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Half of UAE’s expats thinking about relocating
| Published: | 21 Apr at 6 PM |
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The United Arab Emirates has long since been a major draw for expats because of the quality of life on offer for qualified individuals in particular, with perks such as tax-free salaries on offer.
Such benefits have meant that expatriates could live and work in the Middle Eastern country, earn and save potentially vast amounts of money and enjoy the year-round hot weather, albeit conditions that can sometimes be unbearably hot. In fact, the country is home to so many expats that just 20 per cent of the population is made up by Emiratis.
However, recent data has shown that things may be changing, with as many as 50 per cent of foreigners in the country now considering leaving and have been looking for opportunities elsewhere in the world. Hypothetically speaking, if such a number did relocate, it would mean more than three million expatriates leave.
The key reason for people mulling over a move is the high cost of living, with 56 per cent noting the cost of housing was particularly high. Like with other wealthy nations – including Hong Kong, Singapore and Qatar – buying and rent prices can be considerably higher than elsewhere in the world, with only the richest of expats being able to afford absolute luxury.
This has led to 25 per cent of expats admitting that despite their high salaries they actually found it hard to save.
It is yet to be known whether the UAE government will react to the figures, but if the results of the survey turn into a reality they could go some way to proving that the lure of the nation is somewhat fading, which could have dramatic consequences in the long run.
Such benefits have meant that expatriates could live and work in the Middle Eastern country, earn and save potentially vast amounts of money and enjoy the year-round hot weather, albeit conditions that can sometimes be unbearably hot. In fact, the country is home to so many expats that just 20 per cent of the population is made up by Emiratis.
However, recent data has shown that things may be changing, with as many as 50 per cent of foreigners in the country now considering leaving and have been looking for opportunities elsewhere in the world. Hypothetically speaking, if such a number did relocate, it would mean more than three million expatriates leave.
The key reason for people mulling over a move is the high cost of living, with 56 per cent noting the cost of housing was particularly high. Like with other wealthy nations – including Hong Kong, Singapore and Qatar – buying and rent prices can be considerably higher than elsewhere in the world, with only the richest of expats being able to afford absolute luxury.
This has led to 25 per cent of expats admitting that despite their high salaries they actually found it hard to save.
It is yet to be known whether the UAE government will react to the figures, but if the results of the survey turn into a reality they could go some way to proving that the lure of the nation is somewhat fading, which could have dramatic consequences in the long run.
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