Living in Dubai as an expat: A complete guide

Dubai is a leading destination for expats, offering tax-free salaries, modern infrastructure and strong career prospects. Whether you're moving for work, business or family, living in Dubai can open up many new opportunities.

In this guide, we’ll explore what it’s like living in Dubai as an expat from the UK. We’ll look at healthcare, job opportunities, the cost of living and more.

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Living in Dubai - what you need to know

Let’s go through some quick facts about Dubai:

Cost of living in Dubai

While salaries in Dubai can be generous, the cost of living remains relatively high. However, compared to London, most expenses are noticeably more affordable.³

Here’s what you can expect in terms of average daily and monthly costs in Dubai compared to London:

• A three-course meal for two people costs around £60 in Dubai, while it’s £80 in London
• A monthly public transport pass is approx. £65, compared to £180 in London
• Rent for a one-bedroom city centre apartment is around £1,758, compared to £2,294 in London
• Utilities for a typical apartment are around £155 per month, compared to £242 in London³

Career opportunities for expats in Dubai

Dubai’s economy is built on its ability to attract global talent. Currently, some of the most in-demand industries include IT, healthcare, hospitality, property development and construction.⁴

While the work culture can be fast-paced, many roles come with attractive perks. These often include accommodation allowances, health insurance and even annual flights home.⁵

You can search for jobs on platforms like LinkedIn or rely on local sites like Bayt, Laimoon and Naukri Gulf. Recruitment agencies are another option. Popular ones include Hays, Michael Page and Cooper Fitch.⁵

In order to live and work in Dubai, you need to have a residence permit and a work visa sponsored by your employer. Some industries offer self-sponsorship options, while a job-seeker visa is also available.⁵ We’ll explore these visa options in more detail in the next section.

Visa options for expats

Understanding your visa options is a crucial part of planning a life in Dubai. Whether you’re coming to work, study, invest or retire, there are several visa options available depending on your goals.

Here are some of the most common visas that expats apply for:

• Work visa (sponsored by a UAE-based employer)
• Green visa (self-sponsorship)
• Golden visa
• Retirement visa⁶

Work visas

Visa requirements depend on the specific type you’re applying for. The Green visa, for instance, is a five-year option available to freelancers and skilled workers. If you’re self-employed, you need to provide a self-employment permit, proof of qualifications and evidence of earning at least 360,000 AER over the past two years.⁷

On the other hand, a Standard work visa in Dubai usually lasts two years. You’ll need to be sponsored by an employer based in the UAE and they’ll apply on your behalf.⁷

Golden visa

If you’re looking to invest in Dubai, their Golden visa offers the opportunity to live, work and study in the UAE. The specific requirements vary depending on the type of investment, but you’ll typically need to provide proof of investment in a fund or evidence of a property purchase.⁸

Entrepreneurs may also be eligible for the five-year Golden visa, as long as they meet certain conditions. To be eligible, you’ll need to provide:

• A letter from a UAE-based auditor confirming that the project is valued at a minimum of 500,000 AED
• Approval from the relevant emirate authorities confirming the project is technical or focused on the future
• A letter from an recognised business incubator supporting your proposed venture⁸

Retirement visa

The Dubai Residence visa for the retired is a five-year visa, but it can be renewed. It’s available to individuals who are at least 55 years old or have a minimum of 15 years of work experience.⁹

Applicants must also meet at least one of the following financial eligibility requirements:

• Own a property valued at 1 million AED or more
• Have savings of at least 1 million AED
• Earn a monthly income of no less than 15,000 AED.⁹

Finding accommodation in Dubai

Accommodation in Dubai ranges from high-rise apartments with skyline views to family villas in suburban communities. The rental process is typically straightforward, while buying real estate requires careful planning.

Some of the best and most popular neighbourhoods for expats include:

• Jumeirah Village Circle
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
• Palm Jumeirah
• Downtown Dubai
• Dubai Marina
• Arabian Ranches

If you’re drawn to vibrant, upscale neighbourhoods, consider areas like Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina. For a quieter, family-friendly environment, communities such as Arabian Ranches or Jumeirah Village Circle may be more suitable.¹⁰

Leases are generally annual and usually require payment via 1-4 post-dated cheques. You’ll usually need to pay a security deposit which is 5-10% of the annual rent, as well as another 5% for agency fees.¹¹

To rent a house or an apartment in Dubai, you can either work with a real estate agency or browse listings on well-known property websites. Some of the most popular platforms include:

• Bayut
• Property Finder
• DubaiRent.com
• Dubizzle

If you’re considering buying instead of renting, you should know that specific regulations apply to foreign buyers. As an expat, you’re allowed to buy property in Dubai, but only in designated areas. Those areas are:

• Yas Island
• Saadiyat
• Reem
• Mariya
• Lulu
• Al Raha Beach
• Sayh Al Sedairah
• Al Reef
• Masdar City¹²

Buying a centrally located apartment in Dubai can cost over 60% less than in London, making investing in real estate far more accessible.³ Despite the lower prices, you’ll still enjoy a high standard of luxury living.

