Top 10 Reasons to Move to Dubai

Nowadays, moving to another country doesn't surprise anyone. Previously, the most popular destinations for relocation were European countries and the USA, but now many people are discovering new options. More and more often, people choose the United Arab Emirates, with Dubai being particularly popular. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider moving here.

Safety

Dubai is among the safest cities in the world, and this is due to several factors:

• You will not see drunk people on the streets here. Strict penalties are enforced for public drunkenness (at least a substantial fine), and a special permit is required for alcohol consumption.
• Cameras are installed almost everywhere.
• Severe punishments are imposed for any violation.

A significant portion of crimes worldwide are due to excessive alcohol consumption. In Dubai, to purchase alcohol, one must obtain a special license. It is issued only to non-Muslims who are at least 21 years old. Tourists can get a license for a month, while Dubai citizens can get it for a year (provided they have an income of at least 3,000 AED). Alcohol is not sold everywhere but only in designated places: hotels, restaurants, bars. However, it is important to note that not all hotels and restaurants in the UAE are permitted to sell alcohol. As for stores, alcohol is only sold in the MMI and African+Eastern retail chains.

It is also crucial that cameras are placed in many locations across the emirate. This helps in monitoring crimes in three key sectors: tourism, transport, and retail. It is considered normal here to leave your phone or wallet at a cafe table while you go to buy coffee. You can also confidently leave your belongings on the beach while you swim in the sea.

The United Arab Emirates' special focus on safety (which is a top priority) makes Dubai particularly attractive to affluent individuals. For many, this is a key factor. Here, one can feel secure about personal safety and the safety of one's property and real estate.

Economic Growth

Dubai recovered very quickly from the global financial crisis of 2008, which impacted the UAE mainly due to inflated real estate prices. This demonstrated that Dubai can withstand any crisis. As for the real estate market, prices have returned to pre-crisis levels. The city is now a huge construction site, offering a wide variety of real estate options to suit any taste.

Moreover, there is no need to worry that the United Arab Emirates is dependent on oil. Those days are long gone. The government has made maximum efforts to transform Dubai into a financial and tourist hub. Therefore, oil is now far from being the only source of income in this country (the UAE has quite rapidly weaned itself off the oil needle). Additionally, the exchange rate of the dirham to the dollar has remained unchanged for the past 15 years. This is an important indicator.

Many prominent economists predict further growth. It's worth believing them. One only needs to look at the streets and business centers in the United Arab Emirates. There is a huge number of luxury cars, and the number of renowned companies that have their offices here is simply staggering.

Employment

Dubai is a cosmopolitan city where people from various countries work. There are many Indians and Pakistanis who primarily work in construction and street cleaning. This indicates that one can find all sorts of jobs here. Interestingly, many employers provide housing, meals, and transportation to the workplace. Of course, the level of the rented property will depend on the employee's position.

However, if you are a highly skilled professional, exciting opportunities await you from well-known companies. As for salaries, top managers and highly valued employees in the Emirates earn significantly more than their counterparts in Europe. For instance, a typical sales manager earns a salary starting from $3,000.

Many who already work and live here advise not to underestimate your capabilities. If you were a top manager or ran your own business in your home country, nothing should stop you from doing the same in the Emirates. Moreover, starting your own business here is relatively straightforward.

In some countries, there is a rule that 51% of a company must be owned by a citizen of that country. This rule does not exist in the UAE, which greatly simplifies registration.

If you have a decent amount of capital, substantial opportunities are available for you in this country. However, before starting a company, it's essential to decide on the industry you want to establish yourself in after moving to the United Arab Emirates. You might find interest in something entirely new. For this, you need to study the market and evaluate your possibilities.

Regarding language, it is sufficient to know English in the Emirates. If you also speak Arabic, it will be a bonus when applying for jobs or starting your own business.

