Guide to Life in UAE vs the UK

From the historic charm of London to the futuristic skyline of Dubai, the UK and the UAE offer contrasting yet captivating lifestyles that shape the quality of life for their residents.

From healthcare and education to leisure and work-life balance, each nation provides a distinct experience shaped by its history, policies, and social norms. In this blog, we delve into the similarities and contrasts in the key aspects that shape day-to-day life in these two countries.

Housing and Accommodation 

The property market across the UK and UAE is quite varied with a plethora of factors contributing to disparities in rent and purchase prices. Real estate in London is relatively expensive than the rest of the country, the same applies to highly sought-after developments such as Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Understanding these regional variations as well as factors such as population density, which affect property prices, can help you find your dream home in the UK or UAE.

Transport

The UK benefits from an extensive public transport network with a wide variety of services available such as buses, trains, trams, etc. However, the high quality of these services and their extensive coverage often come at a higher cost for consumers. The UAE, on the other hand, benefits from both low fuel prices due to the country’s significant oil reserves, as well as a cost-effective public transport system, which makes a move to the UAE quite tempting. 

Healthcare 

The UK and UAE have healthcare systems with distinct features that determine the accessibility and affordability of medical services in each region. The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) provides publicly funded healthcare to all residents, guaranteeing access to necessary medical care for everyone. On the contrary, private healthcare institutions are more common in the UAE and typically offer advanced medical technology and specialised services.

Cultural diversity and social norms influence healthcare preferences and decision-making in both countries. Understanding these factors that shape the medical systems, as well as the latter, can help you make an informed decision that addresses your medical needs.

Education 

Tuition fees in the UAE can be quite competitive due to the prevalence of international schools and universities. In the UK, costs are dependent on whether the institution is private or public, the availability of government funding, the curriculum, and more. International students in the UK, typically, have to pay significantly higher tuition compared to home students. 

Recreation 

Both the UK and UAE offer a plethora of recreational opportunities catering to diverse tastes and preferences. The UK’s historical attractions and vibrant arts scene offer a packed cultural experience. Regions such as London are also renowned for their fine dining facilities and high-end shopping. Opulent entertainment options at attractions such as the Burj Khalifa and Ferrari World dominate the UAE’s luxury-driven lifestyle.

Item	Dubai (AED)*	London (GBP)*
Monthly Fee for Fitness Club	£ 70 (330 AED)	£ 45 (215 AED)
1 hour of Tennis	£ 35 (170 AED)	£ 15 (70 AED)
1 Cinema Ticket	£ 10.50 (50 AED)	£ 15 (70 AED)

Food and Groceries 

Everyday essentials such as grocery costs are largely determined by local produce as well as import and export policies. Consumer preference is also an important factor with both the UK and UAE’s demand for organic food influencing prices. 

Salaries and Finance

The job market is quite varied across the UK and UAE. London’s finance industry offers competitive salaries, although healthcare and creative industries are equally thriving in England. In the Middle East, on the other hand, oil, gas, and renewable energy as well as investment banking provide lucrative careers.

While there are competitive jobs in both countries, it’s also important to be aware of tax regulations to find out how much disposable income one can have. The UK employs a progressive income tax system, where tax rates increase as income brackets rise. The UAE, on the other hand, is known for its business-friendly environment that does not levy personal income tax on residents and expatriates.

Whether you want to move back to the UK from the UAE, are planning a visit, or are simply curious about how life here compares to the UAE, our guide navigates through some of the key aspects of daily life to give you a realistic comparison. An international move requires considerable deliberation and planning, so you should carefully research your options before you come to a decision. When you do, Bishop’s Move’s bespoke international removals services can provide you with a seamless relocation experience.

(*All prices are approx. as of July 2024)