Last Updated on April 20, 2024 by Jamie Marshall
Dubai is one of seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. Dubai is indeed the region’s most prosperous and rapidly expanding economy, propelled by a favorable business environment and shrewd investment decisions, establishing it firmly as the financial, economic, and cultural hub of the entire Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The consequent spike in employment makes this dynamic and diverse market a haven for investors and business individuals looking to cash in on the rapid growth of the economy.
Dubai boasts a varied, dynamic, and multicultural blend of young, tech-savvy professionals all enjoying the unparalleled quality of life that the city has to offer. People choose to live, work, and visit Dubai as much for the luxuries that define the emirate’s lifestyle as for the excellent business opportunities provided by the rapidly expanding economy.
What draws people to this vibrant city is that it offers something for everyone, whether they are young, old, children, teenagers, adults, couples, individuals, or families.
Although there is not one, two, or a handful, but a million different reasons why people flock to this city of extremes, we have listed below our top reasons that bring people to Dubai.
Climate
The weather in Dubai is warm and sunny pretty much all year round, with the potential to enjoy Dubai’s beautiful beaches – as well as a host of outdoor activities such as bicycling, sky diving, and a variety of popular water sports.
The summer months from June to September are the only times of the year when the weather really heats up, making it advisable to remain indoors as much as possible. Even during these summer months, most hotels offer attractive deals, and there are a host of indoor activities that still draw people to this immensely popular destination.
Safe environment
As the population of the city continues to grow, fortunately crime rates in Dubai remain at an all-time low, owing to the emirate’s world class police who take great pride in keeping their city free from crime.
Unlike other international destinations, where crime is an unfortunate by-product of globalization, people living in Dubai enjoy the safety and security provided by the police force, as well as the local population who take pride in ensuring that their city provides a safe and secure environment for its residents.
People can stay out late at night without the fear of being robbed, and Dubai is relatively safe for single women as well, providing they exercise common sense and some caution.
Dining
When it comes to food, people in Dubai just love to eat out. With over 200 different nationalities living here, it is no surprise that residents here are spoilt for choice when it comes to choice of cuisine.
With ethnic delights from the Middle East, flavorful Asian food from Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore, as well as belly-busting flavors from the Indian sub-continent, this fascinating food haven provides a variety of cuisines to satisfy every culinary desire.
Dubai’s epic brunches are well worth the price, and in an effort to promote itself as the culinary capital of the region, the emirate also continually hosts a variety of food festivals, live cooking demonstrations, and various food related activities hosted by some of the world’s most renowned food maestros.
Shopping
If it’s one thing Dubai is famous for, it’s the unbelievable shopping experience that greets residents and visitors alike. From the countless high-end malls featuring the latest brands from Europe and the USA to the quaint spice, textile, and gold souks, there is nothing that you cannot find in the city that loves to shop!
There is something to suit every budget here, and the city is continually striving to bring the top brands from across the world to its shores, so the shopping experience is only going to continue to dazzle with the array of options available.
Entertainment
If a plethora of shopping and dining options isn’t enough to keep you busy, Dubai offers a host of other entertainment options to make your stay lively and exciting. The emirate hosts a variety of shopping festivals, food and dining festivals, fashion and art festivals, as well as music festivals featuring the top performing artists from across the globe.
The city also plays host to some of the most exciting sporting events, such as the Dubai Desert Classic, a major tourney on the PGA European circuit, the Dubai Rugby Sevens that draws in huge crowds every year, and the Dubai Tennis Championships featuring big-name players such as Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic.
Tax-free earning potential and business-friendly environment
Dubai is a tax-free economy; there is no VAT and no income tax, meaning that what you earn is yours to spend. This is an extremely attractive prospect for many expats who come from countries where taxation can eat up a significant portion of the income earned.
With sensible living and a little restraint, it is possible to enjoy many of the luxuries on offer and save a bit of money.
The government of Dubai has also made a concerted effort to attract international investors by offering attractive investment incentives in established free trade zones, where it is possible for foreign investors to solely own their businesses (without the need for a local partner or sponsor), secure exemption from import and export duties, and be able to repatriate all of their income back to their home countries.
Language
This might seem a strange reason to list here, but is very relevant. Although the official language of the UAE is Arabic, English is widely spoken for business purposes, as well as all public places such as shopping malls, schools, and hospitals.
This makes Dubai an attractive alternative prospect for many Caucasians from Europe, Australia, and the USA, as well as others who can communicate effectively in English. Most schools in Dubai teach in English, although Arabic is a vital part of the curriculum in all schools.
Moving can be stressful, and the benefits of being able to communicate effectively without the added cumbrance of having to learn the local language is seen by many as a huge advantage.
Government related matters, such as permissions and licensing of any kind, are conducted largely in Arabic, but it is quick and easy to find a PRO (public relations officer) who can act as a go-between with the government. Dubai is so “international” that there is no real need to learn the local language in order to be able to live and enjoy all that the emirate has to offer.
Real Estate
As the Dubai real estate market has opened up to international investors, people from all across the globe continue to invest in real estate in Dubai. Property is relatively cheap compared to other similar trading hubs across the globe, and is a good hedge against inflation as rising costs can be factored in to increased rents, and property value inflates without any rise in its debt.
With the earning power in Dubai, many expats are able to lead an indulgent life and own their own homes, which may not be a possibility back in their home countries.