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Live and work in Dubai

A Guide to Dubai by Monocle Magazine

Monocle logo mark, copyright Monocle 2021

Monocle

A City Special

Tue, June 29, 2021

Dubai has achieved extraordinary and rapid growth and is now wowing the world with much more than the beach life and bling that hit the global headlines. We meet the movers, shakers, doers and makers who are redefining the city and giving it cultural clout.

Monocle logo mark, copyright Monocle 2021

Monocle

A City Special

Dubai has achieved extraordinary and rapid growth and is now wowing the world with much more than the beach life and bling that hit the global headlines. We meet the movers, shakers, doers and makers who are redefining the city and giving it cultural clout.

On lifeand business
Overview
01
Urban planning, sociable living
For a city built almost entirely within the past 50 years, you’d expect tip-top infrastructure and Dubai has happily obliged with a swift network of roads, an efficient metro system and the world’s busiest international airport a handful of sand’s throw from the city centre. Dubai banked on connectivity and it has paid off in spades.
02
Open minds welcome
It’s no secret that Dubai is a great place to do business but what are the elements and initiatives that make it tick? We discover the emirate’s magnetic pull.
03
What makes the city tick
In the space of a decade, Dubai has transformed itself from a regional player to a global capital for the creative industries and the arts. We meet some of the inspiring souls who are driving the change and take a look into how the city intends to keep its residents inspired.
04
The drawing board
A shimmering high-rise in the sand, Dubai is developing design credentials that rival any international capital and investing in its people, neighbourhoods and a considered creative infrastructure.
05
World on a plate
The variety of great food in the city is simply staggering. Other cities stuck in a polarised rut of Michelin stars or cardboard boxes of generic fast food should take note. And Dubai’s retail scene is following a similarly interesting route.
06
More to see in the city on the sea
We spent a considerable amount of time speaking to Dubai’s most influential thinkers about what makes the city tick, its big plans for the future and what it means to live and work here. There are still some essential attractions and customs that mustn’t be missed, which we share with you here for more memorable moments.
 world-population-white icon

200

Expat nationalities

Expat nationalities make up 90 per cent of the population

doing-business-white icon

117

Treaties for Double Tax

Or 193 treaties with bilateral investment

finance-money-revenue-white-icon

0

Tax

0 personal income tax, capital gains tax or withholding tax

education-white icon

99.5%

Literacy

95.5% literacy rate among the 15-24 year old population sector

permit-white icon

74

Visas on arrival

74 countries are eligible for visa on arrival

headquarters-of-a-business-white icon

60+

Universities

offering over 500 courses

The Monocle Guide to Dubai
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