What is life like in Dubai? In recent years, Dubai has become one of the most popular destinations for expats worldwide. For Dutch people considering emigrating to Dubai, the city offers a unique combination of modernity, luxury, safety, and an attractive tax climate.
But what is life in Dubai really like? In this article, we’ll take you step by step through everything you need to know about living, working, and thriving in this vibrant city.
What is life like in Dubai?
Dubai is often described as a city of extremes. On one hand, you have ultra-modern skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls, and a bustling nightlife.
On the other hand, there are strict laws and regulations, heat waves, and high costs of living. Nevertheless, many expats, including thousands of Dutch people, experience life in Dubai as comfortable, safe, and full of (career) opportunities.
But how do people really live in Dubai? And how does life in Dubai differ from life in the Netherlands?
What makes living in Dubai unique?
- Expats dominate the population: More than 90% of Dubai’s residents originally come from abroad. This creates an incredibly international climate where English is the common language.
- Everything is possible: Dubai has many amenities and luxuries. If you have money, you can really arrange anything in Dubai. This allows you to have a wonderfully luxurious life in Dubai.
- Mentality: Many entrepreneurs also come to Dubai. It is said that the work mentality in Dubai is generally good and that it’s beneficial for your work mentality, knowledge, and network.
- Infrastructure and safety: Dubai scores high in international safety indexes and also has excellent infrastructure.
- Religious and cultural tolerance: Despite its Islamic foundation, there is much room for other religions and cultures in Dubai, making it relatively easy for Dutch people to adapt.
How do people live in Dubai?
How do people live in Dubai? Daily life in Dubai varies greatly depending on the person and lifestyle. In Dubai, you also have many people with a normal income and a regular job, who therefore don’t have an exceptionally luxurious life, despite living in Dubai.
Of course, there are also people with a lot of money, and in Dubai, you can then thoroughly enjoy all the luxury that Dubai has to offer. A Western expat can live in luxurious apartments with access to beach clubs and shopping malls. Other residents choose more affordable suburbs and a less luxurious life.
Common characteristics of daily life:
- Work and networking: Dubai is a city where you can build a career. Long working days are normal, but there are many networking events and after-work socials.
- Leisure activities: In Dubai, you also have many luxurious activities you can do. You have the beautiful city, the desert, and the coast. Think of sailing on a yacht, desert safaris, fine dining, and in Dubai, you can even ski indoors.
- Networking and communities: Expats form close-knit communities, often through international schools, sports clubs, or other online communities. You’ll see that Dutch people often seek each other out.
Cost of Living and Expenses
Is Dubai expensive? Life in Dubai is known to be expensive, but it greatly depends on your lifestyle and where you live in Dubai.
- Rent: On average, a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs between AED 5,000 and AED 8,000 per month. In the suburbs, it’s often half that. Want more information? Then read: renting a house in Dubai.
- Groceries: Western products are relatively expensive due to import costs, but local markets and supermarkets like Carrefour offer more affordable alternatives. However, if you want more European food, you generally pay more for it (think of milk and cheese, for example).
- Transportation: Gasoline is cheap (much cheaper than in Europe) and public transport, such as the metro, is fast and affordable (approx. AED 3-6 per ride).
👉 Is living in Dubai expensive? Yes, especially in terms of rent and education, but there are certainly ways to save money and have a less expensive life, such as living outside the city center or using local eateries. There are also plenty of people in Dubai who have ‘normal’ jobs and earn ‘normal’ salaries. For these people, there is also the possibility to lead a normal, not too expensive life in Dubai.
However, if you’re looking at what Dubai has to offer from abroad, you’ll encounter more luxury. This is, of course, because normal life in Dubai is not as interesting as an extremely luxurious and expensive life in Dubai.
Advantages of Living in Dubai
Living in Dubai also has many advantages. Here are some popular benefits:
- Tax benefit: No income tax (0%), which significantly increases your net salary. Additionally, other taxes in Dubai are also much more favorable than in the Netherlands. For example, you pay around 5% VAT in Dubai, while in the Netherlands you pay 9% or 21%.
- Climate: Dubai has a perfect climate if you love warmth and sun. Dubai offers 300 days of sunshine per year, ideal for outdoor activity enthusiasts.
- Career opportunities: Many people also come to Dubai to work. There are many international companies and also many entrepreneurs and investors. Dubai also encourages companies and exceptional individuals to come to Dubai, not only through attractive taxes but also by creating visas based on financial requirements (think of the Golden Visa).
