Looking for Indian Expats in Dubai?

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

• Safety is the number-one draw. Indians mention feeling safe more than anything else, 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, well above the global average of 55%, with a tax-free income on top.
• It's easy to operate in and get around. 70% find bureaucracy easy (vs. 38% globally) and 80% get by fine without the local language, backed by modern transport and infrastructure.
• It's genuinely multicultural. Indians praise a diverse, welcoming mix of nationalities, and Dubai scores 87% for culture and nightlife.

• It's expensive, and salaries don't always keep up. Just 30% of expats in Dubai rate the general cost of living positively and 29% housing affordability, and Indians often note pay that lags the cost of a premium lifestyle.
• Work can be demanding and visa-tied. Long hours and a job-linked visa come up often, tying security to the employer.
• The heat and thin nature wear on people. Only 48% rate the climate and weather positively and 60% the natural environment (vs. 84% globally), with summers especially harsh.
• Healthcare costs and fines add up. Only 55% rate healthcare affordability positively, and steep fees and fines are a recurring frustration.

For Indians, Dubai offers safety, strong tax-free careers, and a polished, multicultural base with easy travel. The trade-offs are the cost of living, the summer heat, and work that ties your visa to your employer. It rewards ambitious professionals more than those seeking balance or nature.

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