You’re considering a life-changing move to one of the world’s most glamorous cities, but you’re drowning in conflicting information about what life in Dubai actually looks like. The glossy social media posts show endless luxury, while news reports paint a completely different picture. What’s the truth?
I recently sat down with Rida, a mother who’s called Dubai home for over 15 years, to get the unvarnished reality of living in Dubai as an expat. Her insights might surprise you – and could be exactly what you need to make an informed decision about your family’s future. Whether you’re drawn to the tax-free living in Dubai or concerned about safety in Dubai for women, this comprehensive guide covers everything from housing costs to the Golden Visa process.
Why Dubai Has Become the Ultimate Expat Destination
Living in Dubai as an expat offers a unique combination that’s hard to find anywhere else in the world. Rida moved to Dubai in 2010 when she was in her twenties, drawn by the adventure and opportunity. “Dubai has been wonderful because it’s offered me a lot of flexibility,” she explains. “I get to still be a mom, be an entrepreneur, be a business person, and it’s all at my fingertips here.”
As of 2025, the population of Dubai stands at 3,907,733, with estimates putting the overall expatriate population at around 75%, making it one of the world’s most diverse cities. This isn’t just about numbers – it’s about creating a community where everyone can thrive.
The transformation has been remarkable. Dubai has evolved from what Rida describes as a more transient expat community to one where people are genuinely putting down roots. “When I first moved here, I remember the expats I was meeting was like, ‘I’ve been here two years, I’m probably leaving next year.’ Now everyone I meet is ‘I’ve been here seven years, I’ve been here 10 years, I was born and raised here.'”
Watch the full interview with Rida about her 15-year experience living in Dubai.
The Real Cost of Living in Dubai for Families
Let’s address the elephant in the room – cost of living in Dubai. Rida’s honest assessment? It’s getting more expensive, especially in the last few years. The average cost of living in Dubai for a single person increased by 0.5% in 2025 compared to 2024, while the estimated cost of living for a family of four increased by 0.3%.
But here’s what makes Dubai unique: while Dubai remains one of the most expensive cities in the UAE, these costs are offset by tax-free salaries, with the average annual salary in Dubai now reaching USD $57,500.
Housing Costs That Make Sense
Housing remains the largest expense for most families. Rida shares practical insights: “For two to three bedrooms if you’re talking about further areas, it’s probably around 200 [thousand dirhams annually] now.” That translates to roughly £40,000 per year, or about £3,300 monthly.
The key is understanding that location dramatically affects pricing. Areas like Jumeirah Village Circle offer more affordable options, while prime locations like Downtown Dubai command premium prices. The yearly rent for a studio apartment is around AED 85,000 in Downtown Dubai but could be on average AED 55,000 in a more affordable community like Jumeirah Village Circle.
Utilities and Daily Expenses
“Utilities, water, electric – we pay probably around less than 1,000 [dirhams] a month and I’m in a four-bedroom villa,” Rida reveals. That’s roughly £220 monthly for a substantial family home, which is remarkably reasonable considering the year-round air conditioning needs.
Individuals and expats living in Dubai spend about USD $455 on average on food expenses each month, making dining and groceries quite manageable compared to other global cities.
Safety: The Game-Changer for Families
Perhaps nothing illustrates Dubai’s appeal more than Rida’s experience with safety. “As a mother with kids, I feel incredibly safe,” she emphasizes. “We literally leave our handbags open, phone on the side, walk away, come back. There’s like an honor code.”
This level of safety extends to children’s independence too. “Even for my children, when I travel, I’ve got my eyes on my kids – where are they, where are they, every moment. Here, I have my eyes on my kids, but I know they’re safe.”
Safety in Dubai for women is particularly noteworthy. Rida feels completely secure even at 3 AM, noting the visible police presence and general sense of security throughout the city.
Education: World-Class Options with Global Curricula
Raising kids in Dubai offers incredible educational opportunities, though it comes at a cost. Rida’s children attend American curriculum schools, and she notes that fees typically range from 50,000 to over 100,000 dirhams annually (roughly £10,000-£22,000).
Education is one of the most significant expenses for families, typically accounting for around 15–20% of monthly budgets. However, the quality and international recognition make it worthwhile for many families.
The diversity in schools mirrors Dubai’s multicultural environment. “You have people that are locals, you have people that are expats, you have people that have been here five years, two years, 20 years,” Rida observes. This creates an incredibly rich educational environment where children grow up truly global citizens.
