10 Reasons to Move to Dubai

Why so many expats are choosing to live and work in Dubai and the UAE ?

Recently Dubai and the UAE have been hitting the headlines as many celebrities and influencers have been relocating there during the Covid-19 lockdown.

When you think of Dubai, what images does your mind conjure up: shiny skyscrapers, picturesque beaches, rich Sheikhs? None of these would be too far from the truth, and the United Arab Emirates is increasingly becoming a hotspot for expats looking to move somewhere they can succeed not just professionally, but grow personally too.

Once you decide to make the move, like many of my clients, you’re unlikely to regret it. I'm certain the UAE is a fantastic place to live and work… and here’s why!

TOP 10 REASONS:

1. A lot of professionals opportunities

Working in the United Arab Emirates is not all about the money. It can also be a great way to fast forward your career, paving the way for new opportunities and greater responsibility.

Large, urban areas such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai have thriving business economies and always require English-speaking new hires to drive forward their innovation and technology. Dubai in particular is becoming a global hub for business and is already certainly the Middle East’s prime location for commerce and enterprise.

No matter your field or industry (it’s not all oil!), there’s likely to be an employment opportunity for you in the UAE – so chat to an international employment agency and consider your next step. (Or create your own business !)

2. Earnings are tax-free in the UAE

It’s a huge benefit and may sound too good to be true, but it is: salaries in the Emirates are tax-free. This, combined with the lack of tax on food, drink and other goods, can make the Emirates a very cheap place to live – that is, of course, if you can resist splurging on all the high-end premium brands that the capital is chock-a-block full with!

Remaining as frugal as you can, will quickly see your savings stack… and they’re tax-free, too. A few years spent working in the Middle East can set up your finances for life and help provide for a comfortable retirement.

However, to benefit most, you’ll need to get advice on your tax residency so as to avoid having to pay tax on your income or capital in your home country.

3. It’s the perfect balance between city and seaside.

Sitting on the south-eastern coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai runs along the coast with its urban area situated between the sea and the mountains. Lying within the Arabian Desert, it’s gorgeous sandy beaches, alongside luxurious and ultra-new urban architecture combines for a unique experience.

It’s easy to work all day in an office but spend your breaks on a beach, or hike a mountain in the morning and sit down for lunch in the city. You won’t find a better compromise between urban and rural life than here!

4. It’s the best planned city in the world.

Dubai’s growth in the last 20 years has been rapid, and few other places on the planet are able to rival it. Despite its desert locale and a distinct lack of the natural resources most other cities and towns derive from, it has thrived thanks to the superb town planning and the technology adopted throughout. You’d never know just how close to nothingness you really are.

5. Food is not just an attraction, but a real lifestyle…

80% of the UAE’s current population are expats, and from time to time, they all fancy their home comforts. This means that the food scene in the UAE is truly second-to-none when it comes to choice – there’s not a country in the world you won’t find a restaurant dedicated to, so you can work your way around the globe without ever having to leave your new home town.

But of course whilst in the UAE you’ll certainly also want to sample the exotic flavors and aromas of Middle eastern cuisine.

6. Dubai is an international transport hub

The international population of Dubai dictates that a large airport and varied transport links are required. The international airport is the third busiest in the world by passenger traffic, and flights to almost all tourist destinations are only 5-6 hours away, so it’s frequently a stop-over for long-haul travelers.

You can take a holiday to Greece or to France and neither will cost you too much or take you too long. Even the Far East is within easy striking distance and you’re already halfway to Australia. The possibilities are endless!

7. Safety First !

Having a feeling of security is important when you move to new country and culture. Good news then that Dubai is the safest place in the Middle East for tourists and residents alike. Its strict laws mean that its crime rates are virtually non-existent – and where it does happen, it’s usually of the white-collar variety.

You can live in the UAE with no worries past common sense personal safety. 42% of the population of Dubai Central Prison are there for failing to pay debts, a volume of civil prisoners you simply won’t find anywhere else.

8. Culture grows and thrives here

The multi-cultural population of Dubai means that residents and visitors are exposed to not just the traditional Middle Eastern cultures, religions and languages, but those from all over the world – in just 1500 square miles!

It truly is a melting pot of globalisation with a real community feel. You can learn something new and meet someone unique every day.

9. It’s not as restrictive as the press likes to make out!

There are often articles in the press regarding lawsuits and scary strict rules for those living and travelling in Dubai… but don’t be fooled, life in the UAE isn’t all modest fashion and demure behavior.

You can drink alcohol (just buy an alcohol licence from the state), you can wear what you want (avoiding places of worship and sacred ground, of course), and relationships and dating happen just as they do at home, just without ‘public displays of affection’.

10. Properties to live in are beautiful and often brand new !

It’s not often we’d list a crashed property market as a good thing, but in Dubai and the UAE it’s a fantastic one – especially if you’re considering living there!

Most employers will help new recruits relocate either by paying some advance rent (in most cases, you’ll be expected to pay a year upfront, or you can pay every two months depending on what the owner accept) or by helping you out with a deposit, so ask at interview stage. Of course, housing in the Emirates is very new so everything is a new build with shiny mods and cons: ideal for your new start!

If you want to come and live in the UAE, contact me for more information! 

Article by Thomas Rogge , Managing Director of GCG Structuring

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