The reasons for moving to another country or city may be quite different, depending on the person and at what stage their career or personal life is at. People move to Dubai to start a business, get a job, go to university or buy real estate, but regardless of the purpose of the move, the first step is to gather information in order to understand what living in a new location looks like. We have prepared a list of 20 top reasons to move to Dubai that will help you to learn more about the emirate’s local rules, economy, the standard of living and its famous landmarks.

20 reasons to move to Dubai

Dubai is the financial, commercial and tourist center of the UAE. The city, which is located on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, attracts tourists all year round due to iconic attractions and world-class entertainment. The emirate also appeals to investors due to favorable conditions in terms of business, an advantageous tax system and a large selection of investment opportunities.

Convenient location

The advantageous location of Dubai and the UAE as a whole is midway between  Africa, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Access to the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal contributes to the active development of international trade in the country. Its favorable geographical location, accessibility and warm climate make Dubai one of the best places in the world for tourism and living.

Strong economy

Dubai has one of the best leading economies in the world. Over the past thirty years, there has been an increase in Dubai’s GDP around eleven times. The most important factor of the city’s rapid economic growth is the development of their trade, tourism and real estate sectors. A strong economy is the guarantor of a high standard of living for residents. For example, Dubai takes the 6th position in the top 10 cities in the world in 2021, according to the Resonance Consultancy research company. It’s worth noting that in compiling the rankings, cities are not just considered in terms of the best place to live, work or visit, but take a more holistic approach based on a wide range of factors that show a positive correlation with attracting employment, investment and/or visitors. The emirate’s government seeks to develop non-oil sectors in order to diversify the economy and create new working places, attracting a larger percentage of foreign citizens and investors. Significant growth is seen in sectors such as tourism, hotels, retail, aviation and real estate. Another factor for strengthening Dubai’s economy will be the international exhibition; EXPO 2020, planned from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022. The exhibition is expected to attract more than 25 million tourists from all over the world. Dubai’s economy has remained resilient even amid the coronavirus pandemic, and all the measures taken by the government have contributed to an increase in foreign investment as well as the number of tourists. According to the Dubai Land Department’s Real Estate Bulletin, Q1 2021 saw a 27% increase in real estate transactions compared to the same period in 2020. In addition, Dubai had the highest hotel occupancy rate in the world in March 2021. STR’s latest report showed that Dubai’s hotel occupancy rate rose to more than 60% in early spring.

Dubai is a global business hub

Dubai’s economy is based on e-commerce, tourism, oil extraction, financial services and miscellaneous manufacturing. The city has several free trade zones which create a thriving market. These zones provide tax incentives for the financial services, media, healthcare, education, logistics, and textile industries, providing a perfect environment to set up a business. Dubai is home to many offices of international companies such as Emirates Airlines, Microsoft, Sony, Procter & Gamble, Adidas, Nokia and BBC World among others, which attract professionals from all over the world to relocate.

Сomplete absence of income tax

Dubai has no hike tax, stamp duty, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax. The standard VAT rate for supplies of goods and services in Dubai is 5%, but in some spheres of activity, a zero tax rate applies. These spheres include education, healthcare, residential real estate, international transportation services, construction, exports, investments in precious materials and some food industries. The UAE free economic zones offer a tax exemption regime, including corporate income, tax on interest income and dividends. Entrepreneurs and investors can apply for a UAE tax residency certificate in order to get all the benefits and advantages of the emirate’s system, as well as to obtain an exemption from double taxation.

Constantly developing real estate market

Every year, more new residential and commercial buildings are built in Dubai. Foreign investors and residents have a large selection of properties to choose from; townhouses, villas, penthouses, apartments and duplexes. According to the Land Department of Dubai, in March 2021 there was a record number of sales for the purchase of apartments and villas to the amount of AED 10.93 billion, USD 2.9 billion. The total number of transactions was 4,643. The most popular areas for villas and townhouses sales in Dubai are Mohammed bin Rashid City, Tilal Al Ghaf, Dubai Hills Estate, Nad Al Sheba and Rukan. The most popular areas for apartment sales include Business Bay, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Village Circle, Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Palm Jumeirah.

Low cost of petrol

The cost of petrol in Dubai is much lower than in other cities and countries around the world, considering the high standard of living in the UAE. This is due to different taxes and subsidies on petrol, oil production and exports. The average price of gasoline in Dubai from March to June 2021 is AED 2.11, USD 0.57. The global average gasoline price for the same period is AED 5.65, USD 1.54. Residents can both buy and rent a car without much difficulty and at a significantly less cost anywhere else in the world. For this purpose, it is enough to have an international driving license and either transfer to a UAE license (from specific listed countries only) or pass an official driving test.

