Living In Dubai (UAE) - All You Need To Know (2021)

As we all know, Dubai is one of the most popular cities in the world, having United Arab Emirates as it's country's name. 

Life in Dubai could be Interestingly one of the most exciting experiences you’ll ever enjoy. However, living in Dubai like any new country can be daunting, especially if you lack practical knowledge of how things are done locally.

In 2020 the UAE and Dubai, in particular, introduced exciting changes aimed at improving residents lifestyles. 

We’re going to take a look at the pros and cons of living in Dubai, with practical tips on residency, taxes, education, health and plenty more, including the recent changes.

With our Dubai tips and you will know what to expect, so you can plan ahead of time and make the very most of everything that the Dubai lifestyle has to offer.

Like any other place in the world, Dubai has a lot going for it as well as some major drawbacks. When moving to a new place it is essential you know what both bad and good things you can expect from your new home.

The pros of living in Dubai

Dubai is an exciting and happening destination that cannot be ignored, it is therefore, the place to be if you want to enjoy your social life and your working life in the fast lane.

The climate in the emirate for 8 months of the year is perfect. Long hot days dominated by cloudless blue skies and enhanced with beautiful warm sea-waters.

The social side of life is fantastic and diverse. Many expats/residents join a hotel or private beach club when they arrive and spend much of their downtime enjoying the facilities. For others, there are more sports and sports clubs closely concentrated together within the emirate than anywhere else in the world. In the evenings the social side of life moves on to bars, clubs and restaurants with Dubai playing host to as wide a range of tastes as is probably possible.

- The educational standards in Dubai are excellent and new schools and colleges are being constructed almost annually.

- Every major international corporation has a base in Dubai – or so it seems. This means that there are opportunities aplenty.

- There is no income is tax in Dubai.

One can repatriate funds easily – therefore you can earn a fantastic salary in Dubai and send some of it home as well.

- The emirate is increasingly accessible with its major international airport welcoming flights from across the world.

- Shopping in Dubai is fantastic!

- The standard of living is very high.

- Crime is very low.

- Dubai is a very tolerant emirate – tolerant of others’ beliefs and ways of life. It is also one of the most moderate in terms of applying the rules of Islam to everyone’s everyday life. 

- Expats/residents can buy alcohol in Dubai and also they are allowed to eat and drink during the daylight hours of Ramadan.

- Taxis are very cheap and the government is investing hugely into a public transportation system.

- Cars and petrol are very cheap indeed.

- It’s usual practice for families to have domestic help.

The cons of living in Dubai

Dubai is a bit of a bureaucratic headache especially for newly arrived expatriates who have to have licenses and permits for everything. You need a permit to work and a permit to reside in Dubai of course. Get advice and assistance supplied and agreed on upfront from your employer to ease this initial period of adjustment that can actually put some people off staying in the emirate!

- The summer months from June to September are almost unbearably hot and many expats take holiday time off during this period to return home. It can make it worse if you have children as for most of the day they will really need to stay indoors in air-conditioned rooms.

- The traffic situation in Dubai can be untenable and impact on the lives of those who have to commute or take children to school etc. The government’s programme of investment into public transport systems is easing the problem, but if you want to take a drive in Dubai, it can become a lengthy journey.

Housing and schooling are incredibly expensive in Dubai.

The cost of living in Dubai is on par with living in central London – i.e., it is quite expensive.

- There is a certain amount of governmental censorship on films, access to websites and even the likes of SKYPE. Some expats find this restrictive and frustrating.

- Working hours can be very long and international companies operating in Dubai, in particular, do tend to expect an awful lot from their expatriate employees. Possibly because the salaries are higher and improved by lack of tax, they feel they have some sort of ownership of their employees?

- Dubai is currently a building site. There are pockets of calm and oases of tranquillity across the emirate, but there is also frenetic and relentless development occurring which can make life a little tiring and stressful at times.

- Dubai is not exactly an environmentally friendly place nor is it the sort of place to live if you want to take long walks in quiet places.

- Living in Dubai is really what you make of it. It’s a matter of personal choice and preferences and also finding out whether the opportunities Dubai offers (such as a good income not burdened with taxes) outweigh possible negatives.

Things to know before you move to Dubai

Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is also the name of the main city within the emirate of Dubai.

Dubai’s wealth has been built on its oil industry, but it has successfully diversified its economy so that today it has multiple strands supporting its fiscal strength – including tourism, real estate, financial services, health and education.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the ruler of Dubai, and together with Abu Dhabi, the emirate has veto power over certain matters of national importance in the country’s legislature.

As a result of this, foreign buyers are allowed to own the freehold title to certain property in Dubai for example – this is not the case in all other emirates within the UAE.

Dubai has become an exceptionally popular choice for relocation with expatriates for a number of key reasons.

Firstly, despite the emirate’s economic contraction which hit the world in 2008, Dubai now is still a booming economy where there was an abundance of employment prospects, and opportunity for strong speculation in the local property market abounded.

The other key reason why living in Dubai is so appealing to expats is because the lifestyle locally is exceptionally good, particularly for Western expats who benefit from a largely excellent climate, wonderful leisure facilities, a relatively laid back pace of life and good education and healthcare standards.

