Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Editor
March 12, 2023
Dubai is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking for a vibrant and exciting place to work and explore. With its world-class infrastructure, excellent connectivity, and a wide range of business opportunities, Dubai is the perfect place to set up shop. According to the World Economic Forum, Dubai is the most connected city in the world, with the highest number of international flights and the most advanced telecommunications infrastructure. Additionally, the city boasts a low cost of living, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costing around $1,000 per month. Furthermore, the city is home to a wide range of cultural attractions, from the iconic Burj Khalifa to the world-famous Dubai Mall. With its sunny climate, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife, Dubai is the perfect place for digital nomads to work and play.
Living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Overview
Overall score | Worksplorer index
-
58%
Quality of life -
57%
Cost of living -
64%
Connectivity -
50%
Weather
65
General
| Currency | AED |
| Population (in millions) | 3.3 |
| Quality of life (world rank from 1 to 200) | 78 |
| Cost of living compared to Chicago, USA | 40% more expensive |
| Best neighborhood to stay | Jumeirah, Dubai Marina |
Culture
| Number of museums and galleries | 100 |
| Top selling local beer | Heineken |
| Most popular local dish | Machboos |
Travel
| Most popular tourist attraction(s) | Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah |
| Discount airline | Emirates |
| Major airline | Emirates Airlines |
| Largest ride sharing company | Careem |
| Primary train stations | Dubai Metro, Union Station, Al Ghubaiba Station |
| Primary airports | Dubai International, Al Maktoum International, Sharjah International |
| Best rental car company | Hertz |
| Used car costs | 75000 AED |
Connectivity
| Apple store addresses | The Dubai Mall, Financial Centre Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Internet connection (in Mbps) | 100 Mbps |
| Power socket type | G |
| Supply voltage | 220V or 240V |
| Best electronics store | Sharaf DG |
| Best internet carrier | Du |
| Primary cellular carrier | Etisalat |
| Average monthly cost for internet | 200 AED |
Shopping
| The best drug store | Boots |
| Best restaurant chain | Zuma |
| The best grocery store | Carrefour |
| The most popular fashion brand | Gucci |
Regulatory
| GDP per capita | $43,945 / year |
| Average annual income | $90000 |
| Sales tax rate | 5% |
| Income tax rate | 0% |
| Tourist visa valid (in days) | 30 |
Financial
| Average mortgage rate | 4.5% |
| Suggested ATM take out | 3000 AED |
| Bank that has the most ATM machines | Emirates NBD |
| Average tip in restaurant | 15% |
| Pay using credit or debit card | Very common |
Health
| Emergency Phone Numbers | 999 (general), 998 (police), 997 (ambulance), 996 (firefighters) |
| Polution per square meter | 4,845 |
| Health quality rank (according to WHO) | 25 |
| Main religion | Islam |
Quality of life
58%
-
84%
Safety, freedom, rights -
99%
Traffic -
30%
Property to income -
16%
Crime -
68%
Healthcare -
50%
Weather
Salaries
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | AED 14,601 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate | 4.07% |
Childcare
| Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | AED 2,816 |
| International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child | AED 42,602 |
Cost of living
57%
-
Purchasing Power
132%
-
Rent
49%
-
Food
48%
-
Restaurant
73%
-
Workspace
49%
-
Transport
37%
Rent
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre Per Month | AED 7,222.39 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre Per Month | AED 4,124.44 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre Per Month | AED 12,775.79 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre Per Month | AED 7,795.38 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend), Sports And Leisure | AED 134.86 |
Food
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | AED 6.96 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | AED 5.52 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | AED 11.62 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | AED 39.15 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | AED 2.22 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | AED 62.50 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | AED 12.68 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | AED 24.25 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | AED 22.50 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | AED 31.75 |
| Apples (1kg) | AED 8.31 |
| Oranges (1kg) | AED 6.76 |
| Potato (1kg) | AED 4.10 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | AED 5.92 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | AED 7.51 |
| Tomato (1kg) | AED 5.78 |
| Banana (1kg) | AED 6.55 |
| Onion (1kg) | AED 3.51 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | AED 39.55 |
Restaurants
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | AED 40.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | AED 300.00 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | AED 30.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | AED 49.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | AED 49.25 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | AED 3.95 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | AED 2.13 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | AED 19.65 |
Connectivity
94%
Infrastructure
89/100
Internet speed
92/100
Internet cost
95/100
Pre-paid plan
98/100
Utilities (Monthly)
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | AED 729.39 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) | AED 0.59 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | AED 363.93 |
Sports
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | AED 276.32 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | AED 134.86 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | AED 47.25 |
Transportation
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | AED 6.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | AED 340.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | AED 3.43 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | AED 99,000.00 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | AED 76,751.62 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | AED 12.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | AED 3.05 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | AED 30.00 |