Curious about life in Dubai? Known for its tax-free income, cultural diversity, and high standard of living, Dubai is a top destination for expats. However, it comes with challenges like a high cost of living, extreme heat, and cultural restrictions.
September 20, 2024
By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP
Did you know that Dubai is one of the world’s fastest-growing cities? There were originally 800 settlers in 1833, and the population grew to 20,000 in the 1930s. Today, almost 100 years later, nearly 3.8 million people live in the city.
Dubai’s definitely a hot spot for expats, and you might be curious about relocating there as well. Could this city be a great new beginning for you too?
In this article, we’ll go over the pros and cons of living in Dubai so you can weigh them up and make a well-informed decision.
Pros of Living in Dubai
One of the main reasons why people are drawn to Dubai is its hot and sunny weather. You can pretty much wear shorts and flip-flops every day of the year, which may sound ideal to many.
But Dubai has much more to offer than just its climate. Here are the main pros of living in this city.
No Income Tax
You may be a slave to income taxes in most other countries, but not in the UAE.
The country doesn’t levy income tax on individuals, so if you move to Dubai, you won’t have to worry about the government taking a slice of your earnings. As a result, you’ll have much more money to spend.
This makes it a fantastic place to go if you’re a digital nomad, especially since there’s a special extended visa that caters to this demographic.
Easy to Get Residency
In addition to paying no income tax, you can also get residency easily in Dubai. What many expats do is register a company there, then “hire” themselves as an employee, as this gives them residency.
After that, you can maintain residency as long as you don’t stay outside the UAE for more than six consecutive months. However, do note that there are special circumstances where you can get special permission or exemptions to do so without losing your residency visa.
Business Opportunities
Do you want to be an entrepreneur in your new home country? Then Dubai is where you want to be.
This city has a strategic location and is very business-friendly. It’s no wonder why entrepreneurs flock to Dubai, as there are opportunities in sectors like real estate, finance, and tourism.
On that note, Dubai International Airport is a major hub, so traveling to and from the city is easy. There are frequent flights to almost all parts of the world, so whether you want to jet off to visit family, go on vacation, or attend a business meeting, it won’t be difficult to do.
A High Standard of Living
A main worry of expats when they move is if they’ll have the same standard of living (or better). The good news is that Dubai offers a luxurious modern infrastructure that’ll give you a comfortable lifestyle.
You’ll enjoy world-class amenities such as malls, restaurants, and healthcare. The city also has an efficient and modern public transport system that includes a metro, buses, and taxis, so commuting will be convenient.
You’ll never get bored either, as Dubai has plenty of recreational activities. You can relax on the beautiful beaches or go on desert safaris. There’s also luxury shopping, theme parks, and vibrant nightlife for the night owls.
Safety and Security
The crime rate in Dubai is very low, thanks to strict law enforcement. So whether you’re moving on your own or with your loved ones, you can count on the city to be a safe place to live.
Also, women in Dubai can safely walk around alone at night. The city is well-lit and monitored, which should make anyone feel comfortable to get around after dark.
Cultural Diversity
Living in Dubai as an American (or any other nationality) shouldn’t be difficult at all. Because it’s a major expat hub, Dubai is home to people from all over the world.
In this city, you’ll experience a melting pot of cultures and experiences. Also, you’ll be pleased to know that you don’t have to learn Arabic to fit in, as almost everyone speaks English.
It’s a Non-Extradition Area
The entire UAE is a non-extradition country, which means that it doesn’t have a formal treaty with the US. This means that technically, if you get in trouble in America and flee to Dubai, it can be harder for the States to get you back for prosecution.
Of course, the best action is to stay out of trouble in the first place. But knowing that Dubai’s in a non-extradition country can give you some peace of mind.
Cons of Living in Dubai
Some may consider the hot weather in Dubai to be amazing, especially if they come from a much colder climate. But it can be a bit much, especially when it’s excessively hot basically all year long.
This can get old fast, and you might find the heat hellish; you’ll find it challenging to do outdoor activities for much of the year since the temperature can regularly reach 100 degrees (or more) during the summer. You can mitigate this by snowbirding though, which is leaving Dubai during the hotter months.
So what other drawbacks are there in regards to living in Dubai?
High Cost of Living
The perk of having no income tax does come at a price. The cost of living in Dubai is high, especially when compared to some parts of the US.
However, what’s interesting is that the cost of living in Dubai vs US is generally a little lower when you look at major metropolitan areas, such as Los Angeles and New York City. But expect to pay a fortune for things like housing, schooling (if you’re bringing children), and healthcare.
Limited Natural Environment
Dubai is a city built in the middle of the harsh Arabian Desert. This means that you’ll be hard-pressed to find greenery and outdoor natural spaces.
Those used to concrete jungles may feel more at home in this city. Otherwise, the large surrounding desert might feel isolating if you usually enjoy nature and outdoor activities.
Cultural Restrictions
The UAE has strict laws regarding public behavior, alcohol consumption, and even dress code. It’s true that Dubai is more liberal compared to the rest of the country, but it’s still strict. Those from Western countries may find it restrictive and uncomfortable.
If you’re moving with a partner, then it’s better to be married. It’s technically illegal to cohabitate before marriage, but it’s not a law that’s consistently enforced. However, it’s better to be safe than to be sorry, so marriage before your move may be wise.
Keep in mind that the government censors a lot of things too, such as websites and media.
The Bureaucracy
You need a permit to do practically everything, and we’re not just talking about driving. For example, foreigners are allowed to purchase and drink alcohol, but you’ll have to apply for a (free) permit to do so. Plus, you’ll have to apply for the Emirates ID, which is legally required for everyone living in the UAE.
For many expats, the government processes can be confusing, and they may also be slow.
Traffic and Congestion
We mentioned earlier that Dubai has excellent infrastructure. But this doesn’t change the fact that during peak hours, traffic congestion can be very frustrating. In many instances, you can forget about driving on major roads.
Cultural Adjustment
The fact that Dubai is a cultural melting pot is a wonderful thing. It can take some time to adjust to though, depending on where you’re from.
This is especially true regarding things like religious practices (such as Ramadan) or the local work culture.
Is a Move to Dubai in the Cards?
If you’ve been craving change in your life, then a move across the world can scratch that itch. Many expats are flocking to Dubai, so it may be worth considering following in their footsteps.
We’ve shown you the pros and cons of living in Dubai, so it’s up to you to weigh things up. Ultimately, it’s a new adventure waiting for you to start.Contact us today if you’re ready to make a move and need to protect your assets. We at Global Wealth Protection have free video training on how to do so.
