Looking for German Expats in Dubai?

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

• Safety is the standout. 96% of expats in Dubai rate personal safety positively, and Germans describe a well-structured city where they feel welcome.

• It's diverse, sunny, and social. Sunshine every day, beaches, and a mix of cultures come up constantly, with 87% rating culture and nightlife positively.

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

• It's easy to operate in. 70% find bureaucracy easy, 80% get by fine in English, and 88% rate political stability positively.

• There's no safety net. Germans miss the security of home — no social system, limited job protection, and weak company health insurance come up repeatedly.

• Air quality and driving frustrate. Only 53% rate air quality positively, with aggressive driving and traffic management a common complaint.

• It's expensive. Just 30% rate the general cost of living positively and 29% housing affordability.

• It can feel controlled and money-driven. Some Germans describe a lack of spontaneity and a focus on money over sustainability or environment.

For Germans, Dubai offers safety, strong tax-free careers, sunshine, and a polished, diverse base with easy travel. The trade-offs are the missing safety net, the air, and the cost of living. It rewards ambitious professionals more than those seeking security or balance.

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

With InterNations, German 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 German expats.
• Become active in our Expat Forums in order to find insider tips and suggestions from fellow German 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 German expats to discover the richest city in the world. These activities make it easy for you to get to know other expats from Germany in your local community and meet Germans 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 Germans living in Dubai!