15.08.2025
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Which emirates are better? While tourists are interested in hotels, beaches and entertainment infrastructure, other factors must be considered for relocation. For example, investors should consider Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi.
What to pay attention to? It depends on the purposes of moving to the UAE. Those who are looking for employment are tied to their employer, but freelancers, digital nomads, and wealthy retirees can choose an emirate based on its climate, nature, and cultural values.
It houses the most populous city in the UAE, the largest seaport and administrative centre of the emirate of the same name, quite unique and extravagant. In it the grandeur of architecture is amazingly intertwined with royal luxury, from the ultra-high Burj Khalifa skyscraper (828 m) to the man-made Palm Jumeirah island.
Dubai has a population of over 3.6 million people. There are always many tourists there, who have access to world-class shopping and entertainment centres, upscale restaurants and exciting nightlife. Thanks to the well-thought-out infrastructure and a beneficial business environment, the city attracts many qualified specialists and entrepreneurs.
Located on the shore of the Gulf of Oman (part of the Indian Ocean), it offers pristine beaches framed by rocky mountains and rich marine fauna — a true paradise for snorkelers and diving.
Fujairah also has other interesting places, such as Fujairah Fort, the ancient Al Bidya Mosque, and others. The small population of 36,800 people leads a measured life, not as bustling as in neighbouring emirates. It's an ideal retreat for the soul and those who love the sea.
When considering which emirates are better to relocate to, this is an ideal place for expatriates. The maritime climate is quite mild, more pleasant than in Dubai (the temperature is lower by 5°C during hot weather). But the climate is not the only attractive side of the region. There are more lenient laws and regulations there, such as an absence of strict dress code, and alcohol is sold in shops.
The nature is picturesque and diverse — sand dunes, beaches, with mountains occupying a third of the territory. The two main districts — Nakheel and Old Town — are separated by a creek with mangrove thickets. Two different eras coexist there, with cultural and historical monuments in the west and modern architecture in the east. Also, there is an international airport there, which might be important for expats.
Ras Al Khaimah is always open for business. The free economic zone RAKEZ provides wide opportunities for entrepreneurs. There you can start offshore companies and open local firms. RAKEZ freezone has excellent infrastructure for various types of business, universal logistics (latest transport and logistics centres) and the right for foreigners to fully own a company through offshore. RAKEZ is also attractive for investors.
Most developers (for example, Just Prime Homes) promise clients beneficial bonuses. For instance, a residence permit for 12 years, available only after a mandatory payment of 20% of the property price.
If you are faced with a choice of which emirate is better to visit, consider Ras Al Khaimah with its excellent living conditions, and great potential for both business development and investments in local real estate. There you will have the utmost comfort and a quick start of your business with minimal expenses.
The largest of the emirates, it is also home to a city of the same name, which is the industrial, cultural and commercial centre of the country, and the capital of the UAE. This huge city, located on islands, is constantly expanding and developing. Buying property there will not be easy, as construction is slow and demand is high. Housing in Abu Dhabi is growing more expensive at a slower rate than in Dubai, but the prices are still rising.
Today, authorities are expanding freehold zones where foreigners can purchase property with full ownership rights. This helps actively attract investment into the country's economy. Property investors can obtain a 10-year golden visa if the invested amount exceeds $545,000. This opens up long-term prospects with stable residence in the UAE for expatriates.
Moreover, Abu Dhabi is attractive for investors due to tax benefits, a variety of financial services, freehold zones convenient for entrepreneurs, and its prestige. It's easier to launch both local and offshore businesses there, which attracts many merchants.
The Abu Dhabi emirate attracts wealthy people with its high standard of living. The low rate of labour migration indicates the highest level of services. The qualification and skill of the workforce helps avoid staff shortages in local businesses. This creates excellent conditions for living and working.
When choosing which emirate in the UAE is better, one should keep in mind that Abu Dhabi offers unique opportunities for investment, trade, and manufacturing, as well as various living options. This means stability, dynamic development, and a high level of prosperity. With a large set of prospects and benefits, this emirate is considered an excellent place of residence for many immigrants.
