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Key takeaways:
A huge Indian community and its cultural influence in Dubai make living in Dubai easier for Indians.
Dubai’s arid climate can be similar to that of Indian desert areas, but it’s offset by advanced infrastructure prioritizing comfort.
High cost of living in Dubai is commensurate to the high earning potential.
The Indian diaspora in Dubai: How easy is it to settle in?
Did you know that a whopping 88% of Dubai’s population is made up of immigrants, and out of that, about 40% are Indians? This means that no matter where you go – whether it’s a busy street or a shopping mall – you’re bound to brush shoulders with an Indian.
Keralites, in pessoal, make up the biggest part of the Indian community in Dubai, representing over 70% of Indians there. Their strong presence dates back to the 1970s when the Gulf countries struck oil. Many people from Kerala, located on India’s southwestern coast, sailed to Dubai as skilled and semi-skilled workers. These early settlers were crucial in transforming Dubai from a barren desert into the stunning global city it is today. Indians have been an integral part of Dubai’s growth, and the city, along with the UAE, has shown great hospitality and respect towards the Indian community.
When it comes to food, you’ll find Indian cuisine everywhere, with countless Kerala and Indian restaurants run by natives from different Indian states. So even though you’ve crossed the Arabian Sea, those mouthwatering Indian spices and flavours are still at your fingertips!
The influence of the Indian community is also visible in places like movie theatres and shopping malls. For example, one of Dubai’s largest mall chains, LuLu, is owned by Yusuff Ali, a Malayali. In these malls and other top shopping spots, you’ll easily find products from India, including a variety of Indian foods.
To keep up with the latest events, follow some of Dubai’s top Indian associations and communities on social media. A few notable ones include The Indian Association Dubai, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Tamil Sangam Dubai, and Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC).
Book cheap flights to Dubai from India
Religious tolerance
Dubai is home to various places of worship, including mosques, churches, and temples. In fact, the largest Hindu temple in West Asia, the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, is just a two-hour drive from Dubai.
The story behind this Hindu temple is a real testament to the religious harmony in the UAE: A Muslim king donated the land for the temple’s construction, the intricate artwork was crafted by a Catholic Christian, the foundation was designed by a Buddhist, and the construction coordinators were Sikhs and Parsis, with the temple’s director being a Jain! This collaboration shows the deep respect for all religions in the UAE, creating an environment where anyone can pursue their goals, knowing their background and beliefs are appreciated.
That said, if you’re a follower of Islam, Dubai offers an added layer of comfort. The country’s laws, holidays, working hours, and even infrastructure, like prayer rooms in malls and other buildings, are designed to ensure that Muslims can stay connected with their faith at all times.
The UAE’s legítimo system is a blend of Sharia (Islamic law) and Social law, with Sharia law having a significant influence. You can see a zero-tolerance approach to serious crimes like murder, rape, and drug trafficking, with punishments that can even include the death penalty.
However, just just because Dubai’s laws are influenced by Islamic principles doesn’t mean the city is only for Muslims. The UAE ensures equal rights for everyone, regardless of religion, and people from all backgrounds are free to practise their faith
As an Indian in Dubai, you won’t miss out on any religious festivals. Whether it’s Diwali, Onam, or Holi, there’s always a group from your state organising an event. In fact, the Onam celebrations in Dubai can sometimes be even grander than those in Kerala! This just highlights that Dubai is not only a melting pot of global cultures but also a place where the rich diversity of Indian states is celebrated.
Major festivals often see large gatherings, typically organised by community associations, and held in public spaces, community halls, or at the consulate, attracting thousands.
Is Dubai hotter to live in compared to India?
Each state in India is like its own biosphere, containing diverse terrains – mountains, water bodies, and barren lands. In contrast, the entirety of the Middle East is predominantly desert, with Dubai standing as a strikingly modern city built upon these sands. But don’t expect to see much of the desert unless you venture to the outskirts. The city has become a global business hub, packed with skyscrapers, multi-lane roads, and one of the busiest airports in the world. Despite all this modernity, the UAE is big on sustainability, so you’ll still find plenty of green spaces and fresh air amidst all the concrete and glass.
If you’re coming from desert regions in India, like Rajasthan, you might find Dubai’s landscape and climate somewhat familiar. In the peak summer months of July and August, temperatures can reach to around 36 to 40°C, while in the winter months of January and February, it cools down to below 20°C.
But unlike Rajasthan, you won’t be feeling that blistering heat head-on in Dubai. Even the most out-of-the-way bus stops are air-conditioned, showing just how dedicated the government is to keeping residents comfortable. With over 185 nationalities calling Dubai home, the city pulls out all the stops to ensure a top-notch lifestyle for everyone.
