Looking for Nigerian Expats in Dubai?

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

• Safety and security are good. Nigerians rate it the best they've known, 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, 81% say the move improved their career prospects, and 57% rate the local job market positively (well above the 38% global average).

• It's diverse and easy to operate in. 70% find bureaucracy easy and 80% get by fine in English, with 87% rating culture and nightlife positively.

• The infrastructure and social scene impress. Nigerians praise the transport network, tourism, and a welcoming, international culture.

• Work can feel insecure, and pay uneven. Nigerians mention job insecurity, limited high-paying roles for Africans, and — some report — racism toward people of colour at work.

• It's expensive. Just 30% of expats in Dubai rate the general cost of living positively and 29% housing affordability, with a high standard of living to fund.

• The summer heat wears on people. Only 48% rate the climate and weather positively, and the long hot season limits daily life.

• Visa issues. Reissuing a visa every couple of years comes up as a recurring frustration.

For Nigerians, Dubai offers exceptional safety, strong careers, tax-free pay, and a polished, international life. The trade-offs are the cost of living, the heat, and pay and hiring that can hinge on nationality. It rewards those who come with a solid role and clear 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 Nigerian members to move abroad, what keeps them there, and what they struggle with or miss about home.

InterNations is the perfect place for Nigerian 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 Nigerian expats.
• Join today and find everything you need through our Expat Forums and entries from fellow Nigerians 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 Nigerian expats in your city and Nigerians in the UAE. Interested? Simply sign up for membership and join the ranks of our Nigerians living in Dubai.