Living In Dubai: A Guide To Moving To Dubai As An Expat

Are you considering upping sticks and moving to the modern paradise of Dubai?

In this guide, we’ll look at everything from how to relocate to Dubai, to the cost of living and even how to get a job in Dubai. We’ll also break down the tax laws and visa requirements to help you move to Dubai for the first time. Let’s dive in.

Expat life in Dubai: Your guide to moving to Dubai

The beating heart of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai has fast become one of the most attractive destinations for expats, thanks to the emirate’s incredible first-world infrastructure, year-round tropical climate and ample job opportunities with zero income tax.

If you’re moving to Dubai from the UK or the US, you’ll find yourself in warm company. Indeed, more and more people are pouring into Dubai following the UK’s Autumn Budget and Trump’s return to office, as people look to make a new life for themselves in a tax-free, politics-free, tropical environment.

Moving and living in Dubai: what to expect?

With great jobs, a reasonable cost of living and improving schools and healthcare it’s no wonder Dubai is a favourite among British and other expats.

Both geographically and culturally close to Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Dubai has become an integral node in the world’s global trade network. A relatively new city, Dubai’s culture is heavily influenced both by its immense expat community (more than 90% of its 3.8 million citizens are expats) and by its Islamic monarchy, which is ruled over by Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. While technically governed by Sharia law, Dubai is known to be somewhat lenient, especially to its non-Muslim expat community.

Occupying an enviable position along the Persian Gulf, Dubai boasts beaches on one side, desert on the other, giving the region a cross between a tropical and desert climate. This makes the city warm all year (with particularly hot temperatures, reaching as high as 40°C, in the peak of summer), but can also lead to extremely high rainfall, most recently seen during the 2024 floods.

One of Dubai’s many draws is its promise of an affordable, luxury lifestyle. With tax-free salaries, world-class shopping, pristine beaches, an array of high-end restaurants and an exceptionally safe culture, expats in Dubai can enjoy a high standard of living without the hefty price tag often associated with other global cities.

If you’re moving to Dubai from the UK, you’ll be in good company. Around 240,000 British nationals already live and work in Dubai, with around 40,000 expats moving in 2023 alone. That said, expats moving to Dubai should be prepared for some level of culture shock. As a Muslim country, Dubai has its own set of customs, traditions, and laws that may differ significantly from those in Western countries.

While Dubai is relatively liberal compared to other parts of the Middle East, it’s important that expats are aware of the restrictions they might face in their day-to-day life, and that they respect local customs including dress codes, public behaviour, alcohol regulations and laws around extramarital relations, pornography and homosexuality.

Language in Dubai

Arabic is the official language of Dubai. Most signs and local television channels and newspapers will use Standard Arabic, while outside you may hear lots of different variations of Arabic dialect, especially Egyptian Arabic. Therefore, if you hope to truly integrate yourself into Arabic culture, you may wish to learn at least conversation-level Arabic.

Having said that, almost everyone in Dubai speaks English as a second language. Hospitality and service workers will usually speak to you in English, and many businesses will use English as a first language around the workplace. Furthermore, because there are so many expatriates from all over the world, you will also find pockets of people conversing in languages from India, Africa and East Asia, plus French, German and Spanish.

Is Dubai safe for expats?

Yes. In fact, Dubai is generally considered one of the safest places in the world to live. Crime rates across the entire UAE are very low compared to other developed nations. Even petty crimes such as pickpocketing and vehicle theft are considered to be quite low in Dubai.

Indeed, expats report that the tricky thing is not having to deal with criminals, but with the local police. Many things considered normal in the West are not only taboo but actively criminalised in Dubai. Punishments for certain crimes can be extremely severe, ranging from huge fines, to deportation, to prison sentences and even the death penalty.

Some of the things that are illegal in Dubai include:

• swearing
• drinking without an alcohol licence, drinking outside or being under the influence of alcohol in public
• sharing a bed with someone who is not your legal spouse or having sex outside of marriage
• homosexuality
• accessing pornography
• cross-dressing
• taking photos of government buildings or of other people without their permission
• criticising or ridiculing the UAE government online

Drugs are also heavily criminalised in Dubai. Possession of drugs can land you four years behind bars, while trafficking and selling drugs is punishable by the death penalty.

Is it safe to live in Dubai as a woman?

Yes, women living in Dubai generally report that they feel very safe both during the day and at night. Thanks to its strict laws and the abundance of security cameras around the city, Dubai is widely considered a great destination for solo female travellers.

Of course, being a Muslim country, there are still certain customs women will need to follow to feel safe and welcome. One of these is the local dress code, which includes wearing clothing that covers the tops of arms and legs while in public, making sure undergarments are not visible, and only wearing bathing costumes at swimming pools.

