Ethnic breakdown Approximately 67% of the expatriate population (and 71% of the emirate's total population) is South Asian. About 25% of the population have Iranian origin. About 8% of the total population of Dubai is categorized as "Western".
Emirati 11.6%, South Asian 59.4% (includes Indian 38.2%, Bangladeshi 9.5%, Pakistani 9.4%, other 2.3%), Egyptian 10.2%, Filipino 6.1%, other 12.8% (2015 est.)
Australians in the United Arab Emirates consist of 16,000 expatriates, most of whom live in Dubai and the capital of Abu Dhabi.
Demographic profile
In terms of demographics, males make up 69 per cent of Dubai's population at around 2.438 million, while females represent 31 per cent with over 1.111 million. Emiratis account for eight per cent of the population, while expats represent 92 per cent.
The official language of Dubai is Arabic, though English is even more widely spoken. With the exception of some local Emiratis, who make up a small percentage of the total population, almost everyone living in or traveling to Dubai speaks at least passable English.
Dubai has a rich history, with recent unparalleled growth across all sectors including Health, Education and Finance. It is also a very diverse city with up 200 Nationalities living in various communities across the Emirate.
With so much on offer, it's easy to see why. The region offers a high quality of life, a favourable tax system and a chance to experience a culture completely different from back home. There is no question the expat lifestyle is a rewarding experience.
Yes, an Australian citizen can move to Dubai, provided they get a job, and the Dubai company will sponsor and provide a UAE residency visa. Another option is if you move your Australian business and setup in Dubai, you will be able to get a UAE residency visa under your UAE registered company.
Australia has a GDP per capita of $48,700 as of 2020, while in United Arab Emirates, the GDP per capita is $67,100 as of 2019. In Australia, 5.2% of adults are unemployed as of 2019. In United Arab Emirates, that number is 1.6% as of 2016.
Indians and Pakistanis form the largest expatriate groups in the country, constituting 28% and 12% of the total population respectively. Around 510,000 Westerners live in the United Arab Emirates, making up 5.1% of its total population.
Nigerians living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been reported to account for one of the highest crime rates in the Asian country, an official said.
No income tax
Tax-free living has long been one of the biggest draws for expats living in Dubai. Any income you earn in Dubai is not subject to tax. There is no personal income tax on any source of your income, whether you are a resident or non-resident of the UAE.
What is the average salary in Dubai? According to Salary Explorer, the average salary in Dubai is 258,000 AED per year (70,256 USD as per exchange rates in 2023). This figure can help you get an overview of Dubai's economy and its standard of living.
To obtain UAE citizenship by birth, a child must either descend from a family of long-term Arab settlers in the UAE, from an Emirati father in the country or abroad, or from an Emirati mother in the country or abroad without a legally established fatherhood or with a stateless father.
Cost of living in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) is 18% cheaper than in Sydney (Australia)
Holders of regular (non-diplomatic) Australian passports can enter the UAE without obtaining a visa in advance. Australians may obtain a free multiple-entry Visit Visa of 30 days' validity (with an additional 10-day grace period) on arrival at any UAE international land, air or sea port.
Yes, foreigners are allowed to buy property in the UAE. However, there are certain location restrictions. According to them, foreigners can only purchase real estate in specific places called freehold zones. The majority of them are located in Dubai.
Australian resident going overseas
You'll need to still lodge an Australian tax return if you remain an Australian resident. If you're unsure of your tax situation, see Your tax residency. If you work while living overseas, you must declare: all your foreign employment income.
The UAE is the third-richest country in the world, below Luxembourg at number two and Qatar at number one, with a GDP per capita of $57,744. The bulk of its money comes from the production of goods and provision of services related to petroleum, petrochemicals, aluminium and cement.
For those entering the UAE without a job offer, a long-term multiple-visit visa is your best option. This visa allows you to stay in the country for 90 days with the option to renew. Those who already have a job lined up typically employers take care of all the paperwork and visa applications on your behalf.
Yes, foreigners can buy property in designated areas for foreign property ownership in Dubai. These areas are determined by the Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, and include regions such as Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Arabian Ranches and Jumeirah Beach Residence.
Islam is both the official and majority religion in the United Arab Emirates, professed by approximately 76% of the population.
Dubai is home to 13 billionaires, 202 centi-millionaires, and around 68,000 millionaires.