Taxes

Many consider Dubai to be a true tax haven, as there are no taxes in the UAE. This is true, but with a few caveats. In the emirate, there are no taxes on personal income, business revenues, or employee salaries. There is also no tax on property rental. All profits remain with you, and no contributions are required. However, there are some exceptions:

• The banking sector (branches of foreign banks) and oil companies in the emirate do pay taxes. In the oil industry, the tax is 55% of operational revenue, and in some cases, it can reach up to 85%. Banks pay a tax of 20% on their operational revenue.
• A 5% VAT was recently introduced.
• The annual renewal of a company's registration in the emirate (approximately $5,000-$6,000) is called a licensing fee.
• The main road in Dubai is tolled. A fee of 4 dirhams (just over a dollar) is required when passing under the SALIK toll gates.
• Property owners pay special charges included in the mandatory service fee for building and surrounding area maintenance.
• In restaurants and hotels, a service charge of 10% of the cost is added to the bill.
• When residing permanently in the UAE, fees of 10 dirhams are sometimes charged for various services, although this is not consistent and varies over time.

However, all of the above are minor compared to the tax burdens in other countries. Most of these are not taxes but small, disguised fees. Therefore, it can be confidently said that there are essentially no taxes in the UAE. For those looking to open a company or own property in Dubai, the conditions are nearly ideal.

Opportunities and a Solid Foundation for Further Development

The favorable economic climate, good salaries, and virtually no taxes in the emirate offer numerous opportunities. Local companies can afford to hire highly qualified individuals, which significantly boosts the company's position in the global market and offers unlimited opportunities.

Additionally, owning a business in Dubai considerably enhances your status. It reflects a certain level and guarantees business stability. If you have worked for a while in a Dubai company in a significant position and are a skilled professional, nearly all doors are open to you.

However, the excellent opportunities in the emirate are not limited to business and employment. Here, prices are relatively democratic compared to Europe, for items such as furniture and cars, which cost significantly less. The cost of gasoline is also notably lower, and the expenses related to car maintenance and insurance are much cheaper.

Although Dubai may lack historical landmarks, it remains no less attractive. Here are the main attractions:

• The world’s best shopping malls.
• The tallest buildings and towers in the world.
• Unique fountains without any equivalents.
• Races and shows featuring the world's top stars creating unforgettable experiences.
• A unique infrastructure.

Additionally, Dubai's healthcare is noteworthy. The United Arab Emirates boasts state-of-the-art clinics with the highest level of service, staffed by the world's best specialists. There is also a vast number of wellness and spa centers offering unique treatments.

The emirate hosts both public and private universities that accept students from all over the world. They offer a multitude of programs that are continually updated. The bachelor’s and master’s degrees obtained here are recognized worldwide, as the education in Dubai is among the best globally.

Investments and Real Estate

Dubai is a city where not only is there no tax on property rental, but there is also no annual property tax. When purchasing property, you only pay registration duties. For comparison, an investor in this country saves 30-70% in costs when acquiring apartments compared to other countries. This provides an opportunity to earn more from investments in Dubai real estate.

Given this situation, investing in the real estate sector in Dubai is highly profitable, especially when compared to many other countries. If we consider the yield from property rental, it ranges from 5-8% depending on the area, which is a high percentage.

There's no need to worry about the real estate market facing tough times or declining soon, making such investments unprofitable. Dubai continues to grow and develop with many ongoing constructions. Purchasing property in Dubai is a very advantageous capital investment. If you are planning to move and have a certain amount of money, it would be more beneficial for you to consider buying property rather than renting an apartment.

The notion that only luxury real estate is being built in the emirate is completely wrong. Dubai is a place where you can buy housing to suit any taste and budget. Indeed, there is a lot of luxury real estate priced at $1,000,000 and above. But there is even more housing in new districts where prices start from $2,500 per square meter. For this money, you get an excellent view from a skyscraper, underground parking, a gym, and a swimming pool. As for the size, there are many options available, from one-room studio apartments to large cottages with dozens of bedrooms.

Don’t listen to the idea that the most expensive properties are by the sea. There are many areas near the coast with very democratic prices. Likewise, in the more distant and quiet areas, there are streets with homes priced beyond reach. It all depends on personal preferences. In Dubai, a car is indeed a means of transportation. You can reach any area within 15-20 minutes.

Another interesting aspect is the increasing number of artificial islands in the emirate. A review of the real estate market shows that many investors prefer to buy homes exactly on these islands. Many are attracted to this unique location. As for the prices of properties here, the range can be quite wide.

