What’s it like living and working in Dubai as an American?

Currently, around 40,000 Americans reside in Dubai, making up one of the largest expat communities in the emirate¹. Most US citizens in the UAE are located in Dubai, with only about 10,000 living in Abu Dhabi or elsewhere.

If you’re planning a move or taking on an extended work assignment, it’s important to prepare for differences in visas, employment opportunities, and cultural norms.

Preparation

Visa:

US citizens moving to Dubai need a residence visa and work permit beyond the initial 30-day entry permit. For stays under one month, you can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport. To live and work in the UAE, your employer must sponsor your work visa, which is valid for the duration of your employment contract. You may also enter Dubai on a tourist visa and transfer to a work permit if you secure employment, or move via a spouse visa if your partner is already employed in the country.

Accommodation:

It’s advisable to arrange accommodation before moving. In the UAE, it is illegal to live with a member of the opposite sex unless they are a close family relative or your spouse. While many expats do so without consequence, if a complaint is made or police enter your apartment for any reason, you could face legal trouble².

Medication:

The UAE enforces strict drug policies; some medications available in the US may be illegal in Dubai. Prescription medications require prior approval from the UAE’s Ministry of Health. Bringing controlled substances without approval can result in imprisonment.

Safety

Dubai is generally considered safe for Americans. Crime rates are low, especially for violent crime, although petty crime such as pickpocketing and scams does occur. Popular destinations like malls, airports, hotels, and resorts are closely monitored, contributing to overall safety.

Laws

Westerners may need to adjust to local laws and customs. Certain behaviors accepted in the US are criminalized in Dubai. It is illegal to:

• Live with someone of the opposite sex who is not your spouse or relative
• Engage in public displays of affection (handholding is tolerated for married couples)
• Be LGBTQ+³
• Be drunk in public or drink and drive
• Wear clothing considered too revealing
• Swear or use rude hand gestures
• Take pictures of people without their permission

Working in Dubai

With the correct visa, Americans can work in Dubai, but must remain employed to keep their visa unless on a spouse visa. Major industries include construction, real estate, tourism, hospitality, technology, and finance. The job search process is similar to the US, but competition can be high.

Average Salary:

The average salary in Dubai is AED 16,775 per month, about $4,570. In the US, the average monthly income is $3,900. The cost of living in Dubai is high, though not as high as New York.

Taxes

Dubai is often seen as a tax-free haven. While there is no income tax in the UAE, US citizens may still owe taxes to the IRS. Dubai residents pay Value Added Tax (VAT) and various government fees.

Education

Dubai offers both public and private education, with 90% of schools being private. Public schools are free only to UAE nationals and compulsory for Emirati children aged 5–15. Expat children have been able to attend public schools since 2001. School fees range from AED 12,723 to AED 64,093 ($3,463–17,449)⁴. Most schools operate Sunday to Thursday, and non-Arab students must take Arabic classes until grade 9.

Driving

Dubai drivers use the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits can be high, with some highways allowing up to 160km/h (99mph)⁵. Never drive after consuming alcohol; penalties are severe.

American Women in Dubai

Western women may find customs different from those in the US. Modest dress is encouraged—shoulders, thighs, and midriff should be covered. Women must earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 10,000 (US$2,723) to sponsor their family, while men must earn AED 4,000 (US$1,089). Dubai’s metro features women-and-children-only carriages, and there are women-only queues in government buildings and taxis driven by women.

1. World Population Review. "Dubai Population 2024." Accessed December 16, 2025. https://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/dubai-population.
2. Gulf News. "Do's and don'ts for Dubai visitors, residents." Accessed December 16, 2025. https://gulfnews.com/how-to/dos-and-donts-for-dubai-visitors-residents-1.1248905.
3. Equaldex. "LGBT Equality Index – United Arab Emirates." Accessed December 16, 2025. https://www.equaldex.com/region/united-arab-emirates.
4. Edarabia. "School Fees in Dubai." Accessed December 16, 2025. https://www.edarabia.com/schools/school-fees-dubai/.
5. Gulf News. "Abu Dhabi speed limit: New radars to catch motorists exceeding 140km/h." Accessed December 16, 2025. https://gulfnews.com/uae/transport/abu-dhabi-speed-limit-new-radars-to-catch-motorists-exceeding-140kmh-1.2244338.

Additional sources used in this summary:

• Bayt.com. "UAE Salary Guide 2023." Accessed December 16, 2025. https://www.bayt.com/en/insights/salaries-in-uae/.
• Driven Properties. "How to Sponsor Your Family in Dubai: Requirements & Process." Accessed December 16, 2025. https://www.drivenproperties.com/blog/how-to-sponsor-your-family-in-dubai/.
• Expatistan. "Cost of Living in Dubai." Accessed December 16, 2025. https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/in/dubai.
• Numbeo. "Crime in Dubai." Accessed December 16, 2025.  https://www.numbeo.com/crime/in/Dubai.
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Usual Weekly Earnings of Wage and Salary Workers Third Quarter 2023."Accessed December 16, 2025.  https://www.bls.gov/news.release/wkyeng.nr0.htm.
• U.S. Embassy in the UAE. "Medication Information."Accessed December 16, 2025.  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Supplements/Supplements_by_Post/ABD-Abu-Dhabi.html.