Dubai Expat
Dubai is one of the classic expat destinations, with foreigners make up the vast majority of this emirate's overall population. It's one of the easiest places to access for those wishing to gain overseas work experience, further their careers, enjoy a better lifestyle, benefit from a tax free salary... the advantages are many.
That said, recent years have seen a steady erosion of your effective net wealth if working here, with a decrease in the value of the dirham against major currencies. Housing has also become markedly more expensive, although 2009 saw a sharp depreciation in property values, along with the global downturn of the same period.
Regardless, professionals in many sectors are still in great demand. Dubai's economy, largely built on it's oil wealth, has seen heavy diversification as it's oil reserves become exhausted, with tourism and financial services now playing major roles.
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Full expatriate packages aren't what they used to be, in any country, and Dubai is no different in this regard. Unless you're headhunted and offered a full relocation package, you'll most likely be chasing after the jobs. At the time of writing, the economy is really in the doldrums, particularly construction.
Dubai is a land of extremes. The heat, the deserts, the culture, the laws, dress codes, skyscrapers and mega projects... you need help and advice if you're to hit the ground running. Orient Expat is a community of well travelled expats, with a wealth of experience and advice to offer those coming to Dubai. Browse our pages and join our forum for the information you need.
Need advice? Got a question? Go to our Dubai Forum