RIYADH: Three Gulf countries are among the top 10 best places to live in the world for expats, with the UAE climbing 10 places to secure the 4th position, while Bahrain ranked 8th and Qatar took the 10th position, Arab News reported.

Switzerland retained its position as the number one place expats rated to live, while Australia came second, according to HSBC’s 14th annual Expat Explorer study.

Saudi Arabia was ranked 39th globally, out of the 48 places. Quality of life in the UAE constituted the main reason that makes expats stay longer.

Chief executive officer of HSBC in the UAE, Abdulfattah Sharaf said: “The overwhelming sense of optimism from expats in the UAE about the 12 months ahead is reflective of the quick response from authorities to tackle the social and economic impact of the pandemic.”

The survey looked at people’s salaries, career growth potential, job security and savings, but it also asked people about social issues.