Life in Dubai for Indians in 2025 is still full of promise, but not without its struggles. The city’s tax-free salaries and modern lifestyle continue to attract Indian professionals, yet many now find themselves juggling rising living costs and delays in getting paid.
Delays and Rising Costs Hit Expats
While Dubai still attracts thousands from India each year, especially for roles in finance, tech, and retail, issues around pay have become more visible. In the Indian expat salary payments industry Dubai, delays and disputes are a growing concern. Some workers report waiting weeks for wages. Others face cuts or unpaid overtime with little explanation.
Despite these issues, many Indians say life in Dubai still offers a better future. Mid-career professionals in the Indian expat salary payments industry Dubai can earn anywhere from AED 12,000 to 30,000 per month. Senior roles, especially in fintech and compliance, go even higher—sometimes reaching AED 50,000 with benefits. One Indian working in the payments sector said he earns up to AED 40,000 monthly, which allows him to support his family back home comfortably.
Still, not everyone shares the same experience. Workers in lower-income roles often face delays or deductions that make life in Dubai for Indians more stressful. The Wage Protection System is meant to prevent this, but enforcement isn’t always consistent. When payments are late, families in India are the first to feel the impact.
Rising rent prices add pressure. Areas like Bur Dubai and Al Barsha, popular with Indian families have seen rent jump by more than 15% in the past year. Add in groceries, school fees, and transportation, and a middle-class family can easily spend AED 14,000 or more per month. Without regular pay, budgeting becomes a daily struggle.
Even so, many continue to see hope in the city. Life in Dubai for Indians still offers safety, world-class infrastructure, and a vibrant cultural mix. Indian festivals are celebrated widely, communities are close-knit, and job growth—though slower—is still steady in some sectors.
Authorities are starting to take action too. Companies in the Indian expat salary payments industry Dubai now face fines for violating wage laws. The Indian Embassy in Dubai is also working to support workers facing delays or abuse. The goal is to make the system fairer, especially for those earning the least.
For now, life in Dubai for Indians remains a balance. There’s opportunity, comfort, and career growth but also rising costs and uncertainty. Many say the city still feels like home. But to truly thrive, they hope for more stability, timely salaries, and a system that supports everyone equally.
