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I lived in Abu Dhabi for 6 years 2009 -2015. The first thing my boss told me is that everyone leaves, it’s just a question of whether your money pot or shit pot fills up first. This was good advice, I realised that it wasn’t a permanent thing, always had the end in sight and I squirrelled every spare penny away (off shore) and never emotionally unpacked. There are many material things that make the Middle East attractive but once you scrape the surface, you realise it’s a castle made of sand and the soul is as black as the oil it’s built on. If you go, leave your expectations about how you and others should be treated equally at home, understand that you have no rights, you are just labour, there is a cast system and what ever you do don’t upset a local. Then treat it like a bank job, get your head down and stick to the plan. Get in, grab the money, get out fast and don’t look back.
Totally agree. I came to Dubai 5 years ago I was 23 with a plan to work have my head down and save up to eventually leave with savings so I can buy a house but it’s so easy to spend your money and get distracted and end up with no saving. I remember when I was new to Dubai I saw girls who were here for 10 plus years, single with no savings or family and used to think I don’t want to be that. Now 5 years later I have barely any saving and still single longing for that community life. Anyways it was an experience and I’ll forever be grateful to Dubai. I’ve finally booked a one way flight back home. Want to add that Dubai just like any other parts of the world is great place if you have money and have a business but if you’re just a 9-5 employee it’s so depressing that you end up going out everyday and spend your money!
good for this guy but crazy to me that it takes some people years to figure this out. it's literally the biggest sh*t hole on earth and all the reports about it are out there in plain sight.
I was so looking forward to leaving this fake, overpriced city with controlled freedom of speech and stuck up, unfriendly people with miserable attitude. Never again!
Absolutely spot on, Liam. I have spent many years in Dubai, and what have I realized? Dubai is 'quicksand'. If you stay there for too long you'll sink, the longer you stay deeper you'll sink, and by the time you get out you'll be too old. Dubai is good for, holiday/visit but not for work and living. For professionals, it's career suicide. Everything is so artificial; people, friends, relationships, attitudes of the people and the city itself.
Wow, please elaborate some more. Why is it career suicide and why is everything artificial? Can you give examples please? Super interested in your experiences and view.
@@beslemeto err no??? Dubai is quite different and prolly not for anybody who is not affluent already. Or have a problem with th endogenous family rulers whimsical ways and laws. Also the sight of full on slavery -and not just extreme economic inequality- can get under your skin over time. Oh and then ofc even if you don't belong to lower classes perse you may happen to be a woman or gay, etc
This feels like the most honest, thoughtful, and unbiased review of living in Dubai I have come across. This video was really helpful and stands out amongst a sea of videos with an agenda, painting Dubai as either a paradise or a dystopia. Thank you so much for this.
Really depends on the type of person and your financial/career situation. I like Dubai, I think it is great, but for people from rich countries I wouldn't recommend it if unless the tax savings or salary increase is really substantial. Of course the hordes of influencers in Dubai can't make that much money to sustain a nice lifestyle here, and we gonna see many salty videos from them.
Just because someone has a different opinion from others doesn't mean he's the one telling the truth. Dubai is a wonderful city, no agenda no nothing. that's the future, accept it
Thanks Liam! I'm shooting several videos for my new UA-cam channel. BeyondTSG. And not that I'm trying to promote my channel here.. more like saying Thank you to you for helping create it. That why im commenting from my personal. But you and your videos are the reason why I actually decided to make my channel. Gonna help the public go Beyond The Spam & Garbage of everything AI is already flooding the market and coming in 2025. BeyondTSG. Gonna tag AI that's Beyond the rest and my loveable cat is (who lives on my shoulder) is gonna make fun of my dumba** in cartoon/stickers forms. But help the public get through this mess and sort through all TSG! BeyondTSG. And you helped build it 🙀yeah he needs emojis of me for this to really sell.. and we'll make sure to mention your channel as well and..apparently he thinks I'll look cute on tshirts or some shiz. ..whatever... he's a dumbarse..but mine😻😻😹 Thanks again for all your hard work and YES I was considering Dabi as a new location. Now Im reconsidering...after this..and well I need to get this damn channel fully going too. (Perfect windows aren't gonna last forever... ) -JR / BeyondTSG
Moving to Dubai 30 years ago was the best thing I ever did and I had lived previously in the UK, California and Australia. I got married here and had my daughter here. It is the best place to have kids who grow up into polite, driven and grounded young adults. I have witnessed that in my daughter and every one of her friends. I know I will be sad when the day comes to leave as this feels like home. Sure, it's not perfect- but nowhere is, and are there some cons, yes but they are few and the benefits and pleasure of living here outweigh them. When I need a nature fix, I will take my annual vacation to a number of places a short flight away and easy to pop to the Uk to visit family and be reminded of why I left to move here. And to feel safe is priceless.
Of course you love it there. Those Arabs are obsessed with blondes, especially women. You have been treated very well just for your looks and thats it. Just look have badly they treat blacks, Indians (many with advanced degrees), Asians like Filipinos and other not white-passing Arabs in the region. Dubai is an ugly place filled by fakeness everywhere.
I'm 40 years your senior, and I will suggest that people of your age (20-35 really) have _More_ opportunity than we had. Many "younger folks" don't think so, as they are mentally trapped in their geographic bubbles. But for those that realize the traditionally cultural (meaning Western) ideals are designed to only shackle one to "perpetually chasing the carrot". Whereas actually living a meaningful life doesn't revolve around debt, hustling 24/7, acquiring _Contrived_ trappings of success, etc. . I would submit that it wasn't the _Location_ (Dubai) that allowed you to flourish, it was the mere fact that you had the courage, wherewithal, and determination to venture out of your particular cultural bubble. It's the gettin' out part that seeds the success, not particularly where one goes.
It is not the same to start a company in San Francisco than in a small town in Mexico and moving from your city without capital and without support can destroy your morale before achieving success, in addition to the lack of opportunities and mentors.
@@orlandocastellanos9263 I don't disagree with you. Here is the _Nuance;_ You stated "... can destroy your morale before achieving success,". [Keyword: "can"] Such a move can also _Enhance_ ones position. The point is removing oneself from the mental bondage of ones geographic comfort zone. Indeed, getting away from the so-called support system, forcing one to engage, compromise, relate, and _Compete_ in the real world. Example; if on is not born into privilege, Being in San Francisco (Silicon Valley) will not typically present an advantage. It takes more than developing a better Mouse-trap, one also has to hone the skills to SELL the better mouse-trap the consumers or/and investors.
Dubai is for Emiraties, they have big extended families and roots there, it’s their land and culture, only they have citizenship, everyone else is just a visitor regardless of how long they live there. Local emirati men have no problem finding women as they marry within their community!
There are so many nice girls to be frank. I was there 10 years, met great girls, emirates crew. Very healthy lifestyle oriented. But I know there are others too.
Also the quality of guys too, "tech" entrepeneurs , or other wannabes flashy dudes doing reels with rented cars , superficial guys that came after the pandemic thanks to instagram , mostly which goes perfectly with the golddiggers . So i would say both suits each other. I could say majority of single guys are like this. plus . Ive living here 8 years so i know what i am talking about
For every good digger out there is a man that only will date a woman for her looks so what’s the difference? Both looking for a partner for the wrong reasons
As a female who lives in Dubai for more than 10 years I would like to say something about the dating scene. Decent women struggle finding decent men in Dubai because many men come to Dubai not looking for meaningful relationships but just casual flings and men purposely prefer dating eye candy who in their turn have their own “financial” goals. It’s a Demand- Supply situation.
