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We cover 10 reasons why the UAE is a popular destination for work, studies, and life for expat women looking to relocate abroad.
1 August 2022
| Last updated on 24 August 2022
We asked long-term expat women why they love living in the Emirates.
For those looking to live abroad, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one country that is certainly worth considering.
Between the variety of things to do, lovely winter weather, abundance of job opportunities, and general safety for women, the country is a great place for any expat woman looking to begin a new adventure in their career.
Here are our top 10 reasons why expat women prefer to live and work in the UAE.
1.) Tax-free income
One of the reasons expat women prefer to live and work in the UAE is because of the 100% tax-free salary. Compared to other popular destinations for expats, there are no income taxations for employees in the Emirates.
In fact, the UAE is one of the very few countries in the world that do not have personal income taxes.
The current taxes are VAT on goods and services bought, profit tax for businesses, and excise tax is applied on specific goods (Tobacco, smoking devices, energy drinks, etc.) which are typically harmful to our health or the environment.
Woman shopping in a mall.
2.) A safe country for women
Many expat women cite the general safety of the UAE as one of their favourite things about living in the Emirates.
In a 2021 survey, the UAE topped globally for women's safety, with 98.6% of respondents answering positively about their personal safety in their communities.
The UAE also ranked as the world's second safest country after Iceland, according to a 2021 report.
But while street, property, and violent crime are low in the UAE, financial crime and cybercrime are ones that often happen in the country.
SEE ALSO: Common Scams in the UAE You Should Be Aware Of
Be sure to remain vigilant with your online and other private information as you would with your personal belongings.
3.) Great public transport
People in the UAE also praise the safety, affordability, and cleanliness of the buses, Dubai metro, and government taxis, with most expat women saying that they are comfortable traveling alone, even at night.
Expat woman near a Dubai taxi.
4.) Business opportunities
If you are looking to set up your own company abroad, the UAE's business environment is one that is teeming with exciting possibilities.
You can also set up a free zone business and benefit from zero taxes (as long as your business meets all necessary requirements, as per the UAE ministry), full ownership, and other pros.
Finding skilled talent for your business won't be an issue as well, as the UAE attracts a highly educated and motivated workforce.
5.) Job opportunities
The UAE offers loads of work opportunities in industries ranging from finance and hospitality to media and education.
With plenty of businesses in the country, the UAE is hungry to acquire foreign talent. Some companies offer attractive salaries and other benefits, especially for multilingual employees who are fluent in Arabic.
Looking for a job in Dubai? Visit our Job Vacancies page for the latest openings.
6.) Community and multiculturalism
Being an expat can be one of the most exciting times of your life, bringing challenges and opportunities in your life and career. But moving to the UAE can also be a difficult adjustment, and unfortunately missing your family, friends, and home is something that every expat deals with at some point in their time abroad.
SEE ALSO: 14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE
Thankfully, the majority of the UAE's diverse population is made up of foreign residents, with expats from India, USA, Europe, China, the Philippines, etc. Regardless of where you're from, there is a local community for you where you can meet with fellow countrymen and share your concerns.
SEE ALSO: Moving to the UAE - 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them
The UAE is also dedicated to promoting cultural diversity, respect, and tolerance among its citizens and expat residents, with regulations set in place to protect people's cultures and religions.
7.) You won't be bored in the UAE
There's always a lot to do in the UAE all year-long.
The winter season from November to February opens up a brand new side to the country, with residents and visitors enjoying al fresco dining, camping, mountain hiking, open-air festivals, night markets, concerts, exhibitions, and other exciting outdoor events.
By summer time, expat residents are spoiled for choice on indoor activities, from vibrant party venues and indoor ski slopes to theatre and iconic attractions.
8.) Connectivity to other parts of the world
The UAE has one of the world's busiest international airports in Dubai, with hundreds of flights each day to a variety of local and international destinations. With two major airlines based in the UAE and service from other airline providers, this makes travel to other countries, whether for holiday or business, easier.
9.) World-class schools and family-friendly activities
For expat women with children, the UAE has hundreds of government and private schools offering a wide range of curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), the US Curriculum, the National Curriculum for England, etc. Most expat families tend to choose a private school, but some public schools in the UAE also accept foreign students for a fee (Emirati students attend for free).
Universities are available for those pursuing higher education, whether it's at a local college or a branch of an existing international institution. The most popular degrees on offer are for Business, Art and Media, Engineering, Education, and Medicine.
There are also plenty of family-friendly attractions in the UAE. After-school activities, themed parks, gaming and arcade centres, aquariums, and safari zoos are just a drop in a long list of things to do!
10.) Quality of life
The UAE boasts world-class infrastructure, global cuisine, a diverse population, safety, employment opportunities, excellent schools, and clean cities, making it a great place for expats who wish to enjoy a good quality of life.
Thousands of expats who have built a comfortable life and have well-paying work call this country 'home', with many second and third generation expats preferring to continue living in the Emirates.
