Relocation, relocation, relocation

Middle East virgin and fretting about a move to the region? Relocation expert Shirley Morrison offers some handy hints on what to expect.

What's the first step when someone approaches you with a view to a move?

Find out what their budget is. Once we establish that I can give them some idea of what they can expect when they move here.

Where do most of your clients come from?

Mainly from the UK, although I also have clients from the US, Canada, Europe, Pakistan and India.

What are the biggest challenges in relocating someone?

Managing their expectations. The media has inflated people's expectations of what Dubai can offer. Some people think we all live in mansions, have three housemaids, a driver and sit in the sun all day. In reality, rentals have risen, inflation has increased and it's not as luxurious as perhaps it once was, and you have to make people understand that.

So, how does cost of living compare to western locations?

Over the years we have definitely become on a par with the US and the UK. There are still cheap things like buying a car and home help, but the cost of living as a whole is fairly similar to western locations.

Are there any culture shocks?

Not really, it's a very cosmopolitan city. You do, however, have to follow the rules. There's a no-tolerance policy on drink driving for example, and you can face severe punishment if caught.

All the financial services firms offer healthcare and schooling as part of their benefits packages, but are these actually any good?

The schools are fantastic - they're all private schools so the kids get a great education. Though there is some room for improvement in the medical facilities, generally they're pretty good.

Shirley Morrison is managing director of Executive Expatriate Relocations. Clients include Fortis Investments and Fitch Ratings.