Dubai Launches Global Retirement Programme

The Government of Dubai today announced the launch of Retire in Dubai, a global retirement programme that offers foreign retirees aged 55 and above the opportunity to enjoy the distinctive lifestyle offered by the emirate.

Developed by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) in collaboration with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Dubai), the competitive programme’s packages cover healthcare, real estate, insurance and banking. Details of the offerings and all information required for prospective retirees to make a decision and start the application process are available on www.retireindubai.com.

Eligible applicants will be provided a Retirement Visa, renewable every five years. The retiree can choose between one of three financial requirements: earning a monthly income of AED20,000 (approx. USD5,500); having savings of AED1 million (approx. USD275,000); or owning a property in Dubai worth AED2 million (approx. USD550,000). In its initial phase, the programme will focus on UAE residents working in Dubai who have reached retirement age. Dubai’s close proximity with the native countries of a large majority of residents makes it a convenient retirement destination for them.

The Retire in Dubai programme revolves around seven key factors that make the city the ideal destination for retirees:

Unique Lifestyle - Home to over 200 nationalities, Dubai is a cosmopolitan destination that unites cultures, beliefs, and values under a banner of tolerance and diversity. Although Arabic is the official language, Dubai is a multilingual city where English is the most widely spoken language. Dubai Tourism, in collaboration with its real estate partners Dubai Holding, Meraas and Emaar, and leading bank Emirates NBD, has put together banking packages that will enable retirees to own a property that fits their lifestyle. The options will be available only to holders of the Retirement Visa.

Convenience - Dubai provides its residents with a comfortable and hassle-free lifestyle, with conveniences ranging from home services to food delivery. It’s a city of affordable luxury where retirees can choose the quality of life they desire.

Recreation – One of the world’s most popular leisure and shopping destinations, living in Dubai will enable retirees to take care of all their needs, whether it’s rest, relaxation or recreation. Dubai offers a range of culinary, cultural and lifestyle experiences catering to all preferences and budgets.

An active and fit society – Retirees in Dubai have access to a healthy outdoor lifestyle, with a wide range of fitness options, whether it is strolling or jogging along sandy beaches, relaxing in beautiful gardens or hiking in Hatta. An active citywide fitness movement driven by the Dubai Fitness Challenge reflects the city’s collective spirit and strong sense of community.

Proximity & connectivity – Dubai’s ideal geographical location midway between the West and the East and its superior technological and physical infrastructure makes it easy for retirees to connect with and visit friends and family all over the world. Dubai International (DXB) is one of the busiest airports in the world and links more than 240 destinations through 140 airlines. With the city’s two home-grown airlines Emirates and flydubai and over 100 other regular and low-cost airlines to choose from, Dubai ranks as one of the top cities in the world for airline connectivity. Perfectly positioned as a gateway to the globe, you can travel to anywhere in Europe, Asia, and Africa in under eight hours.

World-class healthcare system: Dubai provides the highest quality of healthcare across a range of specialisations. Following the global pandemic, Dubai’s robust healthcare system has been further strengthened in line with the highest international benchmarks and best practices. Furthermore, Dubai Tourism has developed price-competitive insurance packages for retirees in cooperation with leading companies in the sector.

Legacy Management: To ensure that retirees can have their affairs planned for and protected, the DIFC Wills Service Centre has developed enhanced wills drafting, registration and probate services at exclusive competitive rates. The services will help retirees enjoy their lives in Dubai confident that their assets are safe and can be passed on to their loved ones.