United Arab Emirates

Cost of living

What a month costs

Housing and schools drive the budget. Dining and fuel stay cheap.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Dubai

1. Burj KhalifaThe tallest building on earth, with a viewing deck near the top.
2. Dubai MallOne of the biggest malls anywhere, with an aquarium and ice rink inside.
3. Dubai FountainChoreographed water shows at the base of the Burj Khalifa every evening.
4. Palm JumeirahThe famous man-made palm-shaped island lined with hotels and beaches.
5. Dubai MarinaA glossy canal district of towers, yachts and waterfront dining.
6. Al Fahidi Historic DistrictRestored wind-tower houses and lanes in old Dubai near the creek.
7. Dubai Creek and abra crossingRide a wooden water taxi between the gold and spice souks.
8. Jumeirah MosqueOne of the few mosques open to non-Muslim visitors on guided tours.
9. Museum of the FutureA striking calligraphy-wrapped torus of tech and design exhibits.
10. Ski DubaiA real indoor ski slope with snow, inside the Mall of the Emirates.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Abu DhabiNinety minutes by car to the Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
2. HattaMountain village with a turquoise dam, kayaking and cooler air.
3. Ras Al KhaimahJebel Jais peak, the world's longest zipline and quiet beaches.
4. Musandam, OmanFjord-like coastline and dhow cruises, a short drive across the border.
5. FujairahThe Gulf of Oman coast for diving, snorkeling and green mountains.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Arabian Tea HouseLeafy courtyard in Al Fahidi for karak tea and Emirati breakfast plates.
2. % ArabicaThe minimalist Japanese coffee brand with a photogenic Palm outpost.
3. Tom and SergAn Alserkal-area pioneer that helped start Dubai's specialty coffee scene.
4. Comptoir 102Jumeirah cafe and concept store known for healthy bowls and juices.
5. Common GroundsA reliable all-day cafe in Mall of the Emirates for coffee and cake.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Ravi RestaurantA legendary no-frills Pakistani institution in Satwa, open late and cheap.
2. Al Ustad Special KababOld-school Iranian kebab house near the creek, decades in business.
3. PierchicSeafood at the end of a pier with a Burj Al Arab view, for special nights.
4. ZumaThe globally known contemporary Japanese izakaya in the DIFC district.
5. Al HadheerahOpen-air desert feast with live music and grills at Bab Al Shams.
6. Bu QtairCult fish shack in Jumeirah serving the daily catch with masala.
7. OssianoFine dining beside a giant aquarium wall inside Atlantis The Palm.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Al Fanar RestaurantTraditional Emirati dishes like balaleet and chebab in a nostalgic setting.
2. Tom and SergBig weekend brunch plates and strong coffee in an industrial space.
3. Arabian Tea HouseThe classic Emirati breakfast spread served in a shaded courtyard.
4. The Sum of UsA roaster-cafe near DIFC popular for eggs and house-baked bread.
5. Comptoir 102Healthy morning bowls and juices in a calm Jumeirah villa.
6. Cafe BateelDate-focused cafe with an easy Mediterranean breakfast menu across the city.
7. Baker and SpiceFarm-to-table breakfasts and pastries with a Souk Al Bahar terrace.
8. Operation FalafelCasual Levantine spot for manakish, foul and falafel any morning.
9. KcalHomegrown healthy chain with calorie-counted breakfast plates citywide.