Pros and Cons of Living in the UAE
Last updated on May 16, 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," remarked one expat in UAE.
"Its a nice metropolitan city to live in, with over 200 nationalities & what i dislike is that after your work permit/retirement you have to leave this country which you call your second home," explained 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.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in the UAE?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in the UAE?
- What do I need to know before retiring in the UAE?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in the UAE accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in the UAE like?
- Is the cost of living in the UAE high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in the UAE?
- What are healthcare services like in the UAE?
- Is the cost of living in the UAE high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in the UAE?
- What is the weather like in the UAE?
- Are there good restaurants in the UAE?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in the UAE?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in the UAE?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in the UAE?
- What do I need to know when buying property in the UAE?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in the UAE?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?