New to UAE Guides

Want to take the plunge and buy your own home in the UAE? Souqalmal explores how the home loan market in the country is shaping up right now. Read More
There are numerous ways to send money from the UAE - Bank transfers, exchange houses and online brokerages. Make sure you shop around to get the best deal. Read More
'The UAE opens up citizenship for expats' - The biggest headline of this year has already got expats excited! Souqalmal breaks down what the new law entails and how it will impact your future in the UAE. Read More
Do you regret having wasted your hard-earned money last year? We've shortlisted four simple and effective ways to help you manage your finances better in 2021... Read More
2020 isn't a long way away now. How about making some energy-saving New Year resolutions? We explain how you can cut back on your electricity and water usage, and save on your DEWA bills. Read More
Moving overseas does not mean you leave your debt behind in the UAE. You take it with you. Souqalmal.com rounds up simple ways to help you manage your financial obligations from abroad. Read More
It's that time of year again. As we soak in the festive spirit, there's bound to be a universally stressful task waiting to be ticked off on all our to-do lists - The gifts! We explore why the humble 'gift card' may be your best bet in this department. Read More
Souqalmal has launched a fast, straightforward and safe way of buying your insurance directly from insurance providers. We're putting you back in control and here's how... Read More
Looking for a safe and quick way to meet your urgent cash requirements? How about selling your electronics and getting instant cash in return? And the best part - You can buy your items back too! Read More
Whether you're busy or simply lazy, there's no denying the convenience offered by on-demand grocery delivery apps. Here's a look at some of the most popular grocery shopping apps in Dubai. Read More
Ramadan 2020 is going to be different, no doubt. Will social distancing and lockdown restrictions dampen the spirit of Ramadan? We take a look at how you can make best of the situation... Read More
Coronavirus-linked online scams are popping up everywhere. With people losing millions to scammers across the world, we take a look at some of the most notorious online scams and how you can avoid them. Read More
As Dubai enters a 24-hour lockdown for two weeks, confusion and rumors are making it difficult for residents to figure out what's permitted and what's not. So, we've prepared a simple and comprehensive guide to get you all the facts... Read More
Worried about how you're going to afford your kids' school fees amid this crisis? Help has finally arrived in the form of interest-free installment plans and fee reductions. Read More
Social distancing, self-isolation, self-quarantine - Call it what you may, but there's no denying that being away from friends and family is going to take a psychological toll on you. To get you through the lockdown, here are some great ways to keep those social interactions going! Read More
Among a host of financial relief measures announced by banks in the UAE, there's some good news for first-time home buyers - You only need to put 20% down payment on your first property purchase. Read More
You're at home with the kids 24x7. How do you help them keep up with their learning, while retaining your own sanity? Our CEO (and mum to two kids) shares her tips... Read More
With Dubai being an expat hotspot, newcomers are always looking to rent or buy a house, while existing residents look to upgrade. Here's how you can find a trustworthy real estate agent who isn't out to dupe you. Read More
We’re a generation of customers that want things NOW. Food, cabs, entertainment… even credit cards! Instant approvals for credit cards are changing the game, here's how... Read More
Souqalmal.com’s latest survey uncovers widespread lack of awareness around rain and flood coverage under UAE car insurance policies. Read More
Do you want to take your goal of 'staying fit' seriously this year? Getting the right gym membership is a great first step! Here’s what some of the most coveted gym memberships in Dubai will get you. Read More
Confused about which water delivery service to choose? We take a closer look at the various options available across the market to help make your decision easier. Read More
National Bonds offer a Shari’a compliant approach to financial products and services in the UAE. But are they as low-risk as they claim to be? We explore what this unique financial instrument has to offer. Read More
Lack of a permanent future in the UAE has been the reason for many a sleepless nights for expats nearing retirement. It may be time to put that worry behind you. Read on to find out how. Read More
Who doesn't like a good deal? And for UAE residents looking for discounts on dining, entertainment, and much more - Options are aplenty! We stack top discount apps against each other to see which one stands out the most. Read More
