US retirees are moving in droves to a new sunny city with low crime... and it's not in Florida

US citizens who are retired and want sunny days and a tax friendly place to live would normally turn to Florida or the Carolinas to start house hunting. But now they're discovering a new city is making it easy to move there.

And it's not in the US. Before 2020, only Dubai residents and foreigners working in the city that had reached the state’s retirement age could retire there. 

But in 2021, residency laws changed and the Government of United Arab Emirates (UAE) began allowing expats from around the world who are retired and over 55 to be eligible to apply for a visa that also sponsors their dependents, including spouses and children.

Since then, thousands of US retirees are calling Dubai home. 

'It’s great, absolutely safe, and welcoming. Very easy for foreigners to settle down,' Ola Williamson, research director at Expatra, a service that helps retirees move overseas.

'Services are digitized, and English is spoken and used everywhere. At the same time, Dubai is very multicultural. A short walk in the evening and you will catch snippets of conversations in five or six different languages around you.'

Dubai, the most populous city in the UAE at 3.8 million, has seen massive growth over the last 30 years, which led to an infrastructure boom that has resulted in wider roads and taller office and residential buildings. A thriving cultural scene has welcomed art, theater and music events from around the world. There is also very low crime. 

The weather is another major draw for retirees, with a year-round climate that ranges from 68 degrees to 90 degrees. There is an abundance of outdoor activities, like waterfront strolls, garden tours, and safari parks. 

Day-to-day life 

Williamson says shopping is easy and people love nighttime strolls after the sun goes down (it does get hot in Dubai and many retirees who live there travel to a cooler climate in the summer.)

'You will find international supermarket chains all over Dubai, but if you go to the places with names you don't recognize, local ones, you can save significantly on your grocery shopping,' she adds. 

'Alcohol is expensive. A driver's license is still required, but it takes two minutes to apply and receive it online. People go out after sunset. The whole thing is surreal, like someone switches the sun off at 6 o’clock. The downtown area and the bay are amazing to be around at this time. Families are going out for a walk, and things are happening all around.'

Williamson says US retirees tend to live in apartments in Dubai for their convenience and walkability. 

'They are very convenient if you want low-maintenance, lock-and-leave living,' she says.

High-end apartments in areas like Dubai Marina or Palm Jumeirah have great views, 24/7 security, gyms, pools, and easy access to dining, shopping, and the beach. 

'It’s a great setup if you're not looking for the upkeep that comes with a villa,' she says.

For retirees who want quieter places, Arabian Ranches and Dubai Hills offer a mix of townhouses, villas and apartments.

What you'll need

For those looking to move, there are a few requirements. 

To relocate to Dubai from the US, you need some savings.

In order to qualify for Dubai’s retirement visa, retirees must either have a monthly income of $5,445, savings of $272,000, or property in Dubai valued at $544,000, or a combined savings and property in Dubai worth $544,000.  

Depending on spending habits, a retired couple would need between $4,000 and $8,000 per month to enjoy a comfortable life there.

Lastly, retirees need to cover their own housing, healthcare, and transportation expenses. 

But Williamson says, it's worth it. 

'It's a truly global spot, a mix of everything and everyone, all languages, attires, cultures,' Williamson says. 

'The Indian community is one of the biggest, and they celebrate their cultural festivals with gusto. Of course, you need to remember it’s a Muslim country, and you must respect local traditions, rules and views.'

How to land a visa 

Applicants have to show a bank statement for the past six months as evidence of income if that's the option you're using. 

If you are showing savings you need a bank letter showing the sufficient amount listed. 

If you own Dubai property you need the property title deed and if you are using combined assets, you need both a bank letter showing the amount you have and a copy of the property title deed.

Dubai Tourism launched the Retire in Dubai program and hands out five year and 10 year visas that are both renewable, provided you still meet the financial conditions.

Once there, retirees have taken advantage of the opulent shops, amazing shows and music festivals and private beach clubs.

'Expats are everywhere there. It’s easy to meet and make friends - gyms, clubs, and various activities, just keep an eye on local Facebook groups and you will find your crowd,' Williamson says.