{
  "id": 2573293,
  "title": "Why the UAE remains a top choice for expats",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/why-the-uae-remains-a-top-choice-for-expats",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-22T11:41:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/uae/people/why-the-uae-remains-a-top-choice-for-expats-1.500648903"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dubai: While many initially arrive in the UAE with a specific plan, such as working for a few years and saving money, the duration of their stay can often extend far beyond their original expectations. Some expatriates find themselves considering the country as home after decades of living there. This phenomenon underlies the UAE's persistent appeal to expats worldwide. The country has been rated the fourth-best nation for expats in 2026, trailing only Panama, Mexico, and Thailand, and topped the Middle East in the Expat Insider 2026 survey by Internations. However, the true essence of the UAE's allure lies in the everyday experiences of its long-term residents. The sense of safety, abundant opportunities, ease of living in a modern society, and the opportunity to blend into a diverse community all contribute to the country's enduring popularity among expatriates. Celia Ramos, a senior executive who has spent 33 years in the UAE, describes the nation as more than just her residence; it has become her second home. Ramos has witnessed the UAE's remarkable transformation from lacking a metro system to boasting world-class infrastructure and innovation. Similarly, Adela Sacopon, a chef who has lived in the UAE for 15 years, emphasizes the country's safety, cleanliness, and the government's effective response to challenging situations. The survey data corroborates the importance placed on personal safety, with 94% of respondents rating their personal safety positively, and 89% expressing satisfaction with the UAE's political stability. Mayrel Yamson, who has resided in the UAE for eight years, credits the country's diversity and opportunities for building a better life, highlighting the safety, organization, and cultural respect it offers. Basudev Das, a sales manager with ten years of experience in the UAE, underscores the international character of the nation and its ability to foster a multicultural environment where people from all over the world can coexist and thrive.",
  "summary": "Dubai: People often come to the UAE with a plan, work for a few years, gain experience, save money, and eventually move on. But plans can change. A five-year stay can become a decade. A decade can become 15 years. And for some expatriates, three decades can pass before they realise the country they came to for work has quietly become home. That is the story behind the UAE's continued appeal to…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}