Looking for Filipino Expats in Dubai?

Thinking about moving to Dubai as a Filipino? 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 Filipino expats in Dubai wrote in their own words, backed up by survey percentages from all expats living there.

• It feels safe, safer than home for many. Filipinos mention safety more than anything, and 96% of expats in Dubai rate personal safety positively, against a global average of 81%.

• Careers and opportunity draw people in. 93% rate the state of the economy positively and 81% say the move improved their career prospects, with tax-free pay a real pull.

• It's diverse and easy to live in. Filipinos praise the multicultural mix and convenience, and 80% get by fine in English, with 87% rating culture and nightlife positively.

• Healthcare cover is built in. Employers are required to provide health insurance, which Filipinos flag as a real reassurance given private healthcare costs.

• Pay can lag the cost of living. Just 30% of expats in Dubai rate the general cost of living positively and 29% housing affordability, and Filipinos often describe salaries that don't stretch far, especially for rent.

• Pay and treatment can vary by nationality. A recurring theme is that passport or nationality can shape salary and workplace treatment.

• The summer heat is punishing. Only 48% rate the climate and weather positively, and the long hot season limits outdoor life.

• Work and visas can feel insecure. Long hours and a job-linked visa tie stability to the employer.

For Filipinos, Dubai offers safety, opportunity, tax-free pay, and a diverse, convenient life. The trade-offs are the cost of living, the heat, and pay that can hinge on nationality. It rewards those who come with a solid package and a plan to save.

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 Filipino members to move abroad, what keeps them there, and what they struggle with or miss about home.

InterNations is the perfect place for Filipino expats in Dubai to find the help and resources they have been looking for. The "Global City" will soon become your new home with our InterNations community - we help you to take full advantage of your new life here!

• Get to know Dubai’s Filipino expats.
• Join today and find everything you need through our Expat Forums and entries from fellow Filipinos in Dubai.
• Read through our extensive Expat Guides to receive useful information on Dubai.

Our Dubai community is also very active offline. Our members get to enjoy a range of events and activities on monthly and weekly basis, e.g. a great dinner at Dubai’s fanciest restaurant organized by our InterNations Ambassadors, or a weekend trip to explore the UAE’s unique vibe. These events and activities are a perfect and casual way to get in touch with fellow Filipino expats in your city and Filipinos in the UAE. Interested? Simply sign up for membership and join the ranks of our Filipinos living in Dubai.