Dubai is arguably one of the most famous cities in the world. The fast-paced life, unmatched infrastructure and investment opportunities make Dubai a top travel destination. However, all the facilities that make Dubai great come at a certain cost such as high living expenses. At times people with low incomes find moving to other cities a convenient option. Other than living expenses, people can switch cities for different reasons like a job change or moving close to relatives. Equipped with world-class amenities like other cities in the Emirates, moving from Dubai to Sharjah has become a considerable option for many.
Sharjah is different from Dubai in many ways but may offer an equally comfortable and enjoyable life. Facilities like retail and transportation are still world-class, yet one can find accommodation for every budget. Living in Sharjah can be an economical option for people on the lookout for ways to save money, rent in particular. Here’s an overview of things to consider when moving from Dubai to Sharjah and the benefits that come with the shift.
How Sharjah Differs from Dubai
Although Dubai stands firm as the most desirable city in the UAE, Sharjah is not far behind. Sharjah has gained recognition as one of the desirable destinations because of several factors. People consider moving from Dubai to Sharjah despite the contrasting dynamics of the cities. If you are planning to move from Sharjah to Dubai, here are a few things you can expect from the shift.
LIFESTYLE
Sharjah is considered to be a relatively conservative Emirates compared to Dubai. Although Sharjah allows practices like cohabitation, there is a ban on alcohol. The alcohol ban, which came into effect in 1985, has led to limited availability of bars and nightclubs. However, Dubai isn’t far away if you still want to visit the nightclub every now and then.
There are several family festivals in Sharjah, like Sharjah Corniche and many more, which can become your frequent visit places along with the historic areas and heritage sites. The traditional Arabic house designs can also be seen in many houses.
Moving from Dubai to Sharjah also calls for a wardrobe update. Shorts and tank tops, although considered inaccurate by many, are a common sight in Dubai. Sharjah, on the other hand, is more inclined towards cultural and modest outfits.
TRANSPORTATION
Dubai holds a paramount position when it comes to transportation, with services like Dubai Metro and many more. For Sharjah, if you don’t have the luxury of owning a car, travelling in public transport can take some getting used to. Sharjah has several taxi services and Mowasalat, Sharjah’s public transport system, to make commuting easier. Mowasalat is an affordable bus service covering the Emirates of Sharjah.
While Mowasalat covers the entirety of Sharjah, regular travel to Dubai can become hectic, particularly during peak hours. Even if you use your own car for travelling, traffic can get heavy during certain hours causing delays. If you live in Sharjah and work in Dubai, this regular commute can eat up time and cause inconvenience. This hassle can be avoided if you have flexible working hours and travel during non-peak hours.
SHOPPING MALLS AND RETAIL
This is one area where you don’t experience many changes when comparing living in Sharjah vs Dubai. Retail outlets of major brands found in Dubai also have a presence in Sharjah. The shopping malls which might not be as enormous or glamorous as the ones in Dubai are still equipped to cater to all your shopping needs.
Additionally, there are several traditional souks (markets) in Sharjah which can enhance your retail experience. You can find furniture items along with edibles and handcrafted ornaments. Check out these must visit souks in Sharjah whenever you pay the city a visit.
INCOME AND SAVINGS
Savings is undoubtedly one of the main reasons why people move to Sharjah from Dubai. Rent is perhaps the biggest monthly expense. A rental apartment in Dubai will be more expensive compared to a rental apartment in Sharjah. The savings can be used on other items and outings as Sharjah tends to be feasible.
What to do when Moving from Dubai to Sharjah
If you have decided to move from Dubai to Sharjah there are a few things you can do beforehand to ensure a smooth shifting experience. The list of things to do before moving to Sharjah from Dubai is as follows:
SELECT THE RIGHT PROPERTY
Before you move to Sharjah, select the right property best suited to your needs and budget. Since property in Sharjah is comparatively cheaper, you can opt for a bigger space. You can go for a rental house in Sharjah if you require some additional space. If you are looking for more affordable options, a rental apartment in Sharjah may be the best option.
The low rental prices can be intriguing but you should plan the move wisely. You can also opt for a rental villa in Sharjah if budget is not an issue and you are looking for luxury living options.
CLOSE YOUR DEWA ACCOUNT
It is essential to close your Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) account if you plan to move out of Dubai. Failure to do so can result in added expenses. The DEWA disconnection process is relatively easy and can be done online. You just need a login account and the required documents.
HIRE A REPUTED HOME MOVING SERVICE
Home moving can be a draining process if not done right. Luckily there are some popular home moving companies in Sharjah to help you with the shifting. Additionally, the home moving checklist can also help you shift conveniently.
MEASURES AFTER MOVING FROM DUBAI TO SHARJAH
Once you have finalised the rental or for sale property in Sharjah, there are other things you should do. You need to open a Sharjah Electricity And Water Authority (SEWA) account. SEWA is the distributor of basic utilities like electricity, water and gas in Sharjah. Additionally, you should be aware of any additional permits required to reside in the society.
Some properties like Emaar require a move-in and move-out permit. Similarly, there are some societies which only allow families to stay. You can also hire a real estate agent as they have profound knowledge about the real estate market. Besides this, there are several other benefits of hiring a real estate agent in the UAE that can ease up your rental or purchasing process.
This was everything you needed to know about living in Sharjah or Dubai and things to do when moving. Dubai, besides all its glamour, can get heavy on the pocket. Sharjah, on the other hand, can be a viable option for saving some money. The world-class infrastructure in the UAE makes transportation across cities easier, and people even work in one city while residing in another. The facilities available can make the decision to move to Sharjah from Dubai a touch easier.
If you are interested in buying a property but running short on capital, home financing in the UAE can help you get a mortgage. Additionally, for buying properties in Sharjah, check out the following and choose the one best suiting your needs.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top property blog for home shifting manuals and more.
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