Photo used for illustrative purpose.

Dubai has improved its global ranking of the best cities to live and work in 2021, as it has been rated the third best city for expats in the world according to InterNations, a community for expatriates and global minds.

Dubai makes it easy for expats to settle in. It ranks sixth in the Getting Settled Index.

Respondents appreciate the absence of a language barrier in this expat hotspot: 94% find it easy to live in Dubai without speaking the local language (compared to 54% globally). In addition, 81% see the inhabitants of the friendly restaurant towards foreign residents (VS.67%), and 70% say it is easy to get used to the local culture (compared to 65% globally).

Expats also benefit from an above-average quality of life.

While Dubai loses the top 10 of the urban quality of life index (11th), it offers a safe and stable environment with good leisure options: 84% rate them positively (vs. 72% globally), while 97% feel safe in Dubai (vs. 84% globally)."

As a woman from a country where there is a lot of crime, security is a big issue for me," said an expatriate woman from South Africa.

The Finance and Housing Index (21st) is a bit  mixed for Dubai. On the one hand, 86% say that it is easy to find accommodation for expatriates (compared to 60% worldwide). But only 32 describe it as affordable (vs. 42% globally) and 28% are dissatisfied with their financial situation (vs. 19% globally).

Kuala Lumpur ranks first in the Getting Settled Index — nearly all rating factors make it into the top 10.“It's easy to live here and the people are wonderful!», An American expatriate summarises his experience.Malaga immediately follows  behind Kuala Lumpur in the world top 3.

Málaga follows right behind Kuala Lumpur in the global top 3.

The Getting Settled Index (3rd) is also its biggest strength. It even places first in the Friends & Socializing Subcategory: 69% of expats find it easy to make new friends (vs. 48% globally), and 78% are happy with their social life (vs. 57% globally).