{"id":36446,"date":"2014-05-31T07:52:51","date_gmt":"2014-05-31T11:52:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/?p=36446"},"modified":"2021-03-01T13:50:48","modified_gmt":"2021-03-01T18:50:48","slug":"dubai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/blog\/dubai\/","title":{"rendered":"Dubai"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dubai<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The city of Dubai, the capital of the emirate of the same name in the UAE, was the world\u2019s 4th most visited city as of 2016<\/a>. Dubai\u2019s skyline is one of the most impressive in the world, dominated by record-breaking buildings like the Burj Khalifa, the tallest manmade structure on earth. As the \u201cshopping capital of the Middle East,\u201d Dubai has 70+ shopping centers within the city limits, along with traditional open-air souk markets. The tourist attractions are similarly grand in scale, from camel rides to hot air balloon tours, a number of waterparks, and the largest choreographed fountain system set to music in the world.<\/p>\n

Dubai\u2019s climate is typically hot for a desert region, peaking in August with daytime highs around 41\u00b0C\/106\u00b0F and overnight lows of just 30\u00b0C\/86\u00b0F. Winters are temperate, with the coldest January days averaging temperatures from 14\u00b0C\/57\u00b0F to 24\u00b0C\/75\u00b0F.<\/p>\n

The city is a prime destination for expatriates from all over the world, with only 15% of residents identified as UAE citizens. The majority of these expats are Asian, particularly those from Pakistan and India, along with a significant number of British inhabitants. Like the rest of the UAE, Dubai\u2019s official language is Arabic, though English is a common second language among the region\u2019s diverse residents. Religion is more homogeneous, with Islam declared the official state religion; however, there is a general policy of religious tolerance for other groups, although open evangelism is forbidden.<\/p>\n

The Al Maktoum family has ruled the emirate as an absolute monarchy continuously since 1833. Anti-indecency laws impose certain standards on clothing, alcohol consumption, and public conduct; however, non-Muslim adults may wear their preferred attire, within reason, without consequence.<\/p>\n

Despite the perception of the United Arab Emirates as \u201coil-rich,\u201d oil revenues account for less than 5% of Dubai\u2019s economy. The emirate\u2019s biggest industries today are tourism, real estate, and financial services. Although Dubai is one of the most expensive cities in the world to inhabit, it is also one of the richest, and the emirate boasts one of the fastest-growing economies.<\/p>\n

For those interested in travelling abroad to the UAE to visit Dubai<\/a>, there are a few visa options to choose from. The tourist visa grants many countries the ability to receive a visa-on-arrival for periods ranging between 30 and 90 days. If you\u2019d like to stay longer or gain the right to work in the country, you\u2019ll need to apply for one of the following visa types:<\/p>\n

Enjoy this podcast from The Expat Money Show<\/a> – JohnnyFD<\/a> who talks about moving from the USA and living in Bali and Thailand.<\/p>\n

Working Abroad in Dubai<\/b><\/h2>\n

The work visa, or Labor Card, in Dubai, is offered to expats who are hired by Dubai-based companies. The permit is usually valid for 2-3 years and is renewable upon continued employment.<\/p>\n

The process of receiving a work permit (and the prerequisite residency permit) is performed largely by your new Dubai employer on your behalf. You will need to meet with immigration officials and provide required documents (such as a valid passport, health certificate, application form, resume, and employment contract\/proof of hiring), but your employer will file the residency and subsequent work permit applications.<\/p>\n

Click here to learn more about Work Permits in Dubai, plus other forms of Residency in the UAE.<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

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Retiring in Dubai, is it Possible?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Since Dubai doesn\u2019t offer permanent residency, citizenship, or a retirement visa to non-native foreigners, many people think the idea of retiring in Dubai is impossible. While it isn\u2019t easy, and requires constant renewal of permits, it is possible to\u00a0purchase healthcare<\/a>\u00a0and retire abroad in Dubai through one of the following options:<\/p>\n

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Investment Visas<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Dubai investment visa is the most logical way to receive residency in Dubai without having to work. To qualify, you\u2019ll need to either invest in an existing company in Dubai, incorporate a company in Dubai and employ UAE citizens, or purchase real estate in a free-trade zone.<\/p>\n

Business Investment<\/strong><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

To receive a visa through this route, you\u2019ll need to make a 10,000 AED (about $2,700 USD) donation to the Dubai government and show significant funds\/detailed plan to either invest into an existing company or create your own. Each free-trade zone has its own requirements for business investment, so contact the\u00a0General Directory of Residency and Foreign Affairs\u00a0for all up-to-date information.<\/p>\n

Real Estate Investment<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n

Residency through real estate investment can be obtained through the purchase of a residential property worth at least 1,000,000 AED (around $272,000 USD) and the documentation to prove a monthly offshore income (through investments, pension, etc.) of at least 10,000 AED ($2,700 USD). These visas are generally valid for 2-3 years and are renewable upon approval of the government.<\/p>\n

Why Invest in Dubai?<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n