You have to have a bank account but generally I find it better to have as little as possible to do with the banks in Dubai. Much better for my blood pressure.
Sage advice, I keep 10K dhs here as working capital, the rest goes offshore, no cheque book, credit cards, or loans other than the company one.
I will never purchase property here, far better in my view to invest in more regulated markets where if it does go a bit Doherty, you have protection.