Ras Al Khaimah, a picturesque emirate in the UAE, has earned a spot as one of the world’s best cities for expatriates in the Expat City Ranking 2024 by InterNations. Outshining Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the city ranked sixth globally among 53 destinations, making it a preferred choice for expatriates looking to settle and thrive abroad.
The rankings are based on five categories: quality of life, ease of settling in, working abroad, personal finance, and an “Expat Essentials Index,” which covers housing, administration, and language adaptability.
Why Ras Al Khaimah
- Affordable Housing and Administration Made Easy:
Ras Al Khaimah ranked second globally for affordable housing, with 72% of expats reporting ease in finding accommodation compared to a global average of 45%. The city also excelled in administrative convenience, offering seamless visa processes and efficient government services. - Ease of Settling In:
The emirate secured fifth place globally in ease of settling in, highlighting its welcoming environment. Expats noted that they could easily adapt to life without needing to speak Arabic, thanks to user-friendly digital services and widespread English proficiency. - Calm and Quiet Atmosphere:
Unlike the bustling metropolises of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah offers a serene environment that appeals to those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Its peaceful ambiance, coupled with stunning natural landscapes, provides an ideal setting for work-life balance. - Cooperative Government Services:
Expats in Ras Al Khaimah have lauded the proactive and supportive nature of government services. The emirate’s streamlined processes for obtaining visas, permits, and other essentials ensure a hassle-free experience for newcomers. - Growing Job Opportunities:
As Ras Al Khaimah continues to grow its tourism, manufacturing, and real estate sectors, it has created diverse job opportunities, making it an attractive destination for professionals across various industries.
Comparison with Abu Dhabi and Dubai
While Ras Al Khaimah led in affordability and administration, Abu Dhabi and Dubai scored higher in quality of life. Abu Dhabi ranked seventh and Dubai eighth globally for overall quality of life, praised for their healthcare systems, cultural offerings, and infrastructure.
Both cities also dominated in the “Admin Topics” and “Language” subcategories, offering straightforward procedures for obtaining visas and setting up bank accounts. Furthermore, expats highlighted the ease of navigating life in these cities without speaking Arabic.
The UAE’s Ongoing Reforms: A Magnet for Expats
The UAE has introduced a series of reforms to enhance its appeal as a destination for expatriates. These include:
- Golden Visa Initiative: Offering 10-year residency to investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals earning over AED 30,000 per month.
- Green Visa: Providing five-year residency without requiring employer sponsorship.
- Digital Nomad Visa: A one-year visa allowing remote workers to live in the UAE while working for overseas employers.
- Retirement Visa: A five-year visa for residents over 55.
These reforms, coupled with high living standards and job opportunities, position the UAE as a top global destination for expatriates.
Global Rankings: Who Else Made the List?
Spanish cities dominated the top spots, with Valencia ranked first, followed by Malaga and Alicante. Other cities in the top 10 include Panama City, Mexico City, Madrid, and Bangkok.
The survey also revealed some of the least favorable cities for expats, including Vancouver, Hamburg, and Istanbul.