For someone who lived in such a fake world for 2 years Im really glad you stayed so level headed - wonderful life experience for you Seems the old saying is true All the glitters is not gold Most videos show the wealth and glamour thank you for keeping it real and including the pros and cons
Agreed. I'm currently living in Dubai (moved here before Covid as a consultant for the government), and the dating pool here is not great. Isolation is real - especially if you can't find people with similar values. As you said, it's a numbers game. However, as an entrepreneur (having left the corporate world), having strong faith, wanting a family, and seeking a masculine man - not a sugar daddy - is tough and makes you feel like a unicorn. Most of my single female friends are in the same situation because we can't find men with a long-term vision (not just for love but even for their own lives). Most people are focused on status - not even true wealth building - and showing off to others, losing sight of what's truly important and fulfilling. But things will change soon. I've just subscribed and wish you the best on your next steps!
From all you’ve described from your own detailed experience and that of others what makes you say ‘but things will change soon’ how exactly?? Your answer should be interesting!
Dubai is great to touch down and get motivated by wealth and then disappear back into nature and grind with the motivation you got from there. Then once you start seeing the results, pop back out & enjoy your new wealth in Dubai or another city, then get back to the grind in nature. Balance between city & nature is key.
I lived there for 20 years and saw a lot of change. My family grew up there and I loved it back then. You're pretty spot on though with how things currently are. I still have a business there but it's getting harder and harder and more expensive to run it despite the hype.
The experience of convincing someone to invest and then facing a loss reminds us that failure is often a stepping stone to greater opportunities and growth.
Such an incredible, crisp, valuable and insightful video. I'll never be able to thank you enough. Thank you so much for creating this video and sharing everything. Top notch! :)
Lived and worked in Dubai and Abu Dhabi between 2006 and 2011 (age 26-31). Revisited in 2017 and 2019. I can confirm everything that you said here. Even then had a tendency to became progressively more expensive and... soulless. I would add that if you do business with local entities (most of them gov. controlled) you will have a hard time getting paid. I had the luxury of being surrounded by friends, but still felt... dry. Left because of burnout, weather, shallow humans and the feeling I was struggling in vain after the first 2 years. Learned and earned a lot though. Only regret is that 5 years was too much, 2 would have been enough.
I lived there too and agree with you. I have a close friend who is musician from Spain, and he got scammed by employers many times, and couldn't work easily because he didn't have a company and a license to work as an artist, which is nonsense because it only limits the amount of people than can work and make their art and bring that soulful vibe.
Try to live in Australia, you will feel about people and making friends the same. It’s always happening when you are immigrating. People always compare their home country where they have relatives and friends with a new country, so the last one will be always not in favor of the first one
Hmmm not right :) I lived there for 2.5 years and everyday after moving back to Finland (for my dad being in a bad state) I’m praying to god to move back there. I wish I spent more time there. So please don’t talk on behalf of others. I know many other Europeans who feels the exact same. I’m moving back there anyway in 2 months.
As someone who lived in Kuwait for 7 years, I can attest that this is by far the most comprehensive 'reflections on...' piece to camera I've seen. Everything mentioned here is absolutely true (to date), and unless certain things change, is likely to remain that way for some time yet.
Moved my family back to the US after living there for 10 years because of the lack of community. I also found children there to be more spoiled and more bratty than kids in the US. My kids are more happy back in the state than they were in Dubai
The kids in the US are def. worse 😂😂😂I taught in the Middle East for a long time. They are indeed spoiled but the children here in the US are awful, please don't sugarcoat it. 😂😂😂
@@ThePinkPantha21like everywhere, it’s probably quite dependent on state and neighbourhood. I’m not even American, but you shouldn’t just generalise one of the planets largest countries 😅
@@ThePinkPantha21 well, that sounds like an anecdotal unbalanced take and I wonder what kind of experienced teacher in the Middle Ease uses that many crying smiley emojies...
Your priorities will change as you get older due to the experiences you have when you are younger. My daughter is 24 as well. She is out on her own learning to survive. No matter how hard we parents try to prepare our children in advance, they simply end up having to learn on their own, and hopefully not die in the process. :)
Sorry to say sir but most of gangs take gilrs give them greed most of girls here are prostitute I know many girls here who say I'm in real estate business but actually millimoires fuck them that's reality
@@Jesus-The-Everlasting-FatherIt's very easy for person can get arrested in Dubai for stupidest reason. All my friends in Dubai have spent at least a night in police custody, and got released next morning.😂
This is the first time I am seeing one of your videos. I'm very impressed with your no-nonsense, quick moving approach. I look forward to seeing more of your videos.
Best Dubai Pro/Con Video. I have lived there 7 years of my life and i would just add to it.. Expats know that they will be there only for a few years... This in combination with the fact that you need to know people to get ahead makes people ruthless... Relationships become very egoistic.
@theancientsancients1769 Yes, during those years, if you had a pulse and happened to live in dubai, you probably made a ton of money. I was referring to the values that make up a person's character though. It's crazy how you can tell who is new to dubai and who is already corrupted just by speaking to them for a few minutes...
you so mature for your age.... to see all this things im impressed.... a girl who lives in uae, i can agree with everything you said. congrats to your parents for giving you this education...all the best in your future
@@haunter90Wasn't much in the way of values during the greedy and brutal Ceausescu period. Who do you think you are? You think the greedy Emiratis have values--they only "value" money.
We lived in Dubai for 7 years, and have been out now for 6 years. This is the best, most rational and accurate reflection of Dubai I have watched on UA-cam. Well done 👌🏻
YT suggested this video to me. I appreciate your honesty in this video, you seem very sincere. I totally understand all the pro's and con's you are mentioning. All the best to you!
I visited Dubai last winter, but preferred Cyprus where I have been multiple times, and arriving in Cyprus after spending a couple of weeks in Dubai was a real relief! I'm from Denmark btw. They have lots of nature and then Limassol is pretty metropolitan, almost like a mini Dubai but better. Going there again in 2 weeks
I don't know about Dubai ,but i live in Cyprus and i am very disappointed ,the cities and small towns here are not really impressive compared to Italy or Spain, not so green ,full of messy buildings ,there are many roads in bad condition, there are many missing sidewalks ,trash bins always in the streets which looks ugly, some parking areas are not concreted at all, trash on the streets. People don't walk here mostly drive cars, winter is very boring ,many touristic places are closed. Many people smoke cigarettes here which is really annoying when u sit in a cafe outside. There are also many very old cars which pollute the air which should be forbidden. This year supermarkets are more expensive fruit kg costs 4€ , salaries here are low. Limassol is very expensive ,overrated ,there are few skyscrapers that's all . Cyprus isn't so modern, many people don't even have air conditioner at home ,this summer is very hot and humid, without air conditioner unbearable , electricity price is very high.
