Dubai is a city that leaves an impression on everyone, whether they’re visiting or settling in to call it home. Just a few decades ago, it was a quiet fishing village along the Arabian Gulf, bearing little resemblance to the remarkable destination it is today. Rising from desert sands, Dubai has become known for its iconic skyline, pristine beaches, and high standards of living, attracting people from all walks of life with its tax-free income opportunities and luxurious lifestyle.
Understanding the costs involved when relocating to Dubai can help you make the most of everything the city has to offer. This guide explores the essential expenses and lifestyle choices that capture the Dubai experience.
Premium Housing and Real Estate
Luxury Rentals and Real Estate Options
Housing is one of the most significant financial considerations when moving to Dubai, and the city’s real estate market includes an impressive range of high-end properties. From modern penthouses in the Burj Khalifa to waterfront villas on Palm Jumeirah and luxe estates in Emirates Hills, there’s a home to complement every standard of living. Over the past year, demand has surged, with rental prices increasing by 27% and certain luxury properties seeing values rise by up to 89%. Dubai’s appeal among global investors and high-net-worth individuals continues to grow, driven by its premium lifestyle and promising opportunities for personal and business growth.
Palm Jumeirah villas start at AED 800,000 per year and usually feature private pools, custom architecture, and beachfront access.
Emirates Hills, often compared to the “Beverly Hills of Dubai,” has villas renting for up to AED 1,200,000 annually, with private gardens and views of championship golf courses.
Downtown Dubai’s luxury penthouses, especially those in towers like the Burj Khalifa, typically rent for AED 1,000,000 per year and include skyline views and concierge services.
Buying ultra-luxury real estate in Dubai averages around AED 3,200 per square foot, a favourable comparison to cities like London or New York. Areas such as Al Barari and DIFC maintain stable property prices as demand from international buyers and residents grows.
Families considering a move to the city should also note recent housing trends. The average cost of renting a family home has risen by 26%, with annual rent now around AED 268,758, while apartment rents have increased by 27% to an average of AED 89,986 per year.
Mortgage and Financing Options
For property investments, Dubai’s banks extend financing plans, making the market accessible to premium real estate. Banks typically finance up to 75% of a property’s value for expatriates and up to 85% for UAE nationals. Current mortgage rates are competitive, with fixed-rate plans ranging from 3% to 5%, while variable rates start around 2.35%.
Getting Around
With a professional at the wheel, getting around Dubai is all about convenience and comfort. Many residents choose private drivers, luxury car rentals, or full-time chauffeurs for daily travel, making city transport hassle-free and enjoyable. Passengers can relax, and take in Dubai's astonishing sights.
Luxury Vehicle Ownership
Luxury cars are almost a staple in Dubai, with brands like Rolls Royce, Bentley, and Lamborghini frequently seen on the main roads. High-end SUVs and sedans remain popular for the added comfort they bring to city travel.
Monthly leases for top-tier vehicles, like the Rolls Royce Ghost, typically start at AED 40,000.
A Bentley Continental GT can be leased for around AED 35,000 per month.
Hiring a full-time chauffeur generally costs between AED 5,000 and AED 7,000 per month, depending on the required hours and services.
Private Jet Memberships and Helicopter Charters
For regional or international travel, Dubai’s private jet charters, such as those offered by Jetex, provide on-demand flights from Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airports. Helicopter charters are another option, ideal for quick getaways to private islands, resorts, or secluded destinations. These services allow residents the freedom to travel as they wish, wherever they choose to go.
Fine Dining Experiences
The evolution of fine dining in Dubai mirrors the city itself – rich in culture and innovation. Restaurants here have achieved prominence by redefining the standards of cuisine and service, creating dining experiences that celebrate culinary excellence with the excitement of exploring new flavours and presentations.
