visaprocessUAE: About UAE & Dubai

Although Dubai and Abu Dhabi were named the most expensive cities for expatriates to live in the GCC, according to Mercer’s 2019 Cost of Living survey, the actual cost of living - or inflation – in these cities declined in 2019 owing to weaker housing rents and fuel prices. Mercer statistics cite a 2.09 per cent deflation between April 2018 and 2019.

Moreover, the majority of Dubai’s private schools were only allowed to raise fees by 2 per cent in the 2019-2020 academic year. However, most schools opted to freeze fees or offer discounts to make it affordable for parents. Schools in Abu Dhabi, too, only increased fees marginally.

Housing rents, which take a big chunk out of expats’ monthly earnings, have also reported a decline in the UAE. Average apartment rents in Dubai dropped by 13.4 per cent year-on-year in the last quarter of 2019, while villas/townhouses registered a 9 per cent fall, according to property consultancy Cavendish Maxwell.

However, salaries in the UAE remained stagnant in 2019. According to Hays 2020 GCC Salary and Employment Report, 54 per cent of GCC working professionals’ salaries remained the same in 2019 compared to 2018.

UAE sets Global record:
UAE ranked regional best in UN's 2020 Online Services Index
The UAE has been ranked 1st regionally and 8th globally in the UN's 2020 Online Services Index (OSI), according to an e-government survey conducted by the United Nations.
The survey compared the smart services in 193 counties from all over the world. 10/07/20
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With year-round sunshine, intriguing deserts, beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels and shopping malls, fascinating heritage attractions and a thriving business community, Dubai receives millions of leisure and business visitors each year from around the world.

The local currency is the Dirham, which is pegged at AED 3.67 to 1 US dollar. Dubai is tolerant and cosmopolitan and all visitors are welcome. However, Islam is a way of life in the city, and therefore tourists should adopt a certain level of cultural and religious sensitivity for the duration of their stay.

Dubai Rulers: Since 1833 the reigning Al Maktoum family have ruled Dubai. Under their wise and progressive leadership Dubai has prospered and it is now the business and tourism hub for a region. More ...

Dubai Economy: The past few decades have witnessed incredible growth throughout all sectors of the Dubai economy. The emirate's government is constantly working to improve its commercial transparency and introduce dynamic regulations that aid the formation of small and medium enterprises. Dubai's economy is no longer reliant on oil, but is more diversified, relying heavily on trade, services and finance sectors. With its central geographic location between Asian and European markets, Dubai has worked hard to establish itself as an integral part of the global trade mechanism. Its central location has also allowed Dubai to become a popular and accessible tourist destination.

Attractions: A good place to start exploring the history and heritage of Dubai is the Dubai Museum: it is located inside Al Fahidi Fort, one of Dubai's oldest buildings dating back to 1787. There are other museums in Dubai and in surrounding emirates that also offer important insights into the history and growth of the city and of the United Arab Emirates.

Culture & Heritage: Courtesy and hospitality are among the most highly prized of virtues in the Arab world, and visitors will be charmed by the warmth and friendliness of the people. One of the largest and most beautiful mosques is Jumeirah Mosque- a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture.

Dubai Nature: Dubai, with an area of 3,885 square kilometres, is the second largest emirate in the UAE. Situated on the banks of the Dubai Creek, a natural inlet from the Gulf which divides the city into the Deira district to its north and Bur Dubai on its south.

In December 2nd 1971, United Arab Emirates was declared as a united, independent and sovereign state encompassing of seven emirates, i.e. Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Um Al Quwain and Al Fujairah.

Location:
United Arab Emirates is located in the south east region of the Arabian Peninsula, as it extends from the Oman Gulf eastward to Qatar westward, bordered by the Arabian Gulf from the north and the North West, Qatar and Saudi Arabia from the west and Oman Gulf as well as Sultanate of Oman from the east. United Arab Emirates shores towering over the southern coast of the Arabian Gulf extends to cover an area of 644 Kilometers from the base of Qatar Peninsula westward to Ras Masandam eastward, having the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Um Al Quwain diffused over the coast, whereas the coast of the seventh emirate Al Fujairah stretches for 90 Kilometers over the coast of Oman Gulf. Therefore the state occupies the located area between the latitudes 22 and 26.5 degrees northward, and the longitudes 51 and 56.5 degrees eastward Grenache.

The Area
United Arab Emirates area excluding the affiliated isles is amounted to 83.600 Square Kilometers. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi represents the greatest share since it covers an area of 67.340 Square Kilometers equivalent to 87% of the total area of the State.

The Climate
Due to the location of United Arab Emirates in the dry tropical region, the climate is generally characterized by the increase of humidity and temperature during the summer since the temperature average during the summer ranges between 35 to 40 cent degrees as the humidity degree occasionally reaches 100%. On the other hand, the weather during the winter is mild where the temperature reaches 18 cent degrees.

The federal authorities of the State consists of the Supreme Council of the Federation, the Chairman of the Federation and his Deputy, the Cabinet, the Federal National Council and the Federal Judiciary Body. The Union represents a part of the great homeland bonded by the ties of religion, language, history and mutual destiny, as its people constitute an integral part of the nation, embracing Islam as a religion and the Islamic teachings represents the main source for legislation, having the Arabic language as its official language.

Glance about United Arab Emirates
The President of the Country: H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

The Population: 4.320 Million (Estimations of 2005).

The Capital: Abu Dhabi

The Seven Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Um Al Quwain and Al Fujairah.

Area: 83.600 square kilometers

The Religion: Islam
The Language: Arabic Language is considered the official language in the country whereas the English Language is widely used as far as the commercial and economic domains are concerned.

The Local Timing: The timing of United Arab Emirates precedes the Grenache timing by four hours. (Grenache + 4).

The emirate of Dubai is located in the northern part of the UAE. It stretches over 72 miles (115 km) on the Gulf coast. It. The total area of Dubai is approximately 2428 square miles (3885 km).

Dubai has changed dramatically over the last three decades, becoming a major business centre with a more dynamic and diversified economy. Dubai enjoys a strategic location and serves as the biggest re-exporting centre in the Middle East.

Its low logistical and operational costs and excellent infrastructure, international outlook and liberal government policies are attracting investors in a big way. Activities such as trade, transport, tourism, industry and finance have shown steady growth and helped the economy to achieve a high degree of expansion and diversification. read more

For interactive 360 Dubai map click here

BUSINESS SET-UP IN DUBAI