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Quality of Life in Dubai: Discover What Makes It a Top City
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Quality of Life in Dubai: Discover What Makes It a Top City

Tatiana Forero Rubiano
Tatiana Forero Rubiano

Quality of life in Dubai is one of the main reasons why travelers from all over the world decide to move to the Middle East. This city has one of the fastest-growing economies worldwide, so its residents enjoy many comforts and benefits.

We’re talking about a healthcare system that ranks among the best in the world, high safety rates, opportunities for studying in highly acclaimed schools, low unemployment rates… In short, Dubai is the ideal destination for travellers looking to experience an international lifestyle.

Before setting your GPS on a course to the Middle East, read this article if you want to learn more about the quality of life in Dubai. We’ll tell you about the features that make this destination so popular among students. Start scrolling down!

*The figures in this article are for reference only and are subject to change. They are expressed in dirhams (AED) and US dollars (USD).

What Is the Quality of Life in Dubai? 8 Characteristics to Understand How Emiratis Live

Hundreds of young travelers want to live in Dubai for a simple reason: the quality of life in Dubai and the professional growth opportunities are very appealing. To understand it better, take a look at the 8 characteristics that make this Emirati city one of the best destinations in the world.

1. Hot Climate

We love the quality of life in Dubai, but its climate is not for everyone! Due to its proximity to the Rub al-Jali desert, the city experiences high temperatures year-round, especially in summer when both the thermometer and humidity levels rise.

But don’t worry, there’s air conditioning even at bus stations.

Here are the average temperatures throughout the year in Dubai:

  • Spring (March to June): minimum temperatures of 20 to 29 °C and maximum temperatures of 34 to 40 °C.
  • Summer (June to September): minimum temperatures of 29 to 32 °C and maximum temperatures of 39 to 41 °C.
  • Autumn (September to December): minimum temperatures of 17 to 29 °C and maximum temperatures of 26 to 39 °C.
  • Winter (December to March): minimum temperatures of 17 to 20 °C and maximum temperatures of 26 to 29 °C.

Keep an eye on our educational experiences in Dubai! At GrowPro, we advise you throughout the process.

2. Cultural Differences with the West

An important aspect to consider about the quality of life in Dubai is the cultural differences and laws. For starters, you shouldn’t consume alcoholic beverages on the street, walk intoxicated through the city, or engage in overly passionate kissing in public; you (or both) could end up in jail!

Due to Islam, Emiratis regulate the consumption of alcoholic beverages and pork very strictly. The only places where you can eat and drink are licensed establishments like bars, hotels, and restaurants, or your home. What happens behind closed doors is your business alone.

Regarding clothing, there aren’t as many rules as you might have been led to believe. Due to tourism and immigration, Dubai has become a very westernised city. Many Muslims, both men and women, have adopted the fashion of Western countries, so you can wear whatever you want without a problem.

That doesn't mean there aren't certain codes

For example, wearing swimsuits is restricted to pools; forget about walking in a bikini down the street as if you were in Australia. Similarly, if you want to visit mosques, you must wear garments that cover your whole body, including your head if you’re a girl.

It’s very important to respect the traditions and customs to adjust to the quality of life in Dubai.

3. Growing Economy and High Cost of Living

It’s no secret that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) makes up one of the most modern countries in the world; for that reason, the quality of life in Dubai is excellent. The economy of this Middle Eastern destination is based on tourism, oil, and real estate, which are industries that generate thousands of jobs.

The best part is that living in Dubai is cheaper than many think. If you avoid excesses (don’t spend like a Kardashian!), you can live on 2,900 to 4,600 AED* per month, which, at the current exchange rate, is equivalent to 790 to 1,252 USD* monthly, respectively.

These figures are divided as follows, take note:

  • Food: 1,000 AED* (272 USD*) per month.
  • Shared accommodation: 1,800 AED* (490 USD*) per month.
  • Private accommodation: 3,500 AED* (953 USD*) per month.
  • Utilities (water, electricity, and gas): usually included in the rent payment in 90% of cases.
  • Mobile phone: 100 AED* (28 USD*) per month.

living-in-dubai-as-student

4. High-Quality Education Opportunities

Quality of life in Dubai also encompasses education; the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country with one of the best education systems in the world and a fairly varied academic offering. Many international students choose English language courses, as they are much more accessible programs.

If you’re interested in studying English in Dubai, you can choose from intensive and semi-intensive courses lasting 4 to 36 weeks. Both programs are designed to develop your language communication skills, allowing you to interact fluently in casual and formal contexts.

The best thing about English courses is that they allow you to work without hourly limits! This isn’t possible in other Anglo-Saxon destinations like Australia, Canada, Ireland, or New Zealand, you know? However, it’s very important not to neglect your studies, as authorities could cancel your Dubai student visa.

Always remember that your studies should be your priority.

On the other hand, some international students prefer to pursue professional studies. In Dubai, there is a wide variety of vocational schools and public and private universities where you can take courses in construction, hospitality, marketing, business… You have many options to choose from.

