This is why you gotta come to the UAE, my friend…
It’s safe
الإمارات الأولى عالمياً حسب تقرير جالوب للأمن والنظام ٢٠٢١ في تجوال السكان ليلاً بمفردهم. الأمن نعمة..والأمان طمأنينة وسكينة وحياة.. إذا تجولت المرأة بمفردها في أي ساعة من ليل أو نهار دون خوف فاعلم أنها في الإمارات .. “رب اجعل هذا بلداً آمناً “..آمين ..وأدم عليه سكينته وطمأنينته
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) November 17, 2021
Abu Dhabi just snagged the title of the world’s safest city (for the eighth time in a row) in the Numbeo Quality of Life Index. Plus, three other UAE cities, including Dubai at number five, also made it to the top ten in the 2024 mid-year survey. If you’re thinking this sounds like a lot of stats, here’s the vibe: women regularly say they feel 100% safe walking the streets at night – which, honestly, is a major win in today’s world. Want proof? Influencers are constantly doing social experiments where they leave pricey items like bags, wallets, phones, and even Lamborghinis in public to test if anyone snatches them. Spoiler: the loot stays put every time.
Tolerance
The UAE was the first country to establish a Ministry of Tolerance (now known as the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence), a move that reflects the nation’s deep commitment to inclusivity. Tolerance is a core value, one championed by the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Here, people have the freedom to practice their religion without fear of persecution and are protected from hate and discrimination. This isn’t just lip service – legal protections are in place and actively upheld by the judicial system. Recent reforms, especially for non-Muslims and tourists, have been groundbreaking for the region, addressing issues like divorce, cohabitation, drug possession, and children born outside of marriage. Religious freedom is also a cornerstone, with places of worship allowed for all major faiths. Women enjoy dedicated spaces on public transport, and laws are in place to safeguard the rights of citizens, residents, and visitors alike.
It Has a Depth of Culture
One of the most frustrating and clueless misconceptions about the UAE is that it has “no culture.” That’s just flat-out wrong. It’s like going to Jumbo Electronics looking for a designer clutch and getting upset when you don’t find it – you’re just not looking in the right spots. If you want to dive into Emirati culture, check out places like Dubai’s Al Fahidi district or the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU), where you can chat with knowledgeable locals and explore the richness of the culture. Then there’s the UAE’s booming art scene: Alserkal Avenue’s gallery district, Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Qasrs (which are also your Qasrs), annual art festivals, and street art hotspots like Karama, City Walk, and La Mer. The UAE even has an opera house and a Golden Visa programme to help nurture international talent. The local music scene covers everything from underground vibes to homegrown pop hits. And let’s not forget the museums—whether it’s about the past, the future, or cultural heritage (which, by the way, is totally part of culture). If you think the UAE has no culture, you’re probably just choosing to believe it—an ironically uncultured perspective on a place with a rich, dynamic heritage.
The Food
The growth of the UAE’s food scene over the last decade is nothing short of wild. What started as a magnet for global talent and big-name international restaurants has now become a powerhouse of homegrown culinary creativity. Just take a look at the world’s top food guides, and you’ll see the UAE making waves. The food scene is thriving on every level: from intimate grassroots supper clubs and an incredible mix of international street food, to high-profile chefs opening up new spots that have people buzzing. Culinary ambassadors from nearly every corner of the globe are now in the UAE, exchanging ideas and sharing flavors, all while feeding the local appetite for the next big thing. Just like the city’s rapid growth, the food scene has exploded, evolving at lightning speed into an innovative, diverse hub for food lovers.
The Weather
The debate about whether the UAE’s weather is a “world beater” is still up for discussion, even among its own expat community. Some people, believe it or not, aren’t fans of the heat. But for me, the year-round sunshine was a major pull factor that drew me away from my homeland. It’s like therapy for all the grey, cloudy days of my past. Plus, it’s incredibly practical if you’re planning anything outdoors—whether that’s a picnic, a game of golf, a beach day, a rooftop event, or just choosing what to wear. You don’t need to obsess over weather apps for 99% of the year. You pretty much know what to expect. And let’s be real—life’s just better when the sun’s out, right?