Easy Relocation

Relocating to Dubai is much easier compared to moving to the USA or Europe. However, there are nuances to consider. You need to decide whether you are moving to start a business or to seek employment in one of the companies.

If you plan to move to Dubai on your own (without an employer's assistance), you should plan your budget carefully. You'll need to obtain a residency visa on your own, rent housing (if you decide not to buy property immediately), open a bank account, and register your business. All of these steps, of course, involve substantial expenses.

If you wish to work for a Dubai-based company, it's better to secure employment in advance. Many people find jobs through specialized recruiting agencies. In this case, your moving expenses are covered by your employer. The company also rents housing for you, which is very convenient.

Do not hesitate to move to Dubai with children. The city offers excellent conditions for them, including modern schools, numerous developmental studios (similar to ones in other countries), and various entertainment options. Typically, expatriate children attend English-speaking schools where they quickly improve their English skills. Children adapt and learn languages much faster than adults. There are also kindergartens in Dubai, including Russian-speaking options.

As you can see, moving to the United Arab Emirates is not too complicated, and it is also relatively easy to own a business in the country. However, obtaining citizenship is more challenging. Nevertheless, many people live in the emirate, own multimillion-dollar businesses, and are not citizens, which does not deter them.

Very Clean City

Dubai is indeed a very clean city. This is noted not only by locals but also by tourists. The streets are constantly cleaned by migrant workers from Pakistan and India (men from these nationalities for some reason predominantly work as cleaners in the emirate), who polish them to a shine.

As for residential buildings, they too are cleaned regularly. This is included in the mandatory payments. Everything is meticulously washed and cleaned. The courtyards are very tidy. The city is meticulously maintained, and this is a significant plus. The beaches are also clean, and not only because they are regularly cleaned. In Dubai, it is not customary to litter or throw cigarette butts in inappropriate places. Substantial fines are imposed for such behavior. For instance, throwing a cigarette butt or spitting on the sidewalk can result in a municipal inspector issuing a fine of 500 dirhams (about $126). For repeat offenses, the fine is first doubled and then tripled, as you can see, the amounts are substantial.

As a downside, many point out the lack of wild nature. This is indeed true. However, the emirate is home to a vast number of artificially created parks and gardens that are a breathtaking sight. They are meticulously maintained. The parks are always clean. Such places help to compensate for the absence of wild nature.

Weather and the Sea

The city has one major drawback – extremely hot summers. During this time, temperatures can rise to +45°C (113°F) and sometimes even higher. When you also consider the high humidity, it becomes nearly impossible to stay outdoors.

However, this is mitigated by the fact that powerful air conditioning is installed everywhere. Whether you're in a car, on public transport, in an office, or a shopping mall, there is always a pleasant coolness. In some malls, it's even advisable to dress warmly, as it can get quite chilly. Thus, the heat in the United Arab Emirates is not a major issue. Those who have the option often leave during this period to spend time in cooler countries and return in August.

But the intense heat lasts only three months. For the other nine months, Dubai turns into a paradise. For instance, in January, the average daytime temperature is +24°C (75°F). The sea temperature does not drop below +20°C (68°F), and in summer, it is around +35°C (95°F). However, precipitation is rare, usually occurring in February and March. Sandstorms can occur in the summer.

As for the sea, it is very warm and clean. The United Arab Emirates is located on the coast of the Persian and Oman Gulfs. The Oman Gulf connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea. Tourists sunbathe and swim all year round (locals tend to avoid swimming in the winter, with autumn and spring being the best times). If you choose Dubai as a place for permanent residence, you'll be able to enjoy the sea all year round.

Advantageous Location

Dubai is geographically well-positioned. It hosts numerous ports that accommodate trade and tourist ships from all around the world, making it ideal for business.

Another pleasant feature is its roughly equal distance to both Europe and Asian countries. This is very convenient for travel and conducting business negotiations. Such a location significantly reduces the cost of air travel.

As you can see, there are many advantages to living in this country. Therefore, it's not surprising that people from many countries around the world choose to relocate here. Our experts at Major Real Estate possess extensive knowledge of the local market and can provide you with all the necessary information and recommendations.