Re: Relocating to Dubal - Help Needed!
In terms of dresses, feel free to wear shalwar kameez. Most of the women from Pakistan wear it even in professional settings, and in many cases (experience talking) people will guess if you’re Pakistani or Indian based on if you’re wearing the Pakistani style shalwar kameez or not. Otherwise, you can wear whatever else you’re comfortable in. I will however highly recomment to dress appropriate, not only because of the whole Islamic culture, but also to protect yourself from leering gazes, which are very very common here. Winter isn’t really winter here, especially last year. Couple of shawls and some sweaters (not too heavy) will do mostly.
If your employer can house you in a hotel apartment for at least a month or so, it will really help you. There are some really nice ones in the Greens area. You can use that time to find yourself a place to live, as well as pass your driving’s test and buy a car. Meanwhile, if you can get a number of a private taxi from your co-workers or an aquaintance to get around. Cabs can be found easily nowadays, but just in case a number helps.
As for what stuff you need, everything is here. From tawas to pressure cookers to comforters etc. Bring your essentials, the things you’ll need for a month or so. Or things you’re really attached to like a kambal. Once you look around Carrefour or Lulu, you’d be able to find whatever you need. However in my opinion the really really nice stuff (bed sheets, curtains etc) are found in Pakistan. As for cosmetics that’s up to you. You can splurge here and find all sorts of brands and products or bring your own stuff. I personally find cosmetics a bit expensive.
Carry cash. Taxi drivers for example will take cash only, and some small stores will also take cash. Open a bank account here as soon as possible once you have your documents, and then use the debit card or credit card, whatever you’re used to using.
I would also recommend browsing dubaifaqs.com to find quick info about almost every topic possible.