Moving to United Arab Emirates in 2025

Step by step guide on migrating and relocating to United Arab Emirates in 2025?

Use our Guide to find all the moving information you may need if you are thinking of moving or working in United Arab Emirates.

People move to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a variety of reasons, from job opportunities to a higher quality of life. The countrys strategic location at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as its tax-free lifestyle, make it an attractive destination for expatriates. The business environment in the UAE is conducive to new and established corporations, offering numerous incentives and tax incentives for foreign investment. The strong banking sector and well-established infrastructure mean that the UAE is an excellent place for entrepreneurs and business owners. The open trade policy of the UAE also encourages business growth, making it a top choice for international investors. Another key factor that lures people to the UAE is its excellent quality of life. Its modern infrastructure and infrastructure attract expatriates seeking a better-quality lifestyle. Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is one of the most modern cities on the planet and offers a variety of entertainment and recreational activities. Dubai is home to the largest shopping malls in the world and provides a variety of leisure activities. Whether it’s career opportunities, lifestyle, or the amazing infrastructure the UAE has to offer, the UAE has become one of the most popular destinations for those looking to relocate. The UAEs open and welcoming atmosphere, coupled with competitive job offers and a booming economy, makes it an ideal destination for aspiring expatriates.

Cost of Moving to United Arab Emirates

1. Cost of Living: The cost of living in the UAE is high, with the average cost of housing ranging from AED 150,000 to AED 500,000 depending on location. Renting is more cost effective, with typical costs ranging from AED 4,000 to AED 60,000 per month depending on area. Food and utility bills can also be high depending on where you live. 2. Employment: It is necessary to obtain a valid Residence Work Permit before searching for a job in UAE, and the associated fees are usually paid for by employers. All jobs require this permit, except for some domestic and manual labour, and short term tourist jobs. 3. Property and car purchases: Buying a property in UAE can be quite expensive, and there are various taxes for those who own more than one property. Car purchases can also be costly, and prices usually range from AED 35,000 to AED 250,000. 4. Visas: The cost of getting a visa depends on the type of visa required. All expatriates require a valid passport, residence visa and valid health insurance. 5. Education: Education in the UAE is expensive, with fees ranging from AED 6,500 to AED 26,000 per year, depending on which school and type of school you choose. 6. Transportation: Public transport, such as buses and the metro, are generally economical and efficient in the UAE. However, if you need to travel further afield, a car is often the most efficient mode of transport. Gasoline is also costly in the UAE and can be up to 40% more expensive than in neighbouring countries, making owning a car expensive. 7. Healthcare: Although private healthcare facilities are of a fixed high quality, the costs associated with them can be costly. Health insurance is a requirement for expatriates, and the associated fees depend on the package chosen.

Best Jobs in United Arab Emirates

The most popular job for migrants moving to the UAE is often engineering and technology related. This is because the UAE has a booming construction industry, a vibrant oil and gas sector, and a need for highly skilled IT professionals to support its swelling economy. For both of these roles, salaries are typically high and vary by skill level, experience, and industry type. Engineering: Engineering roles in the UAE can range from civil engineers working on major projects such as bridges and highways, to mechanical engineers designing and maintaining factory machinery, to electronics or software engineers developing or troubleshooting computer systems. Salaries for engineers vary greatly depending on experience and location, but the overall average salary is around 16,000 AED per month. Technology: The UAE has a rapidly expanding technology industry, leading to a strong demand for software developers, web designers, QA testers, systems analysts, and more. Salaries vary greatly depending on the employee’s skill level and the specific job, but generally range from around 15-20,000 AED per month. IT: As the UAE’s technology boom continues to grow, the need for IT professionals is also increasing rapidly. IT roles in the UAE generally include network administrators, systems administrators, and software engineers. Salaries for these positions vary widely, but typically average from 16-25,000 AED per month. The UAE is also an attractive destination for other roles such as sales and marketing, accounting and finance, hospitality, and human resources. For these roles, salaries range from around 10-25,000 AED per month depending on the specific job and the employee’s level of experience.