Accommodation and cost of living in Dubai

Cost of living in Dubai

While Dubai is far from the cheapest expat destination, it’s still more affordable than many Western cities including London (26.2% lower), Paris (15.7% lower) and New York (42% lower). Of course, the real benefits of living in Dubai are the zero income tax rates, which means expats could earn 20-45% more compared to the same salary earned in the UK.

See the table below to get an idea of the average cost of living in Dubai:

*As of February 2025, Numbeo

Eating out in Dubai is generally a similar price to Western countries, with certain items – such as alcohol – coming in more expensive. You will also discover a much larger price range when it comes to restaurants, ranging from ordinary diner-style eateries to super-luxe restaurants that carry enormous price tags.

Here’s how much you can expect to pay eating out in Dubai:

*As of February 2025, Numbeo

Cost of accommodation in Dubai

As a rapidly growing city, Dubai is one of the world’s leading hotspots for real estate. As such, you will find no shortage of housing, and whether you’re renting or buying there is likely to be something to suit your needs, taste and budget.

Having said that, accommodation in Dubai can be expensive, particularly if you want to live in the city centre. If you’re moving to Dubai with a job, many Dubai-based companies will provide long-term accommodation for you as part of your international transfer.

See the table below to get an idea of the cost of accommodation in Dubai:

*As of February 2025, Numbeo

Can expats buy property in Dubai?

Yes, expats can own freehold properties in designated areas such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah, with full ownership rights and no residency requirements. The process is fairly straightforward, and mortgage financing is also available for those who qualify.

Investing in Dubai real estate can also offer residency benefits for expats. Buyers of properties worth AED 750,000/US$205,000 may be eligible for a 2-year residence visa, while those purchasing homes valued at AED 2 million/US$545,000 could qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa.

Jobs in Dubai and visa requirements

The United Arab Emirates is one of the richest countries in the world and one of the most open to foreigners. Eight out of ten jobs in the country are held by expats and the state actively promotes the creation of new jobs.

While you won’t necessarily need to be working in order to live in Dubai, it’s highly recommended you secure a job offer before jumping on the plane. Read our full guide on how to get a job abroad.

Not only will a job help you to pay the surprisingly high rents in Dubai, your employer will also be liable to cover the cost of your visa and medical insurance. You will also need proof of employment in order to do many things locally, such as open a bank account.

Job opportunities in Dubai

Dubai’s job market is vibrant and diverse, with several industries experiencing significant growth and demand for skilled workers. While the oil and gas sector remains a key industry across the UAE, strategic incentives have also led to expansions in various other sectors, including:

• Financial services – Dubai has solidified its status as a global financial hub, with a 50% surge in hedge funds in 2024, bringing the total to 75 firms. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is now home to nearly 7,000 finance companies.
• Tourism – Tourism accounts for about 11.7% of Dubai’s GDP, a figure that grew 26% in the last year, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. Employing over 800,0000 people, Dubai’s tourism sector is always on the lookout for expat workers.
• Real estate – Dubai’s real estate sector experienced a 3.6% growth in the first nine months of 2024, contributing AED 27.288 billion to Dubai’s GDP and accounting for 8% of the emirate’s economic output.
• Education – The UAE’s education sector is undergoing significant expansion to meet the needs of a growing population. Projections indicate that by 2027, approximately 150,000 new students will enrol in UAE schools, requiring up to 50 new schools. Teachers are treated incredibly well in the UAE and can often receive generous living packages to support their move.
• Healthcare – The UAE’s healthcare sector is also expanding, with the government investing heavily in new healthcare infrastructure and services. The UAE Global Hospitals Programme is set to build up to 10 new hospitals in the coming years to fill healthcare gaps and meet the needs of a growing population.

Dubai visa requirements

As already mentioned, if you plan to work in Dubai, it’s highly recommended that you find a job before you move, as you could benefit from generous relocation packages.

However, you can also enter the country as a tourist and search for jobs while you’re out there. Once hired, your employer will process your work visa by submitting required documents, including your passport, photographs, medical exam results, and signed contract, to the UAE Immigration Service.

A residence visa is valid for two years in the private sector and three years in the public sector, with the option for renewal. Holding a residence visa allows you to:

• Open a bank account
• Obtain a driving license
• Sponsor visa applications for immediate family members

Visa processing typically takes two to three weeks with employer sponsorship, but may take longer without it.

Once you receive your residence visa, you can sponsor visas for your family. Upon their arrival, they get an entry residence visa (usually free), and you have 30 days to obtain their residence stamp.

Dubai remote work visa

If you’re planning to work remotely, Dubai offers a remote work visa for those employed abroad or self-employed. This visa allows you to live in Dubai for up to a year, rent a home and enrol children in schools. However, you cannot work for a Dubai-based employer.

