Pros and cons of living in Dubai

Weighing up the pros and cons of living in Dubai is an important part of the relocation process, especially if you’re thinking about moving over from the UK.

With a (much) sunnier climate, ample job prospects and a large expat community, Dubai is a popular destination for many UK nationals looking to go abroad. Not to mention a tax-free income can significantly boost your take-home salary in the country.

Wondering if Dubai is the next place to call home? Keep reading for some of the pros and cons of life in the UAE city.

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Pros and cons of living in Dubai - An overview

In a rush? We’ve listed the advantages and disadvantages of moving to Dubai from the UK in a handy table below.

Pros of living in Dubai

There are many advantages of moving to Dubai from the UK. Below are some of the biggest pros of living in the city.

Tax-free income

The absence of income tax in this UAE city is a big advantage for UK nationals, particularly if you are thinking of relocating for a higher take-home salary. There is no personal tax due on your UAE income, however, you must still pay UK taxes on any income from the UK.¹ This is something to think about if you plan to continue business back in the UK.

Thriving job prospects

As a leading and innovative business hub, there are always plenty of job opportunities in Dubai and neighbouring Abu Dhabi. Many British nationals relocate to Dubai to develop themselves professionally before moving back to the UK in a more senior role. Not to mention, English is the language of business in the UAE.

High standard of living

The high standard of living is another pro of moving to Dubai from the UK. With

modern infrastructure, luxurious apartment blocks and efficient transport systems, it’s easy to live well in this UAE city. Dubai is also consistently ranked among the safest cities in the world. There’s more on this later in the article!

Large expat community

Thanks to various work visas like the UAE Golden Visa and Freelance Permit, Dubai has a thriving and vibrant expat community. In fact, 85% of Dubai’s total population are expats.² Not only does this make it easier to meet new people in the city, but many of the city’s services are designed with expats in mind. For example, more than 90% of Dubai’s Government services are available online.³

Easy to open bank account as a foreign national

The large expat community has positively affected the process of opening a bank account in Dubai. Expats can open accounts with many banks in just a couple of working days, providing their proof of ID, proof of residence status, emirates ID and proof of salary.⁴ Some banks operating in Dubai also allow new residents to open accounts via a smartphone app.

You can also check out non-bank alternatives, like the Wise account, to manage your money in Dubai.

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Multicultural epicentre

With over 200 nationalities living in Dubai side by side, the city is a multicultural melting pot.⁵ It’s also a great bouncing-off point to explore other parts of the world. Dubai’s location makes it easy to access Europe, Asia and Africa, and Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest in the world with flights to most major destinations.

English is widely spoken

English-speaking expats will find Dubai relatively easy to adapt to. While Arabic is the official language of the UAE, English is commonly used in public spaces and for essential services. English is also the language of business in the UAE – great if you’re networking in the city.

Cons of living in Dubai

While this UAE city is an enticing option for many UK nationals looking to relocate, there are also several drawbacks to living in Dubai, such as:

High cost of living

Dubai is considered an expensive place to live. In fact, the cost of living in Dubai has risen 3 positions on Mercer’s 2024 cost-of-living data, making it the 15th most expensive place to live in the world.⁶ That being said, Dubai is comparatively cheaper than London – which is 8th on the same list.

Increasing rental costs

As more expats flock to Dubai and the city continues to grow – so do rental prices. In 2024, apartment rents increased by 16%, while villa and townhouse rents rose by 13%.⁷ Investors are also drawn to the city’s rental market, fueling demand even further and pushing up prices. Some landlords use their apartments as holiday rentals in the centre, which makes it less affordable for expats in the long run.

Strict cultural laws

The culture in Dubai is quite different from the UK and local laws might pose challenges for expats accustomed to Western norms. For example, public displays of affection are considered inappropriate, while strict laws on dress codes require you to dress modestly in public. You should also respect Islamic practices in the city, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

Extreme summer heat

While the thought of warmer days is appealing to UK nationals, it’s important to realise just how hot Dubai can get. The city’s subtropical climate can see temperatures soar between 35-40°C during the summer, with high humidity making it feel even hotter. Be prepared to spend lots of time indoors cooling down under the air conditioning.

Private healthcare required

Expats are legally obligated to have some form of private medical cover in Dubai.⁸ While new employers provide a basic level of insurance to expats with a working visa, this package doesn’t cover dependants like partners, children or parents. You might be required to take out additional policies to cover any gaps.

Internet restrictions

With strict regulations around Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, popular apps like Skype and WhatsApp are blocked in Dubai.⁹ This can make it harder to communicate with those back home. Expats in the city instead have to use alternative video calling apps, like Zoom, Google Meet and Botim – one of the most popular VoIP services in the UAE.

No citizenship on offer

Unlike some countries, the United Arab Emirates doesn’t offer permanent citizenship.¹⁰ Expats’ residency is typically contingent on their employment visas, which can prove difficult if they lose their jobs or shut down their businesses. In 2021, the UAE introduced amendments that allowed some foreigners to acquire Emirati nationality – under certain conditions.¹¹

Quick facts about Dubai

Get a quick glimpse at life in Dubai with these quick facts and statistics.

What’s the best place to live in Dubai?

Deciding where to live is another important part of moving to Dubai from the UK. Accommodation in the UAE city ranges from skyrise flats to luxury villas, and there are many diverse neighbourhoods to choose from depending on what you’re looking for.

Single expats and young professionals might like the neighbourhoods of

Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Sports City, Barsha Heights, Business Bay, Dubai Media City and Dubai Creek Harbour.

Moving to Dubai with your family? Try Jumeirah, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Arabian Ranches, Dubailand, Dubai Silicon Oasis and DAMAC Hills.

If you’re looking for somewhere luxurious to stay, look in the areas of Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills, Al Barari, Downtown Dubai and Emirates Hills. For more affordable neighbourhoods, check out the properties in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Deira, Discovery Gardens, Al Barsha South and Al Nahda.

Is Dubai safe?

Yes, Dubai is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the world. Data shows very low levels of crime in the city, with similarly low levels of violent crimes and property crimes. Residents also feel very safe walking around Dubai during the day and at night.¹⁴

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 27-March-2025