If you are seriously considering moving to Dubai, this is what you need to know before you move:

Jobs and salaries in Dubai

For those who want to advance their careers, earn a tax-free salary, and live in one of the most exciting and vibrant locations in the world – Dubai is a top place to move to.

Building your professional career in Dubai can be an exciting experience, so if you want to have a go – read How to find jobs in Dubai and secure employer-sponsored visa, and start your career there.

Many people made strong fortunes in Dubai, and even to this day, it’s a centre of wealth and prosperity.

Expats who relocate long-term to Dubai can legitimately earn their salary free from income tax. No income tax in Dubai is a big deal for many professionals, plus there some additional tax advantages and some pitfalls as well.

One may say that the emirate’s heady days of constant economic expansion are over, for now at least, but there are still jobs in Dubai in many employment sectors.

The UAE is aiming to become one of the strongest global tech and innovation hubs in the bid to reduce oil dependency and diversify economy even further.

Dubai especially has an excellent infrastructure and connectivity and the government is doing quite a lot to promote Dubai as a perfect destination for global talent and start-ups.

Tips & facts – working in Dubai

If an employer is relocating you to be working in Dubai you want to negotiate your employment package. The cost of living in Dubai is so high you need relocation costs, accommodation costs and your children’s education costs taken into consideration at the very least.

If you’re looking for work in Dubai, you can enter on a visit visa, depending on the nation you come from, and target employers directly. You can also check online to see which recruitment companies can assist you to find work in the emirate.

You will need a labour card and your employer will have to sponsor your visa to live and work in the emirate.

If you lose your job you will have 30 days to find another job and another sponsor, or else you will have to leave Dubai.

You cannot just change jobs on a whim in Dubai – depending on the level of formal education you have, this restricts the number of times you can change job believe it or not.

Dubai “remote work” visa

Dubai has also launched a ‘remote work’ visa programme.

The programme allows you to travel to Dubai and stay there for up to a year working as a self-employed or for your employer abroad.

You can rent a house, have access to schools if you have children, utilities, and basically live like a local. You are officially allowed to work. However, you are not allowed to get a job in Dubai.

The application will cost you around $290 or there-about; plus you need to have a health insurance in Dubai.

Can I retire in Dubai?

Yes, starting from September 2020 Dubai expat residents can apply for the “retire in Dubai” scheme.

Under this scheme, eligible residents aged 55 and over can apply for a retirement visa that would be renewable every five years.

To be eligible, you must meet one of the three requirements:

- You must earn a monthly income of 20,000 dirhams ($5,500);

- Or you must have savings of 1 million dirhams;

- Or own a property in Dubai worth 2 million dirhams.

To start with, the program will focus on residents working in Dubai who have reached retirement age.

Applicants must have valid UAE health insurance.

The UAE is aiming to become one of the strongest global tech and innovation hubs in the bid to reduce oil dependency and diversify economy even further.

Dubai especially has an excellent infrastructure and connectivity and the government is doing quite a lot to promote Dubai as a perfect destination for global talent and start-ups.

Knowing which professions are in greatest demand in the UAE now and probably in the foreseeable future can help you considerably in finding a good job in Dubai.

Dubai lifestyle

Dubai offers amazing dining out experience

When talking about living in Dubai, the majority of the time we’re talking about the City of Dubai rather than the emirate as a whole. This is where the majority of Britons base themselves in the emirate, and where they find work. The City of Dubai is also the lifestyle hub for the entire region.

Lifestyle in Dubai is the one thing you won’t hear expats complaining about. Although due to the heat it is mostly limited to indoor air-conditioned activities, nevertheless there are plenty entertainments of all sorts including amazing shopping

Lifestyle in Dubai is the one thing you won’t hear expats complaining about. Although due to the heat it is mostly limited to indoor air-conditioned activities, nevertheless there are plenty entertainments of all sorts including amazing shopping.

From a range of theme parks to private beach clubs, from incredibly opulent shopping malls to cinema complexes and an abundance of restaurants, from indoor snowboarding to the most remarkable music festivals – Dubai really does have it all.

Shopping in Dubai

There are multiple malls in Dubai – and in fact, the largest mall in the world exists in Dubai. What’s more, you can buy everything from Ikea furniture to traditional textiles in the emirate.

A lot of what you buy is tax-free – however, importation costs can ratchet up what you’re paying for items. Moreover, VAT was introduced in 2018 at a rate of 5% excluding basic food items, healthcare and education. Take care when out shopping if you’re on a budget.

Shop in local markets and supermarkets for cheaper prices.

Avoid malls on a Friday night as they are packed.

Many expats leaving Dubai are looking of offload everything from furniture to cars – look on forums and supermarket/employment place notice boards for bargains.

The cost of living in Dubai

When it comes to the cost of living in Dubai there is again good and bad news.

The cost of accommodation can be as much as GBP 15,000 a year for a decent rental apartment in a good location and this has to be paid upfront.

What’s more, if you want to buy a property in Dubai you may have to wait many years for an off-plan apartment or villa to be completed or pay top dollar for a resale property.

