Recently, Dubai and the United Arab Emirates have been in the spotlight as many celebrities and influencers have moved there during the coronavirus lockdown. They include Towie stars Yazmin Oukhellou and James Lock as well as Love Island’s Ellie Brown.
Nothing new – there is a long history of celebrities living in Dubai, from the Beckhams to Madonna. But it’s not just the rich and famous – many others are also choosing to move to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.
When you think of Dubai, what images come to mind: glittering skyscrapers, picturesque beaches, wealthy muslims?None of this is too far from the truth and the UAE is increasingly becoming a hotbed for expats looking to move somewhere where they can succeed not only professionally but also personally.
Whether you’re looking to move to Dubai, Abu Dhabi or one of the lesser-known Emirates, it all offers many advantages.
Reasons for moving to another country or city can be quite different, depending on each person and their career or personal life stage. People move to Dubai to start a business, find a job, attend college or buy property, but whatever the purpose of moving, the first step is to gather information to understand what life is like. in a new location. We’ve prepared a list of the top 20 reasons to move to Dubai to help you learn more about the emirate’s local rules, economy, standard of living and famous landmarks.
20 Things to Know Before You Move to the Dubai
Dubai is the financial, commercial and tourism hub of the UAE. The city, located on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, attracts tourists year-round thanks to its iconic attractions and world-class entertainment. The emirate also attracts investors thanks to its favorable business conditions, favorable tax system and wide selection of investment opportunities.
1.Freeze On Government Fees
In February this year, the UAE agreed to freeze federal taxes for the next three years, a decision supported by Emirati residents.
The decision comes amid the introduction of 5% VAT earlier this year, aimed at boosting UAE revenues amid low oil prices. The tax freeze is the perfect counterbalance to encourage the UAE’s continued competitiveness despite recent tax changes.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum said of this decision: “We have decided not to increase federal taxes for the next three years in order to improve the economic and social stability of the state. It will also support our industrial and commercial sector and attract more foreign investment.
This notion of stability is important. The UAE typically drives around 70% of its revenue from taxes such as transport, parking, real estate or business licenses: this decision gives investors and anyone living in the UAE peace of mind that the cost of living and doing business will not increase.
These developments make the UAE very competitive with its international peers, especially when there are uncertainties in other areas.
2. Economic Stimulus Package In Dubai And Abu Dhabi
In April this year, Dubai announced a major stimulus package to make the Emirates more attractive to investors by reducing the cost of doing business.
Notable inclusions include the introduction of a board to represent the interests of multinational companies operating in Dubai and a commitment to allocate 20% of government contracts to SMEs. There are also measures like exemption from fines and fees for businesses, new payment options to spread the cost of doing business and legal reviews to make overseas property investments more attractive.
If you are considering moving to Dubai, there is no better time than now as the government has demonstrated its full commitment to foreign investment and economic growth.
Abu Dhabi recently joined them, announcing a Dh50 billion stimulus package aimed at boosting economic growth and diversifying the economy.Measures include, as in Dubai, the establishment of a council to attract and support investment and license changes that will make doing business much easier.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, said on Twitter: “New economic initiatives and incentives include business facilitation, support for new sectors, SME development, promotion of tourism, local economy development and the Creating jobs to create a unique investment environment that makes Abu Dhabi more competitive.
In both emirates it is becoming easier to do business: bureaucracy is minimized and costs are relocated. Running a business is now very lucrative, especially in the World of SMEs time to move.
3. Convenient Location
The favorable location of Dubai and the UAE in general lies between Africa, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Access to the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal contributes to the active development of the country’s international trade. Its favorable geography, accessibility and warm climate make Dubai one of the best places in the world to travel and live.
4. Strong Economy
Dubai has one of the best leading economies in the world. In the last thirty years, Dubai’s GDP has increased about tenfold. The main factor behind the city’s rapid economic growth is the development of trade, tourism and real estate. A strong economy ensures a high standard of living for the residents. For example, Dubai will rank sixth among the top 10 cities in the world in 2021, according to research firm Resonance Consultancy
It’s worth noting that cities not only consider the best place to live, work or visit when ranking, but take a more holistic approach based on a variety of factors that show a positive correlation with the city’s attractiveness. and/or visitors.
The emirate’s government aims to develop the non-oil sectors in order to diversify the economy and create new jobs, thereby attracting a larger share of foreigners and investors. Significant growth can be seen in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, retail, aviation and real estate. Another factor that will boost Dubai’s economy will be its international presence; EXPO 2020 scheduled from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. The exhibition is expected to attract over 25 million
visitors from around the world.
Dubai’s economy has remained resilient even during the coronavirus pandemic and all measures taken by the government have contributed to the surge in foreign investment and tourist numbers.
According to Dubai Land Department’s Real Estate Bulletin, the number of real estate transactions increased by 27% in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. In addition, Dubai recorded the highest occupancy rate in the world in March 2021. The latest STR report showed hotel occupancy in Dubai hit over 60% in the spring.