Do you wish to study and work in Dubai? Discover your options here.

5. Abundant Job Opportunities

Not only is there a very good quality of life in Dubai, but also many job opportunities. This city has an unemployment rate of only 3.10%, and thanks to its openness to immigration, it’s possible to find both unskilled and skilled jobs without much trouble. The key is to master the English language!

If you travel with a student visa, you can look for unskilled jobs in Dubai to cover your expenses. In the events, hospitality, and sales sectors, there is a high demand for employees; it’s common to work as a barista, cleaner, shop attendant, waiter, or call centre operator.

On the other hand, if you’re a skilled professional, you can travel with a work visa and apply for much more specialized and better-paying jobs. Among the areas with the highest economic growth and demand for workers are construction, trade, healthcare services, technology, and tourism.

Traveler's tip

There is no minimum wage in Dubai. Many unskilled jobs pay around 4810 AED* (1310 USD*) per month, while skilled workers earn a minimum of 7000 AED* (1906 USD*) per month. The advantage is that, in any case, you are not obliged to pay taxes; you can spend or save all you earn!

6. Entertainment Offer to Suit All Tastes

Although it remains a conservative city in many aspects, the quality of life in Dubai also includes a lot of fun and entertainment! To give you an idea, we’ll recommend 4 plans that will make your stay more enjoyable; after all, studying and working can’t be everything.

Party

Believe it or not, Dubai has a very active nightlife. The large luxury hotels have bars and clubs that close at dawn where you can have a cocktail and dance with friends until your feet hurt. Take advantage of happy hours and save a few dollars.

Desert Tours

During autumn and winter, when temperatures drop a bit, it’s very popular and fun to go on a desert tour. You can go alone or with friends to camp in the middle of the dunes, prepare a delicious barbecue, or ride camels, quads, or 4×4 vehicles.

Beaches

If you’re a lover of sun and sand, living in Dubai is for you, as there are many beaches where you can take a dip to cool off or practice water sports. For example, kitesurfing is very popular in the city. The most popular destinations are Kite Beach, Marina Beach, and Jumeirah Public Beach.

City Tours

Quality of life in Dubai also offers a lot to see, the city has skyscrapers, museums, parks, markets, temples, and very cool historical monuments that you can visit in your free time.

These are some attractions that we love and that are very popular, so you should include them in your itinerary, for example:

  • Ain Dubai: it’s the tallest Ferries wheel in the world, standing at 250 m tall. Its cabins offer panoramic views of the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah.
  • Burj Khalifa: to date, it’s the tallest building in the world at 828 m tall. On the 124th floor, there’s an observation deck open to the public.
  • Dubai Frame: it’s a rectangular building measuring 150 m tall. Inside, you’ll find a museum dedicated to the city’s history.

As you can see, it’s almost impossible to get bored in this city!

If you would like to study and work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), check out these experiences to study English in Dubai. By simply filling out the information form for the one that interests you the most, we provide you with free advice to clarify all your doubts.

7. Public Safety

It’s undeniable that the quality of life in Dubai is very good. The proof of this is that the city is super safe! You can leave your mobile phone charging in a shopping centre without fear of it being taken or walk the streets at night calmly, as the chances of being harmed are almost nil.

8. Efficient Transportation

Another characteristic of the quality of life in Dubai is transportation. The city has a state-of-the-art metro service with 2 lines departing from the airport and 47 stations distributed throughout the city (they’re spectacular!); some are located at strategic points like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.

Both lines of the Dubai metro operate on this schedule:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
  • Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
  • Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

The alternative to the metro is buses. The city has 1,500 vehicles covering 17 stations and making around 2,000 stops, providing continuous service from 4:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Additionally, night routes are operating from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. when the metro closes.

You should know this!

To use public transport in Dubai, you must buy a Nol Card. If you're travelling as a student, you can acquire a personalized card that gives you up to a 50% discount on tickets: the cost of the monthly pass ranges from 70 to 175 AED* (approximately 19 to 48 USD*).

You can study English and work in Dubai with GrowPro!

study-in-dubai-with-growpro

If your goal for this year is to study abroad, the quality of life in Dubai makes it an ideal destination. In the Middle East, you can study the language in a 100% multicultural environment while working and visiting spectacular places.

From GrowPro, we can help you plan your trip. You just have to decide which course you want to take in Dubai and fill out the form to receive free advice from one of our Student Advisors.

The adventure of your life begins with a click, future grower. Fill out the form, and very soon, you’ll be enjoying the quality of life in Dubai! See you soon in the desert dunes.

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About the author

Tatiana Forero Rubiano
Tatiana Forero Rubiano

Tatiana viajó como mochilera por Canadá, Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia, Chile y Brasil. Allí, mientras hacía una pasantía en Marketing Digital, descubrió su pasión para escribir sobre viajes. Desde 2018 se ha especializado en Content Marketing y, actualmente, es editora del blog de GrowPro.

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