Dubai and Abu Dhabi named best cities for expats

Dubai came second in the list of the best cities for expats to live in, while Abu Dhabi rounded out the top 10 in a list created by InterNations. It goes without saying that Dubai has some of the best hotels, city views and experiences in the world, and is a transportation hub to almost anywhere in the world! All kinds of not loving? Plus, tourists flock to Dubai to bask in the desert sun, dine at world-class restaurants, dance the night away at the coolest venues, and explore the city’s thriving arts and cultural scene.

InterNation’s list ranks three different cities on three different continents as the best places in the world to live and work. The organization collated information on approximately 12,000 expatriates living in 50 cities in 181 countries that met the sample size requirement of at least 50 participants per destination.

The Spanish city of Valencia topped the 2022 InterNations Expat City Ranking, with survey participants saying its quality of life, public transport and sporting opportunities made them like living there, followed by Dubai, which was hailed as a city for work and enjoyment Great place for a holiday. Expats also said they were happy with the city’s welcoming atmosphere when they first moved there.

In third place is Mexico City, ranked third for its affordability. While not in the top three, the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, was ranked 9th for its “excellent healthcare and hassle-free bureaucracy”.

Here is the top 10 list:

1. Valencia, Spain: Livable, Friendly and Affordable
2. Dubai, UAE: Work and leisure alike
3. Mexico City, Mexico: Friendly and Affordable, but Not Safe
4. Lisbon, Portugal: Amazing climate and quality of life, mediocre job options
5. Madrid, Spain: great leisure activities, a welcoming culture
6. Bangkok, Thailand: Expats feel at home despite security concerns
7. Basel, Switzerland: Expats satisfied with finances, work and quality of life
8. Melbourne, Australia: an easy city to adapt to
9. Abu Dhabi, UAE: Excellent healthcare, no bureaucracy
10. Singapore: Ease of administration, satisfactory financial situation, improved career prospects

Miami is the highest-ranked North American city on the list at 12th, followed by New York at 16th and Toronto at 19th. In the UK, London ranks 40th.