What is living in Dubai like for different age groups?
- Living in Dubai for Kids
- Lifestyle for Teenagers in Dubai
- Life in Dubai for Young Couples
- Life for Families in Dubai
The exciting city of Dubai attracts residents of all age groups, from students to single professionals and families. If you’re thinking of moving to Dubai and want to know more about the lifestyle that residents lead, you’ve come to the right place! MyBayut presents a close look at what living in Dubai is like for kids, teenagers, young couples and families.
Take a look at the infographic below for a quick overview at the Dubai life for expats, before reading on for a more detailed guide!
Life in Dubai for Kids
For most families moving to Dubai, one of the major concerns is whether their children will be able to adjust to the new city. Fortunately, the UAE prides itself on being a family-friendly destination and the city of Dubai is no exception.
Kids living in Dubai enjoy the benefits of being exposed to a multicultural environment, where more than 200 nationalities reside. This introduces them to different perspectives, ideas and cultures from the beginning, helping to mould them into global and well-rounded citizens.
EDUCATION
Most expat children in Dubai will attend private schools in the city, with a myriad of options available when it comes to curriculum. The best schools in Dubai offer British, American, Indian and International Baccalaureate curriculum.
Nearly all private schools in Dubai teach classes in English, although children are also taught basic Arabic and their choice of a second language, which is usually between French, Spanish and Hindi. Children also enjoy a variety of after school activities, events and field trips from their school, ensuring that they receive a holistic education.
ENTERTAINMENT
Wondering what is life in Dubai like for kids outside of school? There is a multitude of activities for kids in Dubai, both indoor and outdoor. Kids have the opportunity to explore their interests with after school activities when living in Dubai, covering a variety of interests from robotics to dance, theatre, sports and craft. There are many indoor play areas in Dubai for the little ones to enjoy during summer, and theme parks for a fun day out during cooler months. Kids in Dubai typically attend summer and winter camps during their annual vacations.
Living in Dubai for Teenagers and Young Adults
Dubai is a hub of opportunity and entertainment for the city’s younger residents! Take a look below to learn more about the life in Dubai for teenagers and young adults.
EDUCATION
When it comes to schooling, teenagers in Dubai enjoy many of the same benefits as younger kids, including world-class education, after-school activities and field trips. Many schools also offer trips outside the country for older students, offering them a chance to explore exciting destinations in a fun and safe manner!
There are several higher education institutes and accredited universities in Dubai, including local campuses of well-known institutions, including Middlesex University, Heriot-Watt University, Murdoch University and more. However, for those looking to pursue higher education outside the UAE, the country’s central location means that teenagers have a wealth of options to consider. Many universities in Dubai also offer study abroad programmes at partner universities or their branch campuses.
ENTERTAINMENT
For those wondering what is there to do in Dubai for teenagers, the list is endless! Among the favourite destinations for teenagers living in Dubai are the malls, which are packed with activities and attractions. From indoor snow parks at Mall of the Emirates to virtual reality experiences at Dubai Mall, there are plenty of fun activities for teenagers to enjoy. Dubai is also home to pristine beaches that offer thrilling water sports and rolling sand dunes for desert adventures.
The city’s safe and secure environment also makes it easy for teenagers in Dubai to move around comfortably and independently. There are multiple public transport options in Dubai, including the metro, taxis and ride-hailing services, which teenagers and young adults frequently use to travel.
The legal age to drive in the UAE is 18 years, although teenagers living in Dubai can start their driving lessons when they are 17 years and 6 months. Young adults must follow the driving licence procedure in Dubai, which includes taking lessons at any of the government-approved driving schools.
Life in Dubai for Single Professionals and Young Couples
Dubai attracts many single professionals and young couples from across the globe, looking to build their careers and take advantage of the booming opportunities.
EMPLOYMENT
Most expats living in Dubai are employed in the city’s private sector, benefiting from the diverse business landscape and the opportunity for career growth. There are several thriving industries in Dubai, ranging from construction, tourism, logistics, finance, automotive and aerospace. However, there are certain government jobs in the public sector that expatriates can also apply for when moving to Dubai.
Life in Dubai is also made easier by the mostly tax-free environment; expats do not pay any income tax, which enables them to save more for their later years. This is one of the most appealing factors when considering the pros and cons of living in Dubai. Expats in Dubai and the rest of the UAE only pay VAT, which is set at 5%.
Dubai’s entrepreneurial environment, coupled with the ease of doing business, has also been a major draw for those living in Dubai. Expats can easily start their own business, thanks to laws welcoming foreign investors, either in the mainland (with a local sponsor) or in the free zones (without a local sponsor). All of these factors make Dubai an appealing destination for young couples and those starting out in their careers.
ENTERTAINMENT
With the plethora of activities and attractions in the city, there’s never a boring weekend in the city! For a fun weekend with friends, many young couples and singles head out to brunches at the best restaurants in Dubai, which serve cuisines from across the globe.
Dubai is also home to a happening nightlife scene with the hottest night clubs and beach clubs drawing the hip crowd in the city. Expats living in Dubai also enjoy the city’s pristine beaches or catch the latest blockbuster at the cinema.
Aside from this, expats can indulge in some of the more off-beat activities in Dubai, whether it’s trying out escape rooms, sunset barbecues or desert camping!
With its ideal ‘East meets West’ position, Dubai is a great place for those to enjoy travelling frequently. Expat residents often travel abroad to exciting destinations when living in Dubai, especially during public holidays such as the Eid break. UAE residents also benefit from visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to many countries, widening the opportunities for travel enthusiasts in the city!