However, if you already own property in Dubai and want to rent it out, the good news is that you can easily achieve yields of between 8 and 11%.

Other than accommodation the other high cost outlays you need to be aware of include school fees which are now extortionate at the best schools as expats fight for places. 

Whilst there is a law restricting the annual rate of school fee inflation to between 16 and 20 percent, schools find all sorts of ways to add on extras and this has seen annual inflation of up to 80 percent in school fees.

Medical insurance and the cost of healthcare in Dubai is high – but then the quality you get is exceptional.

Basic day to day grocery costs are average, alcohol is quite expensive too.

Fuel costs are affordable as are vehicle costs when compared to the UK for example.

Even with the introduction of VAT in Dubai (at a rate of 5% it is one of the lowest in the world) daily shopping costs are very reasonable.

Healthcare in Dubai

Since the introduction of mandatory health insurance in Dubai every resident living in Dubai needs to be insured one way or another.

Valid health insurance is necessary to obtain a residency visa. The new law is a part of Dubai’s programme to become one of the most advanced countries in terms of healthcare, its quality and affordability for all residents.

As you are moving to a totally different climate with totally different local bugs and health threats, there are some essential steps to be undertaken before your relocation and during your stay in Dubai. 

Dubai Culture 

Learn as much about Dubai as you can before you move there – and if possible, visit before you commit to relocation. 

Also, get on forums and chats with other expats who already live in the emirate to find out what it’s really like.

Here are some facts that you need to know before moving to Dubai:

- Adultery is a crime punishable by prison and subsequent deportation.

- Getting into debt and even issuing bouncing a cheque is also punishable by prison and subsequent deportation.

- Never drink and drive, never take non-prescribed drugs.

- Respect the dress code, dress conservatively.

- Respect the local religion and traditions, understand that during Ramadan you should not eat or drink during the hours of daylight in view of local people – it is deeply disrespectful. 

- Knowing and following laws and rules in Dubai is a key to your wellbeing in the country.

Major changes introduced in the UAE legislation 

In 2020 the UAE introduced several changes to the rules and laws that govern the Emirates with the aim of boosting the country’s economic and social standing. Here are the changes that have the most profound effect on expats living in Dubai:

- The so-called ‘honour killings’ and harassment of women aren’t treated leniently any longer.

- Drinking alcohol without a licence is permitted.

- Living together outside marriage is no longer illegal.

- Expats in the UAE can follow their home nation’s law on divorce and inheritance.

- Foreign investors can fully own local companies without the need for an Emirati sponsor with the exception of energy and hydrocarbons, telecommunications and transport sectors.

Driving in Dubai

Dubai is a rapidly expanding metropolis, attracting holidaymakers and expats from all over the globe.  It is modern, lively and busy.

When it comes to driving in Dubai, obeying the traffic regulations should become your first priority. 

You cannot get your own car in Dubai until you have a local driving license, but you can rent a car on your international license.

If you want to ride a motorbike in Dubai you need to have a license from your own nation, if you want to take tours off-road in the UAE you need to pass a desert driving course.

Public transport in Dubai

Getting around a modern metropolis for those who don’t like driving or don’t feel comfortable with it in a foreign country is initially a challenge.

It takes some time getting used to routes, modes of transports and local know-how of using public transport. However, after you familiarize yourself with it, getting around the city will become only easier.

Dubai is planning to become the smartest city in the world in terms of public transport.

The city can already boast driver-less Metro trains, Tesla taxi cars, and even self-driving buses are becoming a reality. So travelling by public transport in Dubai can be a perfect option for those who want to avoid the hassle of driving.

Finding a home in Dubai

Property prices in Dubai have surged and crashed, however, rental rates remain exceptionally high.

What’s more, you may be expected to pay for one year’s rent in advance.  This can be difficult for many moving to the emirate, and some employers help out.

Find out if they will also help you find somewhere to live as this can be tricky and time-consuming. 

If at all possible, reside in Dubai in temporary accommodation for as long as you can so you have plenty of time to get to know the different residential areas.  This way you can find the right one for you and your needs and tastes.

Different areas of the emirate cost very different amounts and are more or less salubrious.  Learn where would suit you before you commit to renting a property in Dubai on a permanent basis.

Moving to Dubai – practical tips

Moving to Dubai can be made easy if you plan beforehand, do your research and get essential things done on time.  

Visit Dubai and stay there for some time to get the feel of the pace, find a job before or after relocating, research schools and places to live, do your paperwork, plan your relocation carefully, then finally pray about it – these are basic practical steps of moving to Dubai that can define your success or failure.

Living in Dubai final thoughts

Dubai is truly an intoxicating country that offers the potential for an unprecedented lifestyle. A true world-class vision of a futuristic forward-looking city, that still holds onto a conservative tradition that you will have to accept if you choose Dubai.

If you’re the type of person who thrives on buzz and excitement,  Dubai could well be the perfect place to call home.

No doubt, Dubai as a destination is a personal choice. Some people love it, some people hate it. However, what’s certain is that if you can love it, you can save an incredible amount of tax and potentially build much more wealth than you ever could back home. 

