Pros and Cons of Living in UAE

Pros and Cons of Living in the UAE

Last updated on Feb 15, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in the UAE include its modern infrastructure, excellent healthcare system, low crime rate, and tax-free income. Additionally, the UAE is a culturally diverse country with a variety of activities and attractions to explore. On the other hand, the cons of living in the UAE include the hot and humid climate, the high cost of living, and the lack of political freedom. Additionally, the UAE has strict laws and regulations that may be difficult to adjust to for some people.

What are the pros and cons of living in the UAE?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in the UAE responded:

"Expats and digital nomads in the UAE often appreciate the country's modern infrastructure, excellent public transportation, and low cost of living. They also enjoy the diverse culture, warm climate, and the fact that English is widely spoken. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the country's strict laws and regulations, lack of personal freedoms, and high cost of certain goods and services to be a bit of a challenge," said one member in UAE.

"I love Dubai. I it a safe clean city. Goof for kids. Education, health, housing all services are great. It is a great city for Muslims and non- Muslim," remarked one expat in Dubai.

Answer Question & View More Answers

The insurance that travels with you. Now Health International's insurance plans offer you access to world-class healthcare facilities and treatment wherever and whenever you need it. With digital services, 24x7 customer support in different languages, and award-winning service, Now Health International will look after you no matter where you choose to go. Get a Quote from Now Health International.

Now Health International

What do expats in the UAE appreciate most about the local culture?

"As a woman, not many. Living in Dubai, we live in another culture but that culture is very closed to expats. You're living in a foreign country without any of the benefits of living in a foreign country...for example, the national population is very small, many transients, everything's in English," explained one expat.

"In all 3 countries we've lived (UAE, Azerbaijan, & Egypt) teenagers seem to have a much better relationship with their parents. The less people have the more generous they seem to be. Slower pace, more balanced life in Azerbaijan and Egypt. Appreciation of the arts in Azerbaijan," said one person in Dubai.

What do expats find most challenging?

"This one specifically has a very different view of females and males. Was not use to a man thinking I'm interested in him only because I smiled a polite acknowledgment type of smile. Also, giving up rights as a woman to husband is very foreign," said one person in Dubai.

"The Emirati population is small compared to the rest of the country, so there are generally less of them around. As a woman, forming friendships w/ an Emirati man can be tricky. The concept of the platonic male/female relationship doesn't exist in their culture. On the flip side, the women tend to have a lot of familial obligations and, at times, limited ability to move freely without a male member of her family, so going out to a restaurant or coffee w/ just the girls has never actually happened for me," remarked one expat in Abu Dhabi.

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.