- Safety: Low crime rates and strict supervision ensure a safe living environment.
- Many expats: In Dubai, almost 90% of the residents are expats. You meet people from all over the world, which can greatly enrich your international network.
More information about taxes in Dubai? Read: Taxes in Dubai
Disadvantages of Living in Dubai
Every city, of course, also has its disadvantages, including Dubai.
- Extreme heat in summer: Temperatures can rise above 50°C.
- Strict regulations: Alcohol, relationships, and social media are subject to strict laws and rules. If you don’t adhere to the laws and rules, the penalties can be quite severe.
- High cost of living: Life in Dubai can be expensive. Especially rent and international schools are costly.
- Limited political freedom: Freedom of expression is different from the Netherlands.
- No permanent residence: Your residency status depends on work or investment. You cannot obtain a permanent visa in Dubai.
However, these disadvantages are not a reason for many people not to go. With good preparation, you can optimally experience life in Dubai.
Safety and Regulations
The authorities in Dubai are strict, but this ensures that the city is very safe. Life in Dubai is therefore secure. Dubai is known worldwide as one of the safest cities in the world. Crime rarely occurs, partly due to the strict enforcement of laws and rules. Expats report feeling safe even when alone on the streets at night.
Regarding regulations, you need to be aware of several strict rules:
- Public intoxication is punishable.
- Negative comments on social media about the government can have legal consequences.
- Unmarried cohabitation is technically still forbidden, although this is rarely enforced with expats nowadays.
Adhering to local laws is important to avoid problems.
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Healthcare in Dubai is of high quality and often compared to Western standards. There are many private clinics and hospitals with modern equipment and well-trained staff.
Important points to consider:
- Health insurance is mandatory for all residents of Dubai.
- Employers are usually responsible for providing basic insurance for their employees.
- For comprehensive coverage, including dental care and specialist treatments, an additional insurance policy is recommended.
Expats appreciate the quick access to medical care and the fact that there are many English-speaking doctors.
Education and Schools
If you’re planning to live in Dubai with children, education and schools are important. For families with children, good education is a crucial consideration in deciding whether to live in Dubai or not.
You can also live well in Dubai with children. Because there are so many expats in Dubai, you have many international schools. Dubai offers a wide range of high-quality international schools. You’ll find schools with British, American, French, German, and IB curricula.
Pay attention to the following matters:
- School fees are high: The government doesn’t fund schools; all schools are private. Expect to pay at least AED 30,000 to over AED 100,000 per year, depending on the school.
- Enrollments happen early: Popular schools have waiting lists, so registering on time is important.
International schools provide a familiar learning environment for Dutch children, making the transition from a Dutch school to a school in Dubai easier.
Leisure, Sports, and Recreation
Dubai offers many opportunities for relaxation and fun. Dubai is famous for its luxury shopping malls, restaurants, marinas, and beaches. There’s something for everyone:
- Beach and sea: Think of Kite Beach, JBR Beach, or beach clubs with swimming pools and sun loungers.
- Sports and fitness: From running clubs and CrossFit boxes to golf courses and water sports.
- Indoor activities: Ski Dubai (indoor skiing), trampoline parks, museums, and game halls.
- Events: Annual festivals such as the Dubai Shopping Festival, film festivals, and international concerts.
Transport and Mobility
Dubai is easily accessible and easy to travel through:
- Metro: Modern, clean, and affordable. Ideal for daily transport.
- Taxis and Uber: Available everywhere and well-priced.
- Car: Driving yourself is common. Parking is well-organized, although traffic can be busy at times.
- Flying: Dubai International Airport is one of the largest airports in the world and offers direct flights to almost any destination.
👉 Is a car necessary in Dubai? Not necessarily. If you live in the city and are close to your work, you can manage well without a car using the metro and taxis.
Social Life and Meeting New People
When living in Dubai, it’s also important to meet people and make friends. As an expat, you can quickly feel at home in Dubai thanks to the active social life:
- Online communities: Think of Facebook groups like “Dutch in Dubai” or expat meetups.
- Events: Networking drinks, sports clubs, cooking workshops, and ladies’ nights.
- Language and culture: English is common everywhere. Learning Arabic is not mandatory but is appreciated.
Making new friends in Dubai is easy, especially if you’re open to different cultures and customs.