Dubai’s culture and laws

Before settling into life in Dubai, it’s important to understand the local culture and laws. While the city is welcoming and cosmopolitan, this will help you adjust more easily.

To help you navigate living in Dubai as an expat, here are some important cultural and legal guidelines to keep in mind:

• Alcohol is only legal in licensed venues, while personal use at home requires a permit
• Public behaviour is monitored, so avoid public displays of affection, swearing or rude gestures
• Be respectful during religious holidays like Ramadan and refrain from eating or drinking in public during fasting hours
• Be aware of dress code expectations and avoid wearing short and tight clothes
• Always ask before taking photos of people, especially women¹³

By observing these norms, you can enjoy life in Dubai, while showing respect for the local culture and values.

Healthcare and health insurance

Dubai’s healthcare system is modern and efficient. Expats can access both public and private healthcare, but most prefer private hospitals and clinics due to shorter wait times and higher service levels. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents, expats included.¹⁴

Although expats prefer private healthcare, the public system has very high standards. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) oversees both the public and private sector, ensuring quality in both. Dubai’s four public hospitals are Dubai, Rashid, Hatta and Latifa.¹⁴

If you’re working for a company in Dubai, your employer will provide you with private health insurance. For expats earning lower salaries, there’s the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP), which offers access to basic healthcare services. This plan ensures that everyone receives a basic level of medical coverage, regardless of their income.¹⁴

To use healthcare services in government-run facilities, such as public hospitals, you’ll need to obtain a health card. You can apply either online or in person at a medical centre by submitting the following documents:

• Your Emirates ID number
• Passport details
• Two passport photos
• Residence visa
• A copy of your tenancy contract
• A completed application
• Payment of 320 AED for adults or 120 AED for children under 10¹⁴

Education in Dubai

Education in Dubai is mandatory for all children between the ages of 5 and 15. While there are both public and private schools, around 90% are private. This is partly due to the fact that, up until 2001, expats were not allowed to attend public schools.¹⁵

While expats can now attend public schools, the instruction is in Arabic, so it’s not an option for those who aren’t already fluent. However, students who are not of Arab heritage must take language classes until the age of 13.¹⁵

Many private schools follow international curricula and mirror foreign education systems. For example, some schools in Dubai use the British sixth form system, which covers two school years (16-18 years old).¹⁵

When it comes to higher education, Dubai is home to 26 international branch campuses from universities across 12 countries, including the UK, Canada and the USA. The local University of Dubai also offers a range of degree programmes.¹⁵

School fees in Dubai vary widely. For example, tuition at the Dubai American Academy ranges from 60,000 to 85,000 AED a year. The Universal American School is more affordable, with tuition fees starting at around 37,000 AED.¹⁵

Whether you're moving with children or planning to study yourself, education is a key factor in living in Dubai as an expat successfully.¹⁵

Pros and cons of living in Dubai

Living in Dubai as an expat offers many advantages, but like any city, it also comes with some challenges. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of life in Dubai:

Pros:

• Tax-free income
• Thriving job prospects
• High standard of living
• Large expat community
• Multicultural epicentre

Cons:

• Extreme heat
• High cost of living
• Limited green spaces compared to other major cities
• Rigid social rules
• Limited public transport coverage outside main urban areas

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Sources used:

1. World Population Review - Dubai population
2. The Progeny Group - moving to Dubai from the UK
3. Numbeo - cost of living in London compared to Dubai
4. Talentmate - Dubai careers
5. Investindubai.gov.ae - employment in Dubai for foreigners
6. UAE Government - residence visas
7. UAE Government - residence visa for working
8. UAE Government - Golden visa
9. UAE Government - residence visa for the retired
10. Map Homes Real Estate - best areas to live in Dubai for expats
11. Luxfolio Real Estate - renting in Dubai
12. UAE Government - buying property in the UAE
13. 1st Move International - Dubai culture guide
14. International Citizens Insurance - healthcare in Dubai
15. Aetna International - education in Dubai

Sources last checked on date: 29-Sep-2025