Sunny days, great shopping, outdoor living and tax-free salaries sum up the Dubai dream. Of course there are red-tape hassles and everyday annoyances, but for many expats these are far outweighed by the positives.
The cost of living in Dubai has become much more affordable following the economic crash, prior to which rents were sky-high and prices for everything were increasing at an astronomical rate. Prices have stabilised to a more normal, affordable level.
If you plan to stay in Dubai long-term, you need a residency visa, and for this you need a ‘sponsor’. Your sponsor is usually your company, or your spouse if you are not working. If you don’t have work lined up, you can enter on a visit visa, but will only be allowed to stay for a limited time. Check out Explorer's
visa section for more.