Moving to Egypt from Dubai in 2021 takes careful preparation and attention to details and documentation. We provide everything you need to know before moving from Dubai to Egypt. Start your move today by obtaining up to 6 competitive moving to Egypt quotations FREE.
Moving to Egypt will mean you join a population of 95 million, and with an area of 1 million square kilometers, Egypt is the 30th largest country in the world.
Renowned for its ancient civilisation and iconic pyramids and other sites, Egypt was one of the first Middle Eastern countries to open to the West during Napoleonic times.
Egypt remains a leading Middle Eastern nation and plays a central role both politically and geographically being a transcontinental country providing a land bridge between Asia and Africa. Egypt borders the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
Egypt’s leading economies are agriculture, tourism, and increasingly, manufacturing. Agriculture is centered along the Nile valley since, due to the lack of rainfall, it is irrigation which agriculture is entirely dependent. Egypt has around 3 million citizens working overseas who remit on average, 15-20 Billion USD back home per year.
Political unrest since 2011 has led to many difficulties as Egypt tries to establish itself and enter a much needed period of stability in the country.
Egypt is one of the sunniest, driest countries on Earth. Any rain that does fall is during the winter months (October to March). In fact, snow does fall in the mountains of the Sinai desert and even fell briefly in Cairo in 2013. Winters can be cool and even cold during the evenings during Nov-Feb. But come March/April through to September the country is hot, sunny and dry, particularly the further south you go.
Most ex-pats moving to Egypt will base themselves in Cairo, the capital and business hub. However, the rest of the country also has a lot to offer, from fantastic beach resorts to spectacular mountains and wadis in addition to a rich and ancient culture.
Life for new arrivals in Egypt can be a challenge. The noise and congestion in the city of Cairo combined with chaotic driving can be alarming. Driving defensively or better still, hiring a local driver is advisable. This will certainly help especially in the early stages as you get your bearings.
Business is hierarchical in Egypt with position and status highly regarded. It is important to form personal relationships, especially if you wish to maintain a long-term bond. Like much of the Middle East and Asia, you should not expect to get straight down to business. Egyptians, in general, prefer to chat for a while, and it is probably wise to allow your Egyptian colleagues or customers to initiate business talk.
Learning some Egyptian Arabic dialect goes a long way. While English is spoken quite widely, communication problems can cause much of the frustration, and this can be reduced significantly with just a few words of the local language. Egyptians are likely to be more accommodating if they see a foreigner making an effort. If you encounter someone being brusque or abrupt, it is likely a person is trying to be helpful, so be mindful and provide people with the benefit of the doubt and do not automatically assume someone is being impolite.
As a foreign woman in Egypt, it is advisable to dress conservatively and avoid travelling alone at night. Keeping any communication business-like is recommended.
Sharm El Sheikh is a major tourist spot located on the southern tip on the Sinai Peninsula
(Source – NUMBEO)
Whilst efforts are in place to overhaul and improve the public national health system in Egypt including initiatives to increase the amount employers pay for the healthcare of their staff, confidence in public health is not too positive. Doctors and staff in the public health system are still paid poorly compared to their counterparts in many countries and although the situation is better in the larger cities, as things stand most people would prefer to use private health care, which of course comes at a high cost which puts it out of reach of many people.
Private healthcare is really a must in Egypt. Access to properly run, professional facilities are available, but not always consistently top-notch, and payment in advance is likely at many private establishments, in which case receiving reliable, accurate documentation in order to claim reimbursement is essential.
There are wealthy Egyptians who travel abroad – in particular, the UAE – in order to have emergency/major medical treatment and this option may be something an ex-pat may be interested in pursuing, especially if it is provided for as part of a compensation package.
Pharmacies are ubiquitous, and staff speak fairly good English in general. Most medication is available much without the need for a prescription. The cost of medication is generally quite inexpensive. Any unusual medication which you may require should be brought with you with supporting documentation.
The public health system has not received sufficient funding in recent years, however, this situation is gradually improving
Public schooling in Egypt is generally either secular or Islamic. Either way the education is conducted in Arabic and may not be suitable for ex-pat children whose families may not be intent on making Egypt or the Middle East their long-term home.
There are private schools in Egypt, which have better tuition and facilities. These schools generally teach in English with Arabic as a secondary language. While these schools can be expensive, they can be popular with families who intend to remain in the region long-term.
International schools are the most expensive but provide tuition in curricula the child is like to be most familiar with. International schools are plentiful in larger cities, especially in Cairo. Most schools cater to children from Kindergarten through to 18 years old. Most schools allow for the Friday day of rest; The American International School, for example, operates between 08:00 – 15:00 with Friday and Saturday regarded as the weekend.
Some schools in the Cairo / Alexandria areas.
When moving to Egypt from Dubai, importation of Household Goods and Personal Effects
For a more in-depth look at the documentation, please check the International Association of Movers.
Useful link(s);
Egyptian Government Services Portal
Note: This document is provided as a guide for people moving to Egypt from Dubai, UAE and for information purposes only. Customs regulations can and do change at any time, usually without notice. Your mover will provide you with more information.