HOUSING
When it comes to housing in Dubai, there are so many options available to single professionals and couples. Expats in Dubai can choose between chic apartments and cosy townhouses, with properties available to cater to every budget.
For instance, couples looking to save on rent can choose a 1-bedroom apartment in Al Nahda, one of Dubai’s older districts, which costs an average of AED 3,166 per month. However, couples who want to live close to state-of-the-art amenities and attractions can opt for the sleek 1-bedroom apartments in Dubai Marina, which has a higher average rental price of AED 6,250 per month.
You can take a look at other popular areas for single professionals in Dubai, which offer affordably-priced apartments and are well-connected to the city’s public transport network. Some of these areas, like Dubai Sports City, also fall under the top areas in Dubai for couples.
Expats may also choose to invest in Dubai’s exciting real estate market, either as a prudent investment option or for their dream home. Foreign investors are permitted to buy property in freehold areas in Dubai, which boast a wide variety of unique residential projects.
Life in Dubai for Families
Dubai is also one of the best places to raise a family, thanks to its safe and secure environment. If you’re planning on living together in Dubai as a family, read on to learn more about the lifestyle you can expect here.
HOUSING
Choosing the perfect home is one of the major decisions for expat families in Dubai. Families will want a home that is close to their children’s school, their workplace or metro station. Dubai’s real estate market offers plenty of options for families, from apartments to duplexes, townhouses and family villas.
Most apartment buildings and villa communities enjoy round-the-clock security and come with shared amenities like gymnasiums, swimming pools and play areas, which is ideal for families living in Dubai with kids.
For those living in Dubai, the annual rent can account for a large part of their expenses. However, the housing cost for families in Dubai can vary largely depending on where they live. For instance, 3-bedroom villas in Mirdif cost an average of AED 8,750 per month while the same property type in upscale, gated communities such as Arabian Ranches can cost AED 11,666 per month.
Other family-friendly residential areas in Dubai include Jumeirah and Al Barari which are well-known for their well-appointed villas while communities such as Jumeirah Beach Residence and Motor City are popular for apartments.
SCHOOLING
Want to know more about expat family life in Dubai? As mentioned earlier, expat children typically attend private schools in Dubai. The tuition fees for schools in Dubai can range between affordable and expensive, depending on the curriculum, the school’s facilities and more.
Some of Dubai’s best schools, such as GEMS Wellington International School, have annual tuition fees of AED 76,000 for a Year 6 student. On the other hand, there are a number of low fees schools in Dubai, too, such as Indian High School Dubai, where the annual tuition fees for a Year 6 student is AED 6,560.
ENTERTAINMENT
There is no dearth of family-friendly entertainment for those living in Dubai. Families can enjoy a lovely day at the parks in Dubai, which have BBQ areas, play areas and attractions like Children’s City at Creek Park and Aventura at Mushrif Park. Dubai’s popular waterfront destinations, such as The Beach at JBR and La Mer, are also a favourite with families, with entertainment options for both kids and adults.
Parents can also enjoy a variety of indoor group activities with their kids, such as Jumble, an indoor maze or Bounce, a trampoline park. Such activities improve the quality of life in Dubai and attract many families to the city.
During public holidays in the UAE, many families also choose to book a staycation at one of the many resorts in Dubai. These world-class resorts have plenty of activities to keep the entire family busy, from restaurants to private beaches, swimming pools, sports facilities and even water parks!
Living in Dubai for families is also made easier with annual memberships to theme parks and other clubs. With such memberships, families in Dubai not only save money on tickets but also never be at loss for things to do on the weekend.
HOUSE HELP
Many families have the luxury of domestic help to assist with the housework, which is one of the benefits of living in Dubai. Both part-time and full-time maid services are popular with expat families in Dubai.
Families who wish to hire a full-time maid can either sponsor them or use the services of maid recruitment agencies in Dubai. However, this will be an additional cost to family living expenses in Dubai, as those sponsoring housemaids will be required to renew the visa each year. You can learn howw to sponsor a maid visa in Dubai in our detailed guide.
For part-time help, families can book maid services through cleaning companies in Dubai on a one-off or regular basis.
In the case of younger children and working parents, expat families may also choose to hire a nanny to look after the kids. Those living in villas in Dubai also typically have additional house help to maintain their garden and backyard.
TRANSPORT
For many residents, life in Dubai also means owning at least one vehicle to get around, though, it’s not uncommon to see expat families own two or three vehicles. Petrol prices in the UAE are significantly cheaper than the rest of the world, which is also one of the benefits of living in Dubai. However, in addition to the cost of petrol, car owners will need to factor in additional expenses such as vehicle insurance, regular servicing and maintenance.
Fortunately, there are many options for those who want to buy a car in Dubai. Those looking for a great deal can take advantage of the many Ramadan car offers in Dubai. Buying second-hand cars are also a popular option in Dubai, and there are many authorised dealerships where residents can find top quality used cars at affordable prices.
That concludes our guide to living in Dubai! As you can see, whether you’re a child, teenager, single professional or a family, there is so much that the city has to offer. One of the best things about living and working in Dubai is that the city appeals to all age groups and interests.
However, it’s important to bear in mind that while Dubai is a very welcoming and tolerant city, there are some basic rules for expats that they should take care to follow, from dressing modestly to only driving with a valid licence.
Planning to move to Dubai and want to know whether your income can support your lifestyle? Take a look at our guide to the average cost of living in Dubai, where you can find the basic expenses and costs for singles, couples and families!
The strong, bilateral ties between the UAE and India means that Dubai attracts many Indian expats. You can discover more about life in Dubai for Indians specifically, from job opportunities available for expats to the lifestyle that Indians lead in the city.
Stay tuned to MyBayut for more articles on life in Dubai!
