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Just like Portugal, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has drawn an increasing number of foreign citizens over the past decade. I can appreciate the distinct appeal of both places - one of which I call home and the other I visited for the first time, leaving a lasting impression. In Dubai, towering skyscrapers dominate the landscape, and luxury cars are a common sight, which is a stark contrast to the quiet streets of Portugal.
So, why do people choose to live in the UAE? For many, it obviously begins with the tax benefits. There are plenty of opportunities to make substantial earnings from the local economy, including within the real estate industry. The UAE, however, offers more than just financial incentives; it boasts a vibrant nightlife, modern sports facilities, top-notch healthcare, and a strong sense of security. The cosmopolitan restaurants and vibrant mix of people make it a destination of choice for people from all around the world.
Turning to Portugal, a country steeped in history and known for its welcoming culture, we see a slightly different picture. While we have a thriving nightlife, it takes a different form, favouring open-air venues over the glitz and glamour of Dubai.
Living in Portugal also doesn’t offer the same generous tax allowances, with the tax benefits of being in Portugal becoming gradually less appealing. Healthcare in Portugal isn’t quite up to the standard often offered in the UAE, especially with a struggling healthcare system, and, of course, flashy cars can be spotted but they are less common.
So, why do people look to Portugal as an ideal destination over somewhere like the UAE? To live in the UAE comfortably, you'll need significant income to cover the higher cost of living and essential services for your family. The relentless heat can often keep you indoors, in the comfort of air-conditioned spaces, with the warm sea unable to provide the refreshing escape you might expect. The desert can sometimes engulf the city in dust, obscuring the city’s famous skyline. That being said, you'll reside among the world's wealthiest, with tax-free income, premium services, and a promising future.
Choosing Portugal means embracing a place where locals value respect and will bestow it upon newcomers as much as they expect it themselves. Food is a delightful part of our culture, wine is abundant and affordable, and the climate is pleasant year-round. Portugal's strong safety record places it among the world's safest countries, with it ranking as the 6th safest country in 2023.
Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.
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I can't fandom having to be 100% of the time under AC. I find it difficult to imagine.
By Diogo F. from Lisbon on 15 Oct 2023, 00:34
Choose Portugal every time, unless you want to live amongst the corrupt and criminal actors from around the world who operate through Dubai. Afghan warlords, Russian mobsters, Nigerian kleptocrats, European money launderers, Iranian sanctions-busters, and East African gold smugglers, all find Dubai a conducive place to operate.
By Greg from Other on 15 Oct 2023, 07:48
As someone who has lived, worked and raised a family in Dubai for 22 years, and then retired to Portugal 5 years ago, I can add some factual comments. Forget what you read in the Daily Mail...that is fiction. Dubai is an excellent, safe, hospitable location to live, work, have children educated, fantastic health and government services, and a wonderful and inclusive environment. Dubai is an enabling state, where those with the drive can take advantage of the great opportunities that exist. Government red tape is minimised for the reason of creating that enablement. My wife and children loved living, working, schooling, socialising as much as I did. Dubai will always be a home to me. I chose Portugal for retirement because I saw a country and people who are welcoming, with a culture and opportunity for a great lifestyle. Portugal does not have the freedom of opportunity that exists in Dubai, however it could, with some progressive and far-sighted leadership, bloom. I love Dubai and Portugal.
By Bruce from Lisbon on 15 Oct 2023, 09:38
For me, I prefer Portugal in every way. I appreciate a few days in the pristine cities of Singapore, Dubai et al. However, I like to live in Europe, and Portugal in particular. I like the climate, the food, the location and most of all, I like the Portuguese. In Dubai you are 2nd class behind the Emiratis, with the 3rd class of people (mostly asians) the people you rarely see, but are crammed into work buses and then work for a pittance through the scorching days. In Portugal I feel like I'm living in a real place and I have never been happier.
By David Bloch from Algarve on 16 Oct 2023, 11:21
"Freedom of opportunity", not if you are an migrant worker from Bangladesh, India, Kenya, Nepal, and Pakistan. Migrant workers in the UAE are particularly vulnerable under the 'Kafala' (sponsorship) system, a restrictive work permit system that ties migrant workers to their employe. Employers have complete control over their ability to reside in, work, and exit the country. Migrant workers cannot access legal protections or leave their employment without facing legal and financial consequences. There is evidence that migrant domestic workers are forced to work in exploitative conditions, without rest and for limited pay, and face sexual abuse by their employers. Migrant women are promised decent work and pay in the UAE by recruitment agents, but are then “sold” and forced into domestic work. Under the kafala system, employers and recruiters threaten migrant workers with the potential loss of their visa to prevent them reporting poor working conditions. Workers who do leave risk being reported for the crime of absconding, leaving them undocumented and vulnerable to arrest, detention, and deportation. It's the last place on earth I would want to call "home"!
By Fiss from Madeira on 16 Oct 2023, 12:13