@@catsfan_M Maybe you would prefer Dubai, but I doubt it. Spain and Italy are nice too, but have their own problems. Overall I think what Cyprus offers is pretty good depending on your circumstances and preference of course
Great video, I enjoyed it. I have just relocated to Dubai from New Zealand as well (Taranaki born and raised). We've been here 3 weeks now (I say we, as I have a family with 2 young kids) and already I can resonate with a lot of the points you have outlined in this clip! However, one thing that I would say is more of a pro than a con is the community point. But that is because we moved into a family orientated community - there are kids and young families everywhere. We have met more people in the last 3 weeks than we would have met in a year in New Zealand. Which is nice. I have been surprised (and frustrated) how slow and stressful 'setting up' has been here though. LOTS of paper work, lots of unexpected fees, lots of extra costs I wasn't aware of and also lots of delays. Though we did choose the hard path when it came to moving - We purchased a house here on a mortgage, and I'm self employed - moving the company to Dubai - so there has been a lot more work compared to say someone moving here and just renting and getting a job and a salary. Anyway, like you - the location is a big driver for my move. Plus I wanted to be surrounded by ambition and recognised NZ was not the best place to grow my business (I travel to Europe a lot as well). Plus, I didn't think NZ was the best place for my kids (poor schooling, medical system etc). Will Dubai be our forever 'home', who knows. We'll definitely give it a solid crack. But I wouldn't be surprised if in 2-5 years we're moving out for another change.
Had lived in Shanghai for 13yrs, I realized immediately this is not my place at all right after I arrived in Dubai yesterday. I'm joking with my friends this is just a heated version of Pudong, shanghai，city of steel and concrete, extremely wide streets with traffic jam nor no space for people to walk. As a person from the country with overbearing government, I can even sense the regime here also doing the same in every aspect in the society, like you can not call someone with whatapp, messenger, telegram, facetime, Chinese wechat, only the two apps of their own, unless opening your vpn all the time.
I am sorry to put this out it's just a personal opinion, I would totally fail to understand why someone would like to leave a nature abundant paradise like new zealand to move to dubai. As a nature, waterfalls and cold weather loving guy, even your pros sounded like cons to me. But yeah the money is good.
if in younger years when one has peak stamina one makes great sacrifices to make serious bank, then perhaps one can retire in their 40's and do whatever they want while that bank keeps churning and growing on auto pilot.
Interesting video. As someone who has been living in Dubai for 2 decades now it's quite surprising how different the experiences of individuals can be. Personally I would have to say my list would look completely different. For example I feel Dubai Police are some of the friendliest police from anywhere and I would have so many stories to share to back up why I feel the way I do. I also don't think it's particularly difficult here for entrepreneurs, quite the opposite. There are so many companies that handle every little aspect and supporting to make your life easier and as there is a lot of competition prices are very reasonable for all these services. Even groceries and food are much lower than lets say in Europe or the US. Of course if you only buy imported products then you will pay a premium but if you buy fresh produce meat chicken seafood and locally produced items you will spend much less than in the Western world. Restaurants take out the same. Of course there is no limit if you go to high end places but you would not have to choose such places if you are on a limited budget. Also never had an issue as far as dating goes, of course it always depends on what you are looking for. But then again I am a female and as you already mentioned the gender distribution is really in our favor here 😇I enjoy being treated in a more old fashioned, gentlemanly way which is unfortunately not the norm anymore in the west. The negatives for me after all these years in the UAE would be 1) definitely the weather during the summer half of the year. I don't mind dry heat but the humidity in summer it's just insufferable. 2) Nature. You are absolutely correct about that, I can relate to your missing the outdoors and true nature beyond a landscaped garden. I do enjoy going out of the city to the desert or even the mountainous areas that we have here, but it's still a far cry from much more scenic nature in so many other places around the world. As a third negative I would have to state that you can never rely on rules and regulations here to remain the same. Today it's like this then they might implement a new law from one week to the next and suddenly your whole business might be in jeopardy if the new rules somehow affect you. I've seen friends lose huge amounts of money that they had invested lets say in a restaurant and then suddenly one week they were told that this area is closed and that was that. No solution given and a lot of money lost. You also gotta be careful with who you do business. Let's say you are a construction company and win a contract for a government project. If any payment issues arise you are in trouble, not like you can go to court and sue them. Overall and to summarize, however, I do think that one can build a very good life over here. Sometimes I do consider moving elsewhere, it's mostly about missing nature for me, but it is certainly not easy to leave after being used to the convenient life style of Dubai.
Wonderful young man, this video is much more than a review of living in Dubai. Many will benefit from the wisdom of making the best of circumstances, finding and pulling oneself from a somewhat messy world and finding a clearer forward path. Nice going at 24.
But that is true everywhere. World has turned much more "winner takes it all". Now even high skiled professionals are perpetually running on hamster wheel.
I was born in America. I moved to Bogota Colombia recently. 9000ft altitude, cool and dry. 69F daily highs, 55F nightly lows. That’s everyday, year round. No humidity. No flies or bugs. A lot of tourists go to the beach cities or Medellin. Not for me. I love Bogota and I’m not leaving.
That was one of the best talking videos I ever saw, not only for this subject but in general. How you sorted your points in numbers made it super clear and user friendly. Thanks for the info.
The lack of nature would kill me. I'd be so damn depressed in a place like Dubai. Breathing exhaust fumes all day. The sausage fest and crappy women don't sound appealing either. I've been to NZ and it's just incredible. Nature is a far better sculptor than anything we can build. Unbelievably beautiful country and people.
I lived in NZ and since 25 years in cool green NW Spain , best move ever. Would never advice to fall into the nude bare cold damp poor violent overrated far flung NZ narrative unless you are a simpleton with no taste and background.
My summary of the quality of life in Dubai: Dubai is like a Christmas decoration ball, very beautiful on the outside , but completely hollow in the inside!
So you are very level headed, clear and focused plus you sincerely know what you do and don't want, and what your options are. So you made the most Dubai for personal growth too. Well Done
EXCELLENT video thank you for succintly describing all of this. I visited Dubai a few years ago for a month and I often toy with the idea of moving there for a couple of years with the taxfree setup but Im a US citizen and have been more strongly feeling pulled to set up home base in NYC. After watching this video I KNOW that my feeling of being called to New York is a MUCH better fit for me. I have been traveling and visiting family the last couple years and I really miss sense of community plus the extremely strict laws do not work well for me. So I am very grateful for your summary and showcase of who is and who isnt a good fit for the place. Cheers!
I’ve been living here for 8 years. I couldn’t agree more with everything you said. I can specially relate to the part you said it made you see what you don’t want to become.
@@makanamozo Outdated misinformation. Downsides of Dubai are clearly not the infrastructure nor convenience of living, this is ridiculous UA-cam knowledge. The downsides are a little more nuanced and it is hard to grasp because most countries don't have a society of 90% foreigners in transient state. The fact that most people in Dubai don't and can't see it as their permeant home has a deep impact on the culture and the behaviour.
1 Of the best videos of the pros & cons of Dubai. Dubai is worth the visit, but it needs to be short term. I lived in Dubai for too long was there for 12 years. Great video sums up Dubai.
I came to Dubai for 2 weeks and have now been here for just over 8 years. We're not into the nightclub and partying scene. It depends on what you're looking for. There's many positives and I think like any country it comes with some variety of characters. The lack of violence and crime is an absolute blessing. We do a lot of outdoor activities during the cooler months and stay in and focus during the summer or head off for a month here and there. May not stay here forever, but grateful to be here and experience the kind friendly people we've met here.
You forgot about the weather, though it is very harsh in summer but it is amaizing at least 8 months out of 12. Pretty good description of Dubai.The taxe free is just out of this world. You make money selling your house, it all goes to your bank account, no queations ask. You make money on the stock market, except for transaction fees and dividend, zero taxe. You own a property, zero school taxe or annual taxe. Just housing fees on electric bill and maintenance fee for the community maintenance where you live.
