Khaleej Times, Thursday, Mar 02, 2023 | Sha'ban 10, 1444
UAE rated highest for expat lifestyle, earnings and family stability
Emirates:
The UAE is the most popular destination for expatriates as the emirate rated
highest for expat lifestyle, earnings and family stability, according to a
survey.
The HSBC latest research across nine key markets rated the emirate most highly
for five of the top 12 motivations behind the decision to relocate
international. Motivations to move see the UAE ranked top for lifestyle,
increased earnings, family stability, purchasing power and sustainable living
conditions.
Lifestyle is the prime motivation for 36 per cent of respondents, who have
relocated to the UAE – a proportion higher than any other global market surveyed
– with expat life in the UAE rated most favourably compared to other markets for
increased earnings (36 per cent), family stability (34 per cent), making money
go further (37 per cent) and the option of living in a more sustainable
environment (30 per cent).
The survey, which highlights the motivations and challenges faced by those who
take the decision to move abroad, was conducted in the United States, the United
Kingdom, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Australia, Channel Islands and Isle
of Man.
Top reasons for relocations
The research also identifies a better work-life balance, opportunity to travel,
learn new skills at work, wealth growth, living in a more sustainable
environment, exploring new location, accelerate career progression and flexible
remote working rules, among others some of the top reasons for relocation.
HSBC estimates there are over 90 million international customers across just 10
of its key international markets – people already living, working and studying
abroad. The study was commissioned to understand how, post pandemic,
international citizens’ financial lives are evolving, their motivations for
moving abroad and the issues they face as they settle into their new home.
Daniel Robinson, head of Wealth and Personal Banking, HSBC UAE, said the
attractiveness of the UAE as a place to live has drawn people from all over the
world.
“While moving anywhere internationally can be a challenge logistically,
financially and personally, we see the UAE so highly rated among the categories
that matter most to expat.”
Getting settled and getting help
Globally, the survey also uncovered some of the difficulties people face when
moving abroad as 53 per cent, for example, say they were unsettled by the
initial struggle with setting up a bank account or home utilities. A lack of
local credit history was the reason for these challenges say 56 per cent of
respondents.
For the UAE, these figures are much lower than the global survey’s average at
just 44 per cent for both feeling unsettled and citing local credit history as
the reason.
Half of all respondents (51 per cent across all nine markets in total and in the
UAE) say nobody helped them prepare financially for the move while 70 per cent
of all respondents (74 per cent in the UAE) say they need help understanding tax
implications of overseas investment.
“Like our customers, HSBC people are diverse and international in outlook so
it’s natural that we understand expats’ needs and are best-placed to connect
them with their previous – or their next – home country,” Qamariya Ibrahim, HSBC
UAE’s head of Retail Distribution, said.
Feel at home factor
Shaji Abu Salih, corporate director of Business Development at Shaza Hotels,
said the UAE makes everyone feel home.
“Starting from its inclusive approach to all people despite of any backgrounds,
the country facilitate an elevated lifestyle to all its residents. I, personally
being a frequent traveller, I have never worried about my family back in UAE as
it’s safety and security is world class and second to none!”
He said the country’s long-term vision and development plans guarantees immense
opportunities at work or in business.
“The easiness in doing any government or related services, connectivity to home
country or any part of the world, the world class education and healthcare, and
the best in class infrastructure makes this country a second home for many,” he
said.
UAE — A global hub
Adam Abdul Nazar, deputy CEO, Life Healthcare Group, said living in the UAE is
not only about earning more money or finding a more sustainable environment, but
it's also about embracing a lifestyle that offers a perfect balance between
work, personal time and health.
“With the highest proportion of respondents citing lifestyle as their primary
motivation for relocating, the UAE has truly become a global hub for those
seeking a healthy, fulfilling and rewarding life, no matter where they are from
in the world," Nazar told Khaleej Times.
Ms Ghada Chater, regional communication manager for Mena at QNET, said the UAE's
attractive economic environment is a significant factor for expats seeking
increased earnings and greater value for their money.
“As the region continues to thrive as a global business hub, it will continue to
offer unparalleled opportunities for those that are seeking better careers and
financial prospects,” she said.
“The country’s stable economy, coupled with its dynamic and cosmopolitan
environment, make it an ideal destination for expats looking to maximise their
earnings potential and maximize their lifestyle satisfaction,” Chater told
Khaleej Times.
Top reasons for relocating
> Better lifestyle
> A better work-life balance
> Higher earnings
> Opportunity to travel
> Stability for my family
> Learn new skills at work
> Wealth growth opportunities
> Living in a more sustainable environment
> Explore new location
> Accelerate career progression
9> Technology-savvy
Flexible remote working rules