What Life Is Like In Dubai

Living The Expatriate Life In Dubai

The allure of the expatriate lifestyle—leaving your home country and living among other international expatriates—is a romantic notion for someone with wanderlust. Dubai has come to stand in for a great deal of ideas when it comes to travel, relocating, and being a digital nomad. What is it really like to stay long-term in a place such as Dubai?

Where Is Dubai?

So, what is Dubai and why do we hear so much of it? For starters, it’s the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, one of the seven emirates of the UAE. In 2024 the population of Dubai was 3.79 million and over 90% of that population was made up of expatriates.

Expedition 22, Wikimedia Commons

History Of Dubai

A city in the desert—the UAE is all desert—Dubai became an important port in the early 20th century. Its location provided the opportunity to develop into an international trade hub. The development of Dubai was accelerated with the wealth from oil production, which sustains all of the UAE, but Dubai’s wealth is now primarily due to tourism, aviation, real estate, and the financial industry.

Kimon Berlin, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Sources Of Wealth

With low taxes, financial secrecy, and some of the most valuable real estate in the world, Dubai has become a financial center for dark money. Crime syndicates and money laundering are a large aspect of the city’s wealth.

World Economic Forum, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Dubai’s Image

However, Dubai’s image is mostly due to tourism, with the second-most five-star hotels in the world after London. Dubai is also famous for the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, which is 2,717 feet tall (163 stories). Dubai ranks as the seventh most-visited city in the world.

Aleksandar Pasaric, Pexels

Expatriates

The expatriate tradition goes back at least 100 years, when rail travel and advances in ship technology made traveling faster and cheaper. With a generation affected by the horrors of WWI, getting away and staying away became desirable. Where expats would go would shift from generation to generation—from Paris in the 1920s, to the Hippie Trail of the 1950s-1970s, running from Europe through the Middle East to South Asia in countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Thailand.

Noor Ali, Wikimedia Commons

The Arabian Peninsula

The Arabian Peninsula was not seen as a destination for tourists or long-term travelers, often because of the restrictive social conditions in the Islamic nations. As oil became an increasing source of unprecedented wealth, some nations such as the newly independent United Arab Emirates began development to appeal to mostly Western travelers.

Copernicus Sentinel data, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

A Financial Hub

Because of its location as a port city with an already international outlook, Dubai grew as an important financial hub. As tourism became more important, Dubai developed that industry to appeal to Western visitors.

Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

A Tourist Destination

With the allure of living overseas, the unprecedented opportunities for wealth, and the year-round sunny climate, Dubai has emerged as one of the important tourist and expat destinations. The standard of living is comparable to those in the West, although this should be understood to mean only the citizens of the UAE and Western travelers, not the foreign workers who make up the majority of the labor force.

giggel, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Luxuries

One crucial aspect of living in Dubai as a Westerner is the mix of luxurious amenities based on Western lifestyles and the more traditional Arabic culture. Tourists staying at hotels and resorts are often not aware of this aspect of life in Dubai, which, it must be stressed, is part of a restrictive and undemocratic monarchy.

Sergio Boscaino, CC BY 2.0, Wikipedia

A Multicultural City

With only 10% of the population being Emeriti citizens, the majority of the residents are Western expatriates and migrant foreign workers. This makes for a multicultural city but there is also an imbalance when it comes to wealth, benefits, and human rights. This last aspect is often something that is overlooked in the scramble for wealth and the market-driven hype used to promote Dubai as a destination for tourists and international business.

D Saurav, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

A High Standard Of Living

Dubai is seen as a safe city, known for its cleanliness, and a high standard of living. Situated on the coast, there are many public beaches and outside the urban landscape of the city, lies the desert. Dubai is renowned for its hotels and restaurants and has a nightlife comparable to Western cities and quite different from other Arab cities. Dubai has an openness that is unique for the region.

Davide Mauro, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Emeriti Citizens

That openness, however, is somewhat qualified. Dubai has embraced international tourism and, as such, offers amenities that Westerners are used to. These same amenities are often not available for Emeriti citizens and definitely not open to foreign workers.

Jaguar MENA, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

English Is Everywhere

English is widely spoken in Dubai and is the lingua franca of the tourism industry as well as other international industries in the city. Most Emeriti citizens speak English as a second language and among the tourists and expats, English is the common tongue. Anyone working in frontline service will also speak English to varying degrees.

Ashim D’Silva randomlies, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

The Climate

One of the main draws of visiting or moving to Dubai is the climate. The UAE is a desert and the climate is hot and sunny year-round—over 300 days a year are sunny. As a desert, the climate is dry and Dubai, being on the stable Persian Gulf, is protected from tsunamis and there is little seismic activity in the region.

Ankur Panchbudhe, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Temperatures

The climate is seen as comfortable from October to May, with temperatures ranging between 68°F to 86°F. The location of the Persian Gulf also regulates the desert heat, making Dubai tolerable for those from colder climates. Much of the lifestyle of Dubai is outdoors based, from alfresco dining, outdoor luxury sports such as golf and tennis, and Dubai’s beaches.

Ethan Wilkinson, Pexels

The Economy

One of the main draws for long-term residents is the economy and job market. As the main financial sector for the region, many international corporations maintain regional offices in Dubai. In other sectors such as technology, hospitality, retail, and construction, Dubai remains the key location in the Arab region.

Imre Solt, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Job Opportunities

This translates to job opportunities for highly skilled and well-educated Westerners. Dubai remains a key choice for people looking for second careers or those trying to establish themselves out of school. The strategic location of Dubai as a major center of commerce means access to high-level jobs in many sectors.