This emirate is home to a city of the same name — the third-largest city in the United Arab Emirates and its cultural capital. Compared to other regions, conservative Sharjah provides an equally wide range of opportunities for residence.
There are numerous cultural centres there — theatres, cinemas, museums and art galleries. There you can learn about the country's history and cultural heritage. For example, you can visit Mleiha (a famous archaeological centre) with an exhibition of artifacts from 2300 BC.
Moreover, Port Khalid in Sharjah is the country's maritime and commercial hub, which helps keep prices down compared to Dubai and the UAE capital. Life there is cheaper for newcomers, which attracts many expatriates. But keep in mind that in most parts of the region, it's impossible to become a full owner of purchased property. This is only available in a special zone, but offerings there are too limited. In the rest of the emirate, the investor controls the property for 99 years.
Sharjah is known for its rejection of alcohol, which is sold here only in duty-free shops. Those who don't drink, don't smoke and observe the internal dress code will have great career growth opportunities and comfortable living conditions.
One of the poorer emirates without luxurious skyscrapers or fancy galleries. It houses two agricultural exclaves — Manama and Masfout. Ajman has many Russian-speaking residents who find it easier to adapt and communicate in this place.
In Ajman, housing prices are much lower than in tourist areas of the UAE, making it much more profitable to buy there. People usually come here with families to purchase property and settle in these areas. However, finding work there is problematic, so expats often start businesses or work for themselves. Local conditions are quite favourable for this — you can obtain a licence for commerce or production, or open any type of company.
When analyzing which emirates are better for relocation and choosing Ajman, you can ensure a comfortable life for your family without unnecessary risks. Educational institutions offer various languages, including Arabic, Russian and English. Adults can study at the best universities and then dedicate themselves to their careers.
A hospitable, modest and conservative emirate with cosy beaches, picturesque lagoons and nature reserve islands. From an infrastructure perspective, it's often called Anti-Dubai due to the absence of shopping centres and fashionable gloss. Local colour has been preserved here, and historical and architectural masterpieces coexist perfectly with a modern amusement park and active beach recreation.
The largest centre of ancient Arab civilization in the Persian Gulf — the Al Dour excavations — is located in this emirate. Camel races are held there during winter. However, due to the small population, organizing your own business in Umm Al Quwain is not very promising. But lovers of a measured, peaceful life can enjoy living there.
In the 2021 international ranking of the best places to live, work and invest by consulting agency Resonance Consultancy, Dubai ranked fifth globally and leads in the regional list. Tourist traffic to this emirate last year exceeded 16,000,000, which is 1,010,000 more than the previous period.
The region's population in 2023 also increased to 3,650,000, with an annual growth of 40% compared to 2022. The cost of renting and buying housing is steadily increasing as demand exceeds supply. According to the IMF, last year's real estate prices in the Emirates jumped above the global average.
The global crisis of recent years has not affected Dubai's economy or the UAE as a whole. According to S&P Global Rating Agency (USA, New York), this year the UAE's GDP will rise by 5% and exceed the forecast indicator of the world economy by 2.8%.
The agency predicts stable progress dynamics for Dubai in wholesale and retail trade, tourism and hotel business, and financial services, which in turn will support the country's economy during 2024–2025.
In addition to leading positions in world rankings and rapid development of all industries, the Emirates still maintain the image of an unparalleled “safe haven” for asset placement.
Over the course of 20 years, the city has become a huge metropolis. Today it is one of the most prosperous cities globally, as well as the safest and greenest on the Arabian Peninsula. The residence of the Government and the headquarters of the Supreme Petroleum Council are located there.
Excellent museums, magnificent hotels, modern beaches with white sand and world-class entertainment centres — all this can be found in the UAE capital, which is located in the emirate of the same name. The emirate occupies 87% of the country's territory and contains more than 90% of the country's oil reserves.
Annually, foreign investors conclude about a quarter of all local real estate transactions. Moreover, this activity is gradually increasing. In Abu Dhabi you can find major mega-projects, newest business infrastructure and modern recreation spots.
When considering which emirates are better for work, it's worth noting that Abu Dhabi has five FEZs where non-residents can have full ownership of a company.