@@mteokay1246 Agree, there is something like 70-90K non taxable and some expense deduction available to Americans. But you are right, there is no hiding for USA citizen.
Love your genuineness of your experience in Dubai especially the Cons that people might not see at a personal level, as what they see is just things on the surface about growing money.. Best of luck going back to NZ!!
I’ve lived in the UAE for 12 years and I love living here. The sun, sand sea lifestyle is something I always dreamed of when I lived in the UK. Every day is like a holiday. I work for semi-govt and have a fantastic salary and benefits which I could not get in the UK. In this video, he says 70% of the population is male which is true but the unequal gender distribution is due to large number of migrant labourers from south-east Asia who are the very low paid construction workers or retail assistants or office boys (although most are not boys, they’re grown men). If you put the construction workers to one side and you focus on Westerners, Americans, Australians, Europeans etc, I’d say there are more women than men. This guy in the video says he moved there on his own at 22 years old and worked long days as an entrepreneur, sometimes until 11 at night. Not surprised he felt a bit lonely and a lack of community and found it hard to date. That’s not the way to make friends, and find ladies to date. How you experience Dubai depends on so many different things, your age, your social skills (how good you are at making friends easily), who you work for or if you work alone, people you already know there, your knowledge and understanding of the culture and ‘how things work’, if you like the sunny beach lifestyle etc. I think if this guy goes back to Dubai or Abu Dhabi 10 years from now (when he’s a bit more worldly) with, say, a girlfriend, group of friends or if he’s married with kids, he’ll see it from a different perspective and will look back on his early twenties and realise he was not in the right place at the right time for what he wants out of life. For me, for my friends, it’s amazing. We love it here. The only way to know if it’s right for you is to experience it for yourself.
Nope. Construction workers (including well paid Engineers,etc) are about 1.6 million. There are still way more men than women. It's just those male western expats aren't aware that they're running through the same few women. You can't be with arab and Muslim women, so most male expats are part of roster of some EE/Filipina women that are already married back home
11:22 you're spot on this because as you said Dubai attracts a certain types of guys and I definitely don't want to be associated with them I think going to Dubai as a tourist makes sense more than actually living there it's seems like an empty concrete city with no soul compared to other cities
First time viewer and I think it's a fair analysis. Personal safety is quite underated, Dubai (and UAE overall) is hands down the safest place on earth which one appreciates as they get older, or have young children or from a religious minority.
Can't be safer than Japan. In Japan you can forget your wallet somewhere and 3 days later it'll still be there... It's an alternative universe, not another country.
You present a well balanced perspective. I'm a much older guy and I've lived in a few different countries in Europe and Asia. I've been to Dubai a few times on business trips. I didn't see anything that would attract me to live there. I think what you describe as the positives, can be found in many places around the World. (at a much lower cost) Good video, well done.
We lived in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for the last 10 years and for us, it's a different experience. I've met a lot of our friends there. It's easier for us since there are a lot of fellowmen from our country (Philippines), living and working there. You are right with your pros and cons, but it taught us much knowledge, built wisdom, and plans for our future. We love how accessible Dubai is when you travel to Europe. We moved to Australia after that and considered it the best for our family and future. But we miss the desert once in a while, the people, the culture, and the food scene.
Your blog is so reassuring to me, an older individual, about this younger generation. You seem to have a valuable outlook on life and good work ethic. Wish you the best for an interesting, fulfilling life!
I’m military, I lived in Bahrain, Dubai and Saudi, all truth told. I loved it there but still wanted to leave. When I look back at it, it’s like it wasn’t a real place. Hard to describe. I want to go back for a long time but I don’t want to stay.
Hi I also lived in the same 3 countries. Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Jeddha. Over 10 years. I really enjoyed it. But the whole time I was there I always felt this is not my home.
I must admit, I didn’t watch your entire video but did catch the first 5 minutes. The comments section is full of people sharing their experiences in Dubai. Dubai is a major business hub connecting the MENA region, much like New York, London, or Mumbai. It’s a highly competitive city, and for those seeking a more community-oriented environment, other cities within the Emirates might be a better fit. Dubai is a Muslim city, but it's also a tolerant one that welcomes people from all nationalities and religious backgrounds. It's important to remember that life isn't just about chasing money and wealth. Many who relocate from Western countries often do so because they struggled to find suitable employment at home.
Impressed with how level headed you are and not being a typical Gen Z-er. First time I was in Dubai was in 1991 and already felt back then as a superficial, soulless and material world. When a woman tells me she lived in Dubai for a few years, I say no thanks and move on. Yes you can get something out of Dubai as you experienced and described. You did a great job, discovered, worked hard, learned a lot and realize that a truthful, natural, humanely life doesn't take place in Dubai. To me it's an empty, overly regulated, material focused and shallow society. Thanks for this great vid and analysis. You're only 24 with more wisdom and grounded spirit than 99% of 44 y.o. and older. You're rocking your life very well. Cheers and keep on going and teaching people about the true values of Life. ⭐💜✌️
I've never been to Dubai, but generalization never did any good to me. I'll tell you this, stats shows that 80% of women in the US are not okay with men making less money than they are and that doesn't make them bad people. Just like a dude who is showing off a very beautiful woman next to him is not a bad person.
you judge someone instantly because they said they lived somewhere for a few yeasr? Without even knowing anything about them and their experience, and say no thanks? NO THANKS! 😂😂
Nice assessment, your bonus pro hit the nail on the head. I moved there in the mid nineties and left 2009 after seeing the country go from a jewel in the desert to an oasis of grotesque opulence. Sounds like you did it right and took the best parts and left with a clear wise head.
Lack of nature is why I’m leaving too. Not a whole lot of greenery. And the heat between June to October is awful. I don’t agree necessarily about the police. They’ve always been helpful in my experience. Nothing to fear if anyone’s moving here. :) Cost of living is high yes - but high salaries with no income tax makes it all manageable. It’s a great city- but at some point - you might get tired of it. If you’re someone who craves nature - you won’t last long. Another great thing is - travel is super easy- well connected to lots of great travel destinations.
