Residents in the UAE face mounting concerns over rising costs, with almost half citing the ‘cost of living’ as a primary stressor. Unfortunately, 2024 brings further financial strains as various expenses see upward trends.
- Higher Rents: Dubai’s prime residential areas anticipate up to a 20% rental increase, propelled by heightened investor interest, population surges, and the city’s allure for the affluent. Similarly, Abu Dhabi foresees a 3-5% rise in residential capital values.
- Remittance Fees: Expatriates sending money abroad will incur a 15% hike in service fees, impacting one of the world’s largest remittance markets.
- Salik Tolls: Motorists face heightened expenses with two new Salik toll gates, impacting both car owners and taxi commuters.
- Paid Parking: Dubai Mall shoppers will soon pay for parking as Salik implements a barrier-free payment system, adding to monthly expenditures.
- Gold Prices: Economic uncertainty drives gold prices upward, influenced by geopolitical tensions and global economic shifts.
- Standard of Living: Inflation is expected to rise by 3.0% due to geopolitical issues, population growth, and supply chain disruptions, impacting overall living costs.
As residents navigate these challenges, proactive financial planning becomes paramount to mitigate the impact on household budgets.
