More people dream of moving to Dubai than anywhere else, according to search data. Why? They’re looking for the good life.

In one survey of expats living in Dubai, quality of life was the number one reason for choosing to live in the emirate, echoing an international expat report that placed the UAE 3rd for quality of life.

Dubai has become a magnet to people looking for a better life. What’s behind the allure?

Sun, sea, and world-class amenities

Dubai’s immediate appeal is obvious: year-round sunshine with kilometers of pristine beaches to bask on. But the city also boasts world-class amenities.

Let’s start with the fundamentals. Dubai is the world’s fourth safest city. It has fast and efficient public transport (and self-driving taxis), complemented by globe-spanning air links. It is working to digitize daily life needs (there’s already a single app where you can pay all your bills and access over 250 government services). It has excellent healthcare (ranked between Canada and the UK) and top-tier private schools teaching international curriculums.

The emirate is also well-served by everything that makes a rich and fulfilling life. Culture vultures have a panoply of art galleries, concert halls and the Dubai Opera House. Sports buffs, meanwhile, are spoiled by state-of-the-art facilities for cricket and soccer, but also camel riding, dragon boating, falconry and indoor skiing, amongst others.

And of course, there are the world-famous luxury shopping malls, replete with exceptional restaurants serving every kind of international cuisine.

Low taxes and generous visas

What’s more, the emirate’s generous tax regime makes everything easier to enjoy. And long-term residency is relatively easy to obtain.

Golden Visas are available to talented individuals and people who invest a minimum of 2,000,000 AED ($545,000 approx) in property or securities. Lasting up to ten years, holders can live, work, and study in the UAE, bringing family members, and traveling freely to and from the country.

Those wishing to retire in the emirate – including 41% of Dubai’s expats – can obtain a renewable five-year Retirement Visa, available to individuals over 55 with at least AED 1 million ($275,000 approx) in savings and/or property.

Both visas renew automatically, as long as requirements continue to be met.

The sweet spot

Dubai hits a sweet spot for the internationally mobile. An ideal combination of good weather, world-class amenities, no income tax and accessible visas.

When looking to move for a better quality of life, no wonder Dubai tops the list.