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KIDNEY HEALTH: All You Need To Know About Kidney Failure - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Kidneys are the organs that filter waste products from the blood. They are also involved in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production in the body.

Kidney failure, also called end-stage renal disease (ESRD), is the last stage of chronic kidney disease. When your kidneys fail, it means they have stopped working well enough for you to survive without dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Symptoms of kidney failure are due to the build-up of waste products and excess fluid in the body that may cause weakness, shortness of breath, lethargy, swelling, and confusion.

Inability to remove potassium from the bloodstream may lead to abnormal heart rhythms and sudden death. Initially kidney failure may cause no symptoms.

There are numerous causes of kidney failure, and treatment of the underlying disease may be the first step in correcting the kidney abnormality.

Some causes of kidney failure are treatable and the kidney function may return to normal. Unfortunately, kidney failure may be progressive in other situations and may be irreversible.

The diagnosis of kidney failure usually is made by blood tests measuring BUN, creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Treatment of the underlying cause of kidney failure may return kidney function to normal. Lifelong efforts to control blood pressure and diabetes may be the best way to prevent chronic kidney disease and its progression to kidney failure. As we age, kidney function gradually decreases over time.

If the kidneys fail completely, the only treatment options available may be dialysis or kidney transplant.

This detailed post will enlighten you more on the following:

Where are the kidneys located?

What are the key functions of the kidneys?

What causes kidney failure?

What causes acute kidney failure?

What are the signs and symptoms of kidney failure?

What are the treatment options for kidney failure?

How do I adjust to kidney failure?

How do I adjust to dialysis?

What are the complications of kidney failure?

What should I eat when I have Kidney failure?

What medications treat kidney failure / How can you treat kidney failure?

What are dialysis and hemodialysis?

Is a kidney transplant an option?

Where are the kidneys located?

The kidneys are located in the abdomen toward the back, normally one on each side of the spine. They get their blood supply through the renal arteries directly from the aorta and send blood back to the heart via the renal veins to the vena cava. (The term "renal" is derived from the Latin name for kidney.)

What are the key functions of the kidneys?

When blood flows to the kidney, sensors within specialized kidney cells regulate how much water to excrete as urine, along with what concentration of electrolytes. For example, if a person is dehydrated from exercise or from an illness, the kidneys will hold onto as much water as possible and the urine becomes very concentrated. When adequate water is present in the body, the urine is much more dilute, and the urine becomes clear.

This system is controlled by renin, a hormone produced in the kidney that is part of the fluid and blood pressure regulation systems of the body.

Kidneys are also the source of erythropoietin in the body, a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells. Special cells in the kidney monitor the oxygen concentration in blood. If oxygen levels fall, erythropoietin levels rise and the body starts to manufacture more red blood cells.

Urine that is made by each kidney flows through the ureter, a tube that connects the kidney to the bladder. Urine is stored within the bladder, and when urination occurs, the bladder empties urine through a tube called the urethra.

What causes kidney failure?

In most cases, kidney failure is caused by other health problems that have done permanent damage (harm) to your kidneys little by little, over time.

When your kidneys are damaged, they may not work as well as they should. If the damage to your kidneys continues to get worse and your kidneys are less and less able to do their job, you have chronic kidney disease. Kidney failure is the last (most severe) stage of chronic kidney disease. This is why kidney failure is also called end-stage renal disease, or ESRD for short.

Diabetes is the most common cause of ESRD. High blood pressure is the second most common cause of ESRD. Other problems that can cause kidney failure include:

Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and IgA nephropathy

Genetic diseases (diseases you are born with), such as polycystic kidney disease

Nephrotic syndrome

Urinary tract problems

Sometimes the kidneys can stop working very suddenly (within two days). This type of kidney failure is called acute kidney injury or acute renal failure. Common causes of acute renal failure include:

Heart attack

Illegal drug use and drug abuse

Not enough blood flowing to the kidneys

Urinary tract problems

This type of kidney failure is not always permanent. Your kidneys may go back to normal or almost normal with treatment and if you do not have other serious health problems.

Having one of the health problems that can lead to kidney failure does not mean that you will definitely have kidney failure. Living a healthy lifestyle and working with your doctor to control these health problems can help your kidneys work for as long as possible.

What causes acute kidney failure?

Renal causes of kidney failure (damage directly to the kidney itself) include:

Sepsis: The body's immune system is overwhelmed from infection and causes inflammation and shutdown of the kidneys. This usually does not occur with simple urinary tract infections.

Medications: Some medications are toxic to the kidney including:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, and others), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)

• Antibiotics like aminoglycosides gentamicin (Garamycin), tobramycin lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)

• Iodine-containing medications such as those injected for radiology dye studies

Rhabdomyolysis: In rhabdomyolysis there is significant muscle breakdown in the body, and the damaged muscle fibers clog the filtering system of the kidneys. Massive muscle injury may occur because of trauma, crush injuries, and burns. Some medications used to treat high cholesterol may cause rhabdomyolysis.

