Living in Dubai

One of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is a place of fascinating contrasts, a distinctive blend of modern city and timeless desert, of East and West, of old and new.

With its booming economy, liberal policies and extensive employment opportunities, Dubai attracts expatriates from all corners of the globe.

A highly developed transport and communications infrastructure and superb sports, shopping and entertainment facilities, all make Dubai a very attractive place to live.

Dubai is more relaxed and tolerant of Western ways than other Muslim countries. Foreigners are free to practice their own religion, women are allowed to drive and move around unescorted and alcohol is available in hotels and also from specialized licensed shops after obtaining an Alcohol license from the police station.

Direct taxation is against the traditions of the UAE. With the exception of oil producing companies and branches of foreign banks, there are no corporate taxes in Dubai. Likewise, there are no personal taxes either.

Today Dubai boasts 272 hotels with 30,000 rooms, 47 shopping malls and over 5 million foreign visitors a year. Its airports capacity is being tripled to 60 million passengers a year. In the desert, Dubailand is being built - a $19 billion theme park, twice the size of Disneyland in Florida.