Everyday life: supermarkets, WhatsApp and staying in touch
Where to shop if you’re used to Tesco or Waitrose, why WhatsApp runs daily life here, and how to keep calling home.
Who are you shopping for?
3 householdsYour UK supermarket, translated
| If you shop at | Try | Price feel | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waitrose | Waitrose, Spinneys | About 15–25% more than Carrefour | Spinneys stocks Waitrose own-label. Both have pork sections in some branches |
| M&S Food | M&S food halls in malls | Premium | Smaller ranges than at home Check before relying on it |
| Tesco or Sainsbury’s | Carrefour, Choithrams | Carrefour is the middle; Choithrams is pricier | Carrefour has the widest range. Choithrams is strong on British brands |
| Asda, Aldi or Lidl | Lulu, Union Coop | About 10–20% less than Carrefour | Big hypermarkets with lots of regional and Asian brands. No pork |
| Ocado or Tesco delivery | Carrefour app, Kibsons, InstaShop, talabat | Delivery fees around AED 5–15 | Often within the hour. App prices can be higher than in store |
A weekly shop for you
Shopping for value
Start with Lulu or Union Coop for the big weekly shop, Carrefour for range, and buy fruit and veg from local or regional suppliers. Save British brands for treats.
Typical ranges from a published comparison, not our own basket Estimate.
What surprises people
- British brands cost more. Imported favourites can cost double. Local and regional produce is often cheaper and fresher
- Pork is sold separately. Look for a marked pork section in some Spinneys, Waitrose and Carrefour branches. Lulu and Union Coop don’t sell it
- Alcohol isn’t in supermarkets in Dubai. Buy it at licensed shops such as African + Eastern or MMI
- Delivery is normal. Groceries, pharmacy and takeaway arrive fast, often within the hour
- Opening hours change in Ramadan. Many shops open later and stay open late into the night
WhatsApp runs daily life
In the UK, WhatsApp is how you talk to friends. Here it’s how most things get done.
Home
Landlords, letting agents, building managers and maintenanceSchool
Class parent groups, teachers, buses and clubsServices
Clinics, garages, salons, drivers and deliveriesCommunity
Neighbourhood, sport and interest groups- Voice notes are normal, including from businesses
- Business accounts with a green tick or a shop name are safer than personal numbers
- Keep messages polite: UAE insult and defamation laws apply to WhatsApp too
- Never pay a deposit to “hold a viewing”. Check a Dubai agent’s licence before you pay anything
Calling home
| Works? | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp messages, photos, voice notes | Yes | Work normally |
| WhatsApp and FaceTime calls | Usually not | Voice and video calls don’t usually connect on UAE networks |
| Zoom and Microsoft Teams | Yes | The usual free way to video-call family |
| Botim and C’Me | Yes, paid | Licensed calling apps, by subscription |
| Normal phone calls | Yes | Check your plan’s international rates |
The rules on internet calling change. Check before you rely on one app Check before relying on it.
Questions people ask
Sources: StartDXB: weekly shop across seven chains (2026); Simology: UAE VoIP calling guide (2026); African + Eastern: licence FAQs.
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