overview
The UAE, located on the Arabian Peninsula, is known for its modern cities, luxury shopping, and cutting-edge infrastructure. Its economy, driven by oil, tourism, and finance, makes it a global hub for expatriates and business innovation.
overview
National Anthem
Ishy Bilady
Independence Day
December 2, 1971
Haiko
Desert meets skyline / Burj Khalifa pierces clouds / Falcons swoop with sheikhs
Interesting Tradition
Celebrates National Day with car parades and decorating vehicles
Weirdest Local Superstition
Evil eye belief
Strangest Law Still on the Books
Illegal to eat or drink in public during Ramadan
overview
Come for the ambition, stay for the achievement: The United Arab Emirates transforms desert landscapes into centers of global innovation. Life flows between morning desert adventures and afternoon meetings in futuristic towers, while weekends blend luxury experiences with cultural discoveries. Tax advantages and golden visas have established it as a premier destination for international professionals.
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overview
Step into a realm where 'impossible' isn't just a challenge, but an invitation to innovate. Here, desert wisdom creates future oases, and your journey soars from sand dunes to solar-powered dreams.
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overview
Known for its skyscrapers and luxury where the future meets tradition
The United Arab Emirates isn't just a country—it's tomorrow's world rising from desert sands. Here, time accelerates between traditional souks and space-age skyscrapers, and even a simple mall visit becomes an exercise in experiencing the future. This is a land where ambition knows no bounds.
From the architectural marvels of Dubai to the cultural soul of Abu Dhabi, the UAE offers spectacle for every luxury seeker. Whether you're drawn to the world's tallest building, the serenity of desert camps, or the grandeur of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, you'll find a nation that turns impossible dreams into reality.
Statistics
Eat
shawarma (meat wrap) - machbous (spiced rice with meat)
Drink
laban (fermented milk drink) - karak chai (spiced tea)
overview
Beer
Annual consumption (liters per capita)
Wine
Annual consumption (liters per capita)
Coffee
Annual consumption (liters per capita)
Tea
Annual consumption (liters per capita)
overview
overview
Representative Novel
The Sand Fish by Maha Gargash (Novel set in the Emirates in the mid-20th century)
National Animal
Arabian oryx
National Pasttime
Camel racing
National Souvenir
Dates
National Dish
Shawarma
Famous Festival
Dubai Shopping Festival
Famous Dance
Yowla
Famous Music
Khaleeji
overview
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai stands at an astonishing 828 meters (2,717 feet), making it the tallest man-made structure in the world.
Despite lacking natural rivers, the UAE has developed a sophisticated network of desalination plants and water storage facilities, ensuring a stable water supply.
The Palm Jumeirah and The World Islands in Dubai are so large that they can be seen from space, showcasing the country’s remarkable engineering feats.
overview
April 2014
Earliest human settlements
July 2014
Spread of Islam across the region
February 2015
Formation of the UAE
March 2015
First oil discovered in Abu Dhabi
October 2016
Space mission by UAE
MOBILITY
NO. OF Mobility Assets
MOBILITY
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MOBILITY
Visa Free Countries
158
Performance Class
World-Class Access
Passport Grade
A-
Rank
41
Score
172.0
This visa grants access to:
MOBILITY
MOBILITY
MOBILITY
Rankings
The United Arab Emirates leads in minimal tax burden (#1) and shows high happiness (#22). Our analysis highlights its moderate living costs (#27) and well-accessible healthcare (#33).
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Healthcare
Median Age
31.2
years
Life Expectancy
78.5
years
Obesity Rate
27.30%
Tobacco Use
28.00%
Sources
Health Expenditure
5.31%
of GDP
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Hospital Beds
1.38
per 1000 people
Doctors
2.879
per 1000 people
Out-of-pocket
10.44%
of total expenditure
Sources
Healthcare
The UAE mandates health insurance for all residents, ensuring access to a wide range of healthcare services across both public and private hospitals.
The UAE's private healthcare sector is world-renowned, offering state-of-the-art facilities and attracting medical tourists from across the globe.
Expatriates in the UAE are required to have health insurance, which grants access to both public and private healthcare services.
The UAE boasts advanced medical facilities, particularly in fields like fertility treatments, cardiology, and cancer care.
Pharmaceuticals are widely available in the UAE, with both local and international medications accessible through licensed pharmacies.
Healthcare
Healthcare
cost of living
Cost of Gasoline
$0.81
per liter
Cost of Meal
$9.76
(Inexpensive Restaurant)
Monthly Rent
$1,628.82
(1 bedroom, City Center)
Monthly Utilities
$183.08
(85m² Apartment)
Domestic Beer
$12.25
(0.5 liter draught)
VAT Rate
5%
cost of living
cost of living
cost of living
Taxation
Before relocating to the UAE, it's important to understand its unique tax system+The UAE does not impose personal income tax on individuals. There is also no federal corporate tax, except for oil companies and foreign banks. A value-added tax (VAT) of 5% applies to most goods and services. Property tax, in the form of municipality fees, may apply in some emirates. Social security contributions are only required for UAE and GCC nationals, while expatriates working for UAE companies participate in an end-of-service gratuity scheme+The UAE does not have a double taxation treaty with the United States, but as there is no income tax, double taxation is generally not a concern for most individuals.
Tax Residency Requirement
183 days
Worldwide Income Taxation
No
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Higher Rates for Foreign Assets
No
US Double Taxation Treaty
No
Personal Income
Progressive tax rate based on income levels
Personal Capital Gains
Flat rate on investment gains
Inheritance
Based on inherited amount and relationship
Corporate Income
Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits
Corporate Capital Gains
Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments
Dividends
Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions
Interest
Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens
Royalties
Withholding tax rate for royalty payments
Work Assignment
Foreign individuals are tax residents if physically present for 183+ days in 12 months, or 90+ days with valid residence permit and permanent place of residence or business/employment.
Overall Ranking
Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking
Ease of Paying Taxes Score
Overall score based on multiple factors
Total Tax and Cotribution Rate
TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions
Time to Comply
Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations
Number of Payments
Total number of tax payments required annually
Post-filing Index
Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes
taxation
taxation
CLIMATE
Average Temperature
28.17 °C
Humidity
65
%
Average Annual Precipitation
78
mm
Rainless Days per Year
358
Best Time to Travel
November-March
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in the United Arab Emirates.
What Mobility Assets are available to me in the United Arab Emirates?
Do I need to speak Arabic to apply for residency or citizenship in the United Arab Emirates?
Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in the United Arab Emirates with me?
How will the GlobalPassport™ help me move to the United Arab Emirates?
Can I keep my own citizenship?
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