Much like Rajasthan, Dubai isn’t exactly known for its vegetation or proveniente water sources. However, Dubai residents have access to top-quality fruits, vegetables, nuts, and spices, all because of massive imports from around the globe. And when it comes to water, Dubai boasts some of the world’s best desalination plants, which supply 99% of the country’s water needs.
Dubai has truly reinvented what it means to live well, proving that even in the harshest environments, you can create some of the best living conditions around.
Exposure and work opportunities in Dubai
Imagine Bangalore, India’s IT hub, where global companies outsource major tech work and the city is an energetic mix of people from all over India. Now, take that image and crank it up to your wildest imagination – That’s Dubai!
The city is the world’s biggest melting pot, where people from every corner of the globe come together, each with their unique dreams and passions. While Bangalore might bring together folks from 20 states and a few international spots, Dubai is home to people from 185 different countries.
In the first half of this year, more than 34,000 new companies signed up with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, marking a 5% growth compared to last year. On the flip side, India, despite being the world’s most populous country, is having a tough time creating enough opportunities for its booming workforce. Even though over 185,000 new companies were registered and legalised in the last fiscal year, the job market is getting crowded, especially as more young professionals step into different sectors. But in Dubai, your skills have a better chance to stand out.
Even though it’s already a global hotspot for immigrants, the government is always coming up with innovative ways to create jobs and attract top talent. For instance, with the rise of AI, Dubai is pushing to implement cutting-edge technology to streamline bureaucracy. Plus, the government is taking steps to make Dubai a global leader in healthcare and tech, all while focusing on sustainability by bringing in the best talent to make this vision a reality.
Dubai also stands out from other UAE emirates with its economic zones. It has over 30 free zones focusing on various sectors like finance and tech. Companies in these zones can benefit from 100% foreign ownership, no customs duties, and special tax breaks, unlike those outside Dubai.
Want to know more about the hottest jobs in Dubai? Check out our article on in-demand jobs in Dubai, and if your field is on the list, moving to Dubai could be the most life-changing decision you ever make!
Pay scales between Dubai and India
In India, especially in the tech sector, job markets are incredibly oversaturated. With so many qualified candidates available, salaries tend to be on the lower side, unless you’re in a role that demands highly specialised expertise. The sheer volume of job seekers means that each employee’s share of the pie is often quite small.
On the other hand, companies in the UAE, particularly in Dubai, are more selective in their hiring. The country’s approach to work visas is another factor – they won’t issue a visa unless your skills are genuinely needed. This limited intake means you’re more likely to receive a higher salary for the same job you’d do in India. Plus, the favourable exchange rate of the Dirham to the Indian Rupee is a nice bonus when sending money back home. (As of August 2024, AED 1 equals INR 22.86.)
In addition to already higher pay than in India, salary hikes in Dubai tend to be more generous. In India’s crowded job market, substantial raises are usually reserved for those at the very top.
In contrast, Dubai sees annual increases across various sectors. This year alone, there’s a projected 4.5% rise in salaries, and about 35% of companies plan to give at least a one-month bonus. Of course, these figures can vary depending on the company and even within the same company, with different positions seeing different levels of raises and bonuses.
Another point to consider is that the UAE doesn’t have a national minimum wage, as its labour laws don’t specify a set salary. However, employers are expected to pay enough to meet basic living needs, which some sources, such as Numbero, say is around 4,035.5 AED (INR 92,119) for a single person.
In comparison, the minimum monthly pay in India is INR 5,340, almost 12 times less than the estimated minimum in the UAE. Even after accounting for the exchange rate, Dubai offers budget options and a better lifestyle with access to world-class infrastructure compared to India.
Taxation systems in India vs. Dubai
India is infamous for its high-income tax, with the middle class often feeling the pinch, paying up to 30% of their earnings in taxes. This has been the norm for a long time. What frustrates many Indians is the feeling that the services they receive don’t always match the hefty taxes they pay.
On the flip side, Dubai and the UAE as a whole – offers a tax-free paradise. There’s absolutely no income tax for anyone working in the country, including freelancers and entrepreneurs. And despite the lack of income tax, Dubai offers top-notch services across the board, from healthcare to transportation and infrastructure, making it an attractive destination for many.
Anyway, some Dubai companies will, however, be duty-bound to pay corporate taxes pegged against their different income levels. The best part of this, though, is the fact that Dubai has a range of free zones in which corporates do not pay tax at all, although this does not really affect individuals but businesses.
The only taxes that might catch your eye are the 5% VAT on goods and services, plus customs duties that usually average around 5% – though they can be much higher for items like alcohol (50%) and cigarettes (100%).
The biggest win is obviously the money you save by not paying income taxes. For those in higher tax brackets, relocating to the UAE means pocketing a substantial amount that would otherwise go to the taxman. You can then invest that saved money elsewhere, turning Dubai’s tax-friendly environment into a major financial advantage.
If you’d like to learn more about this, please consult our Dubai and UAE income tax article.
