Why More Families Are Moving to Dubai
In recent years, Dubai has attracted more families relocating to the UAE on a long-term and even permanent basis. Families are seeking a higher quality of life, excellent school options, better career opportunities, global connectivity, and a safe modern city to raise their children.
Once a destination for fast-paced lucrative careers and speculative investment, Dubai has evolved into a long-term base for thousands of families and permanent expats – strategically positioning itself as one of the best cities to raise children in the world.
One of the top concerns for families who relocate from their home country is education options for their children. Dubai excels in education with international schools offering British, American, French, IB, Indian, and many more curriculums. The diversity of education in the UAE allows families to pick a system that aligns with their needs and values.
Why educate your children in Dubai?
- Licensed nurseries are available for children aged 0 to 4 years old. Lots follow the British EYFS or Montessori models with bilingual options also available.
- More than 200 private and international schools are currently open in Dubai – providing education for well over 320,000 students as of 2025.
- The KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) annually rates each school in Dubai. In 2024, a total of 23 schools were awarded an "Outstanding" rating.
- Depending on the type of school chosen, tuition fees vary. For example, British school fees can range from AED 20,000 to over AED 100,000 per year.
For most families, the issue of safety is a non-negotiable. Families naturally want to live in the safest environment they can – and Dubai regularly ranks as one of the safest cities in the world to live. This peace of mind for parents means that children can enjoy time spent outside and outdoor activities with more freedom compared to European and Western cities.
Dubai’s safety standards for families
- As of 2024, Dubai has low crime rates and a high police presence. It is currently ranked as the 7th safest city in the world to live by Numbeo Safety Index.
- A zero-tolerance policy to crime creates an environment where families can relax in public and residential spaces freely. CCTV and patrols also add to the sense of security.
Overseen by The Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Dubai has a world-class healthcare and hospital system combining both public and private sources. Dubai residents are required to obtain health insurance, although most employers provide health coverage with family plans also available.
Dubai’s healthcare system compared
- The World Index of Healthcare Innovation ranked the UAE as one of the top 20 global destinations for medical care in 2024 – above many Western countries.
- Many families that move to the UAE are choosing Dubai for its advanced maternity care, paediatric services, access to world-class facilities, and specialists.
One of the main reasons why families are moving to Dubai is to live in one of its carefully planned communities. These communities are specifically designed with family living in mind and allow kids to grow up within secure and friendly environments.
Best communities for families in Dubai
- Communities that offer parks, schools, swimming pools, centres, and gated entrances include the following: Arabian Ranches, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Mirdif, Dubai Hills Estate, and Tilal Al Ghaf.
- Up to 80% of new developments currently being built in Dubai are prioritising family-friendly features such as wide sidewalks and pathways, areas for kids to socialise, and more green spaces.
With sunshine available all year round and a plethora of options for entertainment, Dubai offers more than just good weather for families. Many venues are designed for family visiting and weekends are full of activities for children to enjoy.
Things to do with kids in Dubai
- Dubai is home to world-class attractions to keep kids happy, including the following: Dubai Parks and Resorts, Legoland, Motiongate, and Aquaventure Waterpark.
- Families who enjoy sports and adventure can easily undertake an active lifestyle. Beaches, desert safaris, indoor ski slopes, and sports academies are all available.
- For nature lovers, Al Barari and Dubai Miracle Garden are a must see – offering a peaceful escape within the heart of the city.
For professionals, entrepreneurs, and global investors, Dubai is the new land of opportunity and prosperity. Combine that with stability, and Dubai is quickly becoming one of the go-to destinations for families looking to settle long-term and build their future in the emirate.
Economic advantages of the UAE
- With zero income tax imposed on its residents, the UAE allows families to save more and therefore invest in their own future.
- GDP growth rate in Dubai stood at 3.6% in 2024. This was supported by high tourism, real estate investment, and emerging tech sectors.
- Incentives from the government, including the Dubai Golden Visa, provide long-term residency visa options for property investors, business owners, and skilled workers.
Travelling to and from Dubai has never been easier. A global hub of connectivity, families can easily travel home to see loved ones or explore other parts of the world without the fatigue that comes with long-haul flights and multiple stopovers.
