Living in Dubai as an Expat: What No One Tells You!

Dubai—the city of shimmering skyscrapers, endless brunches, and golden sunsets over the Arabian Gulf. If you've seen the glitz on Instagram, you probably already know it looks like a dream. But what’s it really like to live in Dubai as an expat?

Whether you’re moving for work, adventure, or just craving a new start, here’s the real, unfiltered take on what they don’t always tell you.

🌟 1. The Expat Bubble Is Real—And Comfortable

Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, with expats making up around 90% of the population. That means you’ll rarely feel like an outsider—but you might also find yourself living in a kind of “expat bubble.”

You’ll meet people from everywhere—UK, India, Philippines, South Africa, Lebanon, Russia, you name it. Most friend groups are wildly international, and that’s the beauty of it. But you might realise after a while… you’ve never actually had a real local Emirati experience. You’ll have to go out of your way to connect with the local culture—it’s worth it.

💸 2. No Income Tax, But It’s Not Cheap

Yes, you read that right—no income tax. That’s one of the main draws. But don’t start spending like royalty just yet.

Dubai can be shockingly expensive:

• Rent is high (especially in hotspots like Dubai Marina or Downtown).

• School fees? Yikes.

• Brunch? Fun but $$$.

• Want to go out every weekend? Budget accordingly.

Tip: Apps like The Entertainer offer 2-for-1 deals that help offset the cost of eating out and entertainment.

🏡 3. Housing Is a Wild Ride

Unlike many cities, you pay rent yearly in Dubai (sometimes in 2-4 cheques if you're lucky). So unless your company covers accommodation, you’ll need to be ready for a hefty upfront payment.

Also: You might start out living in a high-rise with fountains and a gym… then realise your soul craves more space, and you move to a villa in the suburbs with a garden and chirping birds. The lifestyle shift is real.

🕌 4. Respect the Culture—It’s Not That Hard

Dubai is modern, but it’s still rooted in Islamic culture. You’ll need to be mindful of things like:

• Dressing modestly in certain areas

• Public displays of affection

• Behaviour during Ramadan (e.g. not eating in public during fasting hours)

You’ll find that respect is always appreciated, and locals are incredibly welcoming when you show a willingness to understand.

☀️ 5. Summer Is Not for the Faint of Heart

From June to September, the heat is no joke. We’re talking 45°C (113°F) and up. Outdoor life pauses, and you’ll become best friends with your AC. But the city adapts—everything from running tracks to playgrounds is indoors and chilled.

The bonus? These months are quieter, and you can score amazing staycation deals at luxury hotels.

💼 6. Work Life: Hustle with Perks

Dubai has a reputation for being fast-paced and competitive. You’ll find people working hard, networking non-stop, and chasing big dreams. The “Sunday to Thursday” workweek (though many have moved to Mon-Fri) takes a minute to adjust to.

That said, the standard of professional life is high, with tons of networking events, global business opportunities, and—let’s be honest—a lot of LinkedIn humblebrags.

🚗 7. Driving Is Common… and Kinda Wild

Public transport is improving (hello, clean, punctual Metro!), but most people still drive. Be warned: Driving can be chaotic. Lanes? Optional. Indicators? Decorative. Parking? Expensive.

Still, the freedom of hopping in your car and hitting a desert road with skyscrapers in your rear view is unmatched.

❤️ 8. It Can Feel Like Home Faster Than You Expect

You might land thinking you’ll stay a year, maybe two. Then suddenly it’s five years later, and you’ve built a life, a community, and a love for shawarma at 2am.

The convenience, safety, and diversity make it a surprisingly easy place to call home—even if you never meant to stay long.

🧳 Final Thoughts: Is It For You?

Living in Dubai as an expat is a unique ride—luxurious, intense, beautiful, frustrating, exciting. It's a place of contrasts. One moment you’re sipping saffron lattes in a rooftop lounge, and the next you’re caught in traffic behind a camel on the outskirts.

If you’re adaptable, open-minded, and ready for both the perks and the quirks, Dubai can be an unforgettable chapter in your life story.