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League Table (based on 2012 results)

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United Arab Emirates

Saudi Arabia

Economics

 

30th

1st

Overall

AE

20th

SA

18th

Income

AE

19th

SA

18th

Disposable income

AE

21st

SA

16th

Higher quality accommodation

AE

8th

SA

15th

Domestic helper/staff

AE

16th

SA

15th

Swimming pool

AE

14th

SA

15th

More than one property

AE

17th

SA

13th

Nicer Cars

AE

3rd

SA

7th

Boat or yacht

AE

19th

SA

18th

More luxurious holidays

AE

12th

SA

17th

Healthcare

AE

12th

SA

10th

Experience

 

30th

1st

Overall

AE

23rd

SA

29th

Organising school for my children

AE

22nd

SA

25th

Organising finances

AE

23rd

SA

25th

Organising healthcare

AE

16th

SA

18th

Finding accommodation

AE

24th

SA

22nd

Learning the local language

AE

18th

SA

13th

Getting used to local food

AE

19th

SA

18th

Local weather

AE

26th

SA

25th

Making friends

AE

13th

SA

19th

Local work culture

AE

14th

SA

22nd

Setting up utilities

AE

18th

SA

10th

Fitting in the new culture

AE

16th

SA

26th

Local transport

AE

21st

SA

28th

Enjoying local food

AE

21st

SA

16th

Local culture

AE

22nd

SA

29th

Using the local language

AE

22nd

SA

20th

Making local friends

AE

26th

SA

17th

Integrating into the community

AE

25th

SA

23rd

Feeling welcome at work

AE

23rd

SA

26th

Local shops and markets

AE

26th

SA

22nd

Social life

AE

15th

SA

28th

Sports

AE

22nd

SA

25th

Working environment

AE

14th

SA

28th

Work / life balance

AE

16th

SA

15th

Entertainment

AE

9th

SA

28th

Quality of accommodation

AE

14th

SA

19th

Commuting

AE

10th

SA

23rd

Travelling more

AE

19th

SA

24th

Healthcare access and quality

AE

12th

SA

7th

Healthy diet

AE

22nd

SA

19th

Expat Hints & Tips

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Go to Expat Hints & Tips

Expat Explorer ranks 30 countries across various criteria from the 2012 survey.

See how United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia compare, or use the dropdown menus above to add or remove criteria and see which country performs best.

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Expats talk about their experiences, including the rewards, challenges and practicalities of life abroad.

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Expat guides

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