High level of security

The government of the UAE is actively investing in modern technology and police services to ensure a high level of security both in its cities and on the highways. Dubai is a leader in the world rankings of cities in terms of the safety of its residence. For example, according to the Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index 2019, Dubai was ranked first among the most visited cities in the world. Another reason for the high level of security in Dubai is the strict legislation. Breaking the law is unacceptable in the region as the government provides severe penalties which include significant monetary fines and/or imprisonment.

No restriction on cohabitation for unmarried couples

The government of the UAE has relaxed some legal provisions and now allows cohabitation of men and women before marriage or living together in an unrelated relationship and is no longer considered a crime. Such a decision was made in 2020, indicating a loyal attitude to the tourist segment of the population, as well as to those who are planning to relocate in the future. Now, unmarried couples living together in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates will be able to do so without fear of police intervention. But no one has overlooked the penalties for inappropriate behavior in public, so we advise you to familiarize yourself in advance with all the nuances of how to behave in Dubai.

Permits to purchase alcohol have been abolished

On November 8, 2020, a major package of amendments to UAE laws came into force, affecting the rules for drinking and buying alcohol throughout the state. Previously, police used to issue fines for drinking alcohol without a license, usually 600 dirhams, however, 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 alcohol licenses (black and gold) were introduced for residents in Dubai to replace the old (red) licenses and now cost AED 270. As for tourists, they can buy alcohol with a special tourist license, which can be issued in their passports. Curiously, salespeople often do not inform tourists about this option. The system of tourist licenses has been in place in Dubai since July 2019, but in this case, there is an important nuance –  tourist licenses are only valid for 30 days. Alcohol can also be stored and sold without a license in permitted public places. However, customers must be at least 21 years old, and drinking alcohol is only allowed at home, in a hotel, or in permitted public places (clubs, bars). But reselling alcohol, driving a car while intoxicated, or appearing drunk on the street remain permanently punishable and forbidden.

High level of medical care

The United Arab Emirates’ health care 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 in other cities and emirates of the UAE due to access to the latest medical technology and developed infrastructure as well as having some of the best highly trained medical professionals from around the world. In addition, the government makes efforts to ensure that medical facilities are built as close to residential areas as possible. It is important to remember about compulsory health insurance when you move to Dubai, this is generally covered to some degree by your employer. Residents can receive medical care only with full medical insurance coverage or on a fee-for-service basis, which includes payment by cash, credit card, or health insurance. Medical care for emergencies is free of charge.

Education system

Dubai has all the necessary facilities for expats, including international schools with British and American curricula. The UAE Ministry of Education conducts regular inspections of educational institutions to improve the quality of education in the country. There are also 26 branches of international universities from twelve different countries in Dubai. The language of teaching at all universities is English. After graduating from any local university, it is easy for a student to find a graduate job within the UAE or in any other country because the UAE diploma is recognised all over the world.

English is widely spoken

Arabic is the official language of Dubai and English is the main foreign language. English is widely used in business and international communication. According to the UN, expats make up 90% of the population of Dubai with many residents from various countries, including the UK and the US, making English-speaking expats feel comfortable enough to move to Dubai. For the convenience of non-native residents, road signs, websites, information boards, store signs, cafe and restaurant menus are available in two languages: Arabic and English. In educational institutions, the emphasis is on learning both languages. The knowledge of Arabic is not required for work in Dubai but knowledge of English is mandatory.

To get a residency visa is easy

The Dubai government offers resident and investor visas for company employees, businessmen and property owners. These visas allow residence in the country for two to ten years. You will need only your identity documents for the registration of a resident or investor visa. Visa processing time is one to two weeks depending on your nationality and which visa service you decide to use. Resident visas can be extended many times and can apply to family members of the recipient. There are also several available residency visas in Dubai: retirement visa, student visas and freelance visas. It is also worth mentioning that thanks to the new amendments to the Citizenship Law UAE which 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 certain categories of professionals with outstanding merit and contribution to the country at the highest level. Thanks to these changes, Dubai is expected to attract and retain even more outstanding talents to the Emirate.

Favorable conditions for employees

Since most of Dubai’s population are migrant workers, the government has developed special legislation for them. When hiring in Dubai, the employer must apply to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development for a three-year resident visa and an electronic labor card for the employee with the employee’s contract digitally stored in a government database. Jobs with good prospects for foreign workers include aviation employees, real estate managers, construction and automotive sales managers, IT specialists, doctors and scientists in all sectors. In terms of income levels, the highest salaries are for natives, while for residents it can range from AED 600 to AED 130,000 per month.

