The UAE ranked 4th of 31 countries in the 2026 Expat Insider survey — ahead of Spain, Portugal and Singapore. Here's what's actually behind that number.
The UAE was ranked the 4th-best country in the world for expats in the 2026 Expat Insider survey by InterNations — behind only Panama, Mexico and Thailand, and ahead of established European destinations including Spain, Portugal and Singapore. It's the highest-ranked country in the Middle East by a wide margin. Here's what the data behind that ranking actually shows.
Income tax is genuinely zero
The UAE levies 0% personal income tax on salaries and wages, for residents and expatriates alike — not a reduced rate, an actual zero. There is a separate 5% VAT on many goods and services, so it isn't a zero-cost life, but take-home pay on a salary is exactly what's stated on the contract.
Safety shows up clearly in the numbers
94% of surveyed expats rated personal safety in the UAE positively, and 89% were satisfied with the country's political stability — both among the strongest scores recorded anywhere in the 2026 survey.
A society where being new is the norm
Expats make up an estimated 85-92% of Dubai's population, depending on the source and methodology. That matters in practice: settling in is easier when almost everyone around you has also recently arrived, rather than being the exception in an established local-majority society.
Quality of life that ranks globally, not just regionally
The UAE placed 3rd globally for Quality of Life in the 2026 survey. Healthcare availability and quality, restaurants, leisure facilities, road infrastructure and cultural attractions all scored well — this isn't just a regional standout, it's a genuinely global one.
What keeps it from being a 10 out of 10
69% of surveyed expats said they were happy with life in the UAE — close to, not dramatically above, the 70% global average in the same survey. The two most commonly cited frictions are the cost of living in the most desirable central districts, and the intensity of the summer heat, which shapes daily routines for several months of the year regardless of income level.
FAQ
Is Dubai actually safe, or is that just marketing? The 94% positive safety rating from the 2026 Expat Insider survey is one of the strongest recorded in the whole ranking — it's a genuinely well-supported number. Do expats really pay 0% income tax? Yes, on salaries and wages specifically; there's a separate 5% VAT on goods and services, and corporate/business tax rules are different. How does the UAE compare internationally? 4th of 31 countries overall and 3rd for quality of life in the 2026 InterNations survey, ahead of Spain, Portugal and Singapore. What do expats like least? Cost of living in prime districts and the summer heat are the most commonly cited complaints, even among otherwise satisfied residents.
How we help
We help you find the version of Dubai that actually fits your budget and lifestyle, not just the postcard version, and explain clearly what ownership adds on top of renting here. Informational only, based on published survey data — individual experience varies.