When considering a move to a new city, there is nothing more useful than hearing real life stories and experiences from other expats who have lived there. We'd love to hear about your expat experiences. Please contact us if you live or have lived in Dubai and would like to share your story.

Moving to Dubai from Morocco – Read interviews with Moroccan expats living in Dubai

Zaïnab is naturally curious, loves learning and doesn’t handle monotony and routine very well, so she decided to move abroad and face her fears in Dubai. She loves travelling and getting to know more about other countries and people, their languages, their traditions, and the dynamics of the different societies. Read more in our interview with Zaïnab about her expat experience in Dubai.

Moving to Dubai from the UK – Read interviews with British expats living in Dubai

Laura, originally from England, moved to Dubai in 2015 and has now settled down into a job she loves. She runs a blog about her life in Dubai. Read more about her expat experience in Dubai.

Marianne Makdisi, originally from the UK, moved to Dubai several years ago with her husband and two young boys. She is a freelance writer and editor, and through her interview, she offers us an insight into expat family life in Dubai.

Mrs Dubai is a seasoned expat in the UAE, having lived in Dubai for the past 14 years. Originally from the UK, she came to the emirate with her husband in search of a better quality of life. They certainly found it here, and she enjoys the sunshine and outdoor lifestyle. Read more about her expat life in Dubai.

Moving to Dubai from South Africa – Read interviews with South African expats living in Dubai

Originally from South Africa, Schalk moved to Bahrain in 2011 and then to Dubai in 2015. He shares some of his views on the great quality of life, excellent entertainment, superb healthcare and ample opportunities for adventure in the emirate, and why he and his wife are so happy to call Dubai home. Read more in our expat interview with Schalk.

Schalk

Cormandré is an expat from South Africa. She has lived in Dubai since 2015. Her husband has also moved to Dubai recently after they got married. Cormandré works as a teacher and loves everything about life in Dubai. Read more about her life as an expat in Dubai.

Cormandre

Mariëtte, a teacher from South Africa, moved to Dubai in 2016. After surviving her first summer, she has started loving life in the UAE. Read more about her life as an expat in Dubai.

Mariette

Clare Bugden is a South African expat living in Dubai. She works in the travel industry and moved to the emirate to pursue a new job. Clare enjoys the quality of life in Dubai, and the fact that the emirate is so central makes it a great place to be for exploring the world. Read more about her expat experience in Dubai.

Moving to Dubai from the US – Read interviews with an American expat living in Dubai

Emily Crutcher is an American southern belle sounding off in hot and humid Dubai. She joined the ranks of the up-and-coming young professionals who relocated to Dubai to experience a more cosmopolitan lifestyle and to find out if expat life in the Middle East is all it's chalked up to be. Find out more about her expat experience in Dubai.

emily cruther - expert in dubai

Moving to Dubai from Australia – Read interviews with an Australian expat living in Dubai

Seabee is a blogger living in Dubai who focuses on the various happenings about the city, including the fun and frustrations that expats face in this rapidly developing metropolis. Get her take on expat life in Dubai.

Moving to Dubai from Russia – Read interviews with a Russian expat living in Dubai

Sergey is a Russian expat living in Dubai. He moved to the emirate in 2011 to take up a position in an international marketing company. Despite the challenges of the extreme heat, Sergey, his wife and young son have made the most of life in this multicultural and exciting emirate. Read more about his expat life in Dubai.

Further reading

►Check out our list of the Pros and Cons of Moving to Dubai

Are you an expat living in Dubai?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Dubai. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.

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