I came across your video your thoughts about your 2 years in Dubai. After listening to what you had to say and having lived 16 years in Dubai, I felt the need to take my time and type this lengthy mail to counter some of your points. I have also lived in New Zealand so I am able to compare both the locations baed on my experience. I will list them in the order you presented in your video. Please also note that I am not an emarati and have no affiliation to the UAE in any way. Pros 1. Weather - Yes it is hot pretty much throughout the year. But what did you expect? It is a desert country. It does get hot but every structure is air conditioned and may I add also well maintained in most of the cases. Compare this with the way heat pumps that they use in NZ. It is fitted only in the living room when we spend atleast 8 hours of our life sleeping in the bedroom and the builders there have no clue of how the human body works. NZ prides in following the best standards but is no where close to following the WHO standards for healthy indoor temperatures. I need not add the mouldy houses. 2. Efficiency convenience - You got that right. Everything is at our finger tips. Although I expected some delays in online worldwide delivery, nothing prepared me for such a laid back atmosphere in NZ. Police stations and pharmacies close by 5PM, some restaurants stay open till 8PM (unless you are the CBD of a major city like Auckland) but McDonalds is open 24 hours. Talk about priorities. 4. Focus - Surprised that you even thought of working till late night while everyone back home in NZ would promptly put down their pens or tools exactly at 5PM and walk away. Ask them to work any longer and there would be an endless tirade about work life balance and how they felt stressed. What baffled me even more what any tradesman would charge me for the time they took to travel from their home or office to my place to carry out the work. Some even charged me for the mileage and fuel. I call this a major BS, clearly businesses there do not know about overheads. Thats not how businesses work in other parts of the world. I have told many not to every leave NZ for fear of getting a kick in their nuts (figuratively). 6. Safety - I totally agree with you on this. 8. Drug Laws - This is excellent too, something that NZ is missing. 9. Face ugly part of society - Really? Are you not aware that there is a vibrant night and may I add adult culture alive and thriving in NZ? Met with a gal once who was proud of her work as a part time escort after her daily grind of being a receptionist. Her clientale sounds exactly like what you described in your last pro. You didnt have to travel all the way to Dubai to learn that. Con 1. Dating - No matter how progressive it looks, Dubai is still a part of an islamic country. There is always an uncurrent of conservative ideologies no matter where you go and what you do. The authorities do close their eyes to some of the vices that go on. It would be foolish of any one to thing that Dubai is a dating mecca. But I have heard this only from the western community. Most of the other nationalities that go there have just one aim - earn as much as they can and get out. 2. Lack of community - Totally wrong here buddy. And again, this is a feeling that I have seen only amongst the western community. They make only about 2% of UAE's demographics and it might be difficult for them to find other westerners to integrate. Plus their idea of community is vastly different from those of say Indians or Filipinos. I have been lucky to be friends with people from both these communities and never did I feel there was a lack of community. Didou ever try to mingle with other nationalities when you were there? And I dont mean just as an aquaintance but real family level friendship? 3. Lack of nature - Refer back to the first point under pros. It is a desert country and that in itself is a part of nature. Nature doesnt mean only greenery, even a desert landscape is very much part of this planet and has its own beauty. Did you every try desert safari, a trip to the wadis of Fujairah or the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah? Yes the temperatures are high but on the contrary the temperatures are low in NZ. For all those who keep bragging about the nature in NZ, you can enjoy it for a couple of weeks but after that it looses its charm, just like any other place. And you cant eat nature can you? 4. Too stict law - Again, really? Throughout my stay there, I never ran into any trouble. Use your common sense and follow the rules. I must say that I found the police in NZ to be too gentle to the point that they lack guts to take necessary action to put away the scum of the society away for good. I ran into a NZ post worker once who said people send weed through the post (mind boggling) and when it is traced and handed over to the police, it gets delivered back to the sender by the police. This is utterly ridiculous. But if this is what you grew up with, no wonder you find it scary to be confronted by a touch policeman. NZ should learn something. 5. Lack of leisure - Refer back to points 2 and 3 under cons above. You can always have proper leisure if you know where to look and also learn to adjust to a new environment. Not trying to be rude, but you cannot expect the comfort of your mama's home in other places. 6. Poor business infrastructure - When in rome, be a roman. Did you ever try to learn any Arabic and befriend an Arab? Yes you need to know the right channel to get things done, like I did. You cannot apply the rules of NZ in other parts of the world. Either adapt or get kicked out. 7. High cost of living - You must be kidding me. Complaining about the price of a coffee? The cost of living index in NZ is 94.3 compared to 72.1 in UAE. One has to pay clost to a million for a house in Auckland that usually has just one toilet/bath irrespective of the number of bedrooms, in most cases insufficient insulation in the walls with single glazing, heat pump just in the living room (houses there boil in summer and freeze in winter). Being from an engineering background, I can safely say that the builders there do not know how to constuct houses. You dont have to go through such difficulties in the UAE (there are exceptions in both places). And why do you always have to drink an americano or expresso from star bucks? In the two years did you not learn that the best tea or coffee if found in Adnoc petrol stations that cost 1 dirham? 8. Reputation - This totally depends on what kind of people you interact with. There will always be people on both side of the fence. Learn to look at the bright side and all is usually good. I never had any issues with this. 9. Isolation - Refer back to point 2 under cons. If you can build a good friend circle and by that I mean from different background and cultures, you would never be isolated. Again, I cant comment on your likes and dislikes, and it is possible that you do not like to mingle much which lead you to feel isolated. WHo should move to Dubai Why is it only to Dubai when it constitutes only 2% of the UAE. Have you tried living in Abu Dhabi which is a bit more slow and family oriented? I have found that a majority of westeners only like Dubai. Is that because you guys are all addicted to the pomp and glamour, and cannot survive without partying? 1. People from small country - entreprenuers. Why only this category of people? There are hundreds of other job categories. Let me digress a bit, have you noticed a work based racism in UAE? The emaratis get paid the highest, which is fine as it is their country. The next category is what is refered to as whites - white skinned people from western countries. All the westerners work ONLY in managerial or higher position, you will NEVER find them doing menial works. And when there is a 'white' doing the same work as a 'non white' guess who gets paid more? Now this should have been your big con. 2. Making money - Yes it is a place where you can earn good provided you are intelligent and know how to live within your means and save. But you mentioned tax saving. That should not be applicable to you. Assuming that you are a NZ citizen, any income you earn overseas is still taxable under NZ tax laws. If you arent doing this, you are evading tax back home. 3. Sacrifice community - Not at all, if you read my earlier points. Shouldnt move to Dubai 1. People from large countries like US - What about China which is also a large country and the biggest Chinese outlet outside China is in Dubai, and they are minting millions. Some of the Indian billionaire operate their business in UAE - owner of the Lulu supermarket is an example. And given the current situation in UK and other european countries, also US, they might be more than willing to move to UAE and work. 2. Adhere to law - There is a dark side to the UAE. I wont go into the details but you can search it yourself. 3. Control spending - It is no more expensive than NZ. If you are able to live in Auckland, then living in Dubai wont be any costlier. 4. Not making significant income - Unlike NZ and other similar countries, the rest of the world gives importance to credentials and education. In NZ an electrician can become a manager after a few years and any white skinned person by default works as a manager in the UAE. If one is intelligent and works smart, he or she can earn good. 5. Older inviduals - Correct. UAE wants your hard work, and you get paid for it. Once this relationship ends, you go back home. It doesnt need old and feeble individuals who cannot contribute to its growth. 6. Solve all your problems - Thats true for any place on earth. I have ranted enough. Please note that I am not trying to bash NZ or the westerners. On the contrary, I am stating the facts even if it sounds bitter. Cheers.
I think you forgot that he is just sharing his experience... There is nothing wrong or right about that. You are trying to push him to think that what you think is the right. That's exactly what I personally hate about Dubai: You don't get to decide other people their opinions, it's unique to them.
I came to Dubai as a photographer, as soon as you get your tripod out, there is a security guard jumping on you, I can't even make a picture of the sea... what a sick joke, an awful place, also way too much sun, heat, and humidity. Just beaches and shops...
I can't understand why anyone would want to keep visiting a live air prison. There are places people live with modest incomes but as free citizens and democracy.
Interesting. I have a very different perspective after 4 years coming to Dubai and 2 years living here. The sense of reputation maybe it’s attached to your market segment, whereas to me it has been a great asset being working in the UAE. No idea about the dating scene, but as per making friends and having a sense of community, my personal experience has been better than in the USA or Europe. Emiratis are extremely kind and it helps a lot trying to speak a little bit of Arabic (also as a matter of respect for their culture) and many expats I’ve met are here to stay (also maybe we are from different age groups). I’ve lived in NZ a long time ago, so I can relate to your extremely high standards as per nature and climate, but I’ve found so much beauty in the desert and desert life and, of course, it helps if you can afford taking a break elsewhere during summer time. As you said, it’s not for everyone and it seems that you tried to be very honest to your feelings in your video. Wish you best of luck in your next steps.
