The Beckoning Emirates: How and Why to Start a New Life in Dubai or Abu Dhabi
Few places in the world are as welcoming to expatriates as the United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, Westerners relocating to the UAE should be aware that they are venturing into a country with its own traditions and standards of acceptability. Even in ultramodern cities along the Persian Gulf, experiencing culture shock is a real possibility. Here are some of the surprises, many of them positive, that living in the UAE can offer.
An Expat Magnet
The UAE is a remarkable country for many reasons, and its population makeup is just one of them. Out of its approximately 10 million residents, a little over 10% are indigenous citizens, while the vast majority are expatriates attracted by the employment prospects, low taxes, and high quality of life. The hot sun, sandy beaches, and a penchant for luxury also play a crucial role.
High prices may deter some, and according to Mercer’s data, Dubai, the largest city in the UAE, and its capital Abu Dhabi, rank as the most expensive cities in the Middle East. However, on a global scale, Dubai was ranked 31st on the list of the most expensive cities in 2022, with Abu Dhabi falling 30 places lower on the list. Interestingly, the top 5 includes four cities in Switzerland, with Hong Kong occupying the top spot.
From a global perspective, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are not the most expensive cities to live in. However, both are considered to be among the world's best cities for foreigners. In the 2022 Expat City Ranking published by InterNations, which is known as the world's largest expat community, Dubai ranked 2nd, while Abu Dhabi secured the 9th position.
Pros and Cons of Living in the UAE
What makes the UAE so attractive to foreigners? According to the expats who participated in the survey, several factors contribute to this appeal. They feel a sense of psychological comfort, with the vast majority experiencing a warm welcome in the country. Additionally, they appreciate their vibrant social lives, satisfying work experiences, and the strong emphasis on fostering creativity within the business culture. Many expats also see significant opportunities for career advancement in the UAE.
Culture, nightlife, and gastronomic diversity are cited as key factors that leave a favorable impression on respondents in the UAE. They also value the accessibility of government agencies and the ease of communication with them, including online channels.
What causes dissatisfaction among people is the limited access to IP telephony; in the UAE, making calls through WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime is not allowed. On the positive side, expats residing in Dubai are particularly fond of the road infrastructure and other facilities for vehicles.
Another aspect expats appreciate about the UAE is the ease of obtaining a local visa and opening a bank account. Foreigners also don't need to speak Arabic to feel at ease in the country, particularly in Dubai. Expats mention that finding a residence in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi is relatively straightforward, although not everyone is content with the prices.
Those are the main pros and cons of living in the UAE. Now let’s delve into the nuances of what awaits foreigners after they move to the shore of the Persian Gulf.
Geography and Climate
In the UAE, the summers are hot, and the winters are warm. While the eastern part of the country boasts the Hajar Mountains, the majority of it is desert, resulting in an arid climate. Average temperatures in the winter, between December and March, range from 16°C to 24°C.
In April and May, the weather undergoes frequent and sudden changes as temperatures gradually rise. During the summer months, between June and September, temperatures can reach up to 50°C, although on average they stay between 32°C and 37°C. In October and November, temperatures rarely exceed 30°C.
Summers in the Emirates are not only hot but also humid and windy. The region experiences a strong and unpleasant southeastern wind known as Sharqi, which periodically blows in from the desert. Dust storms are also occasional. Rainfall is infrequent, and the sun is almost always shining.
Photo: lifeforstock (Freepik)
Residence Permit
The Emirates actively embrace foreign investment and residents. To attract capital, special trade zones are established, and to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled professionals, the government has simplified the process of obtaining residency. Since 2019, the UAE has been issuing Golden visas valid for five or 10 years. In 2022, nearly 80,000 expatriates were granted these visas, and the relaxed rules introduced in October are expected to maintain a steady influx.
Golden Visas are granted to individuals who own property, establish new businesses, or invest in existing wealth funds in the UAE, provided they meet specific criteria. Exceptional students from the world's top universities and accomplished professionals in various fields, such as doctors, scientists, inventors, artists, athletes, humanitarian workers, and healthcare professionals, are eligible for a 10-year residence permit.
Photo: freepik (Freepik)
In addition to Golden Visas, the UAE also offers five-year Green visas. These are available to qualified professionals invited to work in the UAE, investors, businessmen, freelancers, and self-employed individuals with a bachelor's degree and a stable income for the past two years. Retirees who own a home or have a stable source of income in the UAE can also apply for a five-year visa.
You can obtain a one-year visa even if you work remotely for a company outside the UAE. To do so, you only need to provide proof of employment, a salary slip, and bank statements to the migration authorities.
A foreigner who obtains resident status in the Emirates can "extend" it to family members. Businessmen, investors, and the self-employed can sponsor themselves, and their next of kin are eligible for a residence visa if the holder of the residence permit sponsors them.
Work Week
Friday and Saturday were traditionally the days off in the Emirates, as Friday is a sacred day in Islam. However, since 2022, the country has adopted a more familiar Western model, and now the weekend in Dubai and Abu Dhabi falls on Saturday and Sunday.
Currently, the workweek in the UAE is effectively four and a half days, as many people only work until lunchtime on Friday. Government bodies operate from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and close at noon on Friday. Sharjah, an emirate next to Dubai, has adopted a four-day workweek. Newspapers claim that this has not only increased productivity but also led to a decrease in road accidents.
Sharjah. Photo: marviikad
Main Expenses
You can make a good living in the UAE, but the expenses here are not insignificant either. Dubai is considered the most expensive of the seven emirates, while Ajman is the least costly. However, the cost of living is directly proportional to the salary level, so regardless of where you settle down, the average expenses will be roughly the same relative to the income.
Up to half of the money you earn will go toward rent or a mortgage. Another significant expense is the cost of your children's education in a private kindergarten, school, or university. Health insurance and occasional doctor's visits can also add to your expenses. Apart from that, you have the flexibility to choose whether to take a taxi or use public transportation, dine at upscale restaurants or cook at home.