5. Dubai Is An International Transport Hub
Dubai’s international population needs a large airport and diverse transport links. The international airport is the third busiest airport in the world in terms of passenger traffic, with flights to almost all tourist destinations just 5-6 hours away, and is therefore often a stopover point for long-haul travelers.
You can vacation in Greece or Goa and it won’t cost too much or take too much time. The Far East is also within reach and you are already halfway to Australia. The possibilities are endless!
6. Safety Is Paramount
Feeling safe is important when moving to a new country and culture. The good news is that Dubai is the safest place in the Middle East for both tourists and locals. Due to its strict laws, crime is virtually non-existent – and where it does exist, it is mostly a psychological strain.
You can live in the UAE without worrying about your personal safety beyond common sense. 42% of the population of Dubai Central Prison go there for non-payment of debts, a number of civilian prisoners you just won’t find anywhere else.
7. Сomplete Absence Of Income Tax
Dubai has no higher taxes, stamp duties, capital gains taxes or inheritance taxes. The standard VAT rate for supplies of goods and services in Dubai is 5%, however some businesses have a zero rate. These areas include education, healthcare, residential real estate, international transportation services, construction, exports, investments in valuable materials, and some food industries.
The UAE Free Zones offer a system of tax exemptions including corporate income tax, interest tax and dividend income. Business owners and investors can apply for the UAE Tax Residency Certificate to enjoy all the advantages and benefits of the UAE system and benefit from double tax relief.
8. Constantly Developing Real Estate Market
More and more new residential and commercial buildings are being built in Dubai every year. Foreign investors and residents have a huge selection of properties to choose from; Townhouses, villas, penthouses, apartments and semi-detached houses. According to the Dubai Land Department, March 2021 saw a record number of sales for the purchase of apartments and villas worth AED 10.93 billion or USD 2.9 billion.The total number of transactions was 4,643,.
The most popular areas for Dubai villas and townhouses for sale are Mohammed bin Rashid City, Tilal Al Ghaf, Dubai Hills Estate, Nad Al Sheba and Rukan. The most popular sales areas for apartments are Business Bay, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Village Circle, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Palm Jumeirah.
9. Low Cost Of Petrol
Given the high standard of living in the UAE, the cost of petrol in Dubai is much lower than other cities and countries around the world. This is due to various taxes and subsidies on gasoline, oil production and exports. The average price of petrol in Dubai from March to June 2021 is AED 2.11, USD 0.57.The world average price of gasoline over the same period is AED5.65, $1.54. Residents can easily buy and rent a car anywhere in the world and at a much lower cost. All you need to do is hold an international driver’s license and convert it to a UAE driver’s license (only for some of the listed countries) or pass an official driving test.
10. Permits To Purchase Alcohol Have Been Abolished
On November 8, 2020, a number of significant legislative changes came into effect in the UAE, affecting regulations on the consumption and purchase of alcohol across the state. Police used to issue fines for illicit drinkers, usually 600 dirhams, but this has now been abolished at the federal level. But despite the seemingly good news, Dubai has its own alcohol laws.
In September 2020 new liquor licenses (black and gold) were introduced for Dubai residents to replace the old ones (red) and now cost AED270. Tourists, in turn, can buy alcohol on the basis of a special tourism license, which can be issued in the passport.Interestingly, vendors often do not inform tourists about this possibility. The tourist license system has been in operation in Dubai since July 2019, but in this case there is an important nuance – tourist licenses are valid for only 30 days.
Alcohol can also be stored and sold in authorized public places without a license. However, customers must be over 21 years old and consumption of alcohol is only allowed at home, hotels or authorized public places (clubs, bars). But reselling alcohol, driving under the influence of alcohol, or appearing on the road intoxicated remain criminal offenses and are permanently banned.
11. High Level Of Medical Care
The UAE’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world. The medical system is overseen by the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the DHA (Dubai Healthcare Authority). In Dubai, 84% of medical facilities are private and 16% are public. The level of medical care in Dubai is much higher than other UAE cities and emirates as it has access to the most modern medical technology and developed infrastructure as well as some of the most qualified doctors from around the world. In addition, the government is making every effort to ensure that medical facilities are built as close to residential areas as possible.
It is important to remember when moving to Dubai that you have compulsory health insurance, part of which is usually covered by your employer. Residents may only receive medical care with full medical insurance or on a paid basis, which includes payment by cash, credit card, or medical insurance. Emergency medical care is free.
12. Education System
Dubai has everything an expat needs, including international schools with British and American curricula. The UAE Ministry of Education inspects educational institutions on a regular basis in order to improve the country’s educational quality.
In Dubai, there are also 26 international university branches from twelve different countries. English is the language of instruction at all universities. After graduating from any local university, a student can easily find a graduate job within the UAE or in any other country because the UAE diploma is recognised worldwide.
13. English Is Widely Spoken
Dubai’s primary foreign language is English, while Arabic is the city’s formal tongue. In business and international communication, English is extensively used. The majority of people in Dubai, or 90%, are foreigners, according to the UN. Since Dubai has many inhabitants from different nations, including the UK and the US, English-speaking expats often feel at home there.
