The United Arab Emirates attracts immigrants from all over the world; this may be because UAE nationals prefer to work for the government or military. The country's relatively liberal society compared to some of its neighbours has attracted many global expatriates, including people from the Western nations.
UAE Population 2021 by Nationality
According to sources, the 2021 UAE population including expatsis 9.99 million. The total expat population in UAE has now come to 8.84 million, which constitutes approximately 89% of the population. Emiratis or the UAE nationals are only 11% or 1.15 million today.
Foreign labor
Indian, Bangladeshi, Nepali, Sri Lankan, and Pakistani workers make up 90 percent of the workforce. Population growth in the United Arab Emirates is among the highest in world, mostly due to immigration. In low-skilled and semi-skilled jobs, workers from Asia and the MENA region are employed primarily.
After Asia and Africa, expatriates from Europe are also relocating to the UAE, attracted by its tax-free income, safety, security and its free health insurance, with the allure of jobs also among others.
Dubai is a city of innovation and luxury, with a sunshine-filled climate, an abundance of business and investment opportunities, and a high quality of life. It's also known for its favorable tax conditions (ie. no income tax), high salaries, shopping, safety, and family-oriented communities.
The UAE's favourable tax system is one of the biggest draws for foreign workers. There is no income tax, meaning you keep 100% of your monthly salary. Although your salary in the UAE may be tax-free, taxes are levied by the government. For example, a 10% tax is applied to food and alcohol at restaurants.
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.
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.
To live comfortably in Dubai, you should expect a salary of at least 10,000 to 15,000 AED. This should allow you to cover your rent and bills and have enough disposable income to enjoy Dubai to the fullest.
An estimated 15,000 Australians live and work in the UAE.
The study reveals that most migrant workers at Dubai Expo 2020 are facing racial discrimination and bullying, forced labour practices, illegal recruitment fees, non-payment of wages and benefits, retention of passports and difficulty or unwillingness to access grievance mechanisms.
You can obtain residency in Dubai for a minimum investment of AED 2 million in the real estate sector. Expats are treated the same as citizens in UAE, therefore, there is no income tax. Most immigrants come to work in Dubai and that is why the companies they work for will handle all visa proceedings.
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.
What is the official language in Dubai? Dubai's official language is Arabic but there are many variations prevalent in the city. Standard Arabic – the modernised, literary version – is the one you'll encounter in all legal, administrative and government texts, as well as books and newspapers.
In Dubai, women are largely safe. According to a Georgetown University study in 2021, the UAE holds the greatest percentage of women who feel safe in their communities worldwide. 98.5% reported they felt safe. That is the highest percentage worldwide.
Generally, the legal age for drinking alcohol is 18 in Abu Dhabi, but a Ministry of Tourism by-law prevents hotels from serving alcohol to those under the age of 21. In Dubai and all other emirates besides Sharjah, the drinking age is 21. Drinking alcohol in Sharjah is illegal.
Since 2021, Dubai has become more affordable due to a consistent decline in rent, property prices, cost of education and transportation among others. Numbeo data showed that the average cost of living for a single person decreased by 89.2% in 2021 compared to 2020.
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.
February 24, 2022. Is Dubai safe for solo female travelers? Yes, Dubai is definitely safe for solo female travelers, and it is the perfect destination for solo female digital nomads!
Dubai and UAE minimum salary and wages 2023
As of now, the UAE does not have a national minimum salary or wage since the country's labor law does not specify any minimum salary requirements. However, it is mandated that employees' salaries and wages should cover their basic needs.
They get generous welfare benefits, up to $5,000 each a month and free housing. Many others do undemanding but highly paid jobs in the public sector, but the government is worried that foreigners now fill most of the key posts in private companies.
The average yearly salary in Australia is 90,800 AUD (USD 60,355). Let's go through a few key indicators of the average earnings in Australia so you can fully understand salary statistics and trends in the country.
33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations in the Private Sector, the 'UAE Labour Law' identifies the normal working hours for the private sector as 8 hours per day, or 48 hours per week.
Apply for jobs in Dubai at the right time of year
There is nothing stopping you getting a job in Dubai at any time of the year. But, in Dubai there are months where recruitment slows almost to a standstill. There are also months where recruitment activity is high.