The Ultimate Guide to Living in Dubai as a Digital Nomad: Visa, Lifestyle, and Cost of Living

Nov 14, 2023 | Digital Nomad | 28 comments

The Ultimate Guide to Living in Dubai as a Digital Nomad: Visa, Lifestyle, and Cost of Living




Living in Dubai: Digital Nomad Visa, Lifestyle, and Cost of Living

Dubai has long been known as a destination for luxury and opulence, but it is also becoming a popular hub for digital nomads seeking a new and vibrant city to call home. With the recent launch of the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa, more and more remote workers are flocking to the city to take advantage of its modern infrastructure, attractive lifestyle, and relatively affordable cost of living.

The Digital Nomad Visa enables remote workers to live and work in Dubai for up to one year, while offering them access to the city’s amenities and services. This initiative is aimed at attracting skilled professionals and entrepreneurs from all over the world, who can now benefit from Dubai’s robust economy, world-class infrastructure, and a high quality of life.

One of the most appealing aspects of living in Dubai is its diverse and vibrant lifestyle. The city boasts an incredibly cosmopolitan population, with people from over 200 nationalities calling it home. This cultural melting pot creates an environment that is both enriching and inclusive, offering a multitude of experiences and opportunities to connect with people from various backgrounds and walks of life. In addition, Dubai’s modern and innovative infrastructure, with its state-of-the-art facilities, top-notch healthcare, and world-renowned educational institutions, make it an attractive location for remote workers looking to settle down in a city that has it all.

While Dubai is known for its luxury and high-end living, it also offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other global cities. The cost of accommodation and daily expenses can vary depending on one’s lifestyle, but overall, Dubai can be more budget-friendly than many other major cities in Europe and the United States. In addition, the city offers a range of entertainment and leisure options, from stunning beaches and parks to world-class shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, catering to different budgets and preferences.

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The combination of the Digital Nomad Visa, the city’s diverse lifestyle, and its cost-effective living make Dubai an attractive destination for remote workers. With the freedom to work from anywhere and an opportunity to experience a new and dynamic culture, more and more digital nomads are choosing to make Dubai their home.

In conclusion, Dubai is a city that offers a unique blend of modernity, culture, and opportunity, making it an ideal destination for remote workers and digital nomads looking for a new place to work and live. With the recent launch of the Digital Nomad Visa and the city’s attractive lifestyle and affordable cost of living, Dubai is quickly becoming a hotspot for professionals seeking a fresh and dynamic environment to call home. Whether you’re looking for new professional opportunities, a vibrant social scene, or simply a change of scenery, Dubai has something for everyone.


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28 Comments

  1. Iya Rita

    Thank you! It's been updated from $5,000 to $3,500 for those interested.

    Reply
  2. Travel Master916

    Can we do online work on this visa like forex, binary, and crypto trading

    Reply
  3. Frames To Mind

    what is it like today? this video was made two years ago.. what is the situation like now? please make an update video! I am interested to know if they is a good place for me..

    Reply
  4. Shiva Tejesh

    Having difficulties applying for this visa. They are asking for health insurance from provider inside Dubai. But Dubai Insurance companies are offering only for other visas. Which health insurance did you get for this travel?

    Reply
  5. searcholex

    Nope! I would not recommend Duabi AT ALL – culturally this city is part of a repressive regime, it is currently at war in Yemen and not treating people from othercountries with respect, majority of the Dubai local residents are arabs with low level of education and racisem is an acceptable fact. Look at how they treat Indiant and Pakistanis I would look at Europe or Canda – no tax means you wont have any governmental support such as good health care or proper transportation and needless to say you have no access to fair trial if needed – STAY AWAY

    Reply
  6. Felito Martinez adon

    I am saving this video. Congratulations Kristin in a few words or a few minutes So you just save me . Just 4 day of my life going to at business conference a lot hours and here in this video so you did tell me a lot.!! Congratulations !! So I am saving it this video, because I need it for the future.

    Reply
  7. Oksana Beshlei

    Hi Kristin, did you apply to remote work visa in Dubai yourself?

    Reply
  8. Mohammed Ehsan Danish

    Thanks for making good information vodie I am here in Dubai over 25 years I have own business but I want to travel to Estonia can you please advise to visit vesia Thanks

    Reply
  9. Tamaya

    I lived and worked in Dubai (financial centre) for almost 10 years up until mid 2016. It was the best time of my life particularly professionally where I was highy recognized for my CRM and BD expertise. Nowhere in other countries where I also lived and worked, did I receive the same opportunities. The UAE has a wide horizon and they look into the future and act upon much earlier than any other culture. Sometimes I wish I would have stayed. The cost of living is expensive, but in comparison, the salaries are much higher, therefore living and working there is very affordable. I could elaborate hours on end how best to enjoy this country I sincerely love with all my heart.

    Reply
  10. Jersey2WorldTravels

    How can Dubai be 40-50 percent lower than NYC but only 14 percent lower than Miami? New York City is much more expensive than Miami. Is that New York City or New York State?