For five years now, the Emirates capital has been leading in the ranking of the safest cities according to the Numbeo index. The latter is determined by crime and safety indicators, environmental pollution and the cost of living.
Thanks to the stability of the economy and the flexibility of the authorities, Abu Dhabi is considered the world's most attractive place for investments in real estate. An ambitious program to attract investors (including foreign ones) is being implemented there through diversification of the oil-polarized economy. The state's priority is long-term development of the most crucial industries, such as tourism, leisure centres and hotel business, logistics, high-tech production and IT. All of this undoubtedly increases the demand and cost of real estate.
It offers unique and important opportunities for expatriates:
The american company Wynn Resorts (the largest hotel operator) owns casinos in Macau, Boston, and Las Vegas. And it has started building a resort and gaming zone in the emirate. The future Ras Al Khaimah casino will be twice the size of its Las Vegas counterpart. After this announcement, property prices have already doubled and will only keep growing.
Investment activity of developers is gaining momentum and attracting large investors. As a result, well-known developers — Ellington, Aldar, Emaar — have entered the emirate's real estate market. This caused an increase in demand and rapid development of infrastructure. With each new project, property prices rise.
Those planning to profit from resale or rental of appreciated property should buy it now. Ras Al Khaimah offers great opportunities to recover your investments as the market is intensively developing and remains in a bullish trend. And in two-three years after significant price growth, there's a possibility to earn a lot of money from resale.
An analysis conducted by Realiste confirmed that in Ras Al Khaimah the average price per square metre is $2,365. And this is notably less than in other gaming zones. For instance, the cost per square metre of real estate in Monaco or Singapore is $49,911 and $15,153 respectively. Now let's compare it with Ras Al Khaimah prices, which are 21 times lower in the first case and 6 times lower in the second! Appealing? That's why potential investors come to the Emirates from all over the world.
So which emirate is better to visit for long-term stay? Let's talk about it.
Ajman is quite a popular UAE city. It's attractive for its affordability and the standard of living that many expats expect from the country. The familiar charm has been preserved there and a special atmosphere has been created. This is an excellent option for anyone looking for a place more peaceful than the populous Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Umm Al Quwain is equally affordable in terms of living costs, but not as developed as the country's larger cities. Nevertheless, there are many interesting and historical places there that can be explored and frequently visited.
Mirdif will be perfect for married couples. A very accessible city for expatriates, where immigrant flows from various countries converge. There's quality medical care and international schools for children there. Local residents welcome settlers with families.
There's a large shopping centre in the central part of the city. As you can see, the infrastructure is quite developed in Mirdif. A well-thought-out transport network allows quick access to any area of the city, which is very important for foreign newcomers.
For family recreation, many also choose Abu Dhabi, where you can really feel the excitement of the metropolis. The city's infrastructure is well developed, with international expatriate communities.
The UAE capital will be an excellent option for foreign newcomers. It's the second-largest city where various cultures converge. It is perfect for finding or forming communities. Rent there is not cheap, so housing should be found in advance. Abu Dhabi is a convenient base for traveling around the Emirates and abroad.
Another good choice for those who want to settle in a populous city will be Dubai. It's developing no worse than the capital. Conditions for comfortable living are created in the city and there are many interesting places there.
Dubai is a good option for relocation after retirement. Many foreigners choose this place to taste all the pleasures of local life and enjoy the country's picturesque landscapes until the end of their days. It's always sunny there, which is very appealing to those who like to relax on the beach, and there are places for leisure entertainment. But the main thing is, of course, the sense of security, as Dubai has a low crime rate.
There are several residential areas in the city where immigrants settle. Before relocating, you need to decide what exactly you need and choose the type of property. You should also think about what should be near your house for quick access.
Umm Suqeim is a residential area favoured by British people. It is located along Jumeirah Beach with public parks and fishing harbours nearby.
Abu Dhabi is the next option to consider when deciding which emirates are better for relocation. It also attracts retirees with its mild climate and a variety of housing. The capital also has several communities created specifically for retirees.
For young people dreaming of settling in the Emirates, one of the best options is Ras Al Khaimah in the north of the country. It has the most divine beaches and fantastic landscapes. This is an excellent option for those who value seaside recreation in a calm and cozy atmosphere that you won't find in populous Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The cost of living there is lower than in those large cities, which is very important for youth with limited budgets who are leaving their parental home for the first time.
