Living in Dubai, UAE: An Expat Guide

Dubai is known for being the ultimate expat hotspot, with outsiders making up over 80% of the city’s population.

But why exactly is it so popular? 

For many, the most enticing thing about Dubai is its lavish lifestyle. 

Anyone living there has a wide range of lifestyle options, from snagging a luxurious apartment in some of the world’s most impressive skyscrapers to enjoying yacht parties, the city’s extravagant nightlife and so much more. 

Technically, Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the country of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but in terms of global reputation, it’s out on its own.

If you want to live in a safe, low-tax, ultra-luxurious location, you’ll love Dubai. 

Note, however, that the UAE doesn’t usually hand out citizenship to foreigners. You can stay in Dubai all your life, but only as a resident.

If you’re okay with that and still want to plan your life and business in Dubai, call us today. We can curate a holistic offshore strategy that addresses all your concerns and takes you where you’re treated best. 

Living in Dubai: Pros and Cons

Is living in Dubai as an expat worth it for you? Before we get into what living in Dubai looks like, let’s first consider some of the pros and cons:

Advantages of living in Dubai:

• Near-perfect infrastructure 
• Low crime rates
• No personal income tax and a low corporate tax of 9% 
• Plenty of expat networking opportunities
• Great weather – apart from the summer
• Simple to qualify for residency with its Golden Visa program.

Disadvantages:

• High cost of living 
• It can be difficult to adapt to the conservative culture
• Extreme heat, especially in summer
• No longer completely tax-free
• There’s no route to UAE citizenship by naturalisation.

Best Time of the Year to Live in Dubai

The weather in Dubai can be an issue that scares away some expats. While it can be intense, you can also plan your time in Dubai to avoid the most difficult seasons.

In general, travellers should expect dry weather. Still, while rainfall is unusual, it’s not unheard of, with flash floods and sandstorms both quite common in Dubai. So, keep in mind how temperamental this climate can be.

Choosing to live in Dubai means choosing to live in the Arabian Desert, which means extreme temperatures, especially in the summer months. 

In fact, you may not want to be in Dubai from May to September when temperatures soar and people scurry from air-conditioned cars to air-conditioned homes or offices.

In reality, many expats leave Dubai for their holidays during the summer months. 

Overall, though, for many expats in Dubai, the extreme heat is simply a trade-off for living an otherwise exceptional lifestyle.  

Best Neighbourhoods in Dubai

Neighbourhoods in Dubai are loosely defined – there are no street addresses, which can be an issue when you need a parcel delivered. But other than this minor consideration, Dubai offers plenty of locations with excellent amenities.

Downtown is the place to be. With a variety of cafes, nightlife options and amenities, you’d never have to leave this happening spot if you lived in Dubai.

The Marina is another popular neighbourhood, not just to moor your yacht but also to live. 

Relax at the water’s edge and enjoy the numerous cafes or the perfect private beach club. The Marina is one of the few areas where foreigners, Gulf nationals and even some Emiratis live. 

The man-made Palm Jumeirah is probably the most luxurious and expensive area. You have likely seen the palm-leaf-shaped islands that host plenty of high-end real estate options. 

Luxury Real Estate Options in Dubai

With a high concentration of billionaires, Dubai has plenty of luxury real estate with options to meet all needs and tastes.

To get a taste of this luxury lifestyle, check out the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall apartments or any other luxury apartment building in the city centre (of which there are too many to name here).

Le Reve has apartments and penthouses with sweeping views of the Marina and the Arabian Gulf that will take your breath away. 

If you want something smaller, La Residencia del Mar complex and the Emirates Crown both have plenty to offer in the Marina area. 

Whether you want a luxurious penthouse or a beautiful beachside property, we can help you. Nomad Capitalist’s Real Estate Plan enables you to buy foreign property like a local. 

Cost of Living in Dubai

Dubai’s cost of living is comparable to London or New York: it’s one of the most expensive places to live in the world.

Living in a desert means everything has to be imported. Therefore, cafes and restaurants are extremely expensive – think US$12 beers and US$5 cappuccinos. Basic groceries aren’t exactly cheap, either.

Renting a luxury flat in a central area will easily cost over US$5,000 a month. However, rental properties are abundant and a decent apartment will cost less.

Best Co-Working Spaces in Dubai

You’ve probably heard about Dubai’s ‘remote work’ visa program, which allows remote workers and self-employed individuals to travel to and stay in Dubai for up to a year.

Dubai has an abundance of suitable co-working spaces to support this, should you ever need them. 

These include:

• myOffice Dubai Marina: This is a working space that goes above and beyond to accommodate your needs. The offices are spacious and well-equipped, and the views can’t be beaten.
• Bisdesk: How about a private office in the Dubai business area? Bisdesk brings together start-ups and long-established businesses and offers 24/7 office access. 

