Introduction
Dubai has seen a surge of expats move to the Emirate, especially after the pandemic.
Most of these people have been lured by the incentives and the lifestyle that Dubai has shown it can give. But, is it worth it?
Cost of Living
Let us start with the cost of living.
The cost of living in Dubai has gone up since 2020. A study by Mercer put Dubai as the most expensive city to live in in the Middle East and 18th in the world. That is quite high.
Related: Cost of Living in Dubai: A Guide for Digital Nomads and Expats
This has been brought about by the high influx of foreigners whose relocation has impacted the cost of real estate among other necessities.
In 2018, the population of Dubai was about 3.18 million, 3.4 million in 2020, and 3.85 million in 2025. This shows a 20% increase in population since 2018 and a 13% increase post-pandemic.
You can use our free Dubai cost of living calculator to estimate how much you would spend per month.
Jobs
Dubai’s job market has felt the impact of the population growth as the supply of great labor is at an all time high.
Experts say that salary increments may take a hit this year (2025) amid higher supply than demand.
Related: Dubai’s Crowded Market: Expat Salaries Stagnate as Competition Heats Up
Also, it’s important to note that if you are applying for a job and you are not in Dubai, you are already at a disadvantage. Many foreigners take up the visit visa that allows for them to be in the UAE for a period of time as they look for a job.
Another factor to keep in mind is that African professionals may face greater hurdles in relocation due to company preferences for candidates from other continents such as Europe, and America.
Will this discourage expats from moving to Dubai?
As much as we may see a slow down on the salary increments, we do not anticipate this affecting the number of foreigners relocating to Dubai in the short term.
The government of Dubai is busy at work developing infrastructure to accommodate the increasing number of residents the emirate has. If you visit Dubai today, you will notice major construction sites, with developers building new roads, expanding existing ones, building new housing options, providing business incentives, and making the relocation process seamless.
Related: Freezone Companies Can Now Operate in Dubai Mainland
Should you move to Dubai in 2025?
If you had plans to move to Dubai or a new city, yes, you can definitely move to Dubai.
There is no perfect city under the sun. All major hubs have their advantages and disadvantages. Dubai is at a period where they are growing at a rapid pace and the government is doing everything it can to keep up with the growth.
Related: Most Important Things you Need to Know Before Moving to Dubai
You want to live in a city that is on the ascendancy, and Dubai will give you that. Safety is another key thing to consider. The crime rate in Dubai is very low compared to other major cities in Europe, America, or Africa.
The government has made it easy for businesses to be set up as well as make the relocation process smoother than most countries in Europe.
Related: How to Set Up a Business in Dubai – Step-by-Step Guide
Another thing to consider is the community and opportunities to network. You will meet people from all walks of life. And one group of people you will hardly meet is lazy people.
Most residents are hard-working as maintaining a great lifestyle in Dubai is not cheap. Those are the kinds of people you want to surround yourself with, most times.
Whether Dubai lives up to the hype depends on you as a person and other factors such as your income. It is a great place to live in if you have the means to do so and accept that it is not a perfect place and has its short comings.
Ultimately, the decision to move to Dubai as an expat or digital nomad depends on what you want to experience during your time there.