    Reply
  11. Nanine Alexander

    One thing that would keep me away is what I’ve heard about treatment of LGBTQ people,

    Reply
  12. DAVID MOLE

    British judges have decided that every tie to the territory of the United Kingdom, and every bank and brokerage or currency exchange accounts must be shut; and if every condition is met, and the UK HMRC notice to exit on a permanent basis is accepted; then UK tax residency is extinguished! / / However, my intention is to work as a British citizen in the UK city of Derry for 31 days, and use my retirement tax benefits! / / The residue of time is more than six months working in Turkey, (and on a path to citizenship,) with a work permit for my own Turkish (Bursa) resident company, use their dividend participation exemption; and combine this with an Egypt resident company, based in Nuweiba Free Economic Zone (25% foreigners quota, and 10% corporate tax), near to SSH Airport! Tax treaties can net off my own tax issues, then with a Turkish passport in hand the higher tax issues can receive attention to mitigate their significant impact!
    / / Key point of this strategy is to keep every day maintenance costs to a minimum, and maximize cross country border and overseas profits! / / Keep up the great work!

    Reply
  13. lucy mars

    I lived in Dubai for 3 years. The summer is brutal there. December through March is great. Great international vibe, lots of luxury for those who like posh malls and high end shopping, bad for those who like greenery and nature, great for those who want to be closer to many other destinations countries for travel.

    That said, if you are someone that would take humanity issues to heart, unfortunately the labor that comes from India to build the tallest buildings in the world are overworked, underpaid, and work and live under substandard conditions. Expat employees surrender their passports to their employers for safekeeping (at least that is how it was when I was there from 2005-2008). I don’t know if that has changed.

    There is no budget shopping there. Most people I knew that were from other countries waited until they visited their home countries to buy things in order not to overspend on shopping.

    It is a bling bling place to live, and the malls and restaurants are some the most glittery places to be on earth. It’s opulent, over the top, sparkling clean, futuristic, and indulgent. You’ll notice that when you get to the airport.

    Basically, if Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia had a baby, it would be Dubai.

    Reply
  14. Grant Hurlburt

    Dubai is very hot for 6 months of the year. All buildings are well air-conditioned which was a necessity for me. It is very new and sort of reminded me of living in a big airport. However, it seems to have nice apartment complexes with abundant green spaces. Personally, I would choose somewhere in Europe for the climate, culture, and landscape, but for young digital nomads seeking business opportunities Dubai may well be a great place. It is terrrific being in a country with some many nationalities. It is quite possible you will rarely meet Emiratis as they all have a lot of money. However, by chance or in business dealings you may meet some. Most of all, at least a year there will give westerners in particular a wonderfully eye-opening experience to the ME and Arab Culture and likely make you a better world citizen, as I believe it did me.

    Reply
  15. Grant Hurlburt

    I taught nursing students at a Canadian university in Doha, Qatar, for four years. and enjoyed my having students whose parents were from all over the ME (but rarely Qatar) which opened my eyes so much to the people and culture of the ME. I visited Dubai 3X. Dubai has a great public transportation system and there are places where there are wide streets lined with coffee shops and restaurants (unlike Doha). If you are single in Dubai, you will have to seek out activities. Almost certainly, like Qatar, there will be a wide range of clubs and "night classes" (etc) where you can meet people. Dubai also is very close to Oman which is the most authentically traditional Arab country and most green on the peninsula and well worth visits for its ocean, mountains, and history.

    Reply
  16. Gus

    I freaking hate Las Vegas lol, that killed it for me

    Reply
  17. WFH Nomad

    This is great video of Digital Nomads!!!
    Love this!
    I'd love to invite you & all the digital nomads out there to join my channel!

    Reply
  18. Cindy

    I love Dubai for many things… Cheap clothes, transport, electronics and food. However it's a shitty country with so many rules, sexist men and terribly expensive internet. I was shocked when an Indian man asked me to go home with him while I was walking to the hotel… Like what? I told him to f**k off!

    Reply
  19. Martin Zhel

    All VoIP services are banned in Dubai which is a very big reason why it’s not a good place for digital nomads :/

    You can’t make calls even on Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, etc.

    Also there is no freedom there (which is a good think to know) and extremely strict rules.

    You need to be very careful what you do there because a small mistake and you might end up in jail.

    You might get arrested for being drunk in public, displaying public affection, having sex without being married, buying alcohol without a license, etc.

    Another thing is you’re allowed to only drink alcohol in specific bars/clubs/restaurants.

    Supermarkets don’t sell alcohol. Not even wine and beer.

    There are special liquor store but you need to have an alcohol license to buy alcohol in there.

    Reply
  20. Erica Lederer

    Good video for never having lived in Dubai! I am from the US and lived in Dubai for 5 years and happy to be OUT. Some other positives are tax free income, cheap household labour ex: maids, nannies, cooks, drivers (controversial, but a big part of the glam lifestyle) and the travel opportunities to other countries. Major negatives are living under the Sharia Legal system, super expensive schooling fees for children (expats not eligible to attend public school) and the life threatening / aggressive traffic on a daily basis! Oh, and the weather 5 months a year! 🙂

    Reply
  21. maram nhk

    i sent you and email before but still no reply so please contact me as soon as possible .
    mail : maram@nhkdubai.tv

    Reply
  22. Kristin Grady

    I would be interested in Dubai but right now not making the $5000 monthly. Time to work on hitting that consistently. Thanks for the info.

    Reply
  23. A Kh

    $5000 proof income is too much !!
    My monthly income is around $3300
    So no I won't apply for it .

    Reply
  24. Sunny Thomas

    Do you know anyone who has gotten the Dubai remote working visa? I try to find people who have gone through the process, but it’s very difficult to find updated information. I’m curious to see how smooth the process is and what people think of the program.

    Reply

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