DUBAI: The UAE has been named the Middle East’s most popular destination for expats, and 10th in the world, in a survey that polled nearly 30,000 migrant workers around the globe.
The HSBC Expat Explorer Survey 2017 placed the UAE two places higher than the previous year, ahead of destinations such as the US, UK and Hong Kong Singapore remained at the top of the list, while Norway climbed six places to the second spot, ahead of New Zealand that dropped a place. Meanwhile Germany and the Netherlands both climbed dramatically into the top five compared to the previous year.
In the latest HSBC Expat Explorer Survey, the UAE climbed two places to secure the tenth position, edging out Switzerland, which dropped from the fifth spot in the 2016 rankings to the 11th place.
Bahrain was ranked 13, having dropped from ninth in 2016, while Oman was 15th, up three places from the previous year.
The survey looked at people’s salaries, career growth potential, job security and savings, but it also asked people about social issues, such as how easy it was to make friends, health care and access to culture.
People were also asked about how easy it was raise children, how safe people felt where they were living and general quality of life.
The UAE scored high on economic areas, coming fifth overall, but did not fare so well on areas concerning people’s social and family lives.
“Expats living in the UAE are rewarded for their hard work… (it) attracts a wide range of people keen to live and work away from home,” the report stated.
Proportionately there are more expats living in the UAE than any other country, who said their motive to moving to the UAE was to improve their earnings.
“With a small local population, the UAE’s economy depends on qualified expats who move here to boost their income. It came fifth in the economics category of our 2017 Expat Explorer Survey, with high rankings for disposable income, wage growth and career progression” the report added.
Bahrain came 13th overall in the survey, scoring particularly well on earning potential and for raising children, with 71 percent of those questioned believing there were better opportunities than in their home countries.
“Bahrain also scored highly as a place to raise children – 71% of expat parents believe their children have a better quality of life than in their home country and 57% said that Bahrain offered better health and wellbeing options for their offspring,” the report explained.
Described as the “Arabian peninsula’s scenic gem,” Oman is described as laid back and accepting, as well as tolerant.
But while Oman climbed three places in the 2017 survey, the report did warn that expats were finding it increasingly difficult to find work.
“It’s becoming more difficult for expats to get a job in the country due to its Omanization program,” the report explained.
But it added: “If you’re able to work in Oman, you’ll probably earn well and have a higher disposable income than you did back home. And there’ll be plenty of opportunities for you to spend your money – from dining in gourmet restaurants to shopping at traditional markets known as souks.”
Other countries of note, included India at 14, while the Philippines were 24th – ahead of the US and the UK which ranked 27th and 35th respectively.
Meanwhile Saudi Arabia was 40th, Kuwait came 42nd and Egypt 46th.
Three Gulf nations make top 20 most popular countries with expats
Three Gulf nations make top 20 most popular countries with expats
Cruise Saudi strengthens global ties as Celestyal makes maiden calls to Jeddah
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia is accelerating its push to become a global cruise hub, with Cruise Saudi — a wholly owned Public Investment Fund subsidiary — expanding international partnerships to draw more travelers to the Kingdom’s Red Sea and Arabian Gulf ports.
The latest milestone came as award-winning Greek cruise line Celestyal completed its first-ever calls to Jeddah, signaling rising global interest in Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural attractions.
The visits form part of Cruise Saudi’s strategy to build a year-round cruise ecosystem that supports tourism growth, boosts local supply chains, and contributes to the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification.
Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites — AlUla, Jeddah Historic District, and Al-Ahsa Oasis — are now accessible by sea, with curated shore excursions designed to deepen visitor engagement.
Cruise Saudi aims to welcome 1.3 million cruise passengers annually by 2035, creating 50,000 direct and indirect jobs and positioning the Kingdom as a premier international cruise destination.
The 1,360-passenger Celestyal Discovery arrived in Jeddah on Dec. 5, following the 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey, which made its maiden call on Nov. 29. The Journey concluded a seven-night Athens–Jeddah itinerary with stops in Turkiye and Egypt, marked by a traditional plaque exchange ceremony attended by Cruise Saudi executives, port officials and Celestyal representatives.
Passengers were welcomed with traditional Saudi hospitality and toured Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district, bustling souks, and cultural sites. Some Muslim travelers also visited Makkah to perform Umrah.
“We are honored to celebrate our maiden call in Jeddah alongside our partners at Cruise Saudi, marking the beginning of a long and effective relationship,” said Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal.
He added that Jeddah’s role as “the cultural heart of Saudi Arabia” presents strong potential for cruise tourism.
Barbara Buczek, chief destination experiences officer at Cruise Saudi, told Arab News: “This maiden Red Sea sailing highlights the strong appeal of the region and aligns with Cruise Saudi's commitment to developing seamless, high-quality cruise experiences in Saudi Arabia.”
She noted that Celestyal’s expanded itineraries reflect rising demand for distinctive Red Sea and Arabian Gulf voyages.
Since its launch in 2021, Cruise Saudi has activated five cruise ports, introduced Aroya Cruises, the Kingdom’s first homegrown cruise line, and established Aman at Sea, an ultra-luxury JV with Aman Group set to launch in 2027. The company manages the full value chain — from terminals and berths to curated excursions — and has already welcomed more than 600,000 passengers of over 120 nationalities.
Celestyal, which carries more than 140,000 passengers annually across two refurbished vessels, is aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambition to transform coastal tourism. After departing Jeddah, both Celestyal ships continued to Abu Dhabi to begin the company’s second Arabian Gulf season.
Aroya Cruises has also launched a new seasonal program featuring stops in Mykonos, Athens, Crete, and coastal cities in Turkiye, expanding on a successful inaugural season that attracted over 95,000 guests.
The growing activity underscores Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a world-class cruise destination, supported by modern infrastructure, expanding routes, and experiences that highlight the Kingdom’s culture, heritage and hospitality.
