The U.A.E. is ranked as the third best country for UK expats according to the NatWest International Personal Banking (NatWest IPB) Quality of Life Index.
Australia and Canada continue to hold the first and second positions on the index, but the U.A.E. has managed to climb to the number three spot, making it the highest climber since last year's report.
The report reveals that 75 per cent of expats consider career opportunities to be the key driver for moving to the U.A.E.. Dave Isley, Head of NatWest International Personal banking said: "The once loved traditional expat communities of France, Spain and Portugal are diminishing, with quality of life drastically reducing for expats living there, making way for newcomers such as U.A.E. and Singapore. It seems expats are willing to adjust their lifestyle in exchange for a stronger economy and better job opportunities.”
Despite the rising popularity of the U.A.E. amongst emigrants, estimates on the total stock of the UK citizens living abroad don't include the U.A.E. as part of the top 10.
he most reliable estimates by The World Bank in 2011 state that there are currently 4.7 million UK emigrants living abroad, with Australia, the USA, Canada and Spain holding the top spots.
This infographic by Travelex International Payments collects data from the UK Office of National Statistics and The World Bank to paint a picture of where UK expats are choosing to emigrate to. The graphic also collates essential expat considerations, such as visas, health insurance, pensions, property prices and the cost of living.
Source: Emirates 24│7