Dubai has the fastest internet connection in the Gulf, so you can connect and manage your business from anywhere in the city.  

How Accessible is Dubai?

The main airport serving the area is the Dubai International Airport (DXB), and it holds many accolades:

• The world’s busiest airport by international passenger traffic
• One of the busiest cargo airports in the world
• The busiest airport for Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft.

Needless to say, Dubai is highly connected to the world, making it an excellent base for those using our Trifecta Strategy. You can hop on a plane for a weekend trip to Europe or fly directly to New York, London, Sydney, Beijing and other major destinations.

In short, when it comes to air connectivity, Dubai has it in spades. At the same time, the region’s road network is excellent. 

How Safe is Dubai?

Dubai is one of the safest cities in the region, second only to Abu Dhabi. According to The Economist’s Safe Cities Index, it ranks high in most safety standards, including personal and overall safety.

Dubai ranks slightly higher than cities like Beijing, with pickpocketing and muggings virtually unheard of because of the city’s strict and tightly enforced laws. 

Overall, expats and tourists are unlikely to run into safety issues.

Entertainment Options in Dubai

There’s no shortage of places where you can splash your cash in Dubai, from luxury shopping to indoor skiing, yachting and absolutely everything in between.

You’re not able to drink alcohol outside, and any form of public inebriation is heavily frowned upon – to the point of arrest.

There are, though, plenty of licensed bars and clubs where foreign, non-Muslim tourists and expats can enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two. 

Best Places to Eat and Drink in Dubai

The food scene in Dubai is amazing. Since it’s so multicultural, there is no end of cuisine to taste. Here are a few of the top choices:

• Pierchic Restaurant: With sweeping views of the Arabic Gulf and a Mediterranean seafood menu, this restaurant will please even the most sophisticated tastes. 
• Ruya Restaurant: Have you ever tried an Anatolian restaurant? Drawing inspiration from the past, Ruya serves food that’s perfect for sharing while you unwind at the Marina. 
• Indego by Vineet: Michelin stars are always a great indicator of quality and Indego by Vineet is no different. Here, you can sample some of the most delicious Indian food you may ever encounter. 
• Nobu: Offering traditional Japanese fare with a South American twist, Nobu is another crowd-pleaser. Located at the Atlantis on The Palm, it offers a unique experience.

What to See and Do in Dubai

Dubai is full of sights and activities for expats. Here are just some of the many things to do in Dubai:

• The Burj Khalifa: With the obligatory visit to Burj Khalifa’s 148th floor, you’ll feel as though you’re in the clouds. When you get down, check out the Dubai Fountain, a true rival to the dancing fountains of Las Vegas.
• Yachting: You can rent a luxury 44-foot yacht in Dubai starting at around US$300 per hour. Or perhaps you’d like to buy your own to use when you’re in Dubai and then moor it at the exclusive Dubai Marina? Everything is possible in this Emirate.
• Sand dune adventures: Dubai is surrounded by desert, so there are plenty of options for dune adventures. Rent a buggy, slash through the sand in an SUV or opt for a sunset camel ride.
• Luxury shopping: Every single major international brand you can think of has a store in Dubai, and no wonder. Giant malls populate the entire city, where shopping is one of the most popular pastimes, especially during the scorching summer.
• Ski Dubai: One of the largest indoor ski resorts, Ski Dubai is perfect for a change of scene. From hot and humid to nice and cool, it’s a great way to pass your free time.

How Open Is the Culture to Outsiders?

There’s no need to learn Arabic to thrive in Dubai. English is the most widely spoken language, so although Arabic is the official language, you can easily get by without it. 

With more than 80% of Dubai’s population hailing from foreign shores, you can relax, safe in the knowledge that the city is open to outsiders.

If you’re planning to move there with your family, there are plenty of international schools in Dubai. 

School fees vary and each school may follow its own educational standards. For example, some may be US-centric, while others follow the British system.

Expat Life in Dubai: FAQs

Is Living in Dubai Worth It?

Overall, Dubai is an excellent option for anyone in search of a luxurious nomad base.

Its residence visa is easily obtainable, starting a business is actively encouraged and opening a bank account is usually straightforward.

It’s worth noting, however, that things are changing in the UAE. 

Dubai now levies a 9% corporate tax, so your business there will most likely not be tax-free. Also, contrary to what many thought, not all free zone companies are exempt. 

While Dubai might fit within a holistic offshore strategy that we here at Nomad Capitalist would approve of, alternative options are worth considering.

Your strategy doesn’t have to involve just one place. If you want to legally reduce your taxes by going offshore, we’ll help you craft a holistic plan designed to meet your specific goals.  

There’s no limit to what you can achieve.

At Nomad Capitalist, we have a worldwide network of lawyers, estate agents, accountants and tax and company formation specialists. All that expertise and real-world experience come together for our clients. To discover how we can help you achieve your goals, become a client.