Multiple myeloma

Acute glomerulonephritis or inflammation of the glomeruli, the filtering system of the kidneys. Many diseases can cause this inflammation including:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus

• Wegener's granulomatosis

• Goodpasture syndrome.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome: This condition results from abnormal destruction of red blood cells. It most often occurs in children after certain infections, but also may be caused by medications, pregnancy, or can occur for unknown reasons.

Postrenal kidney failure causes

Post renal causes of kidney failure (post=after + renal= kidney) are due to factors that affect outflow of the urine:

Obstruction of the bladder or the ureters can cause back pressure because the kidneys continue to produce urine, but the obstruction acts like a dam, and urine backs up into the kidneys. When the pressure increases high enough, the kidneys are damaged and shut down.

Prostatic hypertrophy or prostate cancer may block the urethra and prevents the bladder from emptying.

Tumors in the abdomen that surround and obstruct the ureters.

Kidney stones: Usually, kidney stones affect only one kidney and do not cause kidney failure. However, if there is only one kidney present, a kidney stone may cause the remaining kidney to fail.

What are the signs and symptoms of kidney failure?

Initially, kidney failure may not produce any symptoms (asymptomatic). As kidney function decreases, the symptoms are related to the inability to regulate water and electrolyte balances, clear waste products from the body, and promote red blood cell production.

If unrecognized or untreated, the following symptoms of kidney failure may develop into life-threatening circumstances.

You may notice one or more of the following symptoms if your kidneys are beginning to fail:

Itching

Muscle cramps

Lethargy

Weakness

Shortness of breath

Generalized swelling (edema)

Generalized weakness due to anemia

Loss of appetite

Lethargy

Fatigue

Nausea and vomiting

Not feeling hungry

Swelling in your feet and ankles

Too much urine (pee) or not enough urine

Trouble catching your breath

Trouble sleeping

Congestive heart failure

Metabolic acidosis

High blood potassium (hyperkalemia)

Fatal heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias) including ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation

Rising urea levels in the blood (uremia) may lead to brain encephalopathy, pericarditis (inflammation of the heart lining), or low calcium blood levels (hypocalcemia)

If your kidneys stop working suddenly (acute kidney failure), you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

Abdominal (belly) pain

Back pain

Diarrhea

Fever

Nosebleeds

Rash

Vomiting

Having one or more of any of the symptoms above may be a sign of serious kidney problems. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away.

What are the treatment options for kidney failure?

Prevention is always the goal with kidney failure. Chronic diseases such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes are devastating because of the damage that they can do to kidneys and other organs.

Lifelong diligence is important in keeping blood sugar and blood pressure within normal limits. Specific treatments depend upon the underlying diseases.

Once kidney failure is present, the goal is to prevent further deterioration of renal function. If ignored, the kidneys will progress to complete failure, but if underlying illnesses are addressed and treated aggressively, kidney function can be preserved, though not always improved.

If you have kidney failure (end-stage renal disease or ESRD), you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant to live. There is no cure for ESRD, but many people live long lives while on dialysis or after having a kidney transplant.

There are just a few options for treating kidney failure, including kidney transplant and several types of dialysis. Your doctor can help you figure out which treatment is best for you, so it is adviceable to contact your doctor if you notice symptoms of kidney failure as outlined above.

How do I adjust to kidney failure?

Learning that you have kidney failure can come as a shock, even if you have known for a long time that your kidneys were not working well. Having to change your lifestyle to make time for your treatments can make coping with this new reality even harder. You may have to stop working or find new ways to exercise. You may feel sad or nervous. All is not lost. You can get help to feel better and have a fulfilling life. .

How do I adjust to dialysis?

Starting dialysis often means creating a new normal for yourself and your family. There’s a lot to think about, from choosing a treatment option, to finding new ways to enjoy your favorite activities, to managing a new diet.

What are the complications of kidney failure?

Your kidneys do many jobs to keep you healthy. Cleaning your blood is only one of their jobs. They also control chemicals and fluids in your body, help control your blood pressure and help make red blood cells. Dialysis can do only some, not all, of the jobs that healthy kidneys do. Therefore, even when you are being treated for kidney failure, you may have some problems that come from having kidneys that don’t work well.

What should I eat when I have Kidney failure?

Diet is an important consideration for those with impaired kidney function. Consultation with a dietician may be helpful to understand what foods may or may not be appropriate.

In this state of impaired kidney function, the kidneys cannot easily remove excess water, salt, or potassium from the blood, so foods high in potassium salt substitutes may need to be consumed in limited quantities.

Examples of potassium rich foods include:

Bananas

Apricots

Cantaloupe

Sweet potatoes

Yogurt

Spinach

Avocados

Phosphorus is a forgotten chemical that is associated with calcium metabolism and may be elevated in the body in kidney failure. Too much phosphorus can leech calcium from the bones and cause osteoporosis and fractures. Examples of foods and beverages high in phosphorus include:

Milk

Cheese

Nuts

Dark cola drinks

Canned iced teas

Yogurt

Organ meets

Sardines

Oysters

Baked beans

Black beans

Lentils

Kidney beans

Soy beans

Bran cereals

Caramels

Whole grain products

Dialysis helps to do some of the work that your kidneys did when they were healthy, but it cannot do everything that healthy kidneys do. Therefore, even when you are on dialysis, you will need to limit what and how much you eat and drink. Your diet needs may depend on the type of dialysis you are on (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) and your treatment schedule.

