Looking for British Expats in Dubai?

Thinking about moving to Dubai as a Briton? These pros and cons come from the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, in which thousands of expats around the world share what they like and don't like about life abroad each year. The points below reflect what British expats in Dubai wrote in their own words, backed up by survey percentages from all expats living there.

• It's safe and high-quality. Britons mention safety and quality of life most, and 96% of expats in Dubai rate personal safety positively, against a global average of 81%.

• Careers and the economy are strong. 93% rate the state of the economy positively and 81% say the move improved their career prospects, with tax-free pay.

• It's open, multicultural, and easy to live in. 70% find bureaucracy easy (vs. 38% globally) and 80% get by fine in English, with 87% rating culture and nightlife positively.

• It's a central travel hub with glorious winters. 91% rate the opportunity to travel positively, and the winter climate draws particular praise.

• Costs outpace salaries. Just 30% of expats in Dubai rate the general cost of living positively and 29% housing affordability, with schooling and rent especially steep.

• Healthcare and schooling are expensive. Only 55% rate healthcare affordability positively, and Britons note pay that doesn't reflect the cost of living.

• The summer heat and thin nature wear on people. Only 48% rate the climate and weather positively and 60% the natural environment (vs. 84% globally).

• There's no safety net. Britons mention little government support when work or business goes wrong, plus an aggressive driving culture.

For Britons, Dubai offers safety, tax-free careers, glorious winters, and an easy, international life. The trade-offs are the cost of living, the summer heat, and no safety net if things go wrong. It rewards those who come with a strong package and clear savings goals.

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys among expats — asking them about various aspects of their life, from work to leisure. Learn what motivated our british expat members to move abroad, what keeps them there, and what they struggle with or miss about home.

With InterNations, British expats in Dubai are able to find both the help they need as well as lots of valuable information. The "Global City" offers so much for expats to explore - our community helps you enjoy your stay to the fullest.

• Look through our Members Network to connect with Dubai’s British expats.
• Become active in our Expat Forums in order to find insider tips and suggestions from fellow British expats in Dubai.
• Make full use of the Expat Guide for Dubai to obtain important information on your temporary home abroad.

Our Dubai community is also lively and welcoming offline. The InterNations Ambassadors host regular get-togethers and a range of expat activities, e.g. a chic dining experience in Dubai’s trendiest restaurant or a get-away with fellow British expats to discover the richest city in the world. These activities make it easy for you to get to know other expats from United Kingdom in your local community and meet Brits in the UAE in a comfortable setting. If this sounds interesting to you, simply sign up for membership – we are looking forward to welcoming you among our Brits living in Dubai!