Most foreign professionals link their future to the UAE

The United Arab Emirates continues to maintain its status as one of the most attractive destinations for foreign professionals to live and work. According to the UAE Expat Monitor study, 94% of expats residing in the country intend to stay here in the foreseeable future.

The study results show that the main reasons for this choice are not only economic opportunities but also a high quality of life, safety, and prospects for professional development.

The study was prepared by ARCET Global in collaboration with the QuestionPro platform and focuses on evaluating factors influencing the UAE's attractiveness to foreign residents.

Quality of Life Takes Center Stage

One of the study's key findings was a shift in expat priorities. While the absence of income tax was previously considered one of the country's main advantages, other factors have now come to the forefront.

According to the survey results:

• 88% of participants cited a high quality of life as the main advantage;
• 88% noted ample opportunities for career growth;
• 87% highlighted safety and a low crime rate;
• 81% still consider the absence of income tax an important advantage.

Thus, the study shows that the UAE's attractiveness is increasingly determined by a combination of factors that create a comfortable living environment, rather than solely by financial conditions.

Expats See More Opportunities for Growth

Most study participants positively assess the prospects for professional growth in the country.

According to the survey, 87% of respondents believe that the UAE offers more opportunities for career development and realizing professional potential than their home countries.

Mark Hamill, CEO of ARCET Global, noted that the study results confirm the high level of trust foreign professionals have in the country's future and its ability to maintain competitive advantages in the global labor market.

Safety Remains a Key Factor

A high level of safety continues to be one of the main advantages of living in the Emirates.

According to the study:

• 97% of participants consider the UAE a safe and stable country to live in;
• Most respondents positively rate the quality of public services and the urban environment.

It is this combination of safety, modern infrastructure, and efficient public services that fosters a high level of life satisfaction among foreign residents.

Optimism about the country's future

Expats also view the UAE's future development prospects positively.

The study showed that:

• 87% anticipate significant innovation development in the country over the next five years;
• only 56% believe a similar level of progress awaits their home countries.

According to survey participants, the UAE continues to strengthen its position as one of the global centers for technological development, entrepreneurship, and the implementation of modern public services.

High Level of Trust in Government Institutions

The study paid particular attention to the issue of trust in government authorities.

Approximately two-thirds of respondents reported trusting UAE government institutions more than those in their home countries.

Among expats who have lived in the country for more than seven years, this figure reaches approximately 75%, indicating long-term satisfaction with living conditions and the quality of public administration.

What the study results mean for the real estate market

The high proportion of expats planning to remain in the UAE long-term is a significant factor for the real estate market.

When foreign professionals view the country as a permanent place to live, interest grows not only in renting but also in purchasing property for owner-occupation. This contributes to stable demand for apartments, townhouses, and villas across various price segments.

This dynamic is also significant for investors. The growing number of residents committing their future to the UAE supports long-term demand for residential real estate and fosters the development of the rental market.

How the study was conducted

The UAE Expat Monitor study was conducted in April and May 2026.

The survey included 708 foreign nationals over 18 years old, residing across all seven emirates.

The study authors specifically noted that 57% of respondents were from Western European countries. This sample composition was intentionally designed for the study and does not reflect the actual demographic structure of the entire foreign population in the UAE.

Summary

The results of the UAE Expat Monitor confirm that the UAE's appeal to foreign professionals remains high. The country's main advantages today are quality of life, safety, developed infrastructure, and extensive opportunities for professional growth.

For the real estate market, these trends have long-term significance. The increasing number of expats who view the UAE as a long-term place to live supports a stable demand for residential real estate and strengthens the country's position as one of the most attractive destinations for living, working, and investing.