Qatar vs United Arab Emirates (Dubai): Cost of Living, Safety & Quality of Life Comparison 2026
Qatar and United Arab Emirates (Dubai) sit close on our overall quality of life index (Qatar 7.4/10, United Arab Emirates (Dubai) 7.6/10). The winner depends on which categories matter most to you.
On cost of living, Qatar scores higher than United Arab Emirates (Dubai).
Key scores at a glance
United Arab Emirates (Dubai) wins 9 of 16 categories we track; Qatar wins 6, with 1 tied.
- Safety — Qatar 9.3/10 · United Arab Emirates (Dubai) 9.2/10
- Healthcare — Qatar 8.6/10 · United Arab Emirates (Dubai) 8.5/10
- Cost of living — Qatar 5.7/10 · United Arab Emirates (Dubai) 5.5/10
See the full breakdown below.
Country guides: Qatar · United Arab Emirates (Dubai)