Dubai trumps London as top city for US expats
Dubai: Dubai has emerged as the most sought-after destination among residents in the United States who are looking to work abroad.
A research by Aetna International, a health benefits provider, found that Dubai has just trumped London as the top destination for Americans.
The company, which has been tracking Google Trends data for the world’s 40 largest countries and their capitals since 2006, found that Dubai has been the most searched location since January 2013. London, which used to top the wish-list, landed the second spot. Paris, which occupied the third spot, is also attracting American interest, as well as Singapore and Rome.
“Compared with 2006, US citizens appear to be considering a far broader range of countries than ever before when it comes to working abroad. Dubai has now overtaken London as the most popular city for Americans looking for jobs overseas,” said Caroline Pain, marketing director Aetna International.
As of 2013, there were 7.8 million expatriates working in the UAE, comprising more than 80 per cent of the country’s population, according to published reports. Americans have a population share of approximately 40,000 in the UAE and the number is expected to increase.
More Americans are choosing to “expatriate” themselves to avoid the cost of complying with the US tax and banking regulations. During the first three months of the year, a total of 1,335 Americans denounced their citizenship, according to data from US Treasury Department.
“Since 2013, the overall trend shows a relatively steady level of interest in expat working,” Aetna International said in a statement.
Caroline Pain, marketing director, Aetna International, said people looking for jobs abroad are attracted by the safe and secure environment, as well as the employment opportunities and international lifestyle that Dubai offers.
“Thirty years ago, Dubai had to work hard to attract skills and expertise. Today, through incredible leadership and vision, Dubai is like no other place in the world, and is seen by many overseas jobseekers as offering great opportunity to develop careers in a range of sectors,” Pain told Gulf News.
“Those who want to work and live in a safe and secure environment, where English is widely spoken and there is a truly international lifestyle, will find few destinations to match the host of Expo 2020.”
