United Arab Emirates Lifestyle - Expat Magazine
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.
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.
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?
There is a huge presence of expats in the United Arab Emirates. Of a total headcount of 9.9 million Dubai inhabitants, only 1.15 million are Emiratis, according to the Global Media Insight 2021. Most expats in the UAE are from India (27%) and Pakistan (13%), but the country has a big British community as well.
It's official. Starting this month, according to the Government Portal of the country, the United Arab Emirates are accepting applications for 10-year and 5- year residence visas. The decision was validated by the UAE Cabinet in November 2018, and honorary visas have already been assigned 20 academics who are already living and working in the UAE. The two new visa categories were set up in an attempt to attract and retain highly skilled individuals to the UAE. Entrepreneurs, investors, highly specialised talents and even outstanding students will be eligible for these 10-year and 5-year visas. But what, exactly, does it take to be able to bag yourself a long-term residency permit in the UAE? For the next five years there will need to be:
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.
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.
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.
Amy comes from the UK. She moved to Abu Dhabi nine months ago after her husband was offered a job there. In this Interview, she shares her views about life in the United Arab Emirates.
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