There’s Something New to See Every Day
Cities don’t just grow—they transform, constantly evolving into reflections of their own ambition. But few places do it as fast, bold, and grand as the UAE. Manmade islands sprout like a futuristic archipelago along the coast, while record-breaking skyscrapers keep rising from the desert floor. There’s an unending wave of new dining spots, entertainment venues, beach clubs, shopping malls, iconic landmarks, parks, recreational areas, nightclubs, concert halls, music festivals, theme parks, water parks, transport networks, and sports facilities. Blink, and you’ll miss the next leap forward in innovation. The UAE is always changing, always progressing, and always delivering something new to explore.
The (Lack of) Tax
No shady loopholes, no dodgy offshore accounting—most UAE residents pay absolutely no income tax on their earnings. VAT is just 5%, and corporation tax is nonexistent for incomes up to Dhs375,000 (and a flat 9% on anything over that). It’s basically a financial win without the catch.
The Multicultural Mix
As of a 2024 GMI survey, 88.5% of the UAE’s population is made up of expats—a ratio of citizens to migrants that’s rare and fascinating on the global stage. This multicultural makeup, paired with the leadership’s commitment to tolerance, gives the UAE a rich cultural depth and fuels a dynamic blend of talent and ideas. The perks of this diverse mix? A thriving art scene, a delicious variety of international street food, endless opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, and the chance to raise kids who respect and appreciate different traditions. Plus, it’s a hotbed for out-of-the-box innovation and the perfect environment to level up your Duolingo game!
The Vision of the Leadership
In less time than it takes for an average human lifetime, the UAE has transformed from a small but lively commercial hub to a global powerhouse of trade and innovation. Sure, its compact size and the discovery of valuable natural resources played a role, but those alone don’t guarantee success. The real driving force behind the UAE’s meteoric rise is the clear, forward-thinking vision that has guided its development. And that vision continues to evolve, just like the country’s ever-changing skyline, with an eye firmly fixed on what’s next—always pushing beyond the horizon.
The Stargazing Opportunities
For as long as humans have existed, we’ve gazed up at the vastness of the night sky, searching for meaning in the infinite expanse. Some see the touch of gods or signs of alien life, others spot constellations, zodiac signs, or perhaps a cosmic explanation for their own quirks. For scientists, each distant light could be the final whisper of a star long dead or another clue in the search for the origins of the universe. Whatever you interpret when you look up, the UAE is the perfect place to indulge in this age-old practice. With skies mostly clear of clouds throughout the year, and the city lights fading as you venture further out, the stars appear brighter and more numerous than ever. Want to make the most of it? Check out our full guide to stargazing in the UAE.
The Record-Breaking Mentality
You might think your trophy collection is impressive, but the UAE doesn’t show up to the party with just participation medals. At last count, it holds over 400 Guinness World Records across a mind-blowing range of categories. There are the big-name records—tallest building, deepest pool, biggest mall, and the fastest police car in service. But there are also some standout, unexpected ones. Take Emirati AlDhabi Rashed AlMheiri, who, at just eight years old, became the youngest person to publish a bilingual book. Dubai also holds the record for the most nationalities on a single flight—145 on an Emirates A380. The UAE is home to the world’s longest painting (10.85km), largest jigsaw puzzle, tallest vertical maze (not at Madinat Jumeirah), biggest Christmas ornament, most massive flag flown, and even the largest flower garden. You get the picture—when it comes to records, the UAE’s mentality is always “go big or go home.”
The Ambition
We’ve all heard of the “American Dream”—the idea that with talent, hard work, and a spark of inspiration, you can change your life, build an empire, climb the social ladder, and turn your wildest dreams into reality. But in 2024, that dream feels more like a UAE dream. No other country is doing more to back entrepreneurs, eliminate obstacles to success, reward hard work, and fuel innovation. Big dreamers, especially those with bold visions, are being actively sought out to come and build their futures here. The UAE is a land of homegrown moguls and self-made entrepreneurs, a place where towering skyscrapers and creative energy collide, and “impossible” is a word that simply doesn’t exist. Sure, failure might happen along the way—but that’s just part of the process. Learn from it, and try again tomorrow.