Developed public transport

Dubai is the only city in the UAE that has a metro system. It is also one of the youngest in the world and one of the attractions of the Emirate. The metro system is unique in its own way and is divided into sections (classes), so the cost depends on the level of comfort and how far you choose to travel. There are also separate cars for women and children with a free fare for children under the age of five.. The city has a large number of bus routes with new buses and bus stops equipped with air conditioning. Another popular mode of transportation in Dubai is land and water taxis as well as bicycles.

Recreation and entertainment

There are a large number of theme parks, playgrounds and interactive centers in Dubai which are perfect for relaxing with friends or with the whole family. The most popular attractions include Dubai Parks and Resorts, OliOli interactive center, Dolphin Bay, IMG Worlds of Adventure theme park, Ski Dubai indoor ski resort, Dubai Miracle Garden, Bounce Dubai trampoline park and Aventura extreme theme park. Dubai is also the best place for water sports such as diving, yachting, surfing and water skiing. The coastline of the city, which is more than 30 miles long, is perfectly suited for such activities. There are special dive centers in Dubai like Nemo Watersports, Surf House and The Dive Centre, here visitors can rent equipment and sign up for classes if they are beginners.

Many world-class buildings are located here

Dubai has a large concentration of world-famous landmarks. These include the Burj Khalifa, a 2,716-foot skyscraper that is the tallest structure in the world. It is also the only 163-story skyscraper in the world. There are two observation decks in the building: the At the Top observation deck on the 124th and 125th floors and the world’s tallest observation deck on the 148th floor. The famous panoramic Atmosphere restaurant is also located here where you can indulge in a sumptuous afternoon tea overlooking the whole of Dubai. The second tallest residential building in the world is Princess Tower at 1,358 feet and is situated in Dubai Marina. The next tallest tower in the world, located in Dubai Creek Harbour, is still under construction. Dubai Creek Tower will have a height of 3,044 feet tall and will have restaurants, stores, observation decks and a hotel. The list of attractions and famous landmarks goes on, just like the potential of the city itself.

The best place for shopping

Dubai’s shopping malls are definitely worth a visit as they are a shoppers paradise and are like a whole separate type of attraction with a concentration of restaurants, cafes, some of the worlds most well-known luxury branded clothing stores, entertainment areas, and sometimes waterfalls up to 65 ft in height. For example, Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world, located next to the famous Burj Khalifa skyscraper. Here there are 1,350 stores and counting, and more than 200 different restaurants and cafes. The mall contains stores of world-renowned brands including Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Versace, Chanel, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Hermes and many others. The huge Dubai Mall offers attractions such as DubaiAquarium & Underwater Zoo, VR Park, KidZania, DubaiIceRink, DubaiDino and the famous Waterfall. Other popular locations include Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, Emirates Mall, Wafi Shopping Mall, Gold & Diamond Park, Al Bustan Centre and Al Maydan Shopping Centre.

Diverse cuisine

Dubai is home to representatives of different nationalities, so you can find a huge variety of cuisine here; Japanese, French, Italian, Iranian, Indian, Chinese, Korean, Arabic, English and so on. Dubai offers a great choice of restaurants with some of the best restaurants in the world situated in key locations around the city, each with its own twist. For example, the French restaurant Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire has an extravagant boudoir style design and offers an exquisite menu. One of the best Italian restaurants in the city, Bussola is on the beach at The Westin in Dubai Marina. And the popular Tomo restaurant offers traditional Japanese cuisine in the famous Raffles hotel. There are also annual food fairs and festivals and other interesting entertainment all year round.

The happiness and well-being of citizens are among the top priorities for the UAE

In 2016, the government of Dubai established a Minister of Happiness. The job of the Minister is to propose reforms across government services to ensure a happy and comfortable life for Dubai’s citizens. The Minister of Happiness is an intermediary between government and citizens, who listens to the people’s requests and brings them to the attention of the government. For example, the first happiness park – Al Saada Park – was opened within the Dubai Ladies Club. The park is divided into three areas: “Energy Zone”, “Education Zone” and “Fun Zone”. Exercise equipment located within the park converts kinetic energy into electrical energy in order to reduce energy consumption. According to the UAE Minister of Happiness, this park will not only increase the citizens’ level of happiness but also serve as an initiative to promote the role of women in the development of the country.

Summary

<ol><li aria-level="1">Dubai is like the whole world in one city.</li><li aria-level="1">Every fourth resident of Dubai is an expat.</li><li aria-level="1">Residents do not pay income tax.</li><li aria-level="1">English is the main foreign-speaking language in Dubai.</li><li aria-level="1">The UAE government has a Minister of happiness and a Minister of religious tolerance.</li></ol>