Overview of the Pros of Living in Dubai as an Expat

So you have decided to move to Dubai? You are not alone. Thousands of newcomers migrate to this emirate every year, lured by the promises of a better life and career prospects in an exotic land. The question is: “Why moving to Dubai?” This article should help you discern whether or not living here will be beneficial for you.

Dubai is a wonderful place to live. In fact, it has been voted as the best place in the Middle East for expats to live and work. However, this cannot guarantee that life here will be easy. If you are thinking of moving to Dubai and want to know more about how and why living in Dubai is worthwhile, read on.

A Better Quality Of Life

Dubai is blessed with a very mild climate; this makes it very pleasant to be outside most of the year-round, regardless of what time of day it is. Living in Dubai means never experiencing harsh cold winters or scorching hot summers you would encounter elsewhere in the Middle East, for example, Saudi Arabia. The cost of living in Dubai is also lower than in other major global cities such as London, Paris and New York.

Tax-Free Living

One of the major benefits of living in Dubai is that expats can enjoy a tax-free lifestyle. This means that you do not have to worry about paying income tax, wealth tax, or any other form of tax that can be imposed on you when you are outside your home country. This feature makes Dubai an attractive destination for expatriates in the Middle East and worldwide.

Better Job Opportunities

Another major reason to move to Dubai is better career opportunities in job openings, higher wages, and work-life balance. Dubai is home to many multinational corporations and offers a wide range of job opportunities for expats in various industries. The cost of living in Dubai is also lower than in other major global cities such as London, Paris, and New York.

Improved Standard of Living

Thanks to the oil boom of the 1970s, Dubai has managed to develop and improve its standard of living rapidly. New infrastructure and state-of-the-art amenities have been built, making Dubai a desirable place to live. In addition, the government offers numerous incentives to expats, such as free housing and healthcare.

Plenty of Activities and Events to Enjoy

Dubai is an extremely vibrant and lively city with plenty of activities and events to keep you entertained. From shopping at the world’s largest malls to enjoy a luxurious dinner at one of Dubai’s fine restaurants, there is always something to do in this city. Some many cultural events and festivals take place throughout the year, so you will never get bored living here.

Safe and Secure

Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. It has a very low crime rate, and you can walk around freely at all hours of the day or night without feeling threatened. The UAE also has strict laws against any form of criminal activity, so you do not have to worry about safety if you are thinking of moving to Dubai.

Endless Adventures and Excursions to Explore

As the saying goes, “the world is your oyster.” And this is definitely true when it comes to Dubai. With its proximity to other countries in the region, such as Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, there are endless adventures and excursions to explore. All you need to do is board a plane, and in just one hour, you can be on the other side of the world exploring another culture.

Best Areas and Suburbs in Dubai

When it comes to finding a place to live in Dubai, there are plenty of options to choose from. However, not all areas and suburbs are created equal. Here is a list of the best areas and suburbs in Dubai:

Downtown Dubai

One of the most popular areas in Dubai, Downtown is home to iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain. It is also a major shopping and dining destination, with plenty of trendy restaurants and luxury boutiques. Aside from this fact, Downtown is also one of the most expensive areas in Dubai. This way, you get the best of both worlds: an ideal location and making lots of money.

The Palm Jumeirah

A man-made island famous for its luxurious villas and resorts, The Palm Jumeirah is a popular destination for expats and affluent locals alike. It offers beautiful views of the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Gulf and is conveniently located near the Marina and Downtown Dubai.

Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)

A tranquil coastal community that offers a variety of amenities, JBR is ideal for those who want to work and play in the same area. Although it is not associated with any shopping or dining destinations, you can always take a short walk or drive to the Marina or Downtown Dubai. Meanwhile, the beach is just a few minutes away.

Emirates Hills

If you’re looking for a luxurious suburban lifestyle, look no further than Emirates Hills. This gated community is home to some of the most expensive villas in Dubai. It comes with all the amenities you could possibly want, including tennis courts, golf courses, and a community spa.

The Greens

A well-established community that is perfect for young families, The Greens offers plenty of green spaces, playgrounds, and retail outlets. It is also located close to the airport, making it a convenient place to live for those who travel frequently. The Greens is also one of the closest communities to Dubai’s business district, making it a great place for professionals who need to be near work.

Arabian Ranches

A luxury development that is known for its horse stables and polo fields, Arabian Ranches is perfect for those who want to live in a rural setting while still being close to the city. It offers a wide range of villas and townhouses, as well as plenty of amenities such as schools, shops, and restaurants. This makes it the perfect community for families.

Nad Al Sheba

Ideal for those who want to live in a villa with a private pool and garden, Nad Al Sheba is a luxurious residential area outside Dubai city center. It comes with all the amenities you would expect from a top-notch community, such as gyms, swimming pools, and tennis courts. However, it is also located near the desert and wildlife preserves, giving you a chance to enjoy nature as well.

Al Barsha

A family-friendly community close to several shopping destinations, Al Barsha offers easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road and the Dubai Metro. It also gives you easy access to the Mall of Emirates, which is one of the largest shopping malls in the world. Also, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the area, making it a great place to live if you enjoy dining out.

The Lakes

A picturesque neighborhood that is known for its waterfront homes and lush gardens, The Lakes is perfect for those who want to live in a peaceful and relaxing setting. It is also close to several major shopping malls, making it a great place to live if you enjoy shopping.

Studio City

A modern and trendy community perfect for those who want to live in the heart of the action, Studio City, is located next to the Dubai Media City and offers plenty of entertainment options. It is also close to the Palm Jumeirah, making it a great place for enjoying city and beach life.

Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Dubai

How expensive is it to live in Dubai?

Dubai is known as one of the most expensive places in the world to live. However, Dubai does offer a wide variety of housing choices which include high rises (apartments), villas, and townhouses. So depending on your budget and whether you want to rent or buy, costs will vary.

A three-bedroom apartment inside the Palm Jumeirah starts at around AED 235,000 per annum to rent, while a studio apartment in the same area will set you back AED 95,000. Villas on the Palm can go for as much as AED 1 million per annum to rent.

What is the Cost of Living in Dubai?

Again this depends on which housing option you choose. For example, getting your groceries from local supermarkets or stores will set you back about AED 100 per week for a family of four. Renting an apartment in this same neighborhood would cost around AED 2,000 per month.

What is the Weather Like in Dubai?

Dubai has a hot desert climate with high humidity levels. Summer temperatures can reach 50 degrees Celsius, and winter temperatures can drop to around 10 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is rare but typically happens in the winter months.

Conclusion

Dubai is an attractive place for expats due to its favorable weather, tax-free lifestyle, great job opportunities, and endless adventures. So if you are thinking of moving here, be assured that you will not be disappointed. Nonetheless, refer to this platform for more tips and guides.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Imagine you can leave your country, move to Dubai where you want to earn money for a better life, and live the luxury lifestyle you always dreamed of. This sounds like a dream come true, right? But as it’s always with dreams, they only turn into reality if we make them happen.

If you’ve always wanted to try new experiences, look for jobs in Dubai and start a whole new life there. It’s the perfect place for expats: modern, business-oriented, and incredibly diverse: it offers everything: from beaches and malls to desert and skyscrapers.

Dubai is a city where you can feel at home, no matter where in the world you’re from. It’s one of the safest places on earth, and its locals are friendly and welcoming. Dubai welcomes all kinds of cultures and religions and is known for its tolerance. In fact, moving to Dubai means living in the desert!

But given many people’s impression of deserts as barren wastelands, what does it really mean? To begin with, where exactly is Dubai? Of course, Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf. It has one land border with Saudi Arabia and three with other members of the UAE.

The city is just 50 km south of the Persian Gulf, which means plenty of beach life and desert life to experience. So what are you waiting for? Start your journey today! But before you go, always know that we’ve got you covered with everything needed to know about the best areas and suburbs in Dubai.

Important Tips to Know Before Moving To Dubai

Being in the desert does not mean you cannot have water sports. If you ever find yourself traveling on Sheikh Zayed road, maybe stuck in a traffic jam, look around, and you will see plenty of life as well as skyscrapers. What else makes Dubai such a diverse place to live? The royal family of Dubai, the Al Maktoum’s, makes sure that the city is full of life and diversity.

What many people don’t realize is that apart from the luxury side of Dubai, living in Dubai can be tough. I have compiled a list of 7 important tips to know before moving to Dubai as an expat.

Be Ready For Culture Shock

Even though everyone dreams of living in another country, many people forget how difficult it can actually be when you get there. So don’t be surprised if it feels like you are living in a different world for the first couple of months. Dubai has its own rules, traditions, and cultures that westerners aren’t used to. Keep an open mind and try to understand their way of life before passing any judgments.

Be Prepared For Humidity

If you’re moving during winter (as most people do), you might think that the climate in Dubai will be similar to yours, but it won’t. The humidity can surprise you, and even though it is much better during the winter months when the temperatures are lower, it’s still there.

So bring a lot of light clothes with you or buy them once you are settled in your new home. In fact, you might want to think about buying some of the traditional clothing of Dubai (called dishdashas) because it is light, doesn’t take up space, and protects you against the heat of the sun.

Be Prepared For Cultural Limitations

Just like the humidity causes cultural shocks, cultural shocks can also exist between westerners and people from other religions. Muslims make up the majority of the population in Dubai, so it is important to be respectful of their beliefs and their culture.

There are a lot of rules and regulations that come with living in Dubai as an expat, and not following them can get you into trouble, so make sure you do your research before arriving.

Be Prepared To Pay a Lot of Money

This is probably the most difficult thing for many people, especially when your currency doesn’t have the same value back at home. Rent in Dubai is not cheap, and neither are necessities. So think twice before moving here if you’re not sure you can afford it. Also, keep in mind that you will have to pay for everything in cash because credit cards are not accepted everywhere.

Get a Good Job

Most people who move to Dubai have a job lined up. It is almost impossible to get a visa without one, so make sure you apply for jobs in advance and in the right way. If your company is sponsoring you, make sure you know all the requirements; otherwise, it can be hard to get a visa. Moreover, if you have children, it’s a good idea to have your husband or wife with you so he/she can help with the paperwork and the kids.

Get Used To Food Limitations

If you are a vegan or vegetarian, Dubai is not the place for you because your options will be limited. While there are plenty of vegan options in cafes and restaurants, most of the main dishes are meat-based.

 And if you can’t eat pork either, then you might want to stay away from Dubai because it is everywhere, and the majority of restaurants serve it. That being said, the vegan options you can find are usually really tasty and quite filling, so don’t despair.

Get Used To Restrictions on Alcohol

As a westerner coming from a country where there aren’t many limitations on alcohol, your biggest shock will probably be how expensive it is in Dubai and how restricted the laws are when it comes to drinking. The government has created many laws that limit the sale of alcohol in Dubai. Most bars, clubs, and restaurants are forbidden to serve it. And if you want to drink outside, make sure you know what areas allow it because you can’t just drink wherever you like.

Interesting Facts about Living in Dubai

1.    Dubai Is the Most Expensive City in the World

The cost of living in Dubai is estimated to be 150% higher than New York City, making it the most expensive city to live in globally. Taxes are also very high, with personal income tax at 3% and corporate tax at 55%. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment can range from $1,850 to $5,000. 1 Litre of milk is about USD 1.50, and a half-liter bottle of water costs roughly $8 USD.

2.    Dubai Has the Tallest Building in the World

The Burj Khalifa stands at 2,717 feet tall (taller than three empire state buildings stacked on top of each other) and took five years to build, costing $1.5 billion USD to make. Aside from that, Dubai has the largest shopping mall in the world, the largest airport in the world (in terms of international passenger traffic), and will soon have the longest road in the world when construction is finished.

3.    You Cannot Drink or Smoke In Public

Dubai follows Islamic law and therefore has a zero-tolerance policy regarding drinking or smoking in public. If you are caught, penalties include imprisonment and deportation. You can bring alcohol into the country if you plan on drinking in the privacy of your hotel room, though keep in mind that you will have to order it through room service, which charges an exorbitant fee.

4.    You Can Be Arrested For Kissing In Public

Dubai is a conservative Islamic city, and public displays of affection are not tolerated. Kissing, even on the cheek, can lead to arrest and deportation. Moreover, dressing inappropriately is not allowed, so it is recommended that you keep your shoulders and legs covered. Kissing or not, it is best to dress modestly when visiting Dubai.

5.    The Weather can be Extremely Hot and Humid

With summer temperatures averaging around 41 degrees Celsius (105 degrees Fahrenheit), it is no surprise that Dubai experiences high levels of humidity year-round. While the winters are milder, with temperatures rarely dipping below 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit), the weather can still be quite uncomfortable. You will want to consider the time of year you choose to visit Dubai and pack accordingly.

6.    Dubai is Part of the UAE, not Saudi Arabia

Dubai may be known for its extravagant malls and skyscrapers but make no mistake about it; this city is part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which includes Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain. The UAE is a dry country, and alcohol is only available in licensed venues, so if you are looking to drink, Dubai may not be the best place for you.

7.    There is No Nightlife to Speak of

As mentioned before, Dubai follows Islamic law, which prohibits drinking and dancing in public. As a result, Dubai has very little nightlife. If you are looking for a good time, you may want to think again before coming here. However, it is still a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of other fun activities that will keep you entertained for your entire trip.