Dubai has been named among the most expensive cities for expatriate workers. Rents have risen sharply since the pandemic due to an influx of foreign workers, increasing by 100% in some popular areas, according to property consultancy Asteco. The survey covered 226 cities on five continents and looked at the cost of housing,
buggies trip, transportation, food, clothing, household items and entertainment. It was noted that in Dubai, prices for food and personal hygiene items increased. Between March 2023 and March 2024, the emirate saw prices for eggs, olive oil and coffee rise, while petrol, haircuts and jeans fell. It is worth noting that Abu Dhabi ranked 43rd, Riyadh 90th and Jeddah 97th.The top five most expensive
cities in the world globally included Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Swiss cities of Zurich, Geneva and Basel. The cheapest for foreigners were two Nigerian cities - Abuja and Lagos, as well as Islamabad (the capital of Pakistan).