For movie buffs, the only thing better than buying tickets to the cinema is buying them at a discount. And the bargain popcorn is a bonus too! Here's how you can save on your next movie outing. Read More
Are you aware of how to lodge a complaint with the UAE Central Bank? Souqalmal.com details the process and the conditions related to lodging your grievances with the country's financial regulator. Read More
It’s that time of the year again – the most awaited Friday Sales and the highlight of every bargain hunter’s calendar take place this weekend. We put together a guide to help you make the best of Friday promotions. Read More
Want to decorate your rented home, while staying on budget and in your landlord's good books? We've shortlisted five great ways to help you get started! Read More
Looking for a new home in sunny Dubai? These new and popular residential areas offer everything from affordable rents to fitness facilities, shopping centres and more. Read More
With the country's biggest lucky draws offering winnings of anywhere between 1 Million to a whopping 15 Million Dirhams - Would you want to try your luck? Read More
What's your fuel of choice - Super or Special? We explain the difference between both the fuel variants sold in the UAE and how you can pick the right one for your car. Read More
Do you always have trouble finding a free-of-charge parking spot? Dubai residents have plenty of free parking options, even within the most popular areas. We've rounded these up right here! Read More
The concept of 'Credit Shield' is often surrounded by many misconceptions. Find out exactly how the credit shield feature can benefit you and whether it is worth shelling out a few hundred Dirhams for. Read More
We sought out and rounded up the top meal delivery subscriptions available in the UAE with their unique offerings and features. Scroll ahead to find out which could be the one for you. Read More
There's another type of bank fraud that's making the rounds these days - The infamous 'magic pen' scam is back in the UAE. Here's what you can do to avoid becoming the next victim. Read More
Being a first-time parent can be overwhelming. For starters, there's so much stuff you need to buy to prepare for the baby's arrival. Here's a shopping guide to help you figure out everything you need for your newborn and where to find it in the UAE. Read More
Food wastage in the UAE is close to 200 kgs per person, per year! That's a LOT of food going down the rubbish bin, and a lot of your dirhams going down the drain. Here's how you can cut food waste, starting now... Read More
Whether you're looking to stream a sporting event on the go or binge watch the latest series - Video streaming platforms have made certain we get our TV dose on our terms. Let's see how the UAE's top 10 video streaming services stack up against each other. Read More
Grocery purchases can run into several thousands of dirhams annually. That's a huge expense, isn't it? What if you owned a credit card that could save you thousands on your annual grocery bills? We've shortlisted some great options for you right here. Read More
Were you disappointed to lose affordable taxi-booking services - UberX & Careem Go? Fret not! From public transport to reliable taxis and luxury rides, there are plenty of options available to residents and tourists in the country. Read More
Are you tired of waiting for a response on your online advertisement for that car, handbag or furniture? Here are five ways you can attract buyers, make a successful sale and get the most out of your used items. Read More
Have you heard about FlexxPay - The company that's revolutionizing salary payments in the UAE? Find out what FlexxPay has in store for both, employees and employers in the country. Read More
Curbing your plastic consumption doesn’t have to be a complicated or expensive move. Here are some simple budget-friendly ways to do so. Read More
If there is one thing worth putting all your electronics shopping on hold for, it is the GITEX Shopper. Yes, the 2019 edition is here and this time, it is bigger than ever. Here's how you can make the most of this electronics extravaganza. Read More
We analyze key benefits and services offered under the Amazon Prime membership and explore other e-commerce options available to online shoppers in the UAE. Read More
If you're looking to hire a maid or nanny in the UAE, the options and ways to go about it are countless. Tadbeer offers one such hassle-free way to hire reliable domestic help. Here's how it works... Read More
While there are hundreds of mobile apps that promise to make your life in Dubai easier, there are a select handful that are an absolute must-have. Here are our top picks. Read More
Negotiating your salary when you're so close to getting a job offer can be intimidating for many. But you don't have to settle. Here are our top tips to help you negotiate and land the paycheck you deserve. Read More
