1. Dubai

Best for those that always want something to do.

Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, and it’s by far the most popular place to live. This is where I live – and after three years, I still love it!

There's a diverse expat community, the amenities are world-class, and as the most developed city in the UAE, there’s never a lack of incredible things to do in Dubai.

Pros of Living in Dubai

Dubai really does have it all. So, if you enjoy fast-paced city living and a multicultural environment, then Dubai won’t disappoint.

When you’re not at work, it’s possible to spend your days lounging on white sand beaches, soaking in the cultural scene of Old Dubai, shopping at Dubai Mall, teeing off at world-class golf courses, dining at the diverse range of restaurants, staying active at all the sports facilities – the options are seemingly endless and always evolving!

You’ll also find modern amenities galore in Dubai. There are top-notch hospitals and private clinics, excellent schools, modern accommodation options, and the convenient Dubai Metro.

Cons of Living in Dubai

For all of its perks, living in Dubai doesn’t appeal to everyone. This city gets nearly 20 million visitors each year. Top hubs – like Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai – are very popular with expats and visitors alike. And during the peak winter season, it’s almost impossible to escape the crowds.

With crowds also comes traffic, which is notorious in Dubai. This means long commutes are a part of daily life for many.

The increasingly high cost of living is another con. If you plan on going out a lot or living in one of the more popular expat areas, expect high price tags.

Want more? Read our full article on living in Dubai.

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2. Abu Dhabi

Best for couples or families that want a more relaxed city.

Abu Dhabi is another major expat hub. Located right on the Arabian Gulf, the UAE’s capital city is just brimming with thrilling attractions, cultural curiosities, and natural wonders. Although it’s only one hour from Dubai, Abu Dhabi has a very different vibe.

It's ideal for couples and families seeking a more relaxed atmosphere without sacrificing the cosmopolitan feel or world-class amenities that you’ll find in Dubai. 

Pros of Living in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is home to famous attractions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace. So whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the Emirate's rich heritage or get some thrills at one of the theme parks, the capital city offers endless entertainment!

Another thing that makes this emirate stand out from Dubai is that it’s spread across 200 islands and vast swathes of desert, meaning it’s blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches, sand dunes and mangroves in the UAE. All this makes Abu Dhabi a prime destination for outdoor recreation.

Cons of Living in Abu Dhabi

Living in Abu Dhabi is expensive. Similar to Dubai, you’ll pay a premium on everything from groceries to accommodation, education and healthcare. Another downside to living in Abu Dhabi is that there is no metro, so you’ll likely need a car.

3. Sharjah

Best for those looking for a lower cost of living.

Although you’ve probably never heard of Sharjah before, this is another one of the most popular places to live in the United Arab Emirates. Depending on traffic, Sharjah is located roughly 30 to 60 minutes from Dubai. This easy access makes it an appealing alternative to living in Dubai.

Sharjah is the third-largest city in the UAE, and it’s known as its “cultural capital.” It’s a great place to live if you’re interested in being immersed in the UAE’s culture, history, and art as opposed to being surrounded by the glitz and glam of Dubai.

Pros of Living in Sharjah

One of the biggest draws of living in Sharjah is the low living costs. From groceries to modern apartments, everything comes at a significantly reduced price tag compared to Dubai.

The city also boasts cultural richness with numerous museums, art galleries, cultural institutions, and art festivals, as well as a gorgeous corniche and lovely beaches.

Cons of Living in Sharjah

Sharjah feels very different from Dubai, despite being right next door.

Sharjah is regarded as the most conservative emirate, and ladies will want to be mindful of dressing modestly in public. As the only “dry” emirate, the sale of alcohol is also banned here. If you do plan to commute to Dubai, be aware that the traffic between the two cities is notoriously bad.

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4. Ras Al Khaimah

Best for those who prefer easy access to nature.

Located roughly 90 minutes from Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah (or RAK) feels like it’s worlds away – and that’s what I absolutely love about it. This is a city for nature lovers, thanks to its sandy beaches, expansive mangroves, and rugged mountains.

Anyone looking for outdoor adventures and laid-back living on the beach should definitely look into living in RAK.

Pros of Living in Ras Al Khaimah

Life here is much slower-paced and community-oriented than in Dubai. It’s far less developed than other emirates, so you'll get natural beauty and amenities like spacious apartments, shopping malls, hospitals, international schools, and recreational facilities. All that, and Dubai is an easy two-hour drive down the coast.

As expected, expats who base themselves in RAK enjoy a lower cost of living than both Dubai and Abu Dhabi and relish the small-town vibes.

Cons of Living in Ras Al Khaimah

As expected from a smaller city, you’re not going to get the endless entertainment and international cuisine options that you’ll find in the larger cities. You’ll also want to have your own car to get around since the public transport system is still being developed here.

Jobs are also hard to come by, so you may have to commute to Dubai or work from home.

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5. Fujairah

Best for those that love water sports.

Located on the east coast, just 90 minutes from Downtown Dubai, Fujairah is another one of the lesser-known gems in the United Arab Emirates. With its sandy beaches, excellent snorkeling and scuba diving sites, and rugged Hajar Mountains, this is a great place to live for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts.

This is a popular weekend getaway for those living in major cities in the United Arab Emirates. But plenty of expats call Fujairah home because of its serene environment!

Pros of Living in Fujairah

One big perk is that prices are significantly lower in Fujairah compared to Dubai. Expats also love the abundance of outdoor activities, family-friendly atmosphere, stunning natural landscapes and sense of community in this intimate emirate.

Cons of Living in Fujairah

Because Fujairah is one of the smaller and less developed emirates, job opportunities here are scarce. And while you will find public and private hospitals and clinics, international schools, malls and plenty of luxury hotels, there are far fewer amenities here versus Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

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A Few Things to Know Before Moving to the UAE

There’s a lot to love about living in the UAE, but it’s definitely not for everyone. The number one disadvantage of life here is the brutally hot summer weather. This will vary slightly from place to place in the UAE, but summer brings temperatures of 45°C (110°F) and beyond. If you’re near the beach, expect high humidity levels to make things feel even hotter!

It’s also important to understand the cultural norms in the UAE. While Dubai is a progressive city, other parts of the UAE are still very conservative. So, if you choose to base yourself outside of Dubai, you should expect to adhere to stricter dress codes and local laws.

Overall, life anywhere in the UAE comes with loads of perks. As a whole, the UAE is absurdly safe, English is widely spoken, the healthcare and education standards are top-notch, there's a rich cultural heritage and life here is very easy. Plus, the lack of income tax means that you can save big by living and working here!

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Where Will You Live in the UAE?

The UAE is an endlessly fascinating place to live. Whether you'd prefer to work from home and live a low-key life by the beach in RAK or you'd rather spend your days working a corporate job and partying the nights away in Dubai, the best places to live in the UAE offer something to suit all lifestyles.

All article photos courtesy of depositphotos.com.