Are you torn between whether to move to Dubai or Australia? Don’t worry, we will give you the lowdown to help you decide which country is better based on factors that matter to you.

Moving to a new country can be a daunting experience. After all, there are many factors to consider before taking the plunge, as you and your family’s future well-being depends on it. At a glance, both countries have their unique advantages and, to some degree, challenges to consider. However, what someone might potentially see as a challenge, you may see the same as an opportunity.

Either way, we’ll cover everything from the climate and cost of living to work opportunities, culture and more, to help you decide which country is right for relocation.

To date, we’ve helped countless individuals and families move to both Dubai and Australia, where many of them have also spoken about their positive experiences in both countries. Should you ever require assistance with removals to Dubai or Australia, just let us know and we’ll help you move all your belongings in a smooth, hassle-free manner.

1. Climate in Dubai vs Australia: Winner Australia

Climate in Dubai

Dubai mostly sees arid desert climate which can vary according to seasons, although you will mostly find extreme temperatures. So, the summers can be extremely hot, with the daytime temperatures between June and September often exceeding 40°C, while the winter temperatures between December and February range between 14°C and 26°C.

The relentless heat combined with occasional sandstorms causes people to remain indoor for the most part during summers while the pleasant winters are great for outdoor exploration and escapades. The evenings get surprisingly cool, requiring multiple layers and you may see light, sporadic rainfall between November and February.

Expats who have live in Dubai, such as Jamie and Sam, highlight the enjoyable aspects of the weather. Jamie, a British expat, shares, “We love the weather here; it’s really hot in the summer, but with A/C everywhere and chilled pools, it’s fine. We were at the beach in the morning, and it was perfect for swimming in the sea.”

Sam also adds “The city is set up for hot weather, and every building and vehicle has AC. You don’t need to go out much in the summer because everything you need is inside. You can spend almost all your time in a chilled environment. There are even indoor horse racing, and indoor skiing. Outside the summer months, temperatures are generally pleasant in the 20s and 30s. Millions of people, including the elderly and children, live here all year round and enjoy it. The weather isn’t some test of endurance.”

If you’re considering moving to Dubai, rest assured the city is designed to keep you comfortable in all seasons.

Climate in Australia

Australia sees a wide variety of climatic conditions given its large geographical size. In fact, it’s the 6th largest country in the world and the climate you experience in Australia largely depends on where you decide to move to.

In the north, you have cities such as Cairns and Darwin, boasting a tropical climate, characterised by warm, dry winters and hot, humid summers. This region is perfect for those who enjoy consistently warm temperatures and lush, verdant surroundings.

In contrast, in southern Australia you will experience a more temperate climate. Cities such as Adelaide and Hobart offer cool winters and mild summers, making them ideal for those who prefer moderate weather. The temperate zone of southern Australia provides a comfortable and pleasant environment year-round, with distinct seasonal changes that add to its charm.

Overall, If you prefer hot weather, but not excessively hot, Australia is the better option compared to Dubai.

2. Beach comparison – Dubai vs Australia: Winner Australia

Beaches in Dubai

Dubai’s impressive coastline offers exceptionally high-standard public beaches that are free to access. Along the Jumeirah coastline, you’ll find some of the best known beaches, including, La Mer, Kite Beach, and Jumeirah Beach. The well-maintained and luxurious sandy white beaches attract both tourists and residents. Cleanliness is really next-level on Dubai’s well-maintained beaches, offering high-quality fun and relaxation for the entire family.

Did you know Dubai’s beaches have been ranked second as the world’s best beach destinations to visit with the family? Expats who have moved to Dubai will often mention Kite Beach as their favourite one as it has a great view of the Burj Al Arab and it is a nice open, clean beach.

Beaches in Australia

Australians are lucky to have some of the best beaches in the world. From Lucky Bay and Banana Boat to Whitehaven Beach and Turquoise Bay, Australia’s beaches are home to some of the most diverse marine life and incredibly stunning crystal clear blue waters, not to mention the immaculate stretches of heaven-like white sand.

Australia is also known for its world-famous beaches like the Gold Coast and Bondi, which are well-known hubs for a wide assortment of beachside activities, including many different kinds of water sports.

The Australian has 11,761 recorded beaches, which will take you around 226 years if you visited one per week! The major plus point is that you always have something new to explore in Australia. The really popular beaches, however, can become heavily crowded, especially in summers.

3. Job market Comparison Between Dubai vs Australia: Winner Dubai

Job market in Dubai

Dubai has booming sectors in real estate, tourism, finance, and more. The city offers lots of great work opportunities, especially for expatriates. So, you’ll find plenty of vacancies with a diverse pay scale, depending on your skillset and experience. Another bonus: your income is tax-free!

The average salary in the Dubai is 19,000 AED (£4,094). If you secure a job in Dubai within this salary range, you will have sufficient funds to cover your rent and bills, along with enough disposable income to fully enjoy everything that Dubai has to offer.

The United Arab Emirates resilient 4.2% GDP growth indicates a robust job market in 2024 and beyond, so there’s plenty of work to be found for skilled professionals moving from the UK. Emerging career opportunities in Dubai are mostly in the healthcare, IT, renewable energy, and marketing & advertising sectors, with roles like HR Manager, Project Manager, Marketing Manager, and Software Developer among the most in-demand roles.

Job market in Australia

Having a diversified economy, Australia offers lots of opportunities in finance, mining, healthcare, and IT. It caters to a broad job market, so many opportunities can be had, especially in the above sectors. For skilled and qualified individuals, the opportunities are even more varied and lucrative.