Cashback is one of the most sough-after credit card features and for good reason - Wouldn't you love earning back thousands of Dirhams on your credit card purchases? We've shortlisted some top-notch cashback credit cards for you right here! Read More
No salary transfer? No problem! We've shortlisted some of the best personal loans on the UAE market that don't require you to transfer your salary to the lender. Read More
Online banking has transformed in a big way. You can now do so much more with it - Pay utility bills, make instant remittances, create savings goals, customize your online banking experience and lots more! Read More
As a first time home buyer, you obviously want everything to go smoothly. We've listed some key mistakes to avoid, so you end up with the home that's just right for you and your family. Read More
Stepping into the freelance world is a bold decision. Dealing with unpredictable income may seem overwhelming, but it is not impossible. Souqalmal.com shares top tips on how to become a financially empowered freelancer in the UAE. Read More
When it comes to deciding on a place to rent in Dubai, it is best to start crunching some numbers before browsing rental listings. Souqalmal.com outlines all the factors you must consider when trying to nail down a housing budget. Read More
Do you keep hearing the term 'Escrow Account' but have no idea how it affects you as a prospective property buyer in Dubai? Keep reading to understand how the Escrow system works and how it impacts the Dubai off-plan property market. Read More
Move over online banking and branch banking - There's a brand new banking channel up for grabs! Here's all you need to know about Emirates NBD's new WhatsApp Banking proposition. Read More
Do you understand how Dubai's electronic road toll system 'Salik' works? Here's an all-inclusive guide to Salik, with all the details on setting up, recharging, and more. Read More
Are you planning to buy or rent a new place in Dubai? With plenty of choices available for every type of budget, picking between a villa or apartment can be a tricky decision. We help you figure out which one fits your lifestyle better. Read More
Your home is more than just four walls and carefully picked out furniture – It is a sanctuary that provides safety and comfort. Find it how the right home insurance policy can safeguard your home against countless mishaps. Read More
Buying health insurance is more than just fulfilling a mandatory requirement. We take a look at the many benefits of choosing an adequate health insurance cover. Read More
Disasters often strike without warning. If you're a tenant in the UAE, a home contents insurance plan should be on top of your list of must-haves. Here's why... Read More
Thinking of starting the new year with a bang, and a brand new set of wheels? Here are a few tips to keep in mind before you set out to purchase your new car. Read More
A power of attorney can provide security and continuity to business transactions, medical directives, personal financial obligations and other legal matters. We highlight the scope and importance of this powerful legal instrument. Read More
Looking to buy your first-ever car insurance policy? Instead of buying the first policy you come across, make sure you do your homework and make an informed decision that you won't regret. Read More
In an attempt to ensure better stability in the banking sector, stricter guidelines regarding issuance of cheque books have been handed out by the UAE Central Bank. We take a look at what these new regulations entail. Read More
The newly launched VAT-refund scheme is great news for tourists planning to visit the UAE. If you too have friends or family visiting soon, here's all you need to know about how the tax refund system actually works. Read More
Digital-only banks, futuristic banking kiosks & lifestyle banking apps are changing our perception of traditional banking. And with the country's biggest banks embracing 'digital', the future of banking looks very exciting. Read More
No credit cardholder is immune to credit card fraud. But a prompt response and clear understanding of how to dispute fraudulent transactions can save the day! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to handle credit card fraud in the UAE. Read More
Cruising for rent-a-car deals in the UAE? Look no further. Rental Cars UAE pride themselves on providing exceptional travel experience for tourists and long term renters alike. Read More
Moving to a new apartment can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. Here's a handy guide to help you prepare for and manage the relocation and living expenses up ahead. Read More
With VoIP calls banned in the UAE, are you still looking for budget-friendly alternatives to stay in touch with your loved ones back home? Look no further! We've gathered all the information you need about internet calling services in the UAE, right here. Read More
