Living in UAE: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in UAE

Living in the UAE

Last updated on Jan 03, 2024

Summary: The approximate population of UAE is 9.9 million people. The largest cities in UAE are Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. Expats love living in UAE because of the high quality of life, excellent job opportunities, and tax-free salaries. People describe life in UAE as luxurious, modern, and vibrant. Popular foods in UAE include shawarma, falafel, hummus, and kababs. The cons of living in UAE include the high cost of living, the hot climate, and the lack of personal freedom. The average cost of living for an expat is around $2,500 to $3,500 per month, depending on lifestyle and location.

What do I need to know about living in the UAE?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to the UAE, they said:

"Before retiring in the UAE, expats should be aware of the cost of living, which is generally higher than in other countries. They should also be aware of the local laws and regulations, as well as the cultural norms and expectations. Additionally, expats should research the healthcare system and the availability of medical insurance. It is also important to understand the taxation system and the process for obtaining a residence visa. Finally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, as English is not widely spoken in the UAE," remarked one expat who made the move to UAE.

"Do it! you will love it if you bring an open mind and some patience and don't expect things to be like it is 'at home'. The temperatures here are extreme - up to 58-60 degrees in summer! Winter is very pleasant," explained one expat living in Al Ain, UAE.

"Remember your purpose of coming to the city, many cases you earn lots but also spends lots," said one expat in Dubai.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.