Michelin-starred venues like Nobu, Zuma, and Ristorante Armani present multi-course menus that bring fresh interpretations to Japanese, contemporary Asian, and Italian cuisines. From Nobu’s delicately prepared yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño to Ristorante Armani’s luxurious truffle risottos, each dish is memorable long after the meal has concluded. The restaurants also offer the choice of private tables or rooms. Dining at these world-class venues ranges from AED 2,000 to AED 8,000 per guest.
For an experience that pairs Dubai’s skyline or ocean views with fine dining, Burj Al Arab and Atlantis, The Royal, elevate one-of-a-kind moments to a new level. Their beachfront and rooftop dining arrangements feature private chefs, expert sommeliers, and custom menus, creating a setting where every detail is accounted for. Atlantis’s seafood towers and perfectly seasoned meats, along with Burj Al Arab’s caviar and foie gras pairings, make these meals truly sensational. Perfect for intimate gatherings, these unique experiences start around AED 6,000.
Health and Wellness
The health and wellness culture in Dubai is all about relaxation and renewal, providing an escape from the pace of the city. From deeply restorative spa treatments to personalised fitness sessions, each service is crafted to refresh both body and mind.
Spa Memberships
One of the most sought-after wellness retreats in Dubai is Talise Spa at Madinat Jumeirah, where guests arrive by traditional Abra boat along scenic waterways, setting the tone. Signature treatments include Hammam rituals, herbal wraps, and aromatherapy sessions in private suites overlooking tranquil gardens. For an even more exclusive experience, the Bulgari Spa delivers facials and body treatments featuring luxurious ingredients like pearl extracts and diamond powder, leaving skin refreshed and glowing. Monthly memberships start at AED 8,000, with the addition of custom treatments.
Private Fitness Trainers and Gym Memberships
For a complete approach to physical and mental well-being, top studios such as Embody Fitness and Physique 57 create specialised programmes. Embody Fitness focuses on strength and conditioning based on the latest fitness science, with routines for muscle toning and flexibility. Physique 57 incorporates barre-inspired classes using ballet techniques for core strength and flexibility. Memberships and training packages start at AED 15,000 per month.
Education and Private Tutoring
Dubai’s private education system is among the region’s finest, with top institutions offering curricula like the International Baccalaureate, American, British, and French programmes, each aiming to deliver a globally recognised education.
Premium Schooling Options
Annual fees at Dubai's top private schools range from AED 50,000 to AED 150,000, with additional costs for transportation, uniforms, and extracurricular activities aimed to improve the quality of learning.
Private Tutoring
To complement their children’s education, families often use private tutors for a more personalised approach in subjects such as STEM and languages. Tutoring costs start at AED 150 to AED 500 per hour and include specific guidance to fit individual learning needs.
Note: The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) recently permitted private schools to raise fees by up to 5.2% for the 2024–25 academic year, based on inspection results.
Leisure and Exclusive Experiences
Dubai leisure experiences are the highlight of extravagant living and exclusivity, whether by the sea, in the desert, or at high-profile events.
Private Yacht Charters
A private yacht charter around Dubai's coastline promises an unforgettable day on the water, with prices starting at AED 20,000. Full-day charters include specialised crews, culinary delights, and routes showcasing Dubai’s iconic skyline.
VIP Access to International Events
Dubai’s event calendar includes global spectacles like the Dubai World Cup and Abu Dhabi’s F1 Grand Prix. Residents can enjoy these events from VIP suites and private lounges, complete with concierge services and luxurious accommodations. Exclusive access starts at AED 50,000.
Desert Retreats
Luxury campgrounds in the desert give a glimpse into the Bedouin way of life. Starting at AED 10,000, these retreats feature glamping-style rooms, falconry displays, and evenings under the moonlit sky.
With a population of over 3.79 million, Dubai is one of the world's fastest-growing cities, attracting individuals who value an enhanced standard of living, economic prospects, and year-round sunshine. With over 200 nationalities represented and foreign investment increasing by 20% every year, Dubai offers cultural diversity and prosperity, making it a top destination for individuals and families looking for nothing but the finest.
*Prices and statistics in this article reflect averages at the time of writing.