The job market here can be super-competitive, particularly in major cities like Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney, so apart from putting your best foot forward, you’ll also need to have an impressive resume to get your proverbial foot in the employer’s door.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there are 363,800 job vacancies and there’s always high demand for talent. The country pays one of the highest graduate salaries in the world and is a great place to live for an ambition fresh graduate seeking a lucrative career.

Alternatively, if you’re an established professional or business owner looking to take your business to the next level, Australia is a great base. It’s worth looking at our jobs in demand in Australia post for more information about jobs in Australia.

4. Outdoor activities and lifestyle in Dubai vs Australia: Winner Australia

Outdoor activities & lifestyle in Dubai

Dubai’s outdoor activities tend to be limited for the most part each year, given the high temperatures but that’s not to say that you’ll get bored, run out of options, or anything like that. There are lots of indoor recreational facilities which allow you to experience both summer and winter activities. Then there are the vast shopping centres boasting incredible aesthetics and offering just about anything you could imagine.

Dubai residents tend to focus on fitness and relaxation. Golf is big and you have options like Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. You can also visit the great cycling spots like Al Quadra Cycling Track and Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park – both are good for casual and serious cyclists.

In general you will have lots of entertainment and activities in an urban setting but if you are looking for a lifestyle driven by outdoor activities then you are somewhat limited in the summer months. Most people stay indoors during the day and go out at night.

Outdoor activities & lifestyle in Australia

Australia is in stark contrast to Dubai, offering a very active outdoor lifestyle to those who want to settle here. The land down under is perfect for those seeking a vibrant outdoor life, with diverse lifestyle options and easy access to nature, although covering large distances within cities and between different areas to enjoy some of the attractions can be a bit cumbersome – unless you don’t mind driving or travelling long distances.

Nearly 90% of Australians live very close to the coast, so that means access to the incredibly beautiful beaches is practically a stone’s throw away. Australia is also considered a very technologically savvy country so you’ll always have find an excellent line-up of amenities to be within easy reach. You will literally never run out of options as the outdoor life in Australia is one non-stop adventure from start to finish.

5. Cost of living comparison in Dubai vs Australia: Winner Dubai

Cost of living in Dubai

Dubai is famous for its high cost of living but, interestingly, it offers tax-free salaries to offset some of the living expenses. So, there’s no income tax on the one hand, but on the other, the costs for accommodation and lifestyle services can be quite high.

If we look at it from an average monthly cost of living perspective, then this can vary according to lifestyle and needs. With that in mind, expenses may range for a single person between 3,900 AED (£835) and 7,700 AED (£1649). Couples may spend between 5,700 AED (£1221) to 11,700 AED (£2506). The cost of living for a family of four, will range between 14,800 AED (£3171) to 23,300 AED (£4992).

It’s worth noting, that utility costs can be very expensive, partly because air conditioning is essential due to the hot weather in the country.

Cost of living in Australia

The cost of living here is generally high, especially in urban centres like Sydney and Melbourne. Salaries are high too, but then, so are living expenses.

It is roughly 4,312 AUD (£2,260) per month for a single person and 7,789 AUD (£4,082) for a family of four. The cost of living in Australia is also ranked more expensive than 87% of the countries in the world, so for the amenities and facilities, you can expect to pay accordingly.

6. Food in Dubai vs Australia: Winner Dubai

 

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Food in Dubai

Dubai is renowned not only in the Middle East but also globally for its luxury dining, where you can experience international flavours without leaving the city. As a melting pot of cultures, Dubai’s diverse food scene offers something for every palate. Whether you’re craving Italian pasta, Japanese sushi, French pastries, or Indian curries, Dubai has it all. The city’s culinary landscape ranges from high-end fine dining with world-famous chefs to hidden gems serving authentic street food from around the world.

Popular dishes include Al Harees, a comforting dish made from wheat and meat, slow-cooked to a porridge-like consistency and seasoned with salt. This dish is popular during Ramadan and festive occasions, symbolising hospitality and sharing. Alternatively, you can try luqaimaat, which are sweet, deep-fried dumplings drizzled with date syrup or honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds. They are sensational as a dessert or snack, especially during celebrations and holidays, and their light, airy texture makes them a favourite among tourists and locals.

As Dubai has so many great restaurants and food spots in close proximity, this is a major advantage for foodies who like to try out different spots.

Food in Australia

Australia offers an incredible array of culinary options, drawing influences from nearly every global cuisine. The variety is vast and exciting, and they have many unique dishes and snacks for you try out.

Chicken Parmigiana is a dish very common in Australian pubs. Many pubs even have a ‘Parma night’ where you can grab the dish, along with a beer, for quite a decent price. This dish is made up of chicken in breadcrumbs with tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese. It is perfect for anyone who enjoys more of an Italian taste to their meals.

For dessert, make sure to try out Pavlova, an Aussie classic! It’s essentially, a meringue cake, with a hard outer shell but a soft marshmallow-like texture in the centre and is often topped with kiwi and strawberries. You can buy them in big supermarkets, but also in bakeries across the country. They are said to be made in honour of ballerina Anna Pavlova on her tour of Australia in the 1920s.

Lamingtons are also amongst the most popular and well-known desserts in Australia. A Lamington is a delicate sponge cake, covered in a generous layer of chocolate sauce and complete with a desiccated coconut coating. It’s worth looking at our previous post on popular foods in Australia if you are looking for more inspiration on what foods to try!