Ras Al Khaimah has solidified its status as a global leader for expatriates, earning the top spot in the 2024 InterNations Expat Essentials Index. Outperforming 53 cities worldwide, the Emirate stood out for its simplicity in administrative processes, affordable and accessible housing, excellent digital services, and language inclusivity, making it easy for expats to settle and thrive.
The Expat Essentials Index, part of the annual Expat Insider report, evaluated 53 cities worldwide based on four categories. These include administrative ease, such as obtaining visas and managing bureaucracy; housing affordability and availability; the accessibility of digital services like high-speed internet and online government portals; and the ease of integration without requiring fluency in the local language. Ras Al Khaimah excelled in all these areas, achieving the highest overall ranking.
The survey reflects Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to providing a supportive ecosystem for its diverse expatriate community, guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. This focus on inclusivity and quality of life has positioned the Emirate as a destination of choice for expatriates worldwide.
In addition to leading the Expat Essentials Index, Ras Al Khaimah ranked second globally in the Working Abroad Index and fifth for Ease of Settling In. According to the survey, 72% of respondents found it easy to secure housing in the Emirate, compared to a global average of 45%. Furthermore, 69% reported no significant concerns regarding bureaucracy or language barriers prior to relocating, significantly higher than the global average of 29%.
InterNations, which conducted the survey, has a global membership of over 5.4 million individuals spanning 420 cities and 166 countries. These rankings underscore Ras Al Khaimah’s status as a global leader in fostering expatriate satisfaction, with its innovative policies and focus on community well-being continuing to attract residents from around the world.
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