School Options and Quality
Dubai offers various curriculum options:
- British curriculum schools
- American curriculum schools
- International Baccalaureate (IB) programs
- Indian curriculum schools
- Arabic curriculum public schools
The government has implemented caps on annual fee increases to keep education more accessible, showing their commitment to supporting expat families long-term.
The Golden Visa: Your Path to Long-Term Residency
One of the most exciting developments for expats is the Golden visa Dubai explained program. Rida mentions how this has been a game-changer for people wanting to make Dubai truly home rather than just a temporary stop.
The Golden visa is a long-term residence visa which enables foreign talents to live, work or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits. The requirements have become more accessible:
- Property Investment Route: One can submit an application for the program if they buy real estate in Dubai or other emirates for AED 2 million+
- Entrepreneur Route: Entrepreneurs need to demonstrate a track record of successful business ventures and a minimum investment of AED 2 million
- Talent Categories: Outstanding professionals in medicine, science, technology, and other specialized fields
The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Business Opportunities
Dubai’s business environment is incredibly conducive to entrepreneurship. “You find your people, and I’m blessed to be surrounded by some wonderful entrepreneurial people, so constantly you’re inspired,” Rida shares.
The city has created free zones and initiatives specifically designed to support business development. This new system in the UAE allows residents, foreign expatriates and their families to come to work, live and study in the country, and to have the possibility of enjoying a long-term residency without the need for a sponsor.
Setting up a business is remarkably straightforward. Rida mentions you can establish a virtual desk setup for around 15,000 dirhams with visa included, making Dubai one of the most business-friendly cities globally.
Networking and Growth Opportunities
What sets Dubai apart is the government’s active support for business networking. “They have weekly group sessions where they invite companies that they think could benefit from meeting each other,” Rida explains. This kind of proactive business facilitation is rare worldwide.
The emirate has also launched specialized programs like the Dubai Gaming Program 2033, showing their commitment to emerging industries and innovation.
Climate and Lifestyle: Managing the Heat
Let’s be honest about the weather – life in Dubai 2025 means dealing with intense summer heat. “It gets very warm, but the city is built so you’re not really outside,” Rida explains pragmatically.
The summer months (roughly May through September) see temperatures soar above 40°C with high humidity. However, the infrastructure is designed around this reality:
- Comprehensive air conditioning in all buildings
- Underground parking and covered walkways
- Mall culture that provides climate-controlled entertainment
- Many expats travel during the hottest months
Rida’s advice? “You just don’t go outside probably prior to 3:00” during peak summer. The city adapts, schools adjust schedules, and life continues comfortably indoors.
Cultural Diversity and Social Integration
Dubai lifestyle and culture represents a unique blend that Rida describes as truly inclusive. “It’s quite it is Muslim but it’s quite inclusive. I don’t really feel or notice it either way.”
The city celebrates major festivals from all cultures:
- Christmas decorations fill the malls
- Diwali celebrations are city-wide events
- Islamic holidays are respected and observed
- Chinese New Year gets significant recognition
This multicultural acceptance extends to daily life. Rida notes how her children’s school reflects this diversity: “It’s really cool to see my kids and their group of friends and the diversity in the teachers.”
Healthcare and Insurance: World-Class Medical Care
Healthcare in Dubai meets international standards, with many medical tourism visitors choosing the city for specialized treatments. Healthcare and insurance typically account for around 5–10% of monthly living costs for expats in Dubai.
Employers must provide basic health insurance, but many expats opt for comprehensive private plans to ensure full family coverage. The quality of care rivals any major international city, with many doctors trained in Western countries.
Transportation: Getting Around the City
Dubai’s transportation landscape is evolving rapidly. While Rida acknowledges that traffic has increased significantly – “For me to get to Dubai Mall used to take me 10-15 minutes. I cannot do it in less than 30 minutes now” – the city is actively addressing these growing pains.
Public transportation options include:
- Dubai Metro system
- Comprehensive bus network
- Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber, Careem)
- Planned Loop system with air-conditioned cycling routes
Many families opt to purchase cars, and Rida notes that fuel costs remain very reasonable compared to other global cities.
Employment and Career Opportunities
Working in Dubai as an expat offers unique advantages, particularly the tax-free income structure. Rida has successfully balanced motherhood with entrepreneurship, moving into trading and real estate while maintaining family priorities.
The most promising sectors for expats in Dubai include renewable energy, financial technology (FinTech), artificial intelligence, healthcare, tourism, and hospitality.
The job market continues to favor specialized professionals, with significant opportunities in:
- Technology and AI
- Financial services
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Education
- Hospitality and tourism
However, Rida notes that increased competition means “we haven’t seen salary inflation as much as we’ve seen inflation in Dubai because there are so many people trying to come to Dubai.”
