Why Dubai is an increasingly attractive place to live
Dubai's population has risen considerably in recent years, as people from all over the world continue to relocate to the UAE. So, why is the emirate such an attractive place to live?
Key to its appeal is the standard of living it offers its 3.7 million residents, who hail from more than 200 countries worldwide.
In the 2025 Global Liveability Index recently published by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Dubai ranked among the best-performing cities, jumping three places in the international standings and securing its spot as one of the two most liveable cities in the Middle East and Africa.
Urban development plans that prioritise residents’ wellbeing
Dubai’s improved standing can be attributed in part to ambitious government plans such as the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040, both of which prioritise resident well-being and sustainable infrastructure development.
The Urban Master Plan, which presents a blueprint for Dubai’s future growth, will expand the city’s green and recreational spaces by 105%, develop more vibrant and self-sufficient urban centres, and enhance pedestrian and mobility networks. At the same time, D33 aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy over the next decade while ensuring that prosperity translates into opportunity, innovation and improved quality of life for the city’s residents.
Healthcare and education – two key pillars in the EIU index – are also top of the agenda. Dubai is home to more than 5,000 licensed healthcare facilities and more than 13,000 doctors, with significant investments being made in high-tech services including telehealth platforms and medical AI. In education, the city’s 220 private schools serve a diverse, multilingual population and are continuously raising standards in line with global benchmarks.
Safety, stability and opportunity
Dubai also continues to provide residents and visitors a safe and secure environment despite its remarkable population growth over the past decade. The city ranks 4th globally in the Crime and Safety Index by Numbeo, reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s safest urban centres.
With zero income tax, world-class infrastructure, year-round sunshine and seamless global connectivity, Dubai remains a top destination for expatriates and investors alike. But it’s the emirate’s growing emphasis on happiness, sustainability, inclusion and digital empowerment that’s shaping its future.
Smarter living, happier residents
Reflecting its reputation as a city where innovation shapes economic growth, Dubai surged to 4th place globally in the IMD Smart City Index 2025, making it the highest-ranked destination in the Middle East and Asia.
The Index, based on feedback from residents and businesses, highlights satisfaction scores in areas like healthcare services (82.8%), access to green spaces (83.4%), recycling (84.3%) and cultural activities (86.5%). Digital government services – such as visa applications and processing resident IDs – all scored above 84%.
Dubai’s digital transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. From AI-powered traffic management that has cut congestion by 25%, to self-driving mobility solutions and citywide fintech integration, the emirate is actively shaping a smarter, more connected urban environment. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) alone is leading 82 projects under its Digital Strategy 2023–2030, investing AED 1.6 billion to drive innovation and deliver more agile services across the city’s transport ecosystem.
Ultimately, Dubai’s rise in the global liveability rankings is testament to its commitment to cutting-edge innovation as a means of delivering world-class living standards.
Whether you’re starting a business, raising a family, or simply seeking a better quality of life, Dubai offers opportunities that few other cities can match.
