A Growing French Community
Dubai is attracting more and more French nationals, drawn by professional opportunities, lifestyle, and tax advantages. In 2024, around 45,000 French citizens were living in the United Arab Emirates, including 30,000 officially registered with the consulate and 15,000 unregistered. This number has grown significantly in recent years and is expected to keep rising in 2025.
Dubai remains the top destination for French expats in the UAE, with a community estimated at over 22,000 people. The rise of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and young professionals is contributing to this rapid growth.
A Major Impact on Real Estate
With this influx of new French residents, Dubai’s real estate market is booming. In July 2024, real estate sales reached AED 49.6 billion, marking a 31.63% increase compared to 2023. The French are among the top international investors, looking to acquire luxury apartments, villas, and hotel residences to benefit from attractive returns.
This high demand has led to rising property prices and rents, especially in areas popular with expats such as Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah, and Palm Jumeirah. As early as 2022, rents had already increased by 20%, and the trend continues.
Why Are French Nationals Choosing Dubai?
1. An Exceptional Lifestyle
Dubai offers a modern, luxurious way of life with high-end infrastructure. The city is known for its iconic skyscrapers, beautiful beaches, massive shopping malls, and fine dining restaurants.
2. High-Quality French Schools
The emirate has a network of prestigious French schools, such as the Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou and Lycée Français Jean Mermoz, ensuring education in line with French academic standards and smooth continuity for expatriate families.
3. A Safe and Crime-Free Environment
Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world, with an extremely low crime rate. The absence of delinquency and drugs makes it an ideal place for families seeking maximum security.
4. Pleasant Year-Round Climate
With over 300 sunny days per year, Dubai offers an outdoor lifestyle full of beach days, water parks, and poolside fun. Summers can be extremely hot (45–50°C), but the city is fully adapted with air-conditioned infrastructure.
5. Leisure and Wellness Infrastructure
Dubai is packed with leisure activities: shopping in ultra-modern malls, water sports, world-class golf courses, luxury spas… Residential complexes often include pools, gyms, and green spaces.
6. Attractive Tax Benefits
The absence of income tax and heavy social charges draws many French entrepreneurs and freelancers, allowing them to grow their businesses freely.
7. A Thriving Business Hub
Dubai is a global hub for business and innovation. Its free zones offer major advantages to entrepreneurs, including simplified administration and tax exemptions.
A Continuing Trend in 2025
The number of French nationals in Dubai keeps rising in 2025, fueled by the city’s appeal, economic growth, and high quality of life. The real estate market continues to benefit from this influx, with growing demand for both residential purchases and rentals.
The Dubai Life: The Go-To Agency for French Expats
In this context, agencies like The Dubai Life, which specialize in supporting French-speaking clients, help expats find their ideal property. Whether it’s for buying, renting, or investing, The Dubai Life offers tailored services that make integration and success in Dubai easier for French nationals.
Conclusion
Dubai remains a top destination for the French, thanks to its exceptional lifestyle, safety, quality infrastructure, and booming real estate market. The flow of new residents is expected to continue into 2025, further strengthening the emirate’s appeal to French expats.
