Living in Dubai
How to work and live in Dubai
A cosmopolitan city known for its skyline, lifestyle and thriving economy, and one of the world's most popular places to build a career.
Why Dubai?
Dubai's strategic location has made it a global business hub, attracting professionals from around the world and offering plenty of room for career growth. The city has excellent infrastructure, world-class healthcare and a vibrant cultural scene, so day-to-day life is comfortable and fulfilling.
Investor-friendly government policies and tax-free personal income make Dubai especially attractive to professionals and entrepreneurs. And outside work there's always something to do, from beaches and desert safaris to restaurants, concerts and some of the world's biggest malls.
Get your Dubai residence visa
Working in Dubai
Where the jobs are
Aviation, trade & logistics
Dubai International Airport, Jebel Ali Port and its free zones make the city a crossroads for global trade.
Hospitality & tourism
Millions of visitors a year keep hotels, restaurants, attractions and retail hiring at every level.
Real estate & construction
Ongoing development creates roles in engineering, sales, property management and skilled trades.
Finance & business
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) hosts banks, insurers, law firms and consultancies.
Technology & start-ups
Free zones such as Dubai Internet City and a growing start-up scene attract tech and digital talent.
Healthcare & education
Hospitals, clinics and hundreds of private schools need medical and teaching professionals.
Where to live
Popular Dubai neighbourhoods
Rents vary a lot by area. Here are some places to start your search.
Premium & waterfront
Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). These have high-rise living close to the beach, the Metro and nightlife.
Mid-range & well connected
Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), Al Barsha, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Dubai Silicon Oasis, Al Furjan. These offer good value with modern buildings and amenities.
Budget-friendly
Deira, Bur Dubai, Al Karama, Al Nahda, International City, Discovery Gardens. These are lively, central and often close to Metro stations, and shared housing is common.
Family communities
Mirdif, Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills Estate, The Springs and The Meadows. These are villa communities with parks and schools nearby.
Getting around Dubai
- Dubai Metro — driverless Red and Green lines connecting the airport, Downtown, Marina and more.
- Nol card — one rechargeable card for the Metro, tram, buses and water buses.
- Taxis & apps — RTA taxis plus ride-hailing apps are widely available.
- Driving — roads are excellent. Main roads use the Salik electronic toll system.
Life outside work
- Public beaches at Jumeirah, Kite Beach and JBR.
- Landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Dubai Frame.
- Old Dubai: the Creek, abra boats, the souks and Al Fahidi historic district.
- Desert safaris, camping and the Hatta mountains, all within easy reach.
- Food from every corner of the world, at every budget.
How ICS UAE helps you move to Dubai
We get you the visa and Emirates ID you need to live and work in Dubai, and make the move as smooth as possible. Send us your passport and photo, and we'll arrange your entry permit. When you fly in, we take you through the medical test, biometrics and visa stamping until your Emirates ID is in your hand. Then we help you open a free savings bank account.
See the full package details or compare with living in Abu Dhabi.
Start your Dubai journey today
Create a free account, fill in your application online and track every step until your Emirates ID is issued.