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Guide · UAE
The mistakes UAE expats make in their first year (and how to avoid them)
Ten specific mistakes new UAE expats make with banking, credit cards, and points — from overpaying on FX to choosing the wrong bank for salary transfer — and how to avoid each.
New to the UAE?
Start with the Expat Starter Guide.
Choosing your first card, opening a UAE bank account, salary transfer mechanics, and the points-and-miles basics — written for newcomers, no fluff.
Top UAE card offers this month
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Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite
Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite
Up to 40,000 Skywards Miles on first eligible spend within 90 days.
Welcome offer
Min salary AED 30,000
View card → Best for travel
Emirates NBD Skywards Signature
Emirates NBD Skywards Signature
Up to 25,000 Skywards Miles — 15,000 Miles on USD 10,000 cumulative spend within first 3 billing statements; plus 10,000 Miles on USD 3,750 spend at emirates.com or Emirates sales office in UAE within first 12 billing statements.
Welcome offer
Min salary AED 12,000
View card → Best for shopping
Emirates NBD U by Emaar Infinite
Emirates NBD U by Emaar Infinite
Up to 25,000 UPoints — 15,000 on card activation + joining fee payment, plus 10,000 on USD 10,000 cumulative retail spend in first 3 billing statements.
Welcome offer
Min salary AED 30,000
View card → This week on DubaiPoints
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ENBD Skywards Infinite — 40k miles welcome bonus (Q2 2026)
30 Jun 2026 GuideThe mistakes UAE expats make in their first year (and how to avoid them)
6 May 2026 GuideUAE banking basics for expats (2026): salary transfer, accounts, AECB
6 May 2026 GuideChoosing your first UAE credit card (2026): an expat's guide
6 May 2026 GuidePoints 101: what UAE airmiles and rewards currencies are actually worth (2026)
6 May 2026 GuideThe UAE Expat Starter Guide (2026): credit cards, banking, points and the mistakes to avoid
6 May 2026Most-read guides
All guides →01
The mistakes UAE expats make in their first year (and how to avoid them)
Updated 6 May 202602
UAE banking basics for expats (2026): salary transfer, accounts, AECB
Updated 6 May 202603
Choosing your first UAE credit card (2026): an expat's guide
Updated 6 May 202604