Life in Dubai: Beyond the Skyscrapers
Moving to Dubai is a smart financial decision, but it’s also the beginning of a new life. Beyond taxation, Dubai offers a quality of life, safety, and a multicultural environment that are hard to match. In this guide, we explore daily life so you can envision your future here.
Explore Life in Dubai
Safety: One of the Safest Cities in the World 🛡️
For many, this is the most significant benefit of living in Dubai. The emirate is consistently ranked as one of the safest places on the planet, with extremely low crime rates. This peace of mind translates into a freedom rarely experienced in other major capitals.
Family Peace of Mind
The safety allows families to enjoy an environment where children can play outdoors and public spaces are safe at any hour.
Respect and Order
The laws are strict and enforced, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and civic order that is noticeable in daily life.
Security for Businesses
The country’s stability and legal security protect your investments and assets, allowing you to operate with complete confidence.
The feeling of being able to walk down the street at any time of day or night without worry is an intangible luxury that residents greatly value.
Dubai in Figures: Data That Defines Your New Life
Safest City
Consistently ranked the #1 city for personal safety worldwide. (Source: Gallup)
200+ Nationalities
A true global hub where 88% of the population is expatriate, creating an open and multicultural environment.
340 Days of Sunshine
Enjoy an outdoor lifestyle with sunny weather for over 90% of the year.
A Lifestyle for All Tastes 🏖️
Leisure in Dubai goes far beyond shopping. The city offers a range of experiences to suit any preference, from relaxing on the beach to the adrenaline of the desert.
- Beaches and Beach Clubs: Enjoy the year-round sun on immaculate public beaches or at exclusive beach clubs with full services.
- World-Class Gastronomy: From Michelin-starred restaurants to the best street food, Dubai is a paradise for food lovers.
- Desert Adventures: Just minutes from the city, you can enjoy safaris, sandboarding, dinners under the stars, or 4×4 tours.
- Family Entertainment: Theme parks, aquariums, indoor ski slopes, and countless activities for the little ones.
- Culture and Art: Visit the Dubai Opera, the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, or the art galleries on Alserkal Avenue.
A Melting Pot of Cultures: Modernity and Tradition 🌍
With over 200 nationalities living together, Dubai is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. English is the de facto language of business and social life, which makes integration incredibly easy.
Far from being a closed society, Dubai practices a policy of tolerance and mutual respect. The Emirati culture, hospitable by nature, coexists in harmony with the customs of the vast expatriate population. This creates a unique environment where you can make friends and business contacts from every corner of the globe.
For those concerned about their family’s well-being, Dubai has a first-rate healthcare system and an exceptional educational offering with highly prestigious international schools.
Your Transition to Daily Life: The Essentials
Once you have your residency, the practical steps to establishing your life begin. Dubai is designed to make this process efficient and straightforward.
Finding Your Home
From luxurious apartments in Dubai Marina or Downtown to family villas in Arabian Ranches, the options are immense. The rental process is standardized through the Ejari system, which protects both tenant and landlord.
Getting Around the City
Dubai has a modern metro and affordable taxis. However, most residents opt for a private vehicle. With your residency, you can easily convert your driving license if you come from an approved country, or obtain a local license.
A Hub for the World
Living in Dubai means being at the center of the world. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the most connected on the planet, facilitating business and leisure travel to Europe, Asia, and Africa with direct flights.
Myths vs. Reality: Curiosities of Daily Life
There are many myths about life in Dubai. Let’s clarify some of the most common ones so you have a realistic view.
Myth: “Women cannot dress as they please.”
Reality: The dress code is liberal and respectful. In malls, restaurants, and tourist areas, you can dress similarly to any European city. Modesty is only requested when visiting places of worship, as is common worldwide.
Myth: “Alcohol consumption is prohibited.”
Reality: Alcohol is freely served in licensed hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs. Non-Muslim residents can also obtain a personal license to purchase alcohol from specialty stores for home consumption.
Myth: “It’s an artificial city with no soul.”
Reality: While famous for its modern architecture, Dubai has a vibrant Old Town (Old Dubai) with traditional souks, museums, and the Creek, which tells the story of its past as a fishing and pearl trading port.
Frequently Asked Questions about Life in Dubai
Is English widely spoken in Dubai?
Absolutely. English is the de facto language of business and social life. Since the vast majority of the population are expatriates, English is the common tongue that connects everyone, making it incredibly easy to integrate without knowing Arabic.
What is the climate like?
Dubai has a desert climate. The winters (October to April) are spectacular, with mild temperatures and sunny days perfect for enjoying the outdoors. The summers (May to September) are very hot and humid, but the city is perfectly designed for it, with air conditioning in absolutely all indoor spaces, from bus stops to shopping malls.
Is it difficult to make friends and have a social life as an expat?
On the contrary, it’s one of the easiest cities for socializing. Since the vast majority of the population is expatriate, everyone is in a similar situation and very open to meeting new people. There are countless social, sports, and professional groups and activities for all tastes and interests.