Road signs, websites, information boards, shop signs, and cafe and restaurant menus are all available in Arabic and English for the ease of visitors. It is prioritised in educational institutions to acquire both languages. While English proficiency is needed for employment in Dubai, knowledge of Arabic is not.
14. Shipping Is Cheap And Easy.
With so many British expats moving to and from the UAE, it’s comforting to know that shipping personal belongings is simple and inexpensive.
This means you can bring your home comforts with you to help you settle into your new expat life, and you can return with all of your Arabian souvenirs and Dubai shopping.
And shipping your personal belongings is certainly something to think about. As one HSBC Expat Explorer respondent advised, “ship as many of your belongings as you need – it may seem expensive, but some basic things that are relatively cheap in the UK can be difficult to find.” The effort and extra cost outweigh the shipping costs.”
15. To Get A Residency Visa Is Easy
The Government of Dubai offers residency and investment visas for corporate employees, business people and property owners. These visas allow you to stay in the country for between two and ten years. Only ID documents are required for resident or investor visa registration. The visa processing time is one to two weeks depending on your nationality and the visa service you have chosen. Residence visas can be extended multiple times and applied for for family members of the recipient.There are also various types of Dubai resident visas available: retirement visa, student visa and independent visa.
It is also worth noting that thanks to the new amendments to the UAE Citizenship Law that came into force in January 2021, it is now possible to obtain UAE citizenship and a local passport in Dubai. This has become possible for some categories of professionals with outstanding merits and merits for the country at the highest level. With these changes, Dubai is expected to attract and retain even more outstanding talent in the emirate.
16. Favorable conditions for employees
Since migrant workers make up the majority of Dubai’s population, the government has created special laws for them. When hiring someone in Dubai, the employer must submit an application to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development for the employee’s three-year resident visa as well as an electronic labour card with a digital copy of the contract kept in a government database.
Jobs with promising futures for foreign workers include those in aviation, real estate, construction, and automotive sales, as well as IT experts, physicians, and scientists across all fields.
The highest income levels go to natives, while resident salaries can vary from AED 600 to AED 130,000 per month.
17. Developed Public Transport
The metro system in Dubai is the only one in the UAE. It is also one of the world’s youngest and one of the Emirate’s main attractions. The metro system is unique in that it is divided into sections (classes), so the cost is determined by the level of comfort and the distance travelled. There are also separate cars for women and children, with children under the age of five riding free.
The city has a large number of bus routes with new buses and air-conditioned bus stops. Land and water taxis, as well as bicycles, are popular modes of transportation in Dubai.
18. Recreation And Entertainment
In Dubai, there are many amusement parks, playgrounds, and interactive attractions that are ideal for unwinding with friends or the whole family. Dubai Parks and Resorts, OliOli Interactive Center, Dolphin Bay, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Ski Dubai indoor ski resort, Dubai Miracle Garden, Bounce Dubai trampoline park, and Aventura extreme theme park are some of the most well-liked sites.
The best location for water activities like diving, yachting, surfing, and water skiing is Dubai. Such activities are ideally suited to the city’s more than 30-mile-long coastline. In Dubai, there are specialised dive shops like Nemo Watersports, Surf House, and The Dive Centre where tourists can hire gear and enrol in lessons if they so choose.
19. Dubai And The UAE Are Very Child And Family Friendly
Many expats choose to relocate with their families, so there are numerous facilities and activities to keep them entertained. Indoor and outdoor activities abound, with everything from Kite Beach to ice rinks, trampoline parks, and clubs.
You’ll also be spoiled for choice when it comes to quality theme parks, with Legoland, IMG Worlds of Adventure, OliOli, Aquaventure Waterpark, and KidZania all within easy reach.
You can even water slide through a shark pool!
20. Diverse Cuisine
Dubai is home to a wide variety of nationalities, so there is a wide range of cuisines here; Japanese, French, Italian, Iranian, Indian, Chinese, Korean, Arabic, English and so on. Dubai offers a wide variety of restaurants, including some of the best in the world, located in key locations around the city, each with their own unique character. Pierre Gagnaire’s Reflets French restaurant, for example, has extravagant boudoir-style decor and an exquisite menu. Bussola, one of the top
Italian restaurants in the city are located on Westin Beach in Dubai Marina. And the famous Tomo Restaurant in the famous Raffles Hotel offers traditional Japanese cuisine.There are also annual food markets and festivals and other exciting entertainment throughout the year.
So there are several reasons why expats continue to choose Dubai and the UAE as their new home, but we could certainly move on. Repeatedly a favorite of expats in lists and polls year after year, Dubai offers a unique opportunity for those looking to start a new life.
Over 80% of the people in the Emirates are believed to be foreigners, so there is an unmatched feeling of belonging among those who have moved there. They also maintain a great relationship with the native Emiratis, who have enthusiastically embraced the changes their home country has undergone (and is still seeing).