Dubai’s global connectivity and location
- Dubai International Airport (DXB) offers direct flights across the globe and is one of the busiest international airports in the world.
- The geographical location of Dubai means that over two-thirds of the world’s population can be flown to within a 7-hour flight radius.
With nationals from over 200 countries now living in the UAE, Dubai is a welcoming city for expats and families. Children who grow up in Dubai can enjoy global awareness, cultural exchanges, mutual respect, and the ability to interact with people from all corners of the globe in one place.
Growing up as an expat in Dubai
- Data shows that over 90% of Dubai’s current population are expats. This creates a friendly and welcoming community of like-minded residents.
- Local events include Global Village and Dubai International Film Festival – promoting diversity and more understanding within the community.
- Most schools in the UAE offer language classes for their students and hold multicultural events through the school calendar.
Dubai is evolving into a smart city with the ambition to make life as convenient as possible for its residents. As of 2025, the city offers more than 130 smart services, including school enrolment and healthcare appointments made online. This forward-thinking and urban planning directly benefits families seeking a modern lifestyle.
Technological advantages of living in Dubai
- Sustainable urban design contributes to an efficient life, along with: 5G connectivity, smart transport, and AI-powered government services.
- Moving around the city with children is becoming eco-friendlier with modern public transportation including: the Dubai Metro and electric buses now available.
Dubai offers a range of easily obtainable long-term residency and visa options for families looking to move to the UAE. This helps families plan for their future without worrying about having the legal right to stay. Dubai is no longer a temporary stop but is now a long-term and permanent destination.
Visa options for families moving to the UAE
- The UAE Golden Visa is available to real estate investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and talented students. This visa grants a 10-year residency status and can be renewed.
- Other Visas are also available for freelancers and self-employed professionals – allowing them to move to the UAE without needed a local company to sponsor them.
When people think of Dubai, they often think of a luxury lifestyle that comes at an eye-watering cost. However, everyday life in the UAE can be unexpectedly affordable, especially when taxation and lifestyle are compared to other major places such as London, New York, Singapore, or Sydney. A three-bedroom home in Dubai Hills could cost up to 40% less than a comparable property on the outskirts of London.
The quality of life for families
- Dubai offers a range of housing from apartments to high-end villas, families can choose what’s best for their needs. Affordable options can be found in areas including JVC and Mirdif.
- Each neighbourhood is typically integrated with local supermarkets, clinics, gyms, and nurseries for children. These amenities are normally within walking distance.
- Monthly utility bills, petrol, and hiring domestic help can often be more affordable in the UAE than in Western countries and cities.
- With no income taxes for Dubai residents to pay, most services and daily necessities end up being competitively priced compared.
After relocating to Dubai with two young children, James and Aisha had the following to say: “The decision to move from the UK to Dubai with two children was a daunting one that we did not take lightly. We settled into Dubai Hills Estate and can honestly say that we are glad. Our kids enjoy going to school and we feel part of a welcoming community with other Brits and Europeans as neighbours. We believe that we made the right decision for our family.”
Data shows that families are relocating to Dubai in record numbers. With high safety levels, a strong sense of community, a vibrant lifestyle, elite education, world-class healthcare, and exciting financial opportunities – it’s easy to see why. Dubai provides a platform for families to flourish together.
Are you considering moving to Dubai with your family? At Place Overseas, we specialise not only in real estate, but in helping families relocate successfully. Contact us today to speak with our local advisors in the UAE. We are happy to answer all of your questions and provide tailored property options in Dubai’s best family-friendly communities.
Yes. As one of the safest cities in the world and excellent education and healthcare, Dubai is a great place to raise kids of all ages.
Yes. More than 200 private schools are available in Dubai, offering British, American, IB, French, Indian, and other curriculums.
Zero income tax helps to offset the cost of raising kids in the UAE. Yes, there are neighbourhoods targeted towards luxury living, but there are also affordable areas.
Yes. If you are applying for a Golden Visa, you can include family members. Most visas tend to allow families to be included as part of the application.
Dubai has one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world. Top insurance plans provide comprehensive cover including maternity and paediatric care.
Popular places to raise children include the following: Dubai Hills Estate, Arabian Ranches, Mirdif, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and Tilal Al Ghaf.
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