Hi Liam, great video, thank you for the dubai breakdown, I always wondered how it was living there. I have a question, the camera and lighting quality in your video looks great. Can you please tell me which camera/lens you are using and are you using a lightbox? thank you
Thanks mate. Was considering moving to Dubai having just started my business as a UA-camr, media buyer and affiliate marketer. Definitely will relook at my decision
I traveld to Dubai first last year , because a lot of influencers tell that Dubai is the best place to live...so i was there for 2 weeks to make my own picture. So at the first time i was shocked about that there is no free speech and actually the city has no soul and the bars where are women the air is freezed , because you can not just casually talk to a random women for a date or something. After 2 week i must say there was this positiv thing about the comfort and convinience.
@Enzo-G63 free speech is incredibly important and it’s sad that you don’t even realize why it has value. Like a goldfish in a small bowl that doesn’t dare to dream of being free because it’s dangerous out there in the lake so it tells itself that the bowl is great. All governments are unethical and corrupt, we have a right and a duty to criticize them.
@ashleylala4293 freespeech is overrated. Just an example.... many brag about freesoeech is USA, so can you say anything, without getting targeted or potentially losing your livelihood?
Lol "no free speech"? So 2 weeks in you have an issue with free speech. Pray tell what you wanted to say that you weren't allowed to and who actually stopped you??? I find it odd that being only there for 2 weeks you had an issue with free speech.
I literally had NO idea what it was like there so THANK YOU bro (I’ve followed your channel for Ai before) FANTASTIC quick real view for us all! AMAZING
Liam - thanks so much for posting such an interesting video! I'm not even considering moving to Dubai at this age and stage in my life but I found your attitude, maturity and presentation well worth my time. Good luck!
I grew up in regional Queensland and the best education investment I've made was to pack up and live overseas. I spent seven years in Europe and another 7 in Asia. Now, it's nice to be back in Queensland and Brisbane is a reasonably sized city. I still keep my eyes out for sound opportunities to live abroad. Congratulations on your ME adventure, Liam! You don't have to be a creep to mature and travel too.
Haha... you never hear of Aussies or New Zealanders choosing to go live in Central America or sub-Saharan Africa. Only some northern Europeans have the balls to do that....
I think you made the right choice! Dubai seems too artificial to me, in my 3 months there. New Zeeland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
You are a mature young man and this video is really great! I considered moving to Dubai years ago and Dubai missing a sense of community and nature were the main resons I decided not to.
From $10K to $25k that's the minimum range of profit return every week I think it's not a bad one for me, now I have enough to pay bills and take care of my family
Dude, you'd probably be happier in Singapore if you want to live in a big, sophisticated city with nature, community, infrastructure... all in a central location ✌🏽
I'm from the U.K and I just can't see myself going back there. That being I went to Turkey for the first time last month. That place was super cool. Best spots I've lived in - Barcelona, Hiroshima, Muscat and Bangkok.
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@@LiamOttley hey Liam do you teach total new beginners in this online space? Just interested in what you do, cheers bro.
Lots of scammers there also.
Please I need now reply me😢😢😢
I lived in Abu Dhabi for 6 years 2009 -2015. The first thing my boss told me is that everyone leaves, it’s just a question of whether your money pot or shit pot fills up first. This was good advice, I realised that it wasn’t a permanent thing, always had the end in sight and I squirrelled every spare penny away (off shore) and never emotionally unpacked. There are many material things that make the Middle East attractive but once you scrape the surface, you realise it’s a castle made of sand and the soul is as black as the oil it’s built on. If you go, leave your expectations about how you and others should be treated equally at home, understand that you have no rights, you are just labour, there is a cast system and what ever you do don’t upset a local. Then treat it like a bank job, get your head down and stick to the plan. Get in, grab the money, get out fast and don’t look back.
Thank you for being honest.
Well said
Sounds grim af. Fuck earning money under those terms.
lol thats not how it is at all
Totally agree. I came to Dubai 5 years ago I was 23 with a plan to work have my head down and save up to eventually leave with savings so I can buy a house but it’s so easy to spend your money and get distracted and end up with no saving. I remember when I was new to Dubai I saw girls who were here for 10 plus years, single with no savings or family and used to think I don’t want to be that. Now 5 years later I have barely any saving and still single longing for that community life. Anyways it was an experience and I’ll forever be grateful to Dubai. I’ve finally booked a one way flight back home.
Want to add that Dubai just like any other parts of the world is great place if you have money and have a business but if you’re just a 9-5 employee it’s so depressing that you end up going out everyday and spend your money!
The most valuable thing I got out of Dubai: "It was seeing where I don't want to end up."
Sums it up quite nicely.
good for this guy but crazy to me that it takes some people years to figure this out. it's literally the biggest sh*t hole on earth and all the reports about it are out there in plain sight.
I was so looking forward to leaving this fake, overpriced city with controlled freedom of speech and stuck up, unfriendly people with miserable attitude. Never again!
Dude prefers OLDER Women.. 😀
Should have moved to Abu Dhabi then or Bahrain or Oman there heaven
@@diorocks5858 Abu Dhabi for work and life, Dubai for mental reset and a healthy weekend portion of fakeness lol
Absolutely spot on, Liam. I have spent many years in Dubai, and what have I realized? Dubai is 'quicksand'. If you stay there for too long you'll sink, the longer you stay deeper you'll sink, and by the time you get out you'll be too old. Dubai is good for, holiday/visit but not for work and living. For professionals, it's career suicide. Everything is so artificial; people, friends, relationships, attitudes of the people and the city itself.
Wow, please elaborate some more. Why is it career suicide and why is everything artificial? Can you give examples please? Super interested in your experiences and view.
London is same....
@@beslemeto err no??? Dubai is quite different and prolly not for anybody who is not affluent already. Or have a problem with th endogenous family rulers whimsical ways and laws. Also the sight of full on slavery -and not just extreme economic inequality- can get under your skin over time. Oh and then ofc even if you don't belong to lower classes perse you may happen to be a woman or gay, etc
So true!
Absolutely I agree, a fake city with fake people. I spent 8 years of my youth there there and regret I didn’t get out early 😢
This feels like the most honest, thoughtful, and unbiased review of living in Dubai I have come across. This video was really helpful and stands out amongst a sea of videos with an agenda, painting Dubai as either a paradise or a dystopia. Thank you so much for this.
Really depends on the type of person and your financial/career situation. I like Dubai, I think it is great, but for people from rich countries I wouldn't recommend it if unless the tax savings or salary increase is really substantial. Of course the hordes of influencers in Dubai can't make that much money to sustain a nice lifestyle here, and we gonna see many salty videos from them.
Just because someone has a different opinion from others doesn't mean he's the one telling the truth. Dubai is a wonderful city, no agenda no nothing. that's the future, accept it
i totally agree with you and said the same thing to my partner! really well-balanced and genuine.
Thanks Liam! I'm shooting several videos for my new UA-cam channel. BeyondTSG. And not that I'm trying to promote my channel here.. more like saying Thank you to you for helping create it. That why im commenting from my personal.
But you and your videos are the reason why I actually decided to make my channel. Gonna help the public go
Beyond The Spam & Garbage of everything AI is already flooding the market and coming in 2025.
