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United Arab Emirates

Dubai and Abu Dhabi: zero income tax, world-class infrastructure and the global expat hub

79/100
FutureLife Score
#37
FutureLife Index 2026
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$2,500
Comfortable/mo
9.3/10
Safety
8.8/10
Healthcare
#21
Happiness rank

Key Scores

79/100
Higher = better
Future Life Score
9.3/10
Safety Index
8.8/10
Healthcare
#21
Lower = happier
Happiness Rank

Why people move to United Arab Emirates

+Zero personal and corporate income tax
+200 Mbps average internet - fastest in the Middle East
+Burj Khalifa: world's tallest building (828m) in Dubai Marina
+Dubai Mall: world's largest shopping complex
+UAE Golden Visa: 10-year residency for investors, entrepreneurs and skilled talent
Tax-freeLuxuryExpat hub
Culture & context

Effectively a city-state of expats - ~90% of residents are foreign. Conservative Islamic foundation, but Dubai and Abu Dhabi run on English.

People, religion & languages

Population
~10M (≈90% expats)
87% urban
Languages
Arabic (official)
Also: English (de facto business + daily), Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog
Day-to-day English

Very high. English is the working language in business, signage, hospitals and most retail. Arabic is rarely required day-to-day.

Religion

Islam is the state religion. Other faiths are tolerated and practised openly - churches, temples and gurdwaras operate publicly.

Islam
76%
Christianity
9%
Hinduism
7%
Buddhism / Other
8%
In daily life

Call to prayer five times daily. Modest public dress expected. Ramadan affects daytime eating/drinking in public; restaurants screen seating areas.

Culture & etiquette

What locals value and what to watch for

Hospitality (majlis)Respect for eldersFamily honourModestyGenerosity
Do
  • Dress modestly in public - shoulders and knees covered
  • Greet with right hand; same-gender handshakes are standard
  • Accept Arabic coffee (gahwa) when offered
  • Stand when an elder enters the room
Avoid
  • Public displays of affection (kissing, prolonged hugs)
  • Drinking alcohol in public spaces or in residential areas without a licence
  • Photographing people, government buildings, or palaces without permission
  • Swearing - verbal insults can carry legal penalties
Dress code

Modest in public - knees and shoulders covered in malls. Swimwear is fine at hotels/beaches. Business attire is formal; women are not required to cover heads.

Pace of life

Fast and ambitious in Dubai/Abu Dhabi business hours, very social in evenings. Friday is the cultural rest day; official weekend is Sat–Sun (since 2022).

Expat-friendliness

Among the easiest places in the world to land as a foreigner - almost everyone is one. Long-term roots are harder: citizenship is essentially closed.

Holidays & food culture

Emirati staples plus a global expat food scene - from Pakistani biryani to Michelin-star tasting menus, all on the same block.

ShawarmaMachboosHummusFalafelMandiLuqaimat
Mealtimes

Lunch 13:00–15:00, dinner 20:00–23:00. During Ramadan, iftar at sunset is a major social meal.

Dietary norms

Halal default. Pork sold in licensed supermarket sections only. Alcohol served at licensed venues (hotels/restaurants); residents can buy via licence. Vegetarian/vegan options very common.

Major holidays
Variable (Apr–Jun)
Eid al-Fitr
2–3 days off; major travel period
Variable
Eid al-Adha
3–4 days off
Variable (month-long)
Ramadan
Reduced work hours, no public eating during daylight
December 2
UAE National Day
Fireworks, parades, city-wide events
November 30
Commemoration Day
Variable
Islamic New Year

Work culture & business norms

Working weekMonday–Friday (private sector) / Sun–Thu in some legacy firms
HoursTypically 09:00–18:00 with a long lunch in summer. Friday is half-day (until ~12:00) in many private firms; mosque prayer break midday.
HierarchyFormal. Title and seniority matter in Emirati and Gulf-Arab firms; flatter in Western multinationals.
PunctualityWestern multinationals are strict. Local and family-run businesses run on relationship time - being held in a waiting majlis is normal.
Meeting styleRelationship-first with Emirati counterparts - tea, small talk, then business. Decisions can be quick once trust is established.
Business attireSuits standard for men. Conservative professional for women - knee-length or longer, sleeves to elbow minimum.

Hidden Gems

Off the beaten path

→

Al Fahidi Historic District - wind-tower courtyard houses from the 1890s, Dubai's actual soul, 500m from the gold souk

→

Dubai Miracle Garden (Nov–Apr) - 150 million flowers shaped into cars, buildings, and Disney characters

→

Hatta Mountain Resort - 2-hour drive into the Hajar Mountains for kayaking, bike trails, and a heritage village

Monthly cost snapshot
Comfortable lifestyle$2,500/mo
Semi-Luxury lifestyle$4,800/mo
Luxury lifestyle$9,600/mo

Single person, before income tax

AI affordability check
At $4,000/month remote income you'd have $1,500 surplus after budget-tier costs - saving 38% of your income.
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Quick facts

LanguageArabic / English
CurrencyAED
Internet200 Mbps avg
EnglishVery High
Future Life Score79/100
Future Life Rank#37
PR pathHard
CitizenshipNo clear path
Passport rank#19
Visa-free180 countries
Income tax0% top rate
VAT5%
EmirateDubai (one of 7 UAE emirates)
Population (Dubai)3.6 million
Best airportDubai International (DXB) - world's busiest by passengers
Burj Khalifa828m - world's tallest building
Avg temp (winter)24°C / 75°F

Visa options

Tourist Visa / Visa on ArrivalEasy
Digital Nomad / Remote Work VisaEasy
Golden Visa (10 years)Moderate
Retirement Visa (5 years)Easy
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