “I want you to assure me that I’m paid equivalent to my peers”. If you’re not getting a straight answer, talk to your peer group and consider taking direct action to fix inequality.

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Kareem Shaheen on Canada

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Hard-hit Canada is springing back to life – or to the already cliched 'new normal'

Three tips from La Perle's performers

1 The kind of water athletes drink is important. Gwilym Hooson, a 28-year-old British performer who is currently recovering from knee surgery, found that out when the company was still in Studio City, training for 12 hours a day. “The physio team was like: ‘Why is everyone getting cramps?’ And then they realised we had to add salt and sugar to the water,” he says.

2 A little chocolate is a good thing. “It’s emergency energy,” says Craig Paul Smith, La Perle’s head coach and former Cirque du Soleil performer, gesturing to an almost-empty open box of mini chocolate bars on his desk backstage.

3 Take chances, says Young, who has worked all over the world, including most recently at Dragone’s show in China. “Every time we go out of our comfort zone, we learn a lot about ourselves,” she says.

New UK refugee system

A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds