The UAE, home to ultramodern cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has become one of the most popular destinations for expatriates worldwide. With its tax-free income, luxury lifestyle, and unique blend of modernity and tradition, living in the UAE offers a mix of opportunities and challenges.
In this guide you will learn about:
Key Facts About the UAE
Official Name |
United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
|
Capital |
Abu Dhabi |
|
Largest City |
Dubai |
|
Official Language |
Arabic |
|
Currency |
UAE Dirham (AED) |
|
Government Type |
Federal Absolute Monarchy |
|
Population |
Approximately 10.5 million (as of 2025) |
|
Religion |
Islam (official religion; majority Sunni Muslim) |
|
Time Zone |
Gulf Standard Time (GST) – UTC+4 |
|
Climate |
Arid desert climate, with hot summers and mild winters |
|
International Dialing Code |
971 |
|
Driving Side |
Right |
Life in the UAE: An Overview
Before moving, it’s important to understand what life in the UAE entails. The country is a federation of seven emirates, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi being the most popular among expatriates.
Each emirate has its unique characteristics, but the UAE’s overarching appeal lies in its safety, infrastructure, and cosmopolitan environment.
The population is predominantly made up of expatriates, making it a melting pot of cultures.
Who can live in the UAE?
Anyone can live in the UAE, provided they meet specific residence visa requirements. Here are the main categories of people who can live in the UAE:
Expats with Employment Visas
Who: Professionals, skilled workers, and laborers hired by companies in the UAE.
How: Employers sponsor their work visas, which allow them to live and work in the country.
Investors and Entrepreneurs
Who: Business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs.
How: Eligible individuals can apply for the UAE Golden Visa, which provides long-term residency for significant investments in the UAE, such as in real estate or business ventures.
Retirees
Who: People over the age of 55 who meet financial criteria can retire in the UAE.
How: Retiree visas are available for those with a certain level of savings, investment income, or real estate holdings.
Students
Who: International students enrolled in UAE universities.
How: Students receive a student visa sponsored by the educational institution.
Family Members of Residents
Who: Spouses, children, and dependent relatives of UAE residents.
How: Residents can sponsor their family members’ visas, provided they meet salary and financial criteria. For example, if you have UAE Residency through Company Formation, you can sponsor your spouse and children.
High-Skilled Professionals
Who: Experts in sectors like healthcare, technology, science, and culture.
How: The UAE Golden Visa provides long-term residency to individuals who meet specific professional qualifications or achievements.
Pros and Cons of Living in the UAE
Pros of living in the UAE
- Tax-Free Income: One of the biggest draws of living in the Gulf Nation is the absence of personal income tax. UAE taxes allow residents to save significantly compared to countries like the UK, USA, or Canada.
- High Quality of Life: The UAE offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, luxury shopping malls, world-class healthcare, and excellent educational institutions. It’s a hub for luxury and convenience.
- Safety: The UAE has one of the lowest crime rates globally. Strict laws and their enforcement make it a very safe place for families and individuals.
- Opportunities for Career Growth: Dubai and Abu Dhabi are known for their thriving job markets, especially in industries like finance, technology, construction, service industry, and the oil and gas sector. Many expats move to the UAE for lucrative career opportunities.
- Diverse Expat Community: With expatriates making up nearly 90% of the population, the UAE is incredibly diverse, with Indians forming the largest foreign community in the UAE. This makes it easy for newcomers to connect with others from their home country.
- Accessibility: The UAE’s central location makes it a convenient base for traveling to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest and most well-connected airports in the world. The GCS Global Passport Index 2025 ranks the UAE passport 31st.
- Top Education: UAE education is fantastic with a range of options. Whether you need university education, higher education, or an international baccalaureate, the UAE education system offers some of the best international schools and universities.
Cons of living in the UAE
- High Cost of Living: While the lack of income tax is appealing, living expenses in the UAE can be high. Accommodation, school fees, and healthcare, in particular, can take a significant portion of your income.
- Climate: The UAE’s hot and humid climate can be a challenge, especially during the summer months when temperatures can exceed 50°C (122°F).
- Cultural Differences: While the UAE is welcoming to expatriates, it’s important to respect local customs and laws. Public displays of affection, certain dress codes, and alcohol consumption are regulated.
Living in Dubai
Dubai, the crown jewel of the UAE, is a city known for its towering skyscrapers, luxurious lifestyle, and vibrant social scene. Expats flock to Dubai for its modern facilities and career opportunities but living here comes with its unique set of challenges.
Living in Dubai with family
Dubai is a family-friendly city with numerous international schools, entertainment options, and healthcare facilities. However, the cost of living in the UAE, particularly housing and schooling, can be a significant consideration for families.
Living in Abu Dhabi
Living in Abu Dhabi with Family
Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, offers a quieter, more family-oriented lifestyle compared to Dubai. With excellent schools, parks, and healthcare facilities, it’s an ideal place for families. However, some expats regret moving to Abu Dhabi due to its slower pace and higher cost of living compared to other emirates.
Expatriates in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi attracts expatriates seeking a quieter lifestyle compared to Dubai. It offers a blend of modernity and tradition, with excellent amenities for families. However, the cost of living and slower pace may not suit everyone.
Living in the UAE as a Woman
Here are some things to note about living in the UAE as a woman:
- Legal rights and societal norms: Women in the UAE enjoy modern amenities, legal rights such as driving, working, and owning property, and a generally safe environment with low crime rates. However, societal expectations regarding dress, social interactions, and male guardianship may still influence daily life.
- Work, education and guardianship: While women can vote, work, receive an education, and make a real estate investment in the UAE, some things, like travel or legal decisions, may require male guardian approval.
- Modest dressing and social expectations: Modest dress is expected in public, with most women covering their shoulders and knees. Societal pressure regarding appearance and behavior may be present.
- Quality of life and expat community: The UAE offers a high quality of life, excellent healthcare, strong infrastructure, a supportive expat community, and women-only spaces in public areas for privacy and comfort.
- Cultural adaptation and tips: Adapting to cultural customs is essential, so researching local laws, dressing modestly, and connecting with other expat women can help navigate life in the UAE smoothly.
Living in the UAE vs Other Countries
Living in UAE vs UK
What to expect
The UAE offers a more luxurious lifestyle, while the UK has a stronger emphasis on history and nature. It’s important to note that the UK’s cooler climate contrasts with the UAE’s heat.
Cost of living
The cost of living in the UK vs the UAE varies, for example:
Item |
UAE |
UK |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center |
$1,661.00 £1,313.19 |
$1,356.89 £1,071.94 |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center |
$3,256.37 £2,572.53 |
$2,243.78 £1,773.58 |
|
International Primary School, yearly for 1 Child |
$11,556.11 £9,133.33 |
$19,780.00 £15,636.20 |
|
Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² Apartment |
$189.16 £149.44 |
$309.61 £244.60 |
|
Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data |
$58.19 £45.96 |
$16.00 £12.64 |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) |
$100.00 £79.00 |
$39.31 £31.06 |
|
Meal, inexpensive restaurant |
$10.89 £8.61 |
$19.06 £15.06 |
|
Meal for 2 people, mid-range restaurant, three-course |
$68.06 £53.77 |
$82.59 £65.25 |
|
McMeal at McDonald’s (or equivalent combo meal) |
$9.53 £7.53 |
$9.52 £7.53 |
Living in UAE vs Canada
What to expect
Canadians moving to the UAE will find a modern, cosmopolitan environment with a blend of traditional Arab culture. English is widely spoken, and there is a large expat community, making it easier to adjust. Canadians will appreciate the high standard of living, world-class infrastructure, and excellent healthcare.
Cost of living
It’s essential to understand the cost of living in Canada vs the UAE, for example:
Item |
UAE |
Canada |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center |
$1,661.00 |
$1,269.94 |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center |
$3,256.37 |
$2,050.29 |
|
International Primary School, yearly for 1 Child |
$11,556.11 |
$11,606.37 |
|
Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² Apartment |
$189.16 |
$137.23 |
|
Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data |
$58.19 |
$42.73 |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) |
$100.00 |
$57.23 |
|
Meal, inexpensive restaurant |
$10.89 |
$16.90 |
|
Meal for 2 people, mid-range restaurant, three-course |
$68.06 |
$67.61 |
|
McMeal at McDonald’s (or equivalent combo meal) |
$9.53 |
$10.14 |
Living in UAE vs USA
What to expect
Living in the UAE as an American you may find the transition smooth due to English being widely spoken and availability of international brands. However, adapting to the hot climate and understanding cultural differences can be challenging. There are a range of UAE visas for US citizens, including the Golden Visa, tourist visa, and work visa.
Cost of living
The cost of living in the US vs the UAE is one of the biggest considerations before choosing to live in the UAE. Here are some examples:
Item |
UAE |
USA |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center |
$1,661.00 |
$1,762.50 |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center |
$3,256.37 |
$2,953.06 |
|
International Primary School, yearly for 1 Child |
$11,556.11 |
$22,726.61 |
|
Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² Apartment |
$189.16 |
$207.20 |
|
Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data |
$58.19 |
$55.81 |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) |
$100.00 |
$71.08 |
|
Meal, inexpensive restaurant |
$10.89 |
$20 |
|
Meal for 2 people, mid-range restaurant, three-course |
$68.06 |
$75 |
|
McMeal at McDonald’s (or equivalent combo meal) |
$9.53 |
$11 |
Most Popular Expat Cities in the UAE
Dubai
Dubai is the most popular choice for expats in the UAE, offering a vibrant lifestyle and world-class amenities.
Why Expats Love It
Dubai is known for its cosmopolitan culture, booming job market, and iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah. It has a mix of modern infrastructure, luxury living, and excellent healthcare and education facilities. All this make it popular among digital nomads. Our 2025 Global Digital Nomad report reflects this, with the UAE ranking 8th, with a total score of 90.04.
Key Highlights
- Diverse job opportunities in industries like finance, technology, and tourism.
- Numerous international schools.
- Exciting nightlife, shopping malls, and events.
Abu Dhabi
As the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi offers a more relaxed pace of life while still providing excellent opportunities for expats.
Why Expats Love It
Abu Dhabi is rich in culture, with attractions like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and cultural events like the Abu Dhabi Art Fair. It also has numerous parks, beaches, and family-friendly neighborhoods.
Key Highlights
- Strong job market in oil, gas, and government sectors.
- Top-notch healthcare facilities.
- A balance of luxury and tradition.
Sharjah
Known as the cultural capital of the UAE, Sharjah is a more affordable option for expats looking to settle in the Emirates.
Why Expats Love It
Sharjah offers a quieter lifestyle and is ideal for families seeking affordable housing and good schooling. It’s also close to Dubai, making it a popular choice for those working there.
Key Highlights
- Affordable cost of living compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- Rich cultural attractions, such as museums and heritage sites.
- Family-friendly environment with parks and recreational areas.
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK)
Ras Al Khaimah is gaining popularity among expats for its scenic beauty and relaxed lifestyle.
Why Expats Love It
It’s a great destination for those who prefer nature, offering beaches, mountains, and desert landscapes. RAK is also home to a growing number of industries and free zones, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs.
Key Highlights
- Outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and watersports.
- Affordable housing and lower living costs.
- Emerging business opportunities in tourism and trade.
Is living in the UAE a good idea?
Living in the UAE can be an exciting and rewarding experience, offering unparalleled opportunities for career growth and luxury living.
However, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons and understand the cultural and financial adjustments required.
Whether you’re moving to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or another emirate, thorough research and preparation are key to making the most of your experience in this unique country.
