Best Middle Eastern Countries to Live in: The 2025 Expat Guide

If you’re writing off the Middle East as a region of endless political volatility, oil dependency and outdated regimes, you’re missing out on a region of opportunity.

In 2025, this part of the world is no footnote in global mobility – it’s a front runner.

Countries across the Gulf are rewriting the rules to attract global wealth, talent and capital. They’re offering 0% income tax regimes, elite residency programs and some of the most pro-investor environments on the planet.

And pro-investor inclinations aren’t mere loopholes or afterthoughts. They’re deliberate policies built to reward foreign investors and entrepreneurs who know how to play the jurisdictional game.

At precisely the same time, Western nations are clamping down. The UK is scrapping its non-dom option, the EU has ruled Malta’s MEIN program illegal and the US is intensifying financial oversight – again.

The Middle East has stepped into the void and flipped the script.

It’s not just tax. It’s about positioning – global mobility, asset protection, economic access, and long-term lifestyle freedom. These are countries with modern infrastructure, first-world healthcare, deep capital reserves, and a high quality of life, all wrapped in a low-regulation, high-opportunity business environment.

So, whether you’re looking for a tax-friendly base, a strategic Plan B, or a long-term relocation with international upside, you need to take a serious look at the Gulf Region.

Tax incentives like these are good news for people who want to go where they’re treated best. Doing otherwise, ignoring jurisdictions where you can legally keep 100% of your personal income, is simply a mistake.

The real issue isn’t if you should consider the Middle East but which country best fits your personal and business needs and the life you want to live. 

The Nomad Capitalist team has put together this comprehensive exploration of the region’s best options for expats in 2025 by looking at it through the lens of tax law, lifestyle, business access and long-term personal freedom.

Expat Living in the Best Middle East Countries: Pros and Cons 

​​​​Relocating to the Middle East comes with benefits and drawbacks.

The Advantages 

For many people, the financial rewards are significant in zero income tax nations like the UAE and Kuwait. 

Although, to be honest, they are not the cheapest places to live, especially if you have expensive tastes. 

Beyond taxes, the region’s cities attract international talent, business innovators and venture capital, so they’re ideal for company formation, investing and networking.

When it comes to safety and security, the region has made big strides. 

A 2025 Expatriate Group report, for example, named Qatar the 8th safest globally for expats, noting its incredibly low crime rate. The UAE (ranked 30th) and Oman (24th) also perform well in safety assessments, often better than many Western countries.

Another benefit is that these nations are genuinely multicultural, home to people from scores of different countries. This results in lively communities and adds variety to cuisine, traditions and everyday experiences. 

On top of that, it’s a great region for families – safe, activity-packed and full of top-tier schools.

The Challenges

Naturally, moving to the Middle East isn’t all smooth sailing. 

The cost of living can be eye-watering, especially in prime cities like Dubai and Doha. 

Housing, particularly in sought-after districts, can be incredibly expensive. For example, expect a central Dubai one-bed flat to cost over US$2,200 per month (as of late 2024). This, along with international school fees, will take the biggest bite out of your budget.

Aside from that, cultural adaptation is going to require conscious effort. 

While the big cities feel international, you’ll need to respect the underlying conservative values, customs and practices. 

The fierce summer heat and humidity from May to September can also trap you in the air-conditioned indoors.

Healthcare facilities are usually world-class, but healthcare costs are climbing at a projected 12% across the region in 2025, well above the global average, so good private health insurance should be a priority. 

Finally, dealing with the regulatory landscape requires dedicated time and commitment. 

Best Middle Eastern Destinations for Expats in 2025 

Based on economic opportunity, lifestyle, stability and ease of relocation, a few key players rise to the top. 

Here’s our take for 2025.

1. The United Arab Emirates

Listing the UAE first might seem predictable, but its top-ranking status for 2025 rests on more than its established reputation.

The bedrock remains the potent combination of zero personal income tax and 100% foreign company ownership available across dozens of specialised free zones. 

Add to that the Middle East’s prime location between established Western markets and the fast-growing economies of Asia and Africa. In fact, two-thirds of the world’s population is just an eight-hour flight away.

Combine this with recent visa reforms, like long-term residence options, and you’ve got a region built for efficient international business.

The living situation in the UAE is dynamic and decidedly modern, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. 

Home to over 200 nationalities, the UAE is a truly luxurious experience with unparalleled shopping, dining and entertainment options. 

The quality of life is generally high, ranking 21st in the 2025 World Happiness Report and leading the Arab region. 

In terms of climate, expect glorious sunshine for much of the year, punctuated by intensely hot and humid summers where life moves indoors. 

