United Arab Emirates
Key information you need to know before you go
20% cheaper
vs. United States
176/200(Excellent)
10 million
Quick Facts
Capital
Abu Dhabi
Languages
Arabic, English
Currency
UAE Dirham (AED)
Cost of Living
20% below US
Avg. Salary
AED140k/yr
Timezone
UTC+4
Population
10 million
Expats
10 million
Quality of Life
Based on Numbeo Quality of Life Index
Cost of Living & Salary Benchmarks
Compare expenses and earning potential across major cities
| City | Rent | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | AED 8,571 | AED 11,278 |
| Abu Dhabi | AED 7,500 | AED 10,000 |
| Sharjah | AED 4,500 | AED 6,650 |
Rent based on 1-bedroom apartment in city center. All values in AED/month.
Language & Culture
What to expect when living in United Arab Emirates
Official Languages
English Proficiency
HighLanguage Requirements
No language requirement for most work visas
Good to Know
English is the business lingua franca; Arabic is official
Most Popular Visa Pathways
Top immigration routes to United Arab Emirates
Find out which visas you qualify for in under 2 minutes
Data Sources
Last updated: 2026-02
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Cost of living, salary, and quality of life data are estimates based on third-party sources and may vary. Always verify current information with official government sources before making immigration decisions.