Indian community in Dubai: Lifestyle, opportunities and more
Indian expatriates constitute approximately 30% of the total population of the Emirates, with the majority residing in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Indians in Dubai have not only become an integral part of the workforce but also have contributed to the culinary and entertainment scene in the city. Being just a short flight from their home country, the city has truly become a ‘home away from home’ for many Indians. Find out about life in Dubai for Indian expats and what makes the city the most popular destination for the community to live and work.
LIFE IN DUBAI AS AN INDIAN EXPAT
Having established a significant presence over the years, Indian expats in Dubai enjoy all the creature comforts of home. There is no dearth of entertainment venues, restaurants and stores catering to the Indian expats living in Dubai.
ACCOMMODATION
There are various areas that are perfectly suitable for Indian expats in Dubai. For starters, popular areas for Indians to rent in Dubai include JVC and Al Nahda. For people who prefer flats, the list of popular areas include, Jumeirah Village Circle, Bur Dubai, Dubai Sports City and Al Furjan. When it comes to villas, Mirdiff and Al Barsha are also among the top options.
INDIAN RESTAURANTS IN DUBAI
There are a huge number of Indian restaurants in Dubai, ranging from eateries selling street food or chaat to fine dining places.
INDIAN STORES IN DUBAI
Dubai is also home to a range of Indian stores, including ethnic supermarkets, clothing and jewellery stores. You can find Malabar Supermarket in Deira, Madhoor Supermarket in Al Fahidi and Anantha’s Indian Mart in International City.
With the exceptional popularity of gold jewellery in India, it’s no surprise that expatriates love to buy gold in Dubai. Some of the reasons why Indians prefer buying gold in Dubai vs India are the emirate’s tax-free status on gold assets and the superior purity of the precious metal. You can find a wide variety of jewellery in Deira Gold Souk and the other gold shops in the city.
INDIAN SCHOOLS IN DUBAI
Parents living in the emirate have a plethora of options when it comes to Indian schools in Dubai. Offering ICSE and CBSE curricula, these institutes provide quality education to students meeting international standards. Some of the top Indian Schools in the emirate are:
- Indian High School
- Delhi Private School Dubai (DPS)
- GEMS Our Own Indian School
- Springdales School
Many Indians in Dubai send their children to schools following the British, IB or American curricula. Schooling is among the many living expenses in Dubai for Indian expats.
PLACES OF WORSHIP IN DUBAI
Life in Dubai for Indian expats is also extremely comfortable due to the religious freedom and easy access to places of worship for different faiths. Aside from the stunning mosques that can be found across the city, Dubai is also home to churches, a Sikh Gurudwara and Hindu, Jain and Buddhist temples.
ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS
Indians in Dubai can go to the cinema to catch the latest Bollywood or Hollywood releases, as well as Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam films, which are screened in most cinema chains in Dubai. You’ll often find Indian entertainers, including actors, singers, musicians and stand-up comedians, holding shows and concerts in the city.
Meanwhile, Indians can also enjoy Dubai’s buzzing nightlife. Fans of cricket delight in the fact that Dubai has an iconic stadium, known as the Dubai International Stadium. The stadium has hosted matches for the T20 World Cup, Asia Cup and Indian Premier League (IPL) in the past. The offices of the International Cricket Council (ICC) are also located in Dubai.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIANS IN DUBAI
Indians in Dubai are working in various industries, including healthcare, banking, education and retail. Moreover, Indian entrepreneurs in Dubai have been the driving force behind some of the city’s most well-known brands and franchises, such as Lulu Hypermarket, Landmark Group, Jumbo Electronics, Danube and Aster DM Healthcare.
Indians also have the opportunity to invest in Dubai’s lucrative real estate market in freehold areas designated for foreign investment. These Dubai freehold areas are home to some of the most popular residential developments.
Those who want to start a business in Dubai can apply for residency visas, with the option to also bring their family and/or business partners. The 5 or 10-year residency visa, known as a Golden visa, is for investors and entrepreneurs. It allows them free UAE travel and the flexibility to live and own a business in the Emirates.
FAQS ABOUT LIFE IN DUBAI FOR INDIAN EXPATS
WHAT ARE THE BEST INDIAN RESTAURANTS IN DUBAI MARINA?
Hankering for some tempting Indian food? Just like many other areas, Dubai Marina also has a number of eateries offering rich and flavourful cuisine. Some of the popular Indian restaurants in Dubai Marina are Indigo by Vineet, Memory Lane and more.
WHICH ARE THE TOP INDIAN SCHOOLS IN DUBAI?
Searching for an Indian school in Dubai for your children? Here’s a list of the highly-ranked Indian schools in Dubai that you can consider.
That wraps up our guide to life in Dubai for the Indian community! It’s clear that Dubai has taken plenty of steps to welcome the Indian community. They’re part of the fabric of society and have a wealth of opportunities to explore.
If you’re planning to move to this magnificent city, you need to know a lot of other things about moving from India to Dubai, including visa requirements, cost of living and more.
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