When it comes to your security, the UAE is rated as the second safest country in the world, according to the Numbeo Safety Index, due to its incredibly low crime rates. 

However, high standards come at a cost. While income tax remains absent, living expenses, especially in Dubai, are high. 

That said, the capital, Abu Dhabi, can be a slightly gentler financial landing, as it’s roughly 10% cheaper overall than Dubai, with rents averaging about 30% lower, according to recent data.

Relocation there has also become easier. While employer sponsorship remains common, the introduction of a 10-year golden visa and five-year Green Visa has opened the UAE’s doors to long-term residency without direct sponsorship.

2. Qatar

Next up is Qatar, another Gulf heavyweight making a serious play for expat attention in 2025. 

Qatar has quietly risen to become one of the strongest economies in the region. For proof, all you need to do is look at the impressive modern infrastructure, much of which has been upgraded for the 2022 World Cup. 

It might feel a touch more traditional than the UAE, but its capital, Doha, is now more popular for those who want a family-friendly lifestyle. 

Doha’s quality of life ranks well for purchasing power and healthcare.

Where Qatar truly shines is its safety. 2025 data ranks it near the top globally for safety and a low crime rate, while an Expatriate Group survey named it the 8th safest country globally for expats.

As with the UAE, it’s certainly not a budget destination, but Doha generally works out cheaper than Dubai. Estimates put overall costs at 10–15% lower and rents ‌around 30% less. 

Another advantage over the UAE is that, besides not having any income tax, Qatar currently applies no general Value Added Tax (VAT), making it a more tax-friendly option.

Relocation and business setup routes are also developing positively. 

Standard work visas sponsored by employers are common, but Qatar now has routes for those who invest in property. Putting down QAR 730,000 (roughly US$200,000) into approved real estate can secure you a one-year renewable residency permit. 

If you invest QAR 3.65 million (around US$1 million) in real estate for a five-year residence, you can renew it for a further five years. 

For businesses, while the standard setup outside specific zones might require a 51% Qatari partner, 100% foreign ownership is allowed in many sectors with Ministry approval. 

Furthermore, dedicated zones like the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) provide efficient setup processes under their own rules.

So, in 2025, Qatar stands out for those looking at residency via property investment or operating in approved business sectors. 

3. Bahrain

​​Bahrain’s growing popularity isn’t accidental. 

Often flying under the radar compared to its larger neighbours, this island nation is still worth considering.

In fact, research by InterNations indicates it scores well on ease of settling in. 

Unlike other regions, it’s more relaxed social rules help create a lively social scene with many good restaurants, cafes and cultural spaces. 

While Manama is modern, the general pace feels less hectic than Dubai or Doha, which many prefer for a better work-life balance. Expats often say it’s easier to make real connections here.

The climate is typical for the Gulf – lovely, warm winters followed by hot, sticky summers. 

A huge advantage, though, is the cost. Bahrain is more affordable than nearby Dubai and Doha. You can expect living costs, especially rent, to be lower. 

Bahrain does charge a standard VAT rate of 10%, which is higher than some neighbours, but it has no personal income tax.

In terms of moving, Bahrain has a 10-year renewable golden residency visa. 

It’s available to:

• Those buying property worth BD 200,000 (about US$530,000) or more
• Retirees who earn a basic monthly minimum pension of BD 4,000 (around US$10,600) 
• Individuals and current residents who’ve worked there for over five years and meet the salary requirements (around US$5,300 per month). 

An update for 2025 is that golden visa holders can now apply for work permits, making it even more beneficial. 

For businesses, Bahrain is open, allowing 100% foreign ownership in most sectors. 

Best Middle Eastern Countries for Expats: FAQs

Factors to Prioritise When Making Your Choice

Having unpacked the expat offerings of the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, how exactly do you choose the one that will treat you best? 

After all, there’s the contrast of the UAE’s high-octane business environment, particularly in Dubai, with the potentially more measured pace you might find in Doha or Manama. 

Then there are the financial implications to consider.

Lower living costs are an advantage in Bahrain and, to some extent, Qatar compared with parts of the UAE.  But that has to be weighed against specific career or investment opportunities that might be more prevalent in the Emirates.

To really choose the right place, you’ll need to understand your goals. 

To make your new Middle Eastern base work well, you need to plan carefully. You need to think about where you live, your taxes, how you structure your assets and the rules you need to follow.

That’s where we come in. 

If you’re serious about making your move to the Middle East as part of a larger plan for greater freedom and prosperity, the Nomad Capitalist team can help you succeed. Set up a call here.