Most employers will provide a residency visa with the job. My husband is a teacher and the school provided us with a package including accommodation, bills, family residency and return flights home every summer. Most expats have a similar package. One of the teachers who arrived with us in August last year has brought a property here so will ask him what the deal is. Always better to get a job before you come as it’s not that easy to find one once you get here. Also you can get better deals on mortgages etc if you are resident here. Best bet is to get a job with great package and visas included then look to buy when you have been here a few months. Contact some agencies in Dubai they should be able to tell you what to expect. What line of work are you in?

Good luck

Thanks for the info.
I am a Computer Network Specialist, and my wife is an Audiologist.
We also have a 5 year old daughter.
We have been looking for jobs in Dubai on the internet for the past month.
I don’t think I 'll have problems finding a job, but it is very important for us that my wife finds a job before we move as her line of work is very specialized.
We also heard we need to put our daughter's name in a school waiting list as soon as we get there.
We are hoping to be able to buy a freehold property in Dubai with the help of some bank loans
Thanks for the info again

As stated above jobs come with either accommodation or an allowance provided. Be aware that some agencies are asking for money to provide jobs which do not exist. Try ringing agencies (if you can with the time zone difference) remembering that they work Saturday to Wednesday or to Thursday morning.
I agree you are better coming here and then renting initially to see where is the best area for you. If you buy it is worth noting that although the house is owned by you the land is on a 99 year lease. It is too soon to see what impact this may have.
I have a friend working here who owns a place in Dubai. It has been good for him as he has switched jobs 3 times since he has been here. I am not sure if your profession is exempt from the ban between employers. You may find that if you are employed as an engineer then you are. If not you could find that you can live here owning your own house but be unable to take employment!
Good luck and don't bother bringing the down parkas.