New survey shows strong quality of life in Dubai

Published

2 months ago

May 6, 2026

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Life in Dubai continues to rank highly among residents, with 95% saying the city is their preferred place to live, according to the latest survey by the Community Development Authority.

The findings from the 2024–2025 Social Survey paint a picture of a city where happiness, safety and social connection remain key strengths, with overall life satisfaction reaching 8.72 out of 10.

A city that people are proud to call home

The survey shows that 96.4% of residents feel proud to live in Dubai, while the overall happiness score stands at 8.6, reflecting strong confidence in the quality of life across the emirate.

For expats, who make up a large share of the population, these figures highlight Dubai’s continued appeal as a place to live, work and build a future.

Family and community at the core

Strong family ties remain a defining feature, with the Family Bond Index exceeding 95%, while 84% of residents say they have someone to rely on in times of need.

Community engagement is also growing, with volunteering rates rising to over 13%, signalling a shift towards a more connected and socially active population.

Inclusive and connected living

The survey points to broad inclusivity across society:

Over 90% of People of Determination feel integrated
Similar levels report access to education and essential services
Nearly 99% of residents have internet access at home

Happiness among senior citizens also remains high, at nearly 87%, reflecting support across different age groups.

Shaping future policies

Officials say the results support the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 2033 and the UAE’s Year of the Family, with a focus on strengthening social cohesion and wellbeing.

According to Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, the survey serves as a key tool to guide policy, helping authorities respond to evolving community needs.

For those living in Dubai, the findings reinforce the emirate’s position as a city focused not just on growth, but on quality of life, stability and community wellbeing.

Related Topics:community Dubai DubaiLiving ExpatsInDubai Happiness QualityOfLife SocialSurvey UAELife UAEnews Wellbeing

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

UAE to India travellers face new mandatory health declaration

Published

3 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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If you’re travelling from the UAE to India, there’s a new travel requirement you shouldn’t miss.

India has introduced Air Suvidha 2.0, a mandatory online health declaration system for all international arrivals. The form must be completed within 24 hours before your flight and is required before passengers are allowed to board.

The new system was introduced by India’s civil aviation authorities as a precautionary measure in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak.

What is Air Suvidha 2.0?

Air Suvidha 2.0 is an online self-declaration portal where travellers must provide their recent travel and health information before flying to India.

Passengers will be asked to submit details including:

Their travel history over the past 21 days
Any possible exposure to infectious diseases
Whether they are experiencing any related symptoms

Once the form is submitted, it is automatically shared with the Airport Health Organisation (APHO) under India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Is the form mandatory?

Yes. All international passengers travelling to India are required to complete the Air Suvidha Self Declaration Form before boarding their flight.

Airlines may ask passengers to show proof that the form has been submitted before allowing them to travel.

Do you need a printed copy?

No. After submitting the form, travellers will receive a confirmation by email, which can simply be shown on a mobile phone upon arrival in India. There’s no need to carry a printed copy.

Completing the form in advance also helps speed up the arrival process by reducing paperwork at the airport.

Announcements

Good news for businesses: Sharjah slashes fees and fines

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4 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Businesses in Sharjah can now benefit from a range of temporary fee reductions after Sharjah Police unveiled a new package of incentives aimed at easing costs and supporting the emirate’s business community.

The measures, introduced in line with a decision by the Sharjah Executive Council, include 50% discounts on several security-related fees, along with reduced fines and lower training costs for companies.

What discounts are available?

Under the new initiative, eligible businesses will receive:

50% off security permit renewal fees for commercial activities
50% off security system subscription fees
50% reduction on eligible violations and fines
20% off mandatory training programme fees for companies

Sharjah Police said the initiative is designed to support commercial establishments, encourage business sustainability and further strengthen the emirate’s position as an attractive destination for investment.

How long will the discounts last?

The incentives will be available for three months from the date the decision comes into effect.

Businesses seeking more information about the discounts and eligibility can contact the Sharjah Police Call Centre on 901.

India

Waiting for Indian passport services in the UAE? Here’s the latest update

Published

5 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Indian nationals in the UAE will have to wait a little longer for regular passport, visa and attestation services to resume.

The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have announced that they will continue offering only emergency consular services until July 1, extending the temporary suspension of routine services by an additional day.

In a post on the missions’ official X account, the embassy said emergency requests for passports, visas, attestation and other consular services will continue to be processed during the transition period.

Why the delay?

The extension comes as the Indian missions complete the handover of outsourced passport, visa and attestation services to Alhind Tours and Travel LLC, which is set to begin operations in the UAE from July 1.

Under the transition plan, previous service providers BLS International and SGIVS Global stopped accepting new applications after June 25, while regular appointments were suspended from June 26.

The missions said the extension is due to administrative reasons.

Need urgent assistance?

Applicants with emergency requirements can contact the Indian missions through:

Toll-free: 800 46342 (800 INDIA)
WhatsApp: +971 54 309 0571
Email: pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in

The embassy said details about the resumption of normal services from July 2 onwards will be announced separately and advised applicants to follow its official social media channels for updates.