UAE ranks 6th for expat life globally
In a few weeks, the UAE will celebrate its 51st national day, a day of great pride for all residents. And a recent report, which placed the UAE sixth in the world among the best places for expats, has given everyone even more reason to feel proud.
The report, Expat Insider 2022, issued by Internations, is based on the responses of 11,970 people from around the world who represent 177 nationalities and live in 181 countries. A sample of at least 50 participants was required to list a destination in the final ranking, the report said.
The UAE ranked fifth in the Quality of Life index – which took into consideration factors such as leisure options, travel and transit, health and well-being, safety and security and the environment. The UAE also achieved the fifth spot in the working abroad index which took into consideration career prospects, work
and leisure, salary and job security and work culture and satisfaction.
Meanwhile, the UAE ranked second in the expat essentials index, which looked at digital life, admin topics, housing and language.
American expat Eve Mila told Khaleej Times that she came to the UAE in March with a dream to start a water sports instruction school for women. She is currently working in the real estate sector and continues to pursue her plans. “I found people here very friendly and accommodating. The office culture is much friendlier than in the US,” she said.
The multicultural aspect of living here is something she appreciates. “You are not expected to assimilate but instead you can be unique and just be yourself here,” she said, emphasising that everyone around her is very respectful. “I want to bring more people here because this will change their perception of the Middle East.”
Safety is another very important aspect of her life in the UAE. “I can walk down the street here and
feel safe. Can't say the same thing about my own neighbourhood back home,” she said.
Echoing her sentiments, Alessandra Rocchi from Italy, who has been in Dubai for nine years, said the sense of safety in the UAE is unparalleled. She also emphasised that the UAE is a place that is structured for families.
“All services are of top quality and for a family it's a great place,” she said, adding that she was struck by how everything was easy, organised and modern, and how fast the construction industry worked.
The multi-cultural aspect is also very important for her. “In my daughter's birthday party there were 25 different nationalities. This is something that you will not find anywhere else. If you are open minded, you can really grow and become enriched here,” she said.
When asked how long she plans to stay, Rocchi said she has bought a house here, which as an indicator that she doesn't plan to leave anytime soon.