Moving to Dubai?
You're in the right place.

People worry about this, but Dubai actually has one of the strongest expat communities in the world. The trick is being intentional: join groups, attend events, take classes. Within 2-3 months, most people report having a solid friend group. The testimonials on this page show the same story — initial concern, then thriving community.

Dubai ranks in the top 5 safest cities globally. Crime rates are exceptionally low, infrastructure is modern, and emergency services are reliable. Women, families, and solo travelers all report feeling safe. It's one of the major reasons people move here. That said, like any city, use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings.

You can leave. People do. But most don't — they find the initial culture shock settles within 3-6 months. Before committing to a multi-year visa, you can try it: visit for 2 weeks, take a 3-month lease, rent short-term first. Many people use Dubai as a base to test it before fully relocating. There's no trap — it's a choice.

Depends on your lifestyle. Our cost calculator shows the reality: a single person can live comfortably on AED 12,400/month (housing, food, transport, fun). Factor in 0% income tax, and you're likely saving more here than at home. Many relocate specifically because they can save 2-3x faster. The issue isn't cost — it's whether your salary supports your lifestyle choice.

Healthcare in Dubai is excellent — private hospitals are world-class, and doctors speak English. Most employers provide health insurance as part of your package. If you're self-employed or freelance, private insurance costs AED 100-300/month for decent coverage. Public healthcare exists but is primarily for UAE nationals. Quality is not a concern here.

Easier than most people expect. If you have a job offer, your employer handles most of it. For freelancers and entrepreneurs, visa options exist (freelance visa, business visa) and the process takes 2-4 weeks. Most people report minimal bureaucracy compared to other countries. The government even has user-friendly online portals. Tip: Have your paperwork organized (passport, educational certificates, medical tests) and the process is smooth.

It depends on your field. Tech, finance, sales, marketing, and hospitality are booming. Engineering and healthcare also have strong demand. The expat workforce means employers hire globally, so your experience matters more than your nationality. Salaries are often 20-40% higher than comparable roles in Europe/North America. Unemployment isn't really an expat issue — the challenge is finding the right fit, not finding any job.

Yes. Once you're employed, you can typically sponsor your spouse and children (ages vary by emirate). The process involves health checks and paperwork, but it's designed to be straightforward. You need to meet salary thresholds (usually AED 3,000-5,000/month minimum depending on family size). Schools are excellent and expat-friendly. Many families relocate together this way.

Most people use platforms like Dubizzle, Bayut, or property agents. Short-term rentals are easy to find for your first month. Then you can search for longer leases. Popular areas for expats: Marina, JLT, Downtown, JBR, DIFC. Budget and location depend on your lifestyle. Tip: Visit for a weekend first if possible, view apartments in person, and negotiate lease terms. Most landlords expect 1-2 months rent as security deposit.

Yes. Freehold property ownership is available for expats in designated areas (Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah, etc.). You can buy apartments, villas, even commercial property. Real estate has been a popular investment. That said, do your research — market fluctuates. Many expats buy property as long-term investment while renting elsewhere. Banking and mortgage options are available through UAE banks.