First 7 Days in Dubai — Arrival Checklist
Everything you must do in your first week: Emirates ID biometrics, SIM card, DEWA, embassy registration, and more. Tick off each task as you go.
Signed by: Sarah Al Qasimi (Lead Editor). Fact-checked by the full editorial team.
The first week in Dubai can feel overwhelming. There is a tight sequence of bureaucratic tasks that must happen quickly — some are time-sensitive (like Emirates ID biometrics, which must be done within days of your entry stamp), and getting them wrong or missing them can slow your entire setup by weeks.
This checklist covers the non-negotiable tasks for your first seven days. Most are quick once you know where to go, but require specific documents, so prepare your folder in advance.
Work through this list in order where possible. The Emirates ID biometrics and medical test are the priority on Day 1 or 2, because everything else (bank account, driving licence exchange, DEWA) depends on your Emirates ID being processed.
First 7 Days in Dubai — Arrival Checklist
20 items — tick as you go. Progress is saved in your browser.