The highly developed Dubai, with its bustling nightlife full of entertainment, comfort and a variety of services, becomes a good choice for slightly older people.
Dubai is a popular city among students. It attracts many foreign young people with its unusual beauty, diversity of cultures and high standard of living. International educational institutions there include British and American Universities, as well as the local University of Dubai.
Dubai Silicon Oasis, located in the suburbs, is considered the most popular place for student residence there. There are also good career opportunities for those who have received a university diploma. However, competition among qualified personnel in Dubai is very high due to the saturation of the labor market.
Abu Dhabi, where some of the most prestigious universities are located, is becoming increasingly popular among foreign youth arriving to study. The capital of this emirate always has bustling nightlife, and it's also famous for its variety of amusements and entertainments.
Local cuisine is typically based on fish, rice, and meat. The most common of the latter is lamb. Dishes offered there are prepared according to Eastern-Arabic cuisine recipes with nuances of Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine.
Overall, Dubai is considered the culinary centre of the Emirates. Signature dishes there are maklouba (meat with fried vegetables and rice), margoog (vegetable stew with lamb), and harissa (puree soup made of poultry and boiled wheat).
If you love nightlife and are choosing which emirate is better to visit, then Dubai is an excellent option. There you'll find plenty of entertainment in elite and scandalous establishments. Most of them are in the city centre, which comes alive with nightfall. There are lots of bars, music clubs, and dance floors open until morning. It's easy to get to any district from there.
Overall, there's a cloudless sky year-round in the UAE. It is an excellent place for relocation for those who love sunny weather and hot climate. Let's emphasize again: Dubai will perfectly suit expatriates who can tolerate extreme heat and relax under air conditioning.
On average, the air temperature there is 30°C, while rain is very rare (only 68 mm of precipitation per year). For those looking for a cooler place, we recommend going to Al Fujairah, as it's the coldest region of the country. During the winter period (from December to March) the weather there is quite comfortable.
In the Emirates, there are several areas suitable for lazy recreation. First of all, this is the capital, Abu Dhabi. Its coastline extends for about 400 km. With a large variety of beaches it's easy to choose the most optimal option based on your personal preferences.
There are also many coastal entertainments and water sports (swimming, jet skiing, etc.). For those who love sunbathing, there are excellent beaches with soft white sand.
Another area that can be considered for relocation is the well-known Palm Jumeirah. The artificial palm islands are located on Dubai's shore (Persian Gulf coast). Their palm-shaped form was specially designed to attract tourists. Many luxury hotels and entertainment centres are also located there.
Who can obtain a resident visa when moving to the UAE? These are:
Two immigration programmes are implemented in the Arab Emirates:
Dubai is an undisputed leader when it comes to such living conditions. There are many luxurious beaches (both paid and free) with access to open waters, in contrast to Abu Dhabi, where you'll have to search for places with direct access to the sea, as they prefer shallow bays there.
International City, a modern residential area with middle-class real estate and quite developed commercial infrastructure, is a great place to settle. Low-rise buildings are arranged in clusters — England, France, China, Russia, Italy, Greece, Spain, Persia, Morocco, Emirates. Restaurants, supermarkets, shopping centres, schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and a landscaped park near Al Warsan Lake are all within walking distance.
The most suitable city for sports tourism enthusiasts is Ras Al Khaimah. There you can find the UAE's highest peak, Jebel Jais, part of the Hajar mountain range.
From this point of view, luxurious Dubai will not be the only option for relocants and expatriates moving to the UAE. Such emirates as Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah will offer a wide range of opportunities and prospects for them.
In the UAE, each place is unique in its own way, and can captivate with its beauty and win hearts: Ajman's luxurious beaches, Sharjah's diverse culture, Ras Al Khaimah's magnificent landscapes, Abu Dhabi's financial prospects, and more. Settlers will not just find a new country to live in, they will look at the world in a new way. Therefore, before making such an important decision, one needs to seriously evaluate all options and opportunities available for immigrants in the Emirates.