The Hospitals Look Like Hotels
It’s a small detail among all the bigger talking points, but it’s one that speaks volumes. I grew up in the UK’s NHS system—a beloved, universal healthcare service that I’m incredibly grateful for. It’s done wonders for me, for millions of Brits, and for its dedicated staff. But the first time I walked into a hospital in the UAE, it felt like stepping into an entirely different category of building. There was a piano in the lobby—sorry, I mean reception—but it really did feel more like a hotel lobby. No cocktail bar, though I could’ve sworn there was one hiding somewhere. Instead, I settled for a smoothie bar. When my wife gave birth to both of our children, she had private rooms that were more like chic suites than the typical hospital ward. Now, I know there are criticisms of insurance-based healthcare systems, and I get that this system is more market-driven than charitable. But it’s hard to deny the care and attention that’s gone into planning these healthcare facilities. And when it comes to patient experience? The UAE has absolutely nailed it.
It’s Invested in the Future
The UAE is at the cutting edge of nearly every future-focused tech field you can think of. From artificial intelligence and food security to health innovation, land reclamation, climate science, blockchain, and metaverse development, it’s a global leader. The UAE is also making strides in space exploration with projects like the Hope Probe, the 2050 Mission to Mars, and two Emirati astronauts—and counting. It was a key player in managing the global pandemic, and has been a pioneer in vertical farming, renewable energy, and autonomous transport. But it’s not just about the tech—it’s about the brilliant minds behind it all, the visionaries and innovators pushing the limits. The UAE isn’t just building things; it’s shaping the future, right here, right now.
The Landscape
So, it’s all just deserts and urban sprawl, right? Not quite. First of all, the deserts here are next-level landscapes. Imagine endless golden dunes stretching out like something from a sci-fi epic, with the kind of otherworldly, spice-planet vibes that make you feel like you’re on a grand cosmic adventure. The desert is a rugged, ever-changing terrain, constantly rewriting its own story. And as for the cities? They’re futuristic masterpieces—sleek, hypermodern skylines that stretch upwards and seem to pierce the heavens.
But to think the UAE’s landscapes start and end there is a classic case of geographical shortsightedness. Beyond the sand, there are coral reefs, towering mountains, lush wadis, date palm forests, pristine beaches, wetlands, mangroves, lakes, islands, and peninsulas. You’ll find leafy suburbs, farms, parks, golf courses, and causeways, along with cliffs and fossilized dunes. Oh, and if you’re into winter sports, there’s even a black-run ski slope hidden in the middle of it all—if you know where to look. The UAE’s natural world is as diverse and stunning as its urban landscape.
The Beaches
With an average of 722 days of sunshine each year (don’t fact-check that), the UAE is practically a magnet for blue skies. And the country has the infrastructure to make the most of it—thousands of miles of public beaches, along with private beach clubs, stretch across its coastline and islands. But the UAE isn’t just resting on its sun-soaked laurels. As part of the 2040 Urban Master Plan, Dubai is set to increase its public beach space by a whopping 400%. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah are busy creating stunning manmade archipelagos and giving uninhabited islands a total glow-up, transforming them into picturesque paradises. The UAE’s beach game is in a whole other league.
The Size
The UAE may be small, but you could fit 118 of them into the United States with a little careful packing and maybe a dollop of toum for good measure. Despite its compact size, navigating the UAE feels effortless. The space is surprisingly knowable and accessible, making it easy to explore. You can jump in your car and zip across multiple neighbouring emirates in just a few hours. Imagine this: a breakfast bike ride along the stunning Arabian Gulf on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, followed by a lunchtime adventure chasing turtles along the Indian Ocean shores of Fujairah. It’s the kind of seamless travel that’s hard to beat, even in a small country.
