Why Dubai
The real (and slightly imperfect) case for living, working and investing in Dubai.
Not just a glamour. A city that works
Dubai attracts people and businesses due to its:
Strategic Global Location
Diversified Economy
0% Personal Income Tax
Exceptional Safety
World-Class Infrastructure
Cultural Diversity
Endless Entertainment
Business-Friendly Policies
You get a city that – perhaps surprisingly – feels both ambitious and practical.
I’ve heard that line countless times – true, but too tidy. I came expecting glossy towers; I found a city that simply works – efficient roads, smooth systems, and a calm sense of order beneath the ambition.
Ber Mitchell
CEO
Why Dubai
Discover why Dubai is the perfect destination for individuals, businesses, and visitors
World-Class Safety
Dubai consistently ranks among the world's safest cities with low petty crime and highly visible policing
Clean & Orderly
Clean streets, lit public spaces, and strict enforcement create a baseline of calm and predictability
Family-Friendly Spaces
Parks, beaches, and malls with thoughtful amenities designed for families
Orderly Infrastructure
Fast but orderly roads that are less chaotic than many major global hubs
Dubai vs Other Global Hubs
See how Dubai compares to other world hubs – in safety, simplicity, and opportunity
Personal Income Tax
Tax on personal earnings and investments
“High” ≠ “same.” Micro-choices (districts, timing, lifestyle) swing monthly budgets ±20–40%.
Ready to Explore Dubai Real Estate?
Book ConsultationEveryday Life & Living Costs
Personal Taxes
0% on income. Other costs — visa fees, health insurance, schooling, housing — need planning
Corporate Taxes
Applies above certain thresholds; still competitive
Housing
Rents vary widely by community and quality; you can optimize on commute, school, or beach access (rarely all three)
Utilities & Services
Predictable; district cooling bills surprise newcomers — budget them
Driving & Transport
Car is common; Metro works for specific corridors; ride-hailing is ubiquitous
Seasonality
Winter is peak “this is perfect” weather. Summers are hot; indoor life is surprisingly pleasant
Neighborhoods, Commutes, and Daily Rhythm
It’s not about “Dubai” in general – it’s about your Dubai: school, beach, and daily life within 15 minutes, in the version that suits you
Residency Pathways
You don’t need to memorize every rule to get oriented. Think in buckets, then confirm your exact path:
Employment-Linked
Visa through UAE employer
- 2-3 years duration
- Covered by employer
- Visa matches contract length
- Great for testing the waters
Business/Entrepreneur
Launch your business in UAE
- 2-3 years duration
- AED 15-50K
- Free zone setup available
- Requires active operations
Real Estate Investor
Property ownership pathway
- 2 or 10 years duration
- AED 5-20K
- Golden Visa from AED 2M+
- Includes family members
Talent, Students & Pros
For skilled professionals
- 5-10 years duration
- AED 5-20K
- Family coverage included
- Higher documentation required
Important: Visa requirements and costs are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with official UAE government sources or licensed immigration consultants. Processing times vary from 2-8 weeks depending on the visa type and completeness of documentation.
Real Estate: Use Cases, Yields & What to Watch
Different investment strategies for different goals - find the approach that matches your objectives
- Price per livable square foot, not just GFA
- Compare effective yield after service charges + realistic vacancy
- Verify rent comps across identical plan + orientation
- If off-plan, model delays and a conservative rent at handover
- Exit math: who’s your buyer in 5–7 years and why?
Service Charges
What: Annual building/community fees
Impact: Shift yield by 0.5-1.5pp depending on property
Chiller Fees
What: District cooling system charges
Impact: Can add AED 5,000-15,000 annually, often passed to tenant
DEWA Deposit
What: Electricity & water connection deposit
Impact: AED 2,000-4,000 upfront, refundable when you disconnect
Property Registration
What: 4% DLD transfer fee + admin costs
Impact: On a AED 1M property, that's AED 40,000+ at closing
Real Estate Agent Fee
What: 2% buyer agent commission
Impact: Not always disclosed upfront, adds AED 20,000 on AED 1M
Five Rules for Dubai Real Estate
Fees Buyers Commonly Forget
Service Charges
What: Annual building/community fees
Impact: Shift yield by 0.5-1.5pp depending on property
Chiller Fees
What: District cooling system charges
Impact: Can add AED 5,000-15,000 annually, often passed to tenant
DEWA Deposit
What: Electricity & water connection deposit
Impact: AED 2,000-4,000 upfront, refundable when you disconnect
Property Registration
What: 4% DLD transfer fee + admin costs
Impact: On a AED 1M property, that's AED 40,000+ at closing
Real Estate Agent Fee
What: 2% buyer agent commission
Impact: Not always disclosed upfront, adds AED 20,000 on AED 1M
Get the 2025 Dubai Investment Guide
We offer country-specific guides tailored to your investment needs. Select your country to receive the most relevant information for your situation.
A Real World Budget Sketch
Not a promise – just a frame we refine with every client:
Housing
Choose between a 3BR apartment near schools vs. a townhome with a longer commute. That single decision swings the budget by ±20–30%.
Education
International curricula add structure but also cost; shortlist 3 schools before you pick a home.