BeyondTSG. Gonna tag AI that's Beyond the rest and my loveable cat is (who lives on my shoulder) is gonna make fun of my dumba** in cartoon/stickers forms.
But help the public get through this mess and sort through all TSG!
BeyondTSG.
And you helped build it
🙀yeah he needs emojis of me for this to really sell.. and we'll make sure to mention your channel as well and..apparently he thinks I'll look cute on tshirts or some shiz. ..whatever... he's a dumbarse..but mine😻😻😹
Thanks again for all your hard work and YES I was considering Dabi as a new location. Now Im reconsidering...after this..and well I need to get this damn channel fully going too. (Perfect windows aren't gonna last forever... )
-JR / BeyondTSG
Moving to Dubai 30 years ago was the best thing I ever did and I had lived previously in the UK, California and Australia. I got married here and had my daughter here. It is the best place to have kids who grow up into polite, driven and grounded young adults. I have witnessed that in my daughter and every one of her friends. I know I will be sad when the day comes to leave as this feels like home. Sure, it's not perfect- but nowhere is, and are there some cons, yes but they are few and the benefits and pleasure of living here outweigh them. When I need a nature fix, I will take my annual vacation to a number of places a short flight away and easy to pop to the Uk to visit family and be reminded of why I left to move here. And to feel safe is priceless.
How do you compare California and Australia with Dubai?
Of course you love it there. Those Arabs are obsessed with blondes, especially women. You have been treated very well just for your looks and thats it. Just look have badly they treat blacks, Indians (many with advanced degrees), Asians like Filipinos and other not white-passing Arabs in the region. Dubai is an ugly place filled by fakeness everywhere.
@@thewhatorwhy mad lady
@@thewhatorwhy, expensive, not safe, bad culture
Totally agree 👍
I'm 40 years your senior, and I will suggest that people of your age (20-35 really) have _More_ opportunity than we had. Many "younger folks" don't think so, as they are mentally trapped in their geographic bubbles. But for those that realize the traditionally cultural (meaning Western) ideals are designed to only shackle one to "perpetually chasing the carrot". Whereas actually living a meaningful life doesn't revolve around debt, hustling 24/7, acquiring _Contrived_ trappings of success, etc. . I would submit that it wasn't the _Location_ (Dubai) that allowed you to flourish, it was the mere fact that you had the courage, wherewithal, and determination to venture out of your particular cultural bubble. It's the gettin' out part that seeds the success, not particularly where one goes.
It is not the same to start a company in San Francisco than in a small town in Mexico and moving from your city without capital and without support can destroy your morale before achieving success, in addition to the lack of opportunities and mentors.
@@orlandocastellanos9263 I don't disagree with you. Here is the _Nuance;_ You stated "... can destroy your morale before achieving success,". [Keyword: "can"] Such a move can also _Enhance_ ones position.
The point is removing oneself from the mental bondage of ones geographic comfort zone. Indeed, getting away from the so-called support system, forcing one to engage, compromise, relate, and _Compete_ in the real world. Example; if on is not born into privilege, Being in San Francisco (Silicon Valley) will not typically present an advantage. It takes more than developing a better Mouse-trap, one also has to hone the skills to SELL the better mouse-trap the consumers or/and investors.
I like this. Well articulated. Thank you for sharing.
dem right✌
Well everything is expensive now can afford to do anything
Dubai is for Emiraties, they have big extended families and roots there, it’s their land and culture, only they have citizenship, everyone else is just a visitor regardless of how long they live there. Local emirati men have no problem finding women as they marry within their community!
They're ugly on the outside and the poor things are ugly on the outside too. 😂
Dude. Living in Dubai 2 years now. You're 100% right. The dating scene is also full of women looking to level up at every turn. Gold diggers paradise
@Russo2024Zir There very few illegals hear. I think you mean expats. Dubai is supposed to be for us too. We drive the economy
There are so many nice girls to be frank. I was there 10 years, met great girls, emirates crew. Very healthy lifestyle oriented. But I know there are others too.
Also the quality of guys too, "tech" entrepeneurs , or other wannabes flashy dudes doing reels with rented cars , superficial guys that came after the pandemic thanks to instagram , mostly which goes perfectly with the golddiggers . So i would say both suits each other. I could say majority of single guys are like this.
plus . Ive living here 8 years so i know what i am talking about
if you go in Dubai for dating you are DELUSIONAL
For every good digger out there is a man that only will date a woman for her looks so what’s the difference? Both looking for a partner for the wrong reasons
As a female who lives in Dubai for more than 10 years I would like to say something about the dating scene. Decent women struggle finding decent men in Dubai because many men come to Dubai not looking for meaningful relationships but just casual flings and men purposely prefer dating eye candy who in their turn have their own “financial” goals. It’s a Demand- Supply situation.
Tried to find a rich guy and failed?
Thanks for your insight. Much appreciated.
@jxsilicon9 she was trying to find something deeper, your reading comprehension is poor like your attitude
everything is demand-supply sweet heart, but loved your analysis
@@Lost4llen not everything...
For someone who lived in such a fake world for 2 years Im really glad you stayed so level headed - wonderful life experience for you Seems the old saying is true All the glitters is not gold Most videos show the wealth and glamour thank you for keeping it real and including the pros and cons
Agreed. I'm currently living in Dubai (moved here before Covid as a consultant for the government), and the dating pool here is not great. Isolation is real - especially if you can't find people with similar values.
As you said, it's a numbers game. However, as an entrepreneur (having left the corporate world), having strong faith, wanting a family, and seeking a masculine man - not a sugar daddy - is tough and makes you feel like a unicorn. Most of my single female friends are in the same situation because we can't find men with a long-term vision (not just for love but even for their own lives). Most people are focused on status - not even true wealth building - and showing off to others, losing sight of what's truly important and fulfilling.
But things will change soon. I've just subscribed and wish you the best on your next steps!
consultant in what ?
Agreed. Dating is rough there.
From all you’ve described from your own detailed experience and that of others what makes you say ‘but things will change soon’ how exactly?? Your answer should be interesting!
Woh desperate you are
@@strategy419 strategy (: did projects to Expo and Dubai Economy
Dubai is great to touch down and get motivated by wealth and then disappear back into nature and grind with the motivation you got from there. Then once you start seeing the results, pop back out & enjoy your new wealth in Dubai or another city, then get back to the grind in nature. Balance between city & nature is key.
@@JeffLombardo Dubai has fucking very very low salaries for Asians
nailed it!
"Motivated by wealth." No thanks.
What a bullshit
@@organboi then go be motivated by poverty lol
I lived there for 20 years and saw a lot of change. My family grew up there and I loved it back then. You're pretty spot on though with how things currently are. I still have a business there but it's getting harder and harder and more expensive to run it despite the hype.
The experience of convincing someone to invest and then facing a loss reminds us that failure is often a stepping stone to greater opportunities and growth.
Assets that can make one successful in life
I. Crypto
2. Stocks
3. forex
You're right
But I didn't know why people remain poor due to ignorance
You're so right, Investing in crypto now is the best thing to do especially with the current rise in the market
people are really making a lot of money from it... therefore investing in it wouldn't be a bad idea 💡
speaking of crypto trading I know I am blessed if not I wouldn't have met someone who is as spectacular as expert Caitlin albrecht
Such an incredible, crisp, valuable and insightful video. I'll never be able to thank you enough. Thank you so much for creating this video and sharing everything. Top notch! :)
You built a pretty good case for 90% of people to not even bother thinking about Dubai.
Great where you from ?
