Retire in the UAE

"Life for a retiree in the UAE and its surroundings can be quite enjoyable. There is an active expat community, with many retirees from all over the world living in the area. There are plenty of cultural attractions to explore, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Burj Khalifa, and the Dubai Mall. There are also plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, such as golf, tennis, and sailing. For those looking for a more active nightlife, there are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore," said one retiree in UAE.

"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in the UAE is the cost of living. The UAE is a relatively expensive place to live, and the cost of housing, food, and other necessities can be quite high. Additionally, the UAE has a very hot climate, which can be difficult to adjust to for those who are used to cooler climates. Furthermore, the UAE is a culturally diverse country, and retirees may find it difficult to adjust to the different customs and traditions. Finally, the UAE has a complex legal system, which can be difficult to navigate for those who are unfamiliar with it," explained one retiree living in UAE.

"The UAE offers retirees a wealth of opportunities to enjoy a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle. With its sunny climate, world-class infrastructure, and tax-free income, the UAE is an attractive destination for retirees. The country also offers a wide range of leisure activities, from shopping and dining to outdoor activities such as golf and sailing. Additionally, the UAE is home to a vibrant expat community, providing retirees with a great opportunity to make new friends and explore the culture. Finally, the UAE is a safe and secure place to live, with a low crime rate and excellent healthcare facilities," said a person in UAE.

"The UAE has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides high quality medical services to its citizens and residents. The country has a network of public and private hospitals and clinics that offer a wide range of medical services, including preventive care, primary care, specialty care, and emergency services. The UAE also has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized treatments for specific conditions. Additionally, the UAE has a number of health insurance plans that provide coverage for medical expenses," remarked one retiree in UAE.

"From sailing to golf to sky diving to horseracing, Dubai is an emerging market that has it all. Wafi City is a great place for various activities such as Sport club, various bars and restaurants, mall and the newly opened Raffles Hotel. Dubai festival City housed some of the most prestigious hotels, mall and residential area as well as golf club. There loads of clubs (each country usually has their own) and activities from charity to commercial events, although you will miss nature's beauty - summers are very very hot (4-5 months)," said a person in Dubai.

"People (expats) work hard and play hard, live revolves around malls and shopping, socialising, attending events/concert, some major sports events are happening during the winter season, Rugby 7, Dubai Horserace, Dubai Duty Free tennis, etc," said a retiree who moved to Dubai, UAE.

"Remember your purpose of coming to the city, many cases you earn lots but also spends lots," commented one retiree living in Dubai, UAE.

"Do it! you will love it if you bring an open mind and some patience and don't expect things to be like it is 'at home'. The temperatures here are extreme - up to 58-60 degrees in summer! Winter is very pleasant," explained one retiree living in Al Ain.

"Before retiring in the UAE, expats should be aware of the cost of living, which is generally higher than in other countries. They should also be aware of the local laws and regulations, as well as the cultural norms and expectations. Additionally, expats should research the healthcare system and the availability of medical insurance. It is also important to understand the taxation system and the process for obtaining a residence visa. Finally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, as English is not widely spoken in the UAE," said one retiree in living in UAE.

"Residents of the UAE enjoy a wide variety of recreational facilities, from outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and beach activities to indoor activities such as bowling, ice skating, and shopping. There are also a number of theme parks, water parks, and amusement parks, as well as a variety of cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theatres. Additionally, the UAE is home to a number of world-class golf courses, tennis courts, and other sports facilities. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of spas, salons, and wellness centers. Finally, the UAE is home to a number of vibrant nightlife spots, including bars, clubs, and lounges," wrote one person in UAE.

"Abu Dhabi has several golf clubs that we frequent. As well as several hotels that have fun brunches that are fun to attend. There are many hiking and outside activities in the northern Emirates. Not so much in Abu Dhabi. There is one club, the Tourist Club that is very popular with the expat community," explained one retiree living in Abu Dhabi.

"Golf at Emirates golf club, Els Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, A qudrah golf club and many more. Swimming at Al Qudra sports complex, Horse riding at Arabian Ranches Equestrian Club, Tennis at Sports city, Rugby at the Rugby 7s stadium... There are many varied activities with options for all ages and interests. The city is vibrant and cater for everyone," said one member in Dubai.

"There are big grocery stores, like Carrefour, Geant, Spinnies, Waitrose and Marks n Spencers. As the majority of the population is made up of expats, they are catered to very well and a lot of products are imported. There is very little that you can't get. Park n Shop is a store that imports exclusively from the USA and from the UK. Malls are amazing and have a lot of international stores," remarked one retiree in Dubai.

"Shopping malls are a big deal here. And in most cases there is a large grocery chain attached to each mall. Waiters, Geant and Carrefour are the biggest names. There are other little shops all over the city to grab quick things," explained one member in Abu Dhabi.

"People living in the UAE typically buy groceries from supermarkets such as Carrefour, Spinneys, and Choithrams. Other shopping can be done at malls such as Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, and Abu Dhabi Mall. There are also many local markets and souks where people can buy traditional items and souvenirs," said one retiree in UAE.