Healthcare
Insurance-first; private clinic visits are fast – budget for dental/optical extras.
Transportation
One car + ride-hailing is common; Metro works for specific corridors (Downtown–Marina spine).
When families share what they regret, it's almost never "we overpaid by 2%". It's "we picked the wrong layout" or "the school run is 25 minutes each way".
Frequently Considered Trade-offs
Every city has trade-offs. Here's an honest look at Dubai's, and why they often work in your favor
Challenge
Yes, summers are hot. Air-conditioned urbanism is real here.
Why It Works
Winter turns the city into an outdoor playground: beaches, terraces, desert picnics. If your lifestyle is deeply outdoorsy in July… set expectations.
Challenge
Yes, summers are hot. Air-conditioned urbanism is real here.
Why It Works
Winter turns the city into an outdoor playground: beaches, terraces, desert picnics. If your lifestyle is deeply outdoorsy in July… set expectations.
Getting Started Checklist
A practical step-by-step guide for your Dubai real estate journey
Dubai Real Estate Glossary
Essential terms and definitions every investor should know
Myth vs. Reality
Common misconceptions about Dubai real estate and the facts behind them
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore all FAQYes – among the safest urban environments globally. Daily life feels orderly; still, basic prudence applies.
What Community Fits You?
Find your ideal neighborhood based on lifestyle preferences and investment goals
Urban & Central
Fast-paced, luxury living with easy access to business districts and world-class dining
Beachfront & Resort
Relaxed coastal lifestyle with premium amenities and stunning water views
Palm Jumeirah
Explore Area
Dubai Islands
Explore AreaFamily & Suburban
Community-focused neighborhoods with parks, schools, and family amenities
JVC (Jumeirah Village Circle)
Explore Area
Dubai South
Explore AreaEmerging & Investment
High-growth potential areas with modern developments and competitive prices
Al Marjan Island
Explore AreaUrban & Central
Fast-paced, luxury living with easy access to business districts and world-class dining
Beachfront & Resort
Relaxed coastal lifestyle with premium amenities and stunning water views
Family & Suburban
Community-focused neighborhoods with parks, schools, and family amenities
Emerging & Investment
High-growth potential areas with modern developments and competitive prices
Al Marjan Island
ExploreBuyer Walkthrough
Your step-by-step guide to purchasing property in Dubai
Phase 1
Research & Planning
Define your investment goals, budget, and preferred locations
Research market trends, rental yields, and developer track records
Connect with licensed real estate agents and legal advisors
Phase 2
Property Search & Shortlisting
View properties virtually or schedule in-person visits
Shortlist 5-10 properties that meet your criteria
Compare locations, amenities, service charges, and payment plans
Phase 3
Due Diligence & Financing
Verify developer credentials and project approvals
Review sales & purchase agreement with legal counsel
Secure mortgage pre-approval or confirm cash payment capability
Phase 4
Booking & Reservation
Pay booking deposit (typically 10% for off-plan, full for ready)
Sign sales & purchase agreement and Oqood registration
Receive payment schedule and milestone documentation
Phase 5
Transaction Completion
Complete DLD transfer and pay 4% transfer fee
Receive title deed from Dubai Land Department
Set up DEWA connection, insurance, and property management
Phase 6
Post-Purchase & Rental
Apply for residence visa if property value qualifies
List property for rent with licensed agents or self-manage
Register tenancy contract with Ejari and collect rental income
Investor Case Study
Let’s run two concise paths. Numbers are illustrative – we always validate with live comps
Calm Cash Flow
Entry Price
AED 1.95M
Gross Rent
AED 140K
Net Income
AED 112K
High-liquidity master community with efficient rectangle plan and verified rental comparables ensuring stable cash flow
- •Pick end-user heavy buildings (sticky demand)
- •Avoid odd plans that look clever but live small
- •Verify that next-door construction won't suppress rents for 2+ years
- •Liquidity buyer: relocating family or yield investor
- •Target uplift from community maturation and school gravity – not speculation
- •If rates fall and cap rates compress, you may see price support even if rents plateau
Waterfront + Brand Edge
Entry Price
AED 3.2M
Gross Rent
AED 280K
Net Income
AED 159K
Branded residence with professional operator, proven brand advantage, and 75–80% occupancy target through seasonal peaks
- •Regulatory shifts: Work with licensed operator; comply on permits and building rules
- •Wear-and-tear: Budget capex cycles; buy durable finishes up front
- •Brand dilution: Ensure the brand actually drives ADR; compare same-line comps
- •Buyer pool includes lifestyle users willing to pay for promise of service + view
- •Hold through 2–3 high season cycles to build a provable P&L
- •Strong P&L history can help justify premium pricing at exit
Buyer Day
We’re modeling both Core and STR lanes. Can you send side-by-side amortization + early settlement scenarios by end of day? We’ll pick the structure that preserves optionality.
I like cities that try. Dubai tries – hard – and then iterates. Some weeks you'll love the pace; others you'll retreat to a quiet café and breathe. That's normal. If you choose carefully (and negotiate judiciously), the city gives more than it takes.
Ber Mitchell
CEO