Expat Life in Dubai: What to Expect

Dubai is one of the top destinations for expats from all over the world, offering a unique blend of opportunity, luxury, and adventure. Known for its impressive skyscrapers, multicultural communities, and tax-free income, Dubai attracts professionals, entrepreneurs, and families alike. From navigating the extreme climate to understanding cultural customs and adjusting to the fast-paced lifestyle, expats quickly learn that Dubai is more than just glamour.

In this guide, we’ll explore what expat life in Dubai is really like – what you can expect from the job market, social scene, culture and more. We’ll help you to understand the realities of living in Dubai so you can have a successful and fulfilling experience.

Many people think that the cost of living in Dubai is much more expensive than living in the UK. However, according to Numbeo, the cost of living in Dubai is 24% lower than in London, without rent, and rent costs alone are 31% lower in Dubai than in London. Salaries are also comparatively lower – 24% lower in Dubai when compared to the UK, so Londoners could expect a similar quality of life.

However, London is much more expensive than other places in the UK; for example, the cost of living in Manchester is 13% higher than Dubai, where as rent prices in Manchester are nearly 30% lower than in Dubai, and salaries are 6% lower. So, how much of a difference you’ll see will vary depending on where you are moving from.

Many expats who move to Dubai from a UK city could find a comparable way of life and even better quality. It’s also worth remembering that Dubai has a tax-free income policy, meaning people could see more in their take-home wage.

Dubai has a diverse and rapidly growing economy, which offers numerous job opportunities for expats in various industries. Some of the key industries where expats could find lucrative employment include construction and real estate, finance and baking, and tourism and hospitality. These are all flourishing sectors that are often looking for skilled workers who have relevant experience and qualifications. You can read more about career opportunities in our guide to the best expat jobs in Dubai.

Working culture in Dubai is a blend of traditional Middle Eastern values and modern business practices. Professionalism and respect are crucial in a work environment and punctuality will be valued. Whilst Dubai is relatively liberal compared to some other Middle Eastern cities, a professional and modest dress code will be expected in most workplaces.

Previously, the weekend took place on Friday and Saturday, but the government have recently changed this to Saturday to Sunday. The change first took place in government entities, but many private sector firms have since followed suit. The working day starts at 7.30am and finishes until 3.30pm, or noon on Fridays.

Annual leave is granted based on how much time an employee has worked. For example, if an employee has worked for a business for six months, they are entireld to two days off per month. There are also 10 national holidays throughout the year that must be granted, many of which coincide with important Islamic dates.

Adapting to Dubai’s cultural norms and laws is vital for expats to avoid misunderstandings and even legal repercussions. Many of the customs of Dubai and the rest of the UAE are rooted in Islamic traditions, which will relate to public behaviour in particular.

Expats in Dubai should expect to dress modestly, with women covering their shoulders and avoiding revealing clothing, especially in more traditional areas. Public displays of affection, even between married couples, should be avoided – in some cases, you could face a legal penalty. Expats should avoid swearing or making offensive gestures, as this could also result in fines or even imprisonment in serious situations.

Alcohol is available in licensed hotels and bars, but it is illegal to be publicly intoxicated in Dubai. Expats will need a liquor licence to buy alcohol to consume at home.

Arabic is the official language of the UAE and Dubai, although English is widely spoken. In business, English will be the primary language used and many expats in Dubai don’t speak Arabic and don’t face any issues. Government documents and public signs are typically available in English.

However, local people will often appreciate expats making an effort to learn some basic Arabic phrases. Doing so can help to foster better connections and forge deeper relationships with UAE citizens.

Islam plays a central role in the daily life in Dubai. Expats should show respect for the religious customs that will influence both public and private life.

This will include being mindful of traditions such as Ramadan, prayer times, and Friday as a holy day. Ramadan is when Muslims will fast from dawn until sunset, and lasts for a month. Expats are not required to fast, but they can show their respect by not eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.

The adhan, or call to prayer, will be sounded five times a day, reminding Muslims to pray. Non-Muslims are not required to participate in prayer, but they should remain respectful during these times and be aware that meetings or services may be paused.

Fridays are considered the holiest day in Islam and as such, businesses will be closed or have reduced hours on this day. Expats should expect to adjust their schedules accordingly.

Dubai has an extreme desert climate, characterised by hot temperatures all year round. The summer months of June to September will see particularly high and intense heat. Daytime temperatures in the summer can reach 40°C (104°F), often reaching as high as 50°C (122°F). Humidity levels can also rise significantly, which makes it feel even hotter.

In the winter, the climate can be much more tolerable, with temperatures ranging between 14°C to 25°C (57°F to 77°F). During these months, people make the most of the more comfortable heat by taking part in outdoor activities.

Dubai is known for having a multicultural community, so expats can often find friends in a similar situation to them. There are numerous events held in Dubai for both professional networking and opportunities to socialise. These can include industry-specific events, as well as general meetups and special interest groups, to help find like-minded individuals and establish meaningful relationships.  

Dubai has a vibrant social scene which offers a wide range of activities. This can include taking part in the thriving dining and nightlife scene, spanning from Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury rooftop bars to traditional street food and beach clubs.

There are also plenty of options for outdoor pursuits. Dubai’s natural landscapes provides opportunities to take part in desert safaris, hiking, and beach outings, as well as water sports such as jet skiing and sailing.

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