Survey ranks UAE 9th best world country for expat life

In spite of recent press reports of increased crackdowns on expats in the North African Arab states, the UAE has been voted the 9th best expat destination in the world in a recent survey.

The 2013 edition of HSBC’s Expat Explorer survey resulted in the emirates being ranked as 9th out of all the 100 countries surveyed, with respondents praising its booming economy, higher salaries and exciting job opportunities. The survey results, released by the bank’s international arm on Wednesday, were based on quality of life, ease of raising a family and financial incentives.

As well as being the 9th best world destination as regards overall quality of life for expats wishing to move overseas, the UAE ranked 13th best for raising a family. Mentioned as a strong positive were its childcare services, high quality private education and positive changes in children’s behaviour patterns.

In the economics category, the emirates won 16th position, and took the 26th place for work/life balance, local transport, social life, working environment and entertainment. The survey in general was conducted in 100 diverse world countries and collated responses from 7,000 expats in total, 800 of whom were resident in the UAE.