Ubahnverleih, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

Oil Money

With money from oil production, the UAE does not have an income tax. Emeriti citizens have a high standard of living due to the wealth generated from oil, although very little of that money is responsible for Dubai’s wealth, which is more from tourism and other global business ventures. For expatriates, the lack of income tax is a huge draw.

Jpbowen, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

International Corporations

The corporate tax rate is mostly free as well, making Dubai attractive for international corporations. With regional offices in Dubai, international corporations can offer high salaries and benefits which in turn draw a large international workforce.

Skv282, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Education

Dubai has a number of international schools that are rated highly. They mostly follow the British school system and the standards are top-tier. There is a cost for non-citizens and the tuition can be high.

Jynorkh, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Nightlife

Dubai is somewhat different from other cities in the region in that there is a significant social scene and nightlife. For sports, restaurants and clubs, there are many available throughout the city. These tend to be for foreign nationals only as the social lives of your average Emirati are more restricted.

Richard N Horne, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Restaurants

Dubai has become a destination for top-level chefs to open restaurants. There are currently 19 Michelin-star restaurants in Dubai, compared to 22 in Los Angeles, 19 in Chicago, and 16 in Toronto.

Peter Dowley, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Clubs And Bars

The club and bar scene is surprisingly active, given the location of Dubai in the Arab region. Again, these businesses cater almost exclusively to Western tourists and expats.

Marco Becerra, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Travel Hub

Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. Dubai’s central location between Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it a strategic location for businesses. Most major cities offer flights to Dubai.

Raihan S.R. Bakhsh, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Central Location

Another attraction for living in Dubai is its access to other centers. Its closeness to Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean region make it feel less isolating being in Dubai. Being a tourist destination in itself makes Dubai a lively city compared to other Arab cities.

EditQ, Wikipedia

Getting Around Dubai

With English being so widely spoken, it’s easy to get around Dubai with signs, menus, and official documents being readily available in English. If you own a car, gas is cheap in Dubai, as are taxi fares. Public transportation has never been a priority for the government and city planners although this has been addressed with plans for expanding and improving public transportation.

Rob Dammers, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Infrastructure

Dubai is seen as luxurious and with a high standard of living. The infrastructure is advanced, the city is clean and has a very low crime rate. This is due to strict laws and strict enforcement of those laws, which may be shocking to Western visitors who hold civil liberties as sacred.

Iwona Rege, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Housing

Housing is ample and homelessness is relatively rare compared to Western cities. Again, this has more to do with authoritarian law enforcement. As long as they remain in the areas dominated by Western visitors, people from the West generally feel safe in Dubai.

Phil6007, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Laws

The United Arab Emirates is a majority Muslim nation and enforces civil law in most instances while sharia law is narrowly used in domestic situations among Emirati citizens. Tolerance for other religions is fairly high in Dubai itself given the large international population.

yeowatzup, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Other Aspects Of The Legal System

Laws can be restrictive in the UAE. Capital punishment does exist but it is rarely carried out, compared to other Arab nations such as Saudi Arabia. Otherwise, much of the legal system is based on Islamic law and that means cohabitation by unmarried couples is technically illegal, although it’s not enforced among international residents.

Mahakmittal061, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Permits And Visas

One crucial aspect of life in Dubai is the bureaucracy that is embedded in the culture. To get a job, drive a car, and purchase alcohol, a permit or license is required and the processes for permits are time-consuming and can be overwhelming to outsiders. To live in Dubai, a residence visa is required, as well as some sort of sponsorship from a current resident.

Francisco Anzola, CC BY 2.0, Wikipedia

The Emirates ID

That license is separate from the Emirates ID, a requirement for all residents and necessary for any dealings with the government. This is also separate from any visas required to enter the country for short or long-term visits.

Jens Cederskjold, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Cost Of Living

Dubai has a high standard of living but is also very expensive. Even with no income tax, rent is prohibitive. For non-citizens, healthcare is also expensive, as are everyday goods and services. Given the desert climate, most goods need to be imported into the UAE.

EditQ, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

Restrictions

The most striking thing to Westerners will be the restrictions on place, even for foreigners. Media is highly controlled by the government, including the internet, with many common websites blocked. Given the Islamic traditions in the region, other restrictions are in place which may impact Westerners.

Andrew Palmer ampalmer, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

Modesty

Modesty for women is expected in public and even on beaches outside of highly restricted resorts, and public displays of affection are frowned upon with fines levied for infractions. Alcohol is available for Westerners (and not for Emirate citizens) but it is highly controlled. Licenses are required to buy alcohol for home use and limits on purchases are in place.

Kremlin.ru, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Lack Of Freedom

Most crucially is the lack of political freedom in Dubai and the UAE. This may not directly affect Westerners but living in Dubai long-term will give foreigners a sharp sense of the lack of democratic institutions in the country. Seeing citizens with few civil rights can be jarring and the lack of rights for foreign workers is stark.

Peter Dowley, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Foreign Workers

In the entire Gulf region, there are over 10,000 deaths of foreign workers annually, from abuse, accidents at sea while traveling to and from the region, and accidents in unsafe working environments. This tends to be hidden from the wealthy Western residents. Nevertheless, the lifestyle of Western expatriates relies on the poor pay and working conditions of foreign workers from other parts of Asia.

Leandro Neumann Ciuffo, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Life In Dubai

Life for Emirati citizens tends to be better than others in the region as the UAE is rich and standards of living are high. For those citizens, though, civil liberties and political freedoms are limited compared to Western nations. Western residents of Dubai are more fortunate as they enjoy a high standard of living as well and usually live separated from the darker human infrastructure that is in place to maintain those standards of living.

You May Also Like:

The 10 Best States To Live Off-Grid—And 5 Of The Worst

The Most Hated States In America—According To Other Americans

What Life Was Like In Ancient Pompeii

Nextvoyage, Pexels

Source: 1