The History
It might seem like the UAE’s cities sprang up overnight, with its rapid growth almost unparalleled in the modern world. But make no mistake—its roots run deep. The UAE is home to archaeological sites that stretch back to the Neolithic era, and the rich cultural evolution from then to now is evident in the traditions, craftsmanship, and stories passed down through the ages. At Buhais Geological Park in Sharjah, you’ll find stone tools dating back over 200,000 years—well before the rise of modern Homo sapiens. And that’s just scratching the surface. The park also boasts geological artifacts from 93 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period—a time of roaming dinosaurs, dynamic geology, polar rainforests, and, we can only assume, painfully slow internet. The UAE’s history isn’t just recent—it’s a deep, layered story stretching across millions of years.
It’s Incredibly Family-Friendly
With a young, dynamic, and professional population, it was no surprise that families quickly became one of the UAE’s most common household units. And the country has fully embraced its role as a family-friendly destination. The ratio of soft play areas to desert might be something like 1:1 (OK, a slight exaggeration, but you get the picture), with world-class indoor and outdoor theme parks, holiday festivals, kids’ camps, waterparks, and youth sports teams scattered across the country. From family-friendly beaches and brunch spots to hotels and menus designed for little ones, the UAE offers endless options for parents and kids alike. The school network is massive, expanding every year in both quantity and quality, and finding trusted childcare is a breeze, with a streamlined process for hiring vetted nannies. In short, the UAE is a paradise for families looking for fun, convenience, and a healthy dose of adventure.
The Nightlife
Big fish, little fish, cardboard box. No, these aren’t clubs—they’re the shapes you throw on the dance floor at them. And with that, I’d like to issue a formal apology in boomer-speak to anyone under (or over) the age of 30. Dubai’s nightlife scene is absolutely on fire right now, as proven by our record-breaking Nightlife Awards this year. The city is home to a thriving collection of superclubs—whether that’s a “guestlist,” “unsmiling bouncer,” or “expensive water” you’re looking for. On top of that, we’ve got some of the World’s 50 Best bars, a curated set of stylish speakeasies, and the best DJs on the international circuit headlining festivals and tearing up club nights. The local scene has also carved out a niche with late-night beach clubs, where it’s all rosé, tanning oil, and hands-in-the-air, fiesta vibes from day to night. Sleep? Sleep is for those who are tired of life, habibi.
The “Let’s Share in Success” Attitude
Ever heard of “tall poppy syndrome”? It’s that old-school social phenomenon where anyone who stands out—whether through fame, success, or achievement—gets chopped down by their peers. In cultures where uniformity is valued over aspiration, people often try to “bring others down a peg” to prevent them from “getting too big for their boots.” It’s a relic of a time when conformity was king. You see it in many parts of the world, but in the UAE, it’s pretty much non-existent. Here, tall poppies are celebrated. Success is embraced and woven into the cultural fabric. In fact, it’s more like a fairground helium balloon effect—when one person rises, we all rise. The UAE has an attitude of collective pride, where everyone shares in the success of others.
It’s Easy to Get Fit
Sure, there’s the infamous “Dubai stone” you might pick up when you first arrive—thanks to the irresistible pull of incredible food delivered straight to your door, 24/7. But once you get past the initial sensory overload, the UAE makes it incredibly easy to shed those extra pounds too. For starters, the weather here gives you a built-in advantage: for nine months of the year, the outdoors is basically your gym. With purpose-built tracks and dedicated spaces for cycling, running, swimming, surfing, SUPping, climbing, walking, parkour, kayaking—pretty much anything that’ll get your Apple Fitness rings buzzing. Plus, you’ve got Fitness Challenges, world-class gyms, white-collar boxing events, free-to-use municipal equipment, fitness-centric hotels, wellness retreats, nutritional experts, yoga festivals, and it seems like a new Pilates studio opens every minute. Fitness isn’t just a hobby here—it’s a way of life.
