Why More Pakistanis Are Trading the American Dream for the UAE Dream

Last year, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting put out a press release noting that the UAE was a ‘second home’ to Pakistanis. It noted that over 1.8 million citizens were contributing toward its development. Hussain Muhammad, Consul General, expressed his gratitude to the UAE and highlighted how the Pakistani workforce provided support for nearly 2 million families back in Pakistan. 

Today, more and more Pakistanis are turning their attention towards the United Arab Emirates in search of a better life. Thus, it’s natural to wonder what happened to the American Dream. After all, in the past, Pakistanis have often chosen the U.S. and the U.K. as spots to emigrate to. Why then has the UAE found so much favor in recent times? That’s exactly what we’ll find out in this article. 

UAE Real Estate Is Very Popular Among Pakistanis

Pakistan also has a growing number of wealthy urbanites who want to maintain a connection with their roots. This tends to be easier in a country like the U.A.E., which has a similar culture when compared to America. Thus, when they want to settle down, many wealthy Pakistanis are starting to prefer the UAE. 

The Business Recorder noted that in 2024, Pakistanis moved into the top five buyers of real estate in Dubai, when previously, they occupied seventh place. That puts the country above other nations like Egypt (6th), France (7th), and, ironically, the UAE itself (8th). 

The fact is that Dubai investment properties have become a key factor behind the love Pakistanis have for the UAE. For those purchasing for personal use, the cultural similarity to Pakistan makes it an easy decision. Likewise, for those purchasing property as an investment, the healthy appreciation rates make property extremely attractive. 

The process is also relatively straightforward, unlike many countries that make buying property as a foreigner incredibly difficult. As RD Dubai explains, foreigners can buy freehold properties in several designated zones with no annual tax. That said, real estate is just one of the many reasons for the UAE’s popularity among Pakistanis.

Residency Is Faster, Clearer, and More Achievable

Everyone knows how hard U.S. immigration can be. It’s a process that can take years and sometimes, even decades, along with stacks of paperwork. In contrast, the UAE has several programs like the Golden Visa, Green Visa, as well as a number of long-term residency options targeted at investors and working professionals. 

That said, how easy is it really? Well, take the Golden Visa, for example. It is provided via property investment (another reason why buying real estate is so popular) and is valid for 10 years. Your property needs to be worth over AED 2 million or 152,654,500 Pakistani Rupees. 

In addition, both the UAE and the Pakistani government have recently discussed how to ease the visa process. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi noted that mutual steps were being agreed upon to facilitate work visas for Pakistani citizens, according to a report from Arab News.

Essentially, there’s a far clearer path to residency in the UAE, which makes planning a career and other long-term decisions much easier.

Location and Job Market Growth Make the UAE a Far Safer Bet

Another major reason that many Pakistanis favor the UAE over America is the hot job market. Unlike the United States, which currently experiences moderate job growth, the UAE is still enjoying strong growth and ample opportunities. 

Moreover, it’s not just the number of jobs available, but other factors like shorter hiring cycles that also play a role. Many Pakistanis get placed in weeks, which means they get to start working and earning sooner rather than later. 

Likewise, Pakistan is just a three-to four-hour flight away, meaning that people don’t feel the massive disconnect when living in the U.S. You always feel like home is just around the corner, which makes frequent visits to family in Pakistan much easier and cheaper. 

It also goes without saying that outside of Dubai, which is quite cosmopolitan, the rest of the UAE maintains a more traditional, Islamic lifestyle. In other words, Pakistan is quite culturally similar in terms of food, language, and community interactions. 

At the end of the day, Pakistanis will still visit the U.S. and succeed there as they have in the past. However, with the UAE being a far more friendly destination for both muslims and non-muslims alike, it’s soon going to be the obvious alternative for Pakistanis seeking a better life.