Start your tax‒free business in Dubai

There are still persistent rumors that women have to wear a veil and are not allowed to do everything.

But it is really time to clear that up.

Women in the United Arab Emirates face no disadvantages in professional or private life. Driving a car is not a problem either.

This question is a bit difficult to answer. The reason is that there are countless statistics, and in my view, they are not truly representative — especially when comparing with Germany at the moment, where rising energy prices keep reaching new highs and inflation has increased significantly.

In Dubai, if you have your own apartment, you only need to pay for electricity and water, which are cheaper than in Germany. Fuel has also become slightly more expensive in Dubai, but we are talking about around €0.40 per liter.

When it comes to grocery prices, the difference feels relatively small. Dining out is priced similarly to Germany. Only alcohol is comparatively very expensive.

Mandatory health insurance in Dubai costs around the equivalent of €120 per year. This is the minimum level of coverage, which can of course be upgraded as needed. Another option is to take out international health insurance.

Depending on your age at entry, the level of coverage, and any pre-existing conditions, this usually costs around €160 to €250 per month.

The average annual temperature is 28°C, and there are only about 7 rainy days per year. In summer (June to September), temperatures can exceed 40°C, but it is worth noting that temperatures drop in the evening, so outdoor activities are usually shifted to the late afternoon and evening hours. In winter, Dubai is pleasantly warm, with the lowest temperatures around 15°C. Even in the coldest month, daytime temperatures still reach a comfortable 24°C. Other than that, the weather is very pleasant all year round. Sea temperatures range between 23°C and 34°C throughout the year, which means you can comfortably swim 365 days a year. Dubai enjoys bright and sunny weather year-round, with an average of 10 to 11 hours of sunshine per day in the summer months and still around 8 hours in winter.

Rental prices in Dubai vary depending on the neighborhood, but overall they are comparable to those in German cities — while usually offering significantly more living space. Rent is generally paid one year in advance. Since the pandemic, however, many landlords have also started accepting quarterly or monthly payments. Apartments and houses are usually listed by the number of bedrooms. In addition, there is typically a living room and often a separate room for household staff (“maid’s room”). The term “Chiller Free” in property listings means that air conditioning, electricity, and water costs are already included in the rent. Otherwise, these utilities are billed separately through the state utility provider DEWA. DEWA charges consist of your actual usage plus 5% of the monthly rent and are payable on a monthly basis. Your current usage can easily be checked through the official DEWA app.