Dubai was once thought to be a place where expatriates would come for a couple of years, make some money, and then leave.

Today, as the emirate grows, so does its expat community; in fact, according to the Congressional Research Service, expatriates account for almost 90 percent of the UAE’s population of nearly 10 million people.

Many of them would like to retire in Dubai, despite the fact that the majority of them are there to work in the open economy. Warm weather, glitz, and new programs entice retirees to the UAE.

Visitors from other countries are also discovering Dubai’s high quality of life. While some are looking for a comfortable and convenient base for family vacations, others are seeing the advantages of owning a home and investing in Dubai as a retirement retreat.

Better Cost of Living and Housing

It is possible to live in the United Arab Emirates for a lower cost than you are currently paying. The cost of living in the UAE is 15.03 percent lower on average than in the United States, according to Numbeo, a cost-of-living database. Without including housing, a single person can budget for around $858.93 per month to get by. When it comes to rent, it’s about 4.33 percent cheaper than in the United States.

With a population of just under 3 million people, Dubai is currently the most populous city in the UAE. According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Chicago, Illinois, is comparable. Bureau of the Census When you compare the two, you’ll find that $4,623.38 in Dubai will get you the same standard of living as $5,500 in Chicago.

Easy Application of Visa and Residency Permit

The UAE is taking steps to make it easier for people to retire there. The Retire in Dubai program was created by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDFRA-Dubai). It’s a global program that allows long-term working expatriates and other foreign retirees to live and work in the UAE.

Residents and foreign retirees over the age of 55 who have valid UAE health insurance are eligible for the program. Candidates are given a five-year retirement visa that can be renewed.

Taxes in Dubai

When it comes to taxation, the United Arab Emirates is a one-of-a-kind country. There is no income tax in Dubai. As a result, individuals are exempt from paying a portion of their income to the government. 

One of a Kind Lifestyle

From skiing to golf to desert camel rides, Dubai has something for everyone. You will never be bored if you choose to retire here. 

Even in the summer, when the sultry heat makes it impossible to be outside for long periods of time, the shopping malls here are massive, resembling mini-cities with cinemas, ice skating rinks, and even mini theme parks! Dubai is full of glamour, with some of the world’s best restaurants and a huge number of fine dining establishments spread throughout the city.

Diverse Culture

The city is truly a melting pot of cultures, with the majority of residents being foreign-born expats. People of all nationalities are welcome in the country, which celebrates many of the major festivals and cultural events that take place throughout the year.

Safety in Dubai

With an extremely low crime rate, Dubai has been named one of the safest countries in the world. This makes Dubai’s streets extremely safe, allowing residents to walk around the city at any time of day or night without fear. This is due in part to the well-respected police force and the laws that are strictly enforced.