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 a retiree who moved to 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," commented 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 one retiree in living 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.

"Expats in the UAE often join clubs and activities such as sports teams, book clubs, and language classes. These activities provide a great way to meet people and make friends. Expats can also meet people by attending events such as art exhibitions, concerts, and festivals. Additionally, many expats join social media groups and online forums to connect with other expats living in the UAE. Finally, expats can also meet people by attending networking events, joining professional organizations, and attending meetups," remarked one retiree in UAE.

"Major international hotels are (in order of my preference) the Intercontinental, Hilton, Rotana, Mercure Jebel Hafeet. The Palm Resort has a Rugby Club and Golf Club and both are good value. Have a look at the Living in Al Ain thread on the British Expats site in the Middle East Forum, it is a very popular thread and full of information about events, schooling, life in general," said a retiree who moved to Al Ain, UAE.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in the UAE is generally quite comfortable. The country offers a wide range of modern amenities, from high-end shopping malls to world-class restaurants. The cost of living is relatively low compared to other countries in the region, and the UAE is a safe and secure place to live. The country is also home to a vibrant expat community, with plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make friends. Additionally, the UAE is a great place to explore, with its stunning beaches, deserts, and mountains. All in all, the UAE is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking for a comfortable and exciting place to live," said one retiree in living in UAE.

"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," explained a retiree in Dubai.

"Al Ain is a great city to live in and offers many things to see and do. Expats get together frequently for quiz nights, to watch sporting events, meet for coffee in the malls. Life is varied and interesting," explained one retiree living in Al Ain.

"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," said a retiree who moved to Al Ain, 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," said one retiree in living 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," wrote one person 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," explained one retiree living 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," said one member in Abu Dhabi.

"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," explained one retiree in Dubai.

"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," explained a member in UAE.