Family Life: Dubai vs Abu Dhabi Comparison
When discussing family life in Dubai vs Abu Dhabi, Rida provides interesting perspective. While she hasn’t lived in Abu Dhabi, her impression is that “Abu Dhabi seems more family orientated. They seem to be wanting to attract families and more wealthier families.”
Dubai, she feels, has traditionally attracted the entrepreneurial community with its dynamic business environment and startup-friendly policies. However, both cities now offer excellent family amenities and the same Golden Visa benefits.
Practical Considerations and Daily Life
Banking and Financial Services
Banking in Dubai is sophisticated and international-friendly. Most major global banks have presence, and the process for opening accounts is streamlined for residents with proper documentation.
Internet and Communications
While WhatsApp video and voice calling don’t work (traditional messaging does), Dubai offers excellent internet infrastructure. Rida notes this as one area where authorities “have held their ground” despite changing many other policies.
Shopping and Entertainment
Dubai’s mall culture isn’t just about shopping – it’s a lifestyle adaptation to the climate. Malls serve as community centers with entertainment, dining, and services all under one air-conditioned roof.
Privacy and Social Media
Dubai has strict rules about filming and posting people without consent, particularly regarding children. “You cannot film someone without their consent and you definitely cannot post them without their consent,” Rida explains. Many expats actually appreciate these privacy protections.
Understanding the Challenges: An Honest Assessment
Rida is refreshingly honest about the downsides of living in Dubai:
- Summer Heat: The extreme temperatures and humidity during peak summer months
- Increased Traffic: Growing pains from rapid population growth
- Rising Costs: Housing and living expenses have increased significantly
- Vitamin D Deficiency: Limited sun exposure during hot months leads to health considerations
“I think that is a real thing here. A lot of people do suffer from vitamin D deficiency,” she acknowledges about the health impacts of indoor living during summer.
The Financing Advantage: Making Dubai Accessible
For those considering the investment required for Dubai life, Paul Welch’s expertise in luxury asset financing becomes particularly relevant. Having facilitated over £4.2 billion in luxury asset financing, Paul understands the unique financial strategies that make Dubai property investment viable.
Whether you’re looking at the AED 2 million Golden Visa property investment or exploring Dubai’s luxury real estate market, specialized financing solutions can optimize your investment strategy. From single stock lending to margin loans against investment portfolios, there are sophisticated ways to fund your Dubai lifestyle without liquidating your existing assets.
Technology and Innovation: Dubai’s Future Focus
Rida mentions Dubai’s advancement in AI and technology integration, particularly in government services. “I think Dubai might be one of the most advanced in AI in incorporating AI in their different sectors, especially government.”
From facial recognition at airports to payment systems that use biometric data, Dubai is positioning itself as a smart city leader. This technological sophistication extends to the business environment, making it attractive for tech professionals and entrepreneurs.
The Verdict: Is Dubai Right for Your Family?
After 15 years in Dubai, Rida’s perspective is clear: “I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t find an advantage… It’s interesting because we’ve had many people ask us questions about who benefits the most and whether it’s a place just for the wealthy, but I think it’s a community of everyone.”
The key factors that make Dubai work for families:
- Safety and security that’s genuinely world-class
- Educational opportunities with international standards
- Cultural diversity that enriches children’s worldview
- Career opportunities in a tax-free environment
- Government support for business and innovation
- Infrastructure designed for modern living
Making Your Dubai Decision
Life in Dubai offers something unique – a truly international lifestyle with financial advantages and safety standards that are hard to match globally. However, it requires adaptability, especially regarding climate and cost management.
Rida’s experience demonstrates that Dubai has evolved from a temporary stop for expats to a genuine home where families can build long-term lives. The combination of economic opportunity, safety, quality education, and cultural diversity creates an environment where both adults and children can thrive.
The Golden visa Dubai program has removed much of the uncertainty that previously concerned long-term residents, while the government’s continued investment in infrastructure and innovation suggests Dubai’s appeal will only grow.
For those considering this move, Rida’s advice resonates: come during the cooler months (October to January) to experience Dubai at its best, research school options thoroughly, and understand that while the initial investment may be significant, the lifestyle benefits and financial advantages can make it worthwhile.
Whether you’re drawn by the entrepreneurial opportunities, the tax-free income, or simply the promise of a safer, more internationally minded environment for your children, Dubai offers possibilities that are increasingly rare in today’s world.
