“DUBAI HAS CEASED TO BE A PLACE OF TRANSITION FOR EXPATRIATES AND HAS BECOME AN EMIRATE WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO SETTLE FOR MANY YEARS” MARÍA DÁVILA

Today, Dubai has become a very attractive destination for expats due to its job opportunities, tax benefits, and lifestyle. However, it also presents some challenges, and its social and legal regulations must be taken into account. Touristic News spoke with María Dávila, a Spaniard who decided to move to this emirate with her family. Thanks to her experience in human resources, economic training, and active nature, she provides tax, financial, and visa management advice, providing peace of mind and confidence to those seeking opportunities in this vibrant city.
What is your main role as a Wealth & Expat Advisor in Dubai?
We help expats adapt to their new life in Dubai, from assisting them with finding housing, obtaining a residency visa, obtaining an ID card, opening accounts, etc., to advising them on legal, tax, and property matters. Our goal is to facilitate their transition and ensure they can integrate seamlessly into their new environment. What common problems do expats face when moving to Dubai, and how do you help them overcome them?
Expatriation always poses a personal, professional, and family challenge, and everything related to tax matters and the impact on assets of moving is even more concerning. These are very sensitive issues that aren’t usually discussed in everyday life, and many times, there’s no tax or asset advisor available. Dubai is a city designed for expats, and obtaining a residency visa, ID, or account opening is a quick process that surprises newcomers.
How does Dubai’s cultural diversity affect your work as a Wealth & Expat Advisor?
The cultural diversity in this country is one of the greatest advantages and one of the greatest challenges of my work. It’s essential to be highly sensitive and aware of the different cultures and traditions of my clients. This means adapting services and advice to meet the specific needs of people of different nationalities. What are the main advantages of living in Dubai for expats?
It offers a high quality of life, with modern infrastructure, excellent healthcare and education services, and a safe environment. The absence of personal income tax is also a significant advantage for many expats.
What advice would you give to someone considering moving to Dubai?
Thoroughly research what life is like in Dubai and understand the legal and cultural differences. It’s important to be prepared for the climate, customs, and regulations. We also suggest contacting a tax and expat advisor for personalized guidance and support during the transition. Finally, being open and respectful of the local culture is essential for a successful integration.
How has the landscape for expats in Dubai changed in recent years?
Dubai has ceased to be a “passing-through” location for expats and has become an emirate where people want to come and live and settle for many years. New measures to attract and retain foreign talent, as well as new long-term residency visas linked to property acquisition and improvements in labor legislation, have made settling here easier and more attractive.
What resources or tools do you recommend for foreigners to facilitate their integration in Dubai?
The city is at the top of many rankings in terms of digitalization, and this is not just a statistic. Once you have a visa and an Emirates ID, it’s very easy to interact with the administration via mobile. However, there are also apps and websites dedicated to life in Dubai, both for searching for housing and employment, as well as for everyday services.
You currently work as an advisor from Augusta Capital. What other services does this firm offer?
The main objective of the firm, established in Dubai since 2016, is to provide tax and property solutions for the Spanish expatriate community living in the United Arab Emirates. Its founder, Pablo Ferreira, possesses extensive market knowledge and is always one step ahead of his clients’ needs with a long-term vision.