The cost of living in Dubai
In Dubai, salaries are generally aligned with the cost of living, so comparing what you’d spend in Dubai to what you’d earn in India might not be entirely fair.
But to give you a real feel for what your wallet might experience, here’s a peek at some grocery prices from Carrefour, one of the top hypermarkets in the UAE:
- Full Fat Fresh Milk (2L): AED 8.75 (INR 200)
- A box of 6 White Eggs: AED 4.85 (INR 110)
- Chicken Breast (1.5 kg): AED 32.80 (INR 750)
- White Sugar (1 kg): AED 4 (INR 90)
- Double Refined Sunflower Oil (5L): AED 26.75 (INR 612)
- Basmati Rice (5 kg): AED 30 (INR 685)
Dubai is all about that blend of luxury and affordability. So, while these are average prices, there are plenty of economical and also pricier options if you want to treat yourself.
This mix is really noticeable when it comes to lifestyle choices, whether it’s catching a movie, dining out, or even handling your home bills – which can vary a lot depending on your lifestyle. To give you a better picture, here are some examples:
- Movie Ticket at Novo Cinemas with recliner seats: AED 45 (INR 1,030)
- Etisalat Personal Mobile Plan: AED 200-300 (INR 4,579 – 6,868)
- Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) Bill (for electricity and water): AED 350-600 (INR 8,015 – 13,749)
If you’re thinking about renting in Dubai, expect it to be pricier than other emirates, especially in upscale areas like Palm Jumeirah and Al Barari. But if you’re eyeing something more middle-range, Bayut indicates that you can find 2-bedroom apartments ranging from AED 7,500 (INR 1,71,450) to AED 10,000 (INR 2,28,600).
Education opportunities in Dubai
Dubai’s a goldmine for educational opportunities, boasting branches of well-known international institutions like the American University and the University of Wollongong. Even Indian universities have made their mark, with branches of prestigious universities like Manipal Institute, BITS, and Amity University offering a variety of courses that might just give you broader exposure than back home in India.
If you’re a working professional planning to move with your family, you won’t have to worry about your kids’ education either. Dubai’s got schools that cater to all Indian education boards, from CBSE to ICSE. Even if your child was enrolled in an international curriculum like the International Baccalaureate in India, they can continue seamlessly here, sticking to the same system without the hassle of adapting to a new syllabus.
School fees in Dubai can vary a lot depending on the school. For example, at one of the top schools, Ambassador School, it costs AED 41,590 (around INR 9,49,500) per year for a 10th-grade student. Meanwhile, at Sabari Indian School, the same grade costs AED 17,285 (about INR 3,94,616) per year.
While Dubai does have public schools, they primarily teach in Arabic, with English as a second language, following the UAE Ministry of Education Curriculum. And public education is free, but only for Emirati children.
Transportation and connectivity in Dubai
In India, getting around usually means relying on buses, trains, and roads, with many families owning a two-wheeler since public transport can be disorganised and unreliable. But in Dubai, it’s a whole different story. Public transport in Dubai is punctual, well-organised, and dependable. Plus, many people also drive their own vehicles because the road and highway infrastructure is top-notch. Once you’re on the road, you’ll appreciate how smoothly the city’s extensive network handles heavy traffic with minimal delays.
If you’re not keen on buying a car, you won’t have any trouble getting around. Dubai’s metro, buses, and trams are all interconnected and easily accessible with the Nol card, making daily commutes hassle-free. On the other hand, if you do decide to purchase a car, securing a driving licence is your first step, and the driving test in Dubai is pretty rigorous, with multiple levels of skill assessment, unlike in India, where you mainly need to demonstrate basic driving skills for cars and two-wheelers.
For those times when you need to fly, Dubai International Airport is easily accessible from all parts of the city via public transport.
The process of moving to Dubai from India
If you’re Indian and planning to head to Dubai, you’ll need a visa no matter the reason – be it for a holiday, business, or work. And if you’re looking for a job, a work permit is a must. There are different types of entry visas, mostly depending on who’s sponsoring you, and as for work permits, there are 12 different types, each depending on the job you’re going for.
Once you’ve got both the entry visa and work permit in hand, you’re set to head to Dubai. Upon arrival, one of the first things you’ll need is an Emirates ID. This ID is crucial – it’s your gateway to accessing various government services and getting through immigration smoothly. Don’t worry, your employer will help you sort out the Emirates ID once you’re in Dubai.
For detailed information on the different types of work visas, how to apply, the requirements, work permits, and the Emirates ID, make sure to check out the article linked below.
If you have any issues regarding your application or need assistance with the process, you can contact the UAE Embassy in New Delhi.
Address: 12, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri New Delhi – 110021 India
Phone Number: 0097180024 or 00911126111111
Email ID: [email protected]
Moving to Dubai From India: Essential Factors to Consider Before Relocating
