Is Dubai a good place to live? This question might come to mind if you plan to move to Dubai. Well, we have got the answer for you. People used to consider the USA and European countries for migration in the past, but now people are discovering new options, and Dubai is at the top of the list. So here are our top 20 reasons why a move to Dubai is right in 2024.
One of the many reasons for living in Dubai is tax-free living for everyone. For Example, if your salary is AED 10,000 a month, you get AED 10,000 without any deduction. The tax-free salaries in Dubai make it one of the best places to build one’s future. With tax-free income and just 5% VAT on goods and services, Dubai offers the rare chance to enjoy life and take a well-deserved vacation once in a while.
Dubai has plenty of job opportunities in finance, tourism, real estate, and technology. Skilled professionals in the healthcare and engineering sectors are also in high demand. The ongoing developments and fast-paced growth make Dubai a promising place for people looking to excel in their careers.
One of the major reasons for expats to move to Dubai is safety. Dubai is among the cities with the lowest crime rates in the world. Single females and families with children can roam around the city even late at night without fear of their expensive belongings being stolen. The UAE government has imposed stringent laws and a well-devised justice system whilst actively investing in modern technology to keep the city safe. The reputable Dubai police force has also played a great role in making a safe place for over 180 nationalities living in the city.
Dubai is strategically located as a gateway to Europe, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region, making it just a short flight away from numerous countries. Dubai International Airport offers frequent flights to all major destinations worldwide by some of the most famous airlines, making the occasional visit home or somewhere exotic quick and hassle-free. The favourable geographical location and accessibility also make Dubai an incredibly popular location for tourism and commerce.
Dubai's high healthcare standards give families even more reason to settle comfortably. The fancy hospitals and medical centres treat patients with the best equipment. The world’s best doctors have relocated to Dubai so families and individuals can feel confident that their health is in good hands.
Despite fluctuations in oil prices and global economic uncertainty, Dubai's economy continues to thrive, with the UAE's GDP growth expected to be 3.9% in 2024 and 4.1% in 2025. Dubai's economy has rapidly diversified away from oil, expanding into many industries, including tourism, financial services and construction. Dubai is attracting more tourists and offering great benefits to expats, entrepreneurs, and businesses, and it is likely to keep growing for a long time.
In Dubai, you can lose count of how many 5-star hotels or luxurious cars you have seen. The quality of life and amenities available are developing rapidly, much faster than is witnessed in many developing economies worldwide. Even if you are not in the high-earning bracket, you can still get access to resident-only gyms and swimming pools in the apartment building.
With around 342 sunny days every year, Dubai is ideal for sun lovers. The cooler, breezier weather from September to May allows residents to enjoy all of Dubai's amazing outdoor attractions, including dining, parks and beaches. The summer months can be challenging for residents and visitors, with temperatures rising to 40 degrees Celsius. But, you will find that everywhere in Dubai is well air-conditioned.
Dubai has some of the world's best shopping malls and tallest buildings, such as the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. It is a shopping haven for people of all budgets. You can find high-end shopping malls alongside traditional souks where buyers can purchase almost everything at a much more affordable rate. You can also get amazing discounts during the Dubai Shopping Festival, held between January and February and Summer Surprises during July and August.
Residents of Dubai get access to a huge range of schools and educational institutes. Expatriates from the UK and the USA have a great choice of schools in Dubai, as many schools follow the British and US curriculums. Other schools provide a specific curriculum according to the home country's education system, including Indian, Pakistani, Australian, German, and French. You can find information about any specific school's curriculum, annual fee, and teaching method via their website. Apart from that, Dubai also has many universities and colleges offering higher education.
The UAE government introduced the Golden Visa to attract investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents, researchers, and outstanding students. Golden Visa offers a stable residency status without needing a national sponsor. To get a Golden Visa, expats can invest at least AED 2 million in real estate. This amount can be spread across three properties. In the case of a mortgage, you need to pay the bank AED 1 million of the property value. The Golden Visa is valid for ten years and can be renewed.
Dubai is predominantly a Muslim nation. However, the UAE promotes tolerance for all religions, including Judaism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Buddhism. The residents are free to practise any religion, and the government has promoted the establishment of all religious institutions, such as churches and temples. As a city that welcomes all nationalities and religious beliefs, Dubai has created an amiable and respectable atmosphere for everyone.
Dubai's multicultural population exposes residents and visitors to various cultures, religions, and languages from around the world. It is a melting pot of globalisation with a strong sense of community. Every day, you can learn something new and meet someone unique.
88% of the UAE's population are expats who often crave their native food. Because Dubai is home to so many nationalities, you can easily find restaurants from almost every country in the world. You can also try foods from around the globe without leaving your new home. While in the UAE, you should also try Middle Eastern cuisine's delicious and exotic flavours.
A real estate investor can save 30-70% when buying a property in Dubai because there is no annual property tax. The rental yield can range from 5-8%, a high percentage compared to other countries. There are properties to suit all budgets, ranging from very affordable to top-end communities and properties of all sizes, from compact studio apartments to huge, multi-bedroom mansions.
Although the national language of UAE is Arabic, you can easily survive in Dubai using English. Since the city is so diverse, most people speak English. Newcomers find it easy to settle in Dubai due to this reason. You can also find communities composed of people from the same country as you, no matter where you are from.
Dubai has grown rapidly in the last 20 years, surpassing many other places worldwide. Despite being in a desert with few natural resources like other cities, Dubai has thrived due to excellent urban planning and advanced technology. The Dubai government has substantially invested in its transport infrastructure, helping it rank among the world's top. Since 2009, Dubai's metro system has been one of the world's most advanced, fully automated driverless transit lines. Dubai also offers an extensive road network with an abundance of buses and taxis.
Years ago, fuel was cheaper than bottled water in the oil-rich United Arab Emirates. Today, although the cost of petrol has increased, it is still considerably lower than in other cities and countries worldwide. The current price of petrol is AED 2.85 per litre.
Expats working and living in Dubai belong to almost 180 different nationalities from across the globe. Due to the diversity of expat cultures, Dubai celebrates various events and festivals throughout the year. Theatre and art exhibitions have become a major part of the city, and there are regular sporting events, including tennis, golf, horse racing, and rugby.
In Dubai, you can enjoy a desert safari for the weekend, a quick ride in a hot air balloon, skydive, or set sail in a yacht for a couple of hours. Dubai offers spectacular possibilities, including world-class entertainment for thrill-seeking adventurers and laid-back weekend lovers. Dubai is not just for the rich – a popular opinion easily debunked in Dubai. Everyone can have a great time here.
All in all, Dubai is an amazing city that mixes modern style with traditional warmth. Whether starting a career, settling down, or enjoying retirement, Dubai offers countless opportunities to explore and enjoy life. It is a place that will capture your imagination and fulfil your dreams.