UAE Central Bank has announced that it will be placing new caps on the certain fees that banks can charge their customers in the UAE. Read More
In a surprise announcement earlier this week, the UAE Cabinet approved the issuance of a 10 Year Residence Visa for specific professions. Read More
The maternity cover in your health insurance guarantees financial protection for the expecting mother and her newborn. Read on to learn the "Ins and Outs" of your maternity cover in the UAE. Read More
Want to live permanently in the UAE? Obtaining a Dubai Visa Residency for Property Owners is a way to go.Learn more about the requirements... Read More
From February 4th, 2018, it has become mandatory to procure a ‘ Good Conduct Certificate ’ to obtain a UAE visa and work permit. Read More
We’ve prepared a checklist so you don’t miss out on any of these important must-dos before leaving the UAE Read More
A month into 2018, things are still some way unclear for residents of the UAE regarding the VAT implementation.Will VAT impact your car sale? Read More
For many residents in the UAE, owning more than one car is very common. Here's how to insure multiple cars in the UAE while cutting cost corners. Read More
The effect of VAT on Healthcare and Health Insurance is one of the frequently asked questions that is asked by the residents of the UAE. Read More
Planning to travel solo to Dubai, or seeing a family member or friend. Here’s what you must know about securing a UAE visa before you travel. Read More
It's the time of the year again! We’ve helped put together a list of the DSF-Dubai Shopping Festival biggest offers for the Year 2018! Read More
Winter has arrived and it’s finally time to go out and have fun. If you are able to save your money, it even better. Here are a few things you can do to spend on budget: Read More
If you’re a single young kid living in the UAE you probably know what it’s like to be career oriented and financially independent. But are you as financially responsible as you are financially independent? Results from the BlackRock Global Investor Pulse Survey released earlier this year showed that only 42... Read More
Increasing the possibility of meeting the right people at the right time. Here is a drop-down list of November events happening in Dubai. Also, with the Flag day celebration falling on November 2, the month gives a lot of reasons to be happy. Read More
It is predicted that the smart city market will increase from over a whopping $400 to $1.5 trillion. The initiative will give way for the city to become the prime torchbearer of the field. Read More
Leaving your parents' home to set out on your own? Here's how you can prepare yourself financially for the big move... Read More
Health insurance is not just a basic need applicable on yourself, it extends to your family members and dependents as well. Being mandatory in the UAE, certain factors are to be considered while picking your health insurance. Read More
With just about three months left before VAT hits the UAE, have you assessed how the new tax regime will impact life as you know it in the UAE? Read More
Digital wallets and contactless payments are all the talk these days. Here we take a look at how UAE banks, telecom companies and payment service providers are adopting the cashless card-less trend. Read More
Have you heard about the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) for health insurance? Here's everything you need to know about the EBP - Who it's for, how much it costs, what it covers, and how to apply for it... Read More
There are several mistakes that UAE expats make, which could adversely impact their finances, budgets and lifestyles. Here's a look at six of the most common mistakes expats are guilty of making. Read More
Find out more about goods in transit insurance and how it can protect you from financial loss if your property is lost, damaged, or destroyed while off premises and in transit. Read More
Moving the contents of your home to a new one? You might need to hire a removal company to help you out. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind before hiring one. Read More
A number of new labour laws announced in the UAE have recently come into effect, impacting employees, job seekers and businesses of all sizes. Read More
News of Value Added Tax (VAT) and Corporation Tax has dominated the headlines in recent weeks. Find out what are the implications for UAE residents. Read More
Whether you're transferring large sums to yourself or another customer, find out money transfer options available to residents in the UAE. Read More
Which questions you should ask as a tenant? We go over everything from location to lay-out to help you pick the best accommodation for your needs. Read More
Looking to ship your car into Dubai? Find out the procedure and documents required to import your car. Read More