Weather in United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is located in the south-eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East, and it borders the Persian Gulf, Oman and Saudi Arabia. The UAE has a desert climate, with hot and arid conditions, and temperatures vary significantly depending on the region. The weather in UAE is primarily hot and humid in all coastal areas of the country during summer months, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F). The weather is much more pleasant in the inland desert of the UAE, with temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 40°C (104°F). In winter months, temperatures get much cooler throughout the entire country, with temperatures rarely reaching below 10°C (50°F), making it the perfect time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. UAE has two distinctive seasons – the dry summer season and the cooler-but-humid winter season. The summer season in UAE stretches from April to October and temperatures climb as high as 49°C (120°F), with humidity levels often exceeding 80%. The winter season runs from November to March and temperatures usually stay between 12°C (54°F) and 26°C (78°F), with humidity levels of around 60%. Rainfall is minimal in UAE, receiving an average of only 80-200mm (3-8 inches) each year – mostly in winter and early spring months. The most extreme weather phenomena to affect UAE is dust storms, which often occur during summer months. Overall, UAE is known for its clear, sunny skies and year-round warm temperatures and welcoming environment.

Tax & Welfare System in United Arab Emirates

The taxation system in United Arab Emirates (UAE) is based on the principle of "self-assessment system". The taxation system in the UAE is not comprehensive, as only certain business activities are subject to taxation in the UAE. The main tax imposed in the UAE is the corporate income tax, which is charged at a flat rate of 55%. However, companies in some free trade zones may be exempt from this tax. Value Added Tax (VAT) was introduced in the UAE in 2018 and applies to many goods and services at a rate of 5%. There are also excise taxes imposed on certain items such as tobacco, carbonated drinks, and energy drinks. The UAE also has a social welfare system, which provides support to citizens and expatriate residents. This includes benefit programmes such as pensions, grants, and disability benefits. Additionally, healthcare and education are provided to citizens and expatriates in the UAE. Citizens also have a right to state housing and subsidies in times of hardship, as well as unemployment benefits. The government also provides assistance to families in need with financial aid, food cards, and loans. The UAE also operates a number of social assistance organisations, charities and non-governmental organisations which provide relief and assistance to those in need.The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a taxation system that is divided into direct and indirect taxes. Direct taxes are taxes that are imposed directly on the income of individuals, while indirect taxes are those that are imposed on certain goods and services. The UAE has a value-added tax (VAT) system in place, which is imposed on the sale of certain goods and services. The current VAT rate is 5%. There are a few categories of items which are not subject to any tax, such as food, some medicines, education and healthcare services. In addition to the VAT, there are also corporate income and withholding taxes, as well as property taxes in certain cases. Social welfare in the UAE is provided by both the federal and the individual emirates. Each emirate has its own system of social benefits, including housing and family allowances, healthcare, education and pension schemes. On the federal level, social protection measures have been implemented, such as a minimum wage, and an unemployment insurance scheme. In addition, a GCC Social Insurance Corporation has been established to provide social security benefits to citizens of the GCC countries, including the UAE.

Holidays in United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) observe seven national holidays each year. The holidays span across the Islamic, National and Federal days, respectively. Islamic holidays: 1. Eid Al Fitr: The holiday usually falls on the 1st of the Islamic month of Shawwal. It marks the end of Ramadan and is a three-day celebration. 2. Eid Al Adha: This holiday usually falls on the 10th of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah and is celebrated with prayer, gifts and feasts. National: 1. National Day: Celebrated on December 2nd, this holiday marks the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. This holiday is the most widely celebrated national holiday and involves state-organized parades, parades of boats in the harbor, fireworks, fireworks shows and much more. 2. Martyrs Day: This holiday is celebrated on November 30th to remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives for their country. 3. Israa and Miraj: This holiday is celebrated on the 27th of the Islamic month of Rajab to commemorate the Prophet Muhammads Night Journey to Heaven. Federal: 1. Hijri New Year: This holiday is celebrated on the 1st of the Islamic month of Muharram. It marks the start of the Islamic new year. 2. Accession of the President: This holiday is celebrated on November 3rd to commemorate the accession of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to the presidency of the UAE. 3. The Prophets Birthday: This holiday is celebrated on the 12th of the Islamic month of Rabi al-awwal and commemorates the birth and life of Prophet Muhammad.

Where to Live in United Arab Emirates

The most densely populated areas of the UAE are generally located along the eastern coastline. These areas are known as the "core cities," and they constitute the most economically dynamic areas of the country, with bustling economies and a wide variety of job opportunities. Some of the most populous cities include the capital, Abu Dhabi, as well as Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, and Fujairah. These cities serve as hubs for the majority of business and economic activity in the UAE, and thus, the highest concentrations of jobs are typically found within their borders. The majority of jobs are concentrated in the private sector, particularly in sectors such as retail, hospitality, banking and finance, construction, and oil and gas. Other industries offering employment opportunities include education, healthcare, transport, telecommunications, and logistics. Many of these businesses are headquartered in the core cities and employ local citizens, expats, and foreign workers. Salaries and benefits vary widely across industries - some positions pay extremely well, while others offer only minimum wages. In addition to formal employment opportunities, there is an extensive informal economy in the UAE, with many small and medium-sized businesses operating mainly in the service industry. These businesses include everything from small shops and cafes to bigger entrepreneurs offering freelance services, transportation, hospitality and tourism services. Although these jobs dont always provide high salaries or benefits, they provide an important source of income for many people in the UAE, both local and foreign.

Sports & Recreation in United Arab Emirates

Popular sports and recreational activities in the United Arab Emirates include golf, tennis, horse racing, camel racing, volleyball, basketball, cycling, wakeboarding, paddle boarding, snorkeling, fishing, running, mountain biking and hiking. Golf is extremely popular in the UAE and there are a number of courses available. The courses range from courses set up by professional golfers to courses open to the public. Professional golf tournaments are held in the UAE throughout the year, including the Dubai Desert Classic, Dubai Open, Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and the Race to Dubai. Tennis is also a very popular sport in the UAE, with world-renowned tournaments such as the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships taking place in the country. Professional players such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have competed in UAE tournaments. Horse racing is a popular pastime in the UAE, with horse racing being regularly held at the world-famous Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. The Meydan Racecourse hosts the Dubai World Cup, the worlds richest horse race. Camel racing is another popular sport in the UAE. Racing is held in Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Al Ain and Dubai throughout the year. Volleyball is also a popular sport in the UAE, with beach volleyball tournaments regularly taking place in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Basketball is rapidly growing in popularity in the UAE, with international tournaments taking place throughout the year. Cycling is also popular in the UAE, with races taking place throughout the year. Bike paths are popular in cities such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. Wakeboarding, paddle boarding and snorkeling are popular activities in coastal and beach areas of the UAE. Fishing is a popular pastime in the UAE, with sport fishing tournaments being held throughout the year. Running is a popular sport, with regular events held all over the country, including night running events, fun runs and marathons. Mountain biking is a popular activity, with trails available in many parts of the country, including the Empty Quarter desert, Al Hajar Mountains and Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak. Hiking is also popular in the UAE, with trails available in the Hajar Mountains. There are also guided hikes available throughout the UAE.

Cost of Living & Housing in United Arab Emirates

The cost of living and housing in the UAE is very high. Rent is one of the main expenses that you will incur while living in the UAE. Dubai is the most expensive city in the country and Abu Dhabi tends to be the second most expensive. On average you can expect to pay anywhere from AED 8,000 to AED 18,000 a month for a studio or one bedroom apartment in Dubai. In Abu Dhabi, a studio can cost upwards of AED 7,000 and a one bedroom apartment can cost upwards of AED 9,000. If you want to buy a house in the UAE it will be a lot more expensive. A two bedroom apartment in Dubai can cost around AED 2.5M whereas in Abu Dhabi it can cost around AED 1.7M. Townhouse and villas can cost up to AED 20M depending on location and amenities. Other living costs will vary depending on your lifestyle. Generally speaking, food and dining costs are a bit high in comparison to other countries but you can find some good deals. Groceries can range from AED 500 to AED 3,000 a month depending on where you shop and the kinds of products you buy. Eating out can range from AED 20 to AED 500 depending on your restaurant of choice. Transportation is also quite expensive in the UAE. Cabs can cost anywhere from AED 30 to AED 400 depending on distance, route and vehicle type. Bus fares are much more affordable with one-way tickets costing around AED 8. Car fuel is also more expensive than in most other countries with prices ranging from AED 5 to AED 8 per liter. In summary, the cost of living and housing in the UAE is high due to the countrys strong economy and rising prices. Rent and property prices are very high whereas transportation, food and dining costs vary depending on your lifestyle.

Best International Removals Companies to/from United Arab Emirates

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Immigration Advice and Visa InformationUAE

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Study and Higher Education in United Arab Emirates

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