What medications treat kidney failure / How can you treat kidney failure?

Different types and classes of medications may be used to help control some of the issues associated with kidney failure including:

• Phosphorus-lowering medications, for example, calcium carbonate (Caltrate), calcitriol (Rocaltrol), and sevelamer (Renagel)

• Red blood cell production stimulation, for example, erythropoietin, darbepoetin (Aranesp)

• Red blood cell production (iron supplements)

• Blood pressure medications

• Vitamins

Once the kidneys fail completely, the treatment options are limited to dialysis or kidney replacement by transplantation.

What are dialysis and hemodialysis?

Dialysis cleanses the body of waste products in the body by use of filter systems.

There are two types of dialysis,

1) hemodialysis and

2) peritoneal dialysis.

Hemodialysis uses a machine filter called a dialyzer or artificial kidney to remove excess water and salt, to balance the other electrolytes in the body, and to remove waste products of metabolism. Blood is removed from the body and flows through tubing into the machine, where it passes next to a filter membrane. A specialized chemical solution (dialysate) flows on the other side of the membrane. The dialysate is formulated to draw impurities from the blood through the filter membrane. Blood and dialysate never touch in the artificial kidney machine.

For this type of dialysis, access to the blood vessels needs to be surgically created so that large amounts of blood can flow into the machine and back to the body. Surgeons can build a fistula, a connection between a large artery and vein in the body, usually in the arm, that allows a large amount of blood to flow into the vein. This makes the vein swell or dilate, and its walls become thicker so that it can tolerate repeated needle sticks to attach tubing from the body to the machine. Since it takes many weeks or months for a fistula to mature enough to be used, significant planning is required if hemodialysis is to be considered as an option.

If the kidney failure happens acutely and there is no time to build a fistula, special catheters may be inserted into the larger blood vessels of the arm, leg, or chest. These catheters may be left in place for weeks. In some diseases, the need for dialysis will be temporary, but if the expectation is that dialysis will continue for a prolonged period of time, these catheters act as a bridge until a fistula can be planned, placed, and matured.

Dialysis treatments normally occur three times a week and last a few hours at a time. Most commonly, patients travel to an outpatient center to have dialysis, but home dialysis therapy is becoming an option for some.

Outpatient dialysis is available on some cruise ships. They are equipped with dialysis machines with trained health care professionals ready to care for those with kidney failure while traveling

Peritoneal dialysis:

Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdominal cavity as the dialysis filter to rid the body of waste and to balance electrolyte levels. A catheter is placed in the abdominal cavity through the abdominal wall by a surgeon, and it is expected to remain in place for the long-term. The dialysis solution is then dripped in through the catheter and left in the abdominal cavity for a few hours after which, it is drained out.

During that time, waste products leech from the blood flowing through the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), and attach themselves to the fluid that has been instilled by the catheters. Often, patients instill the dialysate fluid before bedtime, and drain it in the morning.

There are benefits and complications for each type of dialysis. Not every patient can choose which type he or she would prefer. The treatment decision depends on the patient's illness and their past medical history along with other issues. Usually, the nephrologist (kidney specialist) will have a long discussion with the patient and family to decide what will be the best option available

Dialysis is lifesaving. Without it, patients whose kidneys no longer function would die relatively quickly due to electrolyte abnormalities and the buildup of toxins in the blood stream. Patients may live many years with dialysis but other underlying and associated illnesses often are the cause of death.

Is a kidney transplant an option?

If kidney failure occurs and is non-reversible, kidney transplantation is an alternative option to dialysis. If the patient is an appropriate candidate, the healthcare professional and nephrologist will contact an organ transplant center to arrange evaluation to see whether the patient is suitable for this treatment. If so, the search for a donor begins. Sometimes, family members have compatible tissue types and, if they are willing, may donate a kidney. Otherwise, the patient will be placed on the organ transplant list that is maintained by the United Network of Organ Sharing.

Not all hospitals are capable of performing kidney transplants. The patient may have to travel to undergo their operation. The most successful programs are those that do many transplants every year.

While kidney transplants have become routine, they still carry some risk. The patient will need to take anti-rejection medications that reduce the ability of the immune system to fight infection. The body can try to reject the kidney or the transplanted kidney may fail to work. As with any operation, there is a risk of bleeding and infection.

Kidney transplants may provide better quality of life than dialysis. After one year, 95% of transplanted kidneys are still functioning and after five years, the number is 80%. It seems that the longer a patient is on dialysis, the shorter the life of the transplanted kidney.

If the transplanted kidney fails, the alternative is another kidney transplant or a return to dialysis.

What is the prognosis and life expectancy for kidney failure? Can it be prevented?

The outlook for kidney failure depends upon the underlying condition that caused it. Kidney function may return to normal, especially if it is due to an acute obstruction and that obstruction is relieved. Other causes of decreased kidney function leading to kidney failure are due to underlying disease and occur slowly over time.

Prevention is the best chance to maintain kidney function, and controlling high blood pressure and diabetes over a lifetime can decrease the potential for progressive kidney damage.

Chronic kidney failure may be managed to help monitor electrolyte and waste product levels in the bloodstream. Major abnormalities can be life-threatening, and treatment options may be limited to dialysis or transplant.

We hope that you've learnt a lot from this detailed article about the kidney, kindly drop your comments if you have any questions and suggestions.

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Apply for Gates Cambridge Scholarship For International Students 2021

Gates Cambridge Scholarship Program was established in October 2000 through a $210 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to Cambridge University. 

This is the largest donation ever made to a British university. Scholarships are awarded to distinguished applicants from countries outside the United Kingdom for a full university degree in any material available at the University of Cambridge.

The selection criteria are:

• outstanding intellectual ability
• leadership potential
• a commitment to improving the lives of others
• a good fit between the applicant’s qualifications and aspirations and the postgraduate programme at Cambridge for which they are applying.

Eligibility Requirements:

• a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom
• applying to pursue one of the following full-time residential courses of study at the University of Cambridge:
• PhD (three year research-only degree)
• MSc or MLitt (two year research-only degree)
• One year postgraduate course (e.g. MPhil, LLM, MASt, Diploma, MBA etc.)
• Undergraduate degree

Benefits:

• the University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate*
• a maintenance allowance for a single student (£14,900 for 12 months at the 2021-2022 rate; pro rata for courses shorter than 12 months).
• one economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course.
• inbound visa costs & the cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Discretionary components: 

• Academic development funding – from £500 to £2,000, dependent on the length of your course, to attend conferences and courses.
• Family allowance – up to £10,120 for a first child and up to £4,320 for a second child (2021-2022 rate). No funding is provided for a partner.
• Fieldwork – you may apply to keep up to your normal maintenance allowance while on fieldwork as part of your PhD (the Trust does not fund other fieldwork costs as these should be funded by the University Composition Fee).
• Hardship funding – for unforeseen difficulties
• Maternity/Paternity funding – should you require it, you may apply to intermix your studies for up to 6 months and continue to receive your maintenance allowance during this time
• Some fourth year funding for PhD Scholars may be provided.

Application Deadline: Deadline for submission is on 4th December 2021.

How to apply for Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Applicants must submit an application for scholarship, a College place and funding – including a Gates Cambridge Scholarship – via the Application Online Portal. 

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Imperial College London MBA Scholarships 2021 [Fully Funded] - See How To Apply

Imperial College London is pleased to announce the availability of Imperial College London MBA Scholarships in UK 2021.

Imperial College London MBA Scholarships 2021

The scholarships are designed to support the October 2021 intake of MSC Business Analytics (Online) to students with high ability and potential. The school inspires the best minds to become future business leaders.

Scholarship Location

Imperial College London, UK

Scholarship Award
Up to £5,000

Important Information about Imperial College London MBA Scholarships

You will be assessed based on the excellent quality of your application, academic merit, persuasive professional or internship experience, clear career plan and leadership potential. Moreover, you will also be selected according to your references.
If you get an offer from the program, you will be considered automatically for the scholarship.
You should address your important achievements in your personal statement.
You are highly recommended to apply as soon as possible.

What Do you Need to Submit with Application Form?

Full transcripts of your degree level studies to date
Curriculum vitae (CV) – you need to use the tamplate
Personal statement
Career planning statement
Two references – at least one of which must be academic
Application processing fee of £50
English language test results (if applicable)
GMAT result (if any)

How to Submit: Online

Application Deadline: The deadline is on 30 June 2021

How to apply Imperial College London MBA Scholarships 2021 [Fully Funded] 


Visit The Official Website Here to Apply.

We love and cherish your opinion and we look forward to receiving it. Hence, if you need us to feed you with more updated information at the right time about Imperial College London MBA Scholarships 2021, kindly drop your comments in the comment box below.

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Everything You Need To Know About Traveling From Nigeria to Ghana

Whether travelling by road or by air, here are the major things you need to know when travelling to Ghana from Nigeria. In the past few years, there has been an influx of tourist from Nigerians to Ghana than ever before. Thinking of taking a trip to Ghana? We have compiled valuable information on what you should expect and things you would need for the trip.

Documents you need

To travel from Nigeria to Ghana by any means, you need a valid international/ECOWAS passport and a yellow card. It is very advisable to get your yellow card before travelling as it is very important and can be a means by which officials extort you. You can get the yellow card for about N2000 at the Port Health office close to the international airport. It is also advisable to have your another means of ID like a drivers license, voter's card or a student/work ID, and your accommodation details.

Choosing your means of transport

A flight from Nigeria (Lagos) to Ghana (Accra) averages at 1 hour 10 minutes. However, if you are going by road, brace yourself for a full 17-24 hours on the move (consider your bladder). The journey from Nigeria to Ghana by road is quite a long one but it's the scenic route, so brace yourself for the adventure. 