Visa costs in Dubai

The costs of obtaining a visa in Dubai can vary greatly depending on your employment status, the length of your stay and your age. If applying for a work visa, you may also have to pay for medical tests as part of the process.

Learn more about the different types of visas and apply through the official Government of Dubai portal.

Bank accounts and taxes for expats in Dubai

How do I pay taxes in Dubai?

To put it simply, you don’t! Well, kind of.

While you won’t have to pay income tax or capital gains tax on any money made in Dubai to the Dubai government, you may still be subject to foreign taxation laws from your home country. For instance, if you live in Dubai for less than one full tax year (e.g. six months), you may have to pay income tax to your home country. Read our full guide on taxes for expats before you move to Dubai.

Instead of income tax, Dubai extracts tax in other ways. You will need to pay council tax and rental tax, which will add to your cost of living. VAT is charged on all purchases, and tourists will also have to pay a special tax, including a departure tax – you’ll need to make visitors staying with you aware of these expenses.

How do I open a bank account in Dubai?

Opening a bank account in Dubai is not difficult and you should make it your number one priority when you arrive.

To open a bank account, you will need five things:

1. Your passport
2. Proof of employment
3. A no-objection letter from your employer stating your job role and salary
4. Proof of address
5. One form of local identification, such as an Emirates ID

All you need to do is visit a local branch or book an appointment online. Westerners will find a number of banks they are familiar with, including BNP Paribas, Natwest, Credit Agricole, Barclays, Citibank and HSBC. Existing customers of these banks may be able to transfer their account to Dubai without any hassle.

There are also a number of local banks that cater to the local population. These include a wide range of Islamic banks. The Islamic banking structure is quite different to what many Westerners might expect, and if you are a non-Muslim you may be prohibited from opening an account. If you are a non-Muslim, it’s usually best to go with a Western bank instead.

Healthcare in Dubai

Dubai’s healthcare system is well-developed, with both public and private medical facilities offering high-quality care. In 2024, the UAE’s Health Care Index stood at 70.6, with CEO World ranking the UAE healthcare system 17th best in the world.

Dubai’s healthcare system is divided into public and private sectors. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) manages government hospitals and clinics, where UAE nationals receive subsidised treatment. Expats can also access these services but must apply for a DHA health card to receive care at reduced rates. However, most expats prefer private healthcare due to the shorter waiting times and access to specialised treatments.

See the table below to get an idea of the average cost of healthcare in Dubai:

*Source: Northwest Clinic UAE

Do I need health insurance in Dubai?

Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all Dubai residents. In fact, you will not be able to renew your residency visa if you do not hold a valid health insurance policy.

If you’re taking up a job in Dubai, your employer must legally provide you with basic health insurance, however this cover is often limited and family health insurance plans may not be an option. Because of this, many expats in Dubai choose to invest in comprehensive international health insurance. This gives them access to a wider range of services, including dental, maternity, and specialist care. Given the high healthcare costs in Dubai, securing a robust health insurance plan is strongly recommended.

Education and school system in Dubai

Like other countries, Dubai has both a public and private education sector. The public education system is open to all residents, however, lessons will typically be taught in Arabic with English as a second language.

Furthermore, all public schools will be gender segregated, so if you have children of different genders, they will need to attend different schools.

For this reason, many expatriate families prefer to send their children to one of the 220+ international schools in Dubai.

International schools in Dubai

Dubai has a diverse range of private international schools catering to different curricula. Many schools follow the British education system, offering the National Curriculum of England, while others follow US, Indian, IB (International Baccalaureate), or UAE public school syllabus.

Many Dubai international schools also incorporate local curriculum requirements, giving students the opportunity to study Arabic, Islamic Studies, or UAE Social Studies.

School tuition fees vary depending on facilities, and teaching styles, so be sure to do your research and visit potential schools before enrolling your child.

Higher education in Dubai

Dubai is home to a number of rising universities, but as of 2025 none rank among the world’s top 200. Notable universities include Zayed University (#351 in the Times Higher Education World Rankings 2025), American University in Dubai (#601-610 in QS World Rankings 2025), and the University of Sharjah (#434 in QS World Rankings 2025).

Many of Dubai’s universities are international branch campuses which offer globally recognised degrees. These include Heriot-Watt University Dubai (branch of Heriot-Watt University, UK), University of Wollongong Dubai (branch of the University of Wollongong, Australia) and BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus (branch of Birla Institute of Technology and Science, India),

Be prepared if you’re thinking of moving abroad

Whenever you decide to move, make sure you have the confidence of international health insurance to keep you and your family healthy. At William Russell, we’ve been providing worldwide health cover for over 30 years, helping expats and their families to settle into their new homes abroad.

Speak to us today to find out more about how international health insurance could support you.