@@mohammedaldowairi996 most probably not Dubai, you?
@@mohammedaldowairi996 Los Angeles
reputation should be #1, Dubai rat scammer
He trade New Zeland for Dubai.......Jesus....
Bro is always straight to the point. No Fuzz. Appreciate that!
Absolutely right
your bro ?? since when ??
Lived and worked in Dubai and Abu Dhabi between 2006 and 2011 (age 26-31). Revisited in 2017 and 2019. I can confirm everything that you said here. Even then had a tendency to became progressively more expensive and... soulless. I would add that if you do business with local entities (most of them gov. controlled) you will have a hard time getting paid. I had the luxury of being surrounded by friends, but still felt... dry. Left because of burnout, weather, shallow humans and the feeling I was struggling in vain after the first 2 years. Learned and earned a lot though. Only regret is that 5 years was too much, 2 would have been enough.
I lived there too and agree with you. I have a close friend who is musician from Spain, and he got scammed by employers many times, and couldn't work easily because he didn't have a company and a license to work as an artist, which is nonsense because it only limits the amount of people than can work and make their art and bring that soulful vibe.
Try to live in Australia, you will feel about people and making friends the same. It’s always happening when you are immigrating. People always compare their home country where they have relatives and friends with a new country, so the last one will be always not in favor of the first one
'I wish I had spent more time in Dubai'. Said nobody on their deathbed.
😂
Hmmm not right :) I lived there for 2.5 years and everyday after moving back to Finland (for my dad being in a bad state) I’m praying to god to move back there. I wish I spent more time there. So please don’t talk on behalf of others. I know many other Europeans who feels the exact same. I’m moving back there anyway in 2 months.
As someone who lived in Kuwait for 7 years, I can attest that this is by far the most comprehensive 'reflections on...' piece to camera I've seen. Everything mentioned here is absolutely true (to date), and unless certain things change, is likely to remain that way for some time yet.
Moved my family back to the US after living there for 10 years because of the lack of community. I also found children there to be more spoiled and more bratty than kids in the US. My kids are more happy back in the state than they were in Dubai
The kids in the US are def. worse 😂😂😂I taught in the Middle East for a long time. They are indeed spoiled but the children here in the US are awful, please don't sugarcoat it. 😂😂😂
@@ThePinkPantha21like everywhere, it’s probably quite dependent on state and neighbourhood. I’m not even American, but you shouldn’t just generalise one of the planets largest countries 😅
@@ThePinkPantha21 well, that sounds like an anecdotal unbalanced take and I wonder what kind of experienced teacher in the Middle Ease uses that many crying smiley emojies...
At least dubai is safe for kids, unlike the states where theres shootings, trafficking, drugs and kids cant go out without adults
American kids r worse than Dubai n most other countries I hv lived in. And dont even get me started on d random shooting culture jn American schools
Your priorities will change as you get older due to the experiences you have when you are younger. My daughter is 24 as well. She is out on her own learning to survive. No matter how hard we parents try to prepare our children in advance, they simply end up having to learn on their own, and hopefully not die in the process. :)
Sorry to say sir but most of gangs take gilrs give them greed most of girls here are prostitute I know many girls here who say I'm in real estate business but actually millimoires fuck them that's reality
Well said
Can’t escape Darwin 🐒
Well said.
Have been in Dubai for 21 years and he is spot on. Very clear video.
yeah, you'll get jailed for reporting sexual assault.
what has kept you in Dubai for so long if it's so bad?
I wouldn’t move to Dubai even if it was rent free…. Such a fake place.
There is no Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ in that country. It's just so dead. As if you are eating candy with a wrapper on it.
@@Jesus-The-Everlasting-FatherIt's very easy for person can get arrested in Dubai for stupidest reason. All my friends in Dubai have spent at least a night in police custody, and got released next morning.😂
This is the first time I am seeing one of your videos. I'm very impressed with your no-nonsense, quick moving approach. I look forward to seeing more of your videos.
You're such a good person
Best Dubai Pro/Con Video.
I have lived there 7 years of my life and i would just add to it.. Expats know that they will be there only for a few years... This in combination with the fact that you need to know people to get ahead makes people ruthless...
Relationships become very egoistic.
sounds like everything that's bad about capitalism dialed up to 11.
@@anab0lic nah it's human nature
@@ahbe9232 Nope, not everyone is selfish only thinking about their own personal gain.
People that struggle are the newbies from the last 7 years. Real money 💰 was made 2000s and early 2010s
@theancientsancients1769 Yes, during those years, if you had a pulse and happened to live in dubai, you probably made a ton of money. I was referring to the values that make up a person's character though. It's crazy how you can tell who is new to dubai and who is already corrupted just by speaking to them for a few minutes...
you so mature for your age.... to see all this things im impressed.... a girl who lives in uae, i can agree with everything you said. congrats to your parents for giving you this education...all the best in your future
Esti romanca, ai valori si apreciezi acelasi lucru la altii. Asta este (din pacate) o raritate in Europa de vest, in SUA, Canada, Dubai, etc.
@@haunter90Wasn't much in the way of values during the greedy and brutal Ceausescu period. Who do you think you are? You think the greedy Emiratis have values--they only "value" money.
Having traveled in and out of Dubai for many years, your assessment is spot on!
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience! Am considering moving to Dubai and found this review to be very honest and also inspiring.
We lived in Dubai for 7 years, and have been out now for 6 years. This is the best, most rational and accurate reflection of Dubai I have watched on UA-cam. Well done 👌🏻
Loved your BONUS PRO!!! Getting that awareness at a young age is a good thing. Way to go!!!
YT suggested this video to me. I appreciate your honesty in this video, you seem very sincere. I totally understand all the pro's and con's you are mentioning. All the best to you!
I visited Dubai last winter, but preferred Cyprus where I have been multiple times, and arriving in Cyprus after spending a couple of weeks in Dubai was a real relief! I'm from Denmark btw. They have lots of nature and then Limassol is pretty metropolitan, almost like a mini Dubai but better. Going there again in 2 weeks
You live in Cyprus? Do you speak greek?
@ahbe9232 no need you can speak English or Russian and be ok.
I don't know about Dubai ,but i live in Cyprus and i am very disappointed ,the cities and small towns here are not really impressive compared to Italy or Spain, not so green ,full of messy buildings ,there are many roads in bad condition, there are many missing sidewalks ,trash bins always in the streets which looks ugly, some parking areas are not concreted at all, trash on the streets. People don't walk here mostly drive cars, winter is very boring ,many touristic places are closed. Many people smoke cigarettes here which is really annoying when u sit in a cafe outside. There are also many very old cars which pollute the air which should be forbidden. This year supermarkets are more expensive fruit kg costs 4€ , salaries here are low. Limassol is very expensive ,overrated ,there are few skyscrapers that's all . Cyprus isn't so modern, many people don't even have air conditioner at home ,this summer is very hot and humid, without air conditioner unbearable , electricity price is very high.
@@catsfan_Mi agree 100 %
@@catsfan_M Maybe you would prefer Dubai, but I doubt it. Spain and Italy are nice too, but have their own problems. Overall I think what Cyprus offers is pretty good depending on your circumstances and preference of course
Great video, I enjoyed it. I have just relocated to Dubai from New Zealand as well (Taranaki born and raised). We've been here 3 weeks now (I say we, as I have a family with 2 young kids) and already I can resonate with a lot of the points you have outlined in this clip!
However, one thing that I would say is more of a