There are different ways to cross, if you choose to go by road, you can either choose to go directly with a transport company or hire out a taxi that will take you. For an intense budget trip, you could consider hitchhiking.

Over time, I have collated several questions from people who have asked about a Nigeria to Ghana road trip, Therefore without further ado, let’s jump right to the FAQs.

Thinking about taking a road trip to Ghana from Lagos, Nigeria? 

Here are the FAQs and the answers that will expose you to everything you need to know.

How Do I get to Accra from Lagos?

There are several options available to you. One option is to go with standard transport services. Most of the buses that ply this route have bus parks in Ajah, Yaba, Festac, etc. Another is to rent a car and a driver to take you down. You can find cars driving to Accra at Mile 2 in Lagos. 

The last option is to rough it up and travel with regular public transport.

Which Bus Service Should I Travel to Ghana With?

This is entirely up to you. I’m not recommending anyone who isn’t paying me. hehe… Just kidding. I have tried out only ABC and I intend to go with another bus service when I get the chance but at the moment, I can’t recommend one.

PS: If you have travelled to Ghana using one of the standard buses, please feel free to share your experience and recommendation using the comment section.

Can I travel with my Car?

Technically, yes. I reached out to the good people of Twitter for more information on how to do this and got several responses. I am collating them and currently working on an article that would elaborate on this question. 

What Documents Do I Need for a Nigeria Ghana Road Trip?

You need a valid International Passport and a Yellow Card to travel from Nigeria to Ghana. On rare occasions, immigration officers may ask for your accommodation details. It’s good to have that handy as well. Lastly, based on my personal experience, an extra ID may be useful. This could include your work or student ID or something that has your company credential on it (like a business card).

Can I Travel with an ECOWAS passport?

Yes, you can either travel with an ECOWAS passport or your international passport. This can be gotten from the immigration office closest to you.

Can I travel to Ghana without my International Passport?

You shouldn’t but I have seen people who constantly travel without one. I don’t think it’s worth the hassle. It’s just better to have the right documents.

Where can I get a Yellow Card? Can I travel without One?

Yellow Fever Cards can be gotten from the Port Health office close to the international airport. At the time of writing this post, this costs N2,000. This card is as important as your international passport and like the latter, you can (illegally) travel without it. But is it worth it? No. Sometimes, you end up paying more than what this card costs – this apart from the extortion charges you get.

An updated process of getting a yellow card in Nigeria (2021)

The process of getting a yellow card has been updated as follows;

• Visit https://yellowcardnigeria.com/
• Click on the ‘Register’
• Fill in your personal information
• Click “Pay Now” and generate a receipt
• Make a payment of N2,000 on the same page (or go to the bank) and print the payment confirmation
• Go to the Port Health office with the printed documents and a copy of your passport biodata page
• Payment will be confirmed and the vaccine and card will be given.

How Much Does a Nigeria Ghana Road Trip Cost? 

You can escape almost all road-side border fees by taking a standard bus from Lagos. They manage all the border formalities on your behalf.
The standard road trip cost from Nigeria to Ghana starts from 25,000 naira as at the time of writing this post.

Alternatively, you can choose to go by air, a flight from Nigeria (Lagos) to Accra averages at 1 hour 10 minutes, at the standard rate starting from 85,000 naira as at the time of writing this post.

 

Should I Travel with Naira or USD? 

Travelling with USD is always a good idea. It is universally accepted and you can easily find a BDC to get local currency. Some hotels would also accept payments in USD. Most won’t accept Naira. However, if you choose to travel with Naira, you can change money at the Aflao border. (Border between Togo and Ghana)

Would my Cards work in Ghana?

Sadly, this isn’t guaranteed. If you must travel with your cards alone, make sure you have a dollar MasterCard as well. Card policies in Nigeria change like the weather. You could even get caught up in a policy change while abroad.

Where Can I change my Money?

You can change Naira at any of the land borders between Seme and Aflao.

How Long is the Journey from Lagos to Accra?

Prepare for an entire day’s trip. Most buses make stops Benin Republic and Togo. If you’re lucky, these stops will be short and won’t prolong your trip. 

What Should I Expect?

Expect to see gazillion checkpoints from Badagry to Seme. Expect the worst from Seme border. You might be lucky (or skilled) to get a stress free pass but prepare mentally, physically and financially for it. 

At the time of writing this post, road conditions are fairly good. There isn’t much to write home about regarding views. Therefore, if you plan to travel by road solely because you want to enjoy the views, you might as well just fly. You won’t be missing anything. 

The border crossing seems better with the opening of the new border control office.

Final Thoughts and Tips!!

Have journey management procedures in place. Know your route – familiarize yourself with Google Maps before leaving, know the major towns too. It’s an almost straight route along the coastline. The road signs in Benin and Ghana are good, just keep following them. 

Take enough breaks and try as much as possible to avoid driving at night. Remember that Aflao border to Accra takes another 4 hours. If you get there late, you should find a hotel close by to sleep in. Lastly, take more money than you think you need to cover unforeseen expenses.

I hope this article answers all the questions you might have regarding a Lagos-Ghana trip. If you have any more questions for me, please leave them in the comment section below. 

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