Expat news in the United Arab Emirates
Accommodation
Renting a home in Dubai as an expat is becoming more and more challenging. Faced with skyrocketing rents, more and more expatriates are considering real estate purchases to continue living in the city. What are the benefits of this investment? How can one become a homeowner in Dubai? Here are some insights and practical advice.
Everyday life
Is Dubai truly the new haven for foreign ultra-rich and bold investors? Beyond the city's superficial image, expats reveal a different reality—a far more ordinary daily life than the extravagance seen online. Let's uncover the other side of Dubai.
Tax
On September 9, 2022, the UAE, long regarded as a tax-free haven, announced the first batch of significant changes to its tax regulations. The changes affect both individuals and companies and, potentially, the business landscape of the country. The new rules also have direct implications for expats — with some finding themselves in a new tax residency status. So, what do the new regulations actually say?
Expat news
Work
The United Arab Emirates is still facing significant labor shortages despite its multiple strategies to fill in the gaps. In Dubai, the impacted public sector is opening its doors to international talent. But the Emirate doesn't want to limit itself to simply recruiting foreign workers. Behind this vast recruitment campaign is a broader project to attract more investors and foreign talent.
Everyday life
The United Arab Emirates looks like they are quickly achieving its goals! In the early months of the Covid pandemic, the country soon became an ideal destination for expatriates. But today, the communication campaign is coupled with long-term and ambitious changes to attract more foreigners. There are the new visas, the extension of the categories of eligible applicants for the Golden Visa, along with the relaxation of some rules regarding the consumption of alcohol, etc. The new measures confirm the trend.
Everyday life
The number one city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai stands out in terms of immigration. Its economic prosperity has left everyone speechless. After a sudden demographic drop in the early days of the pandemic, Dubai started welcoming new immigrants in the fall of 2020. So how has this city become a favorite expat destination within the past two years?
Features
Formalities
Does moving overseas allow you to escape taxation in your home country forever? That's what many expatriates thought when they moved to low-tax or no-tax countries. The United Arab Emirates is a favorite expat hotspot thanks to its Golden Visa program, specifically tailored to attract a range of profiles, from the wealthiest to the most talented. However, according to experts, there are some risks they might not have considered. When it comes to property taxes, moving overseas is not enough to break the link. So, what are the limitations of Golden Visas?
Visas
While the European Commission is fighting to put an end to the Golden Visa within the European Union, other states are keen on pursuing the Golden passport adventure. As a means of attracting foreign investors while boosting the economy, the Golden Visa continues to appeal to a range of expatriates, not just the wealthiest. So how do you qualify for a Golden Visa if you're not an investor?
Everyday life
Moving to the Middle East has become a prominent trend, with the United Arab Emirates and Cyprus leading the way. A wide array of individuals, including foreign investors, executives, young graduates, and students, are now exploring opportunities in cities like Dubai or Nicosia, making it an increasingly diverse community. Some other countries in the region, like Saudi Arabia, are also making modest reforms to attract more foreign professionals.
Visas
While most Middle East countries are facing an expat exodus, the UAE is looking to attract more of them. Dubai has just announced its new strategy to attract and retain expat retirees: a retiree visa that will be renewable every five years. Here's what you need to know if you've always dreamed of retiring to one of the world's most developed and prosperous cities.
Visas
As from June 1st, holders of valid resident visas who are stranded abroad due to current travel restrictions will be allowed to return to the United Arab Emirates. This news comes as a relief for many of them who have been waiting to reunite with their families.
Work
Until now, only women could benefit from a work permit sponsored by a family member. Husbands could sponsor their wives for a work permit but not the other way round. But, things are changing. As of this month, women will also be able to sponsor their husbands, fathers and adult children for a work permit. This will allow more women to find and accept jobs in the UAE and will increase the pool of workers within the UAE.
Expat interviews
Formalities
Ruth from London landed in Dubai in February 2015 following her husband to his new post. They will be staying for another year before moving back to the United Kingdom. A freelance writer, Ruth shares with Expat.com her everyday life in the United Arab Emirates.
Everyday life
To follow her husband, Christine decided to leave the dynamic city of New York, and head to Abu Dhabi, UAE. It's been two years since she has been living in the Middle-East, and she definitely doesn't regret her choice. She shares with Expat.com her expatriation experience in this eminent emirate.
Leisure
Since 2008, Jo has been living in Abu Dhabi, UAE's capital city. The Filipino expat opens up to Expat.com, and discusses everyday life in the UAE for a non-Muslim expatriate, and all the things that make this country a good place to live in.
Global edition articles
Health system
Adjusting to new food abroad involves more than just overcoming a psychological barrier or embracing an adventurous spirit. Your body may be sensitive and resistant to unfamiliar foods. How can you take care of your health while adjusting to a new culinary landscape? Here are some tips.
Transport
Moving abroad often serves as the perfect moment to change your habits: expanding your social circle, improving lifestyle choices, and altering your modes of consumption and transportation. Have you been primarily dependent on cars until now? Why not take the opportunity of moving to a new city to make a radical shift towards better health and the environment by adopting walking and biking? These modes of transportation are increasingly popular in large international cities and are indeed driving their development.
Sponsored
Center for U.S. Voters Abroad
All U.S. citizens are eligible to vote absentee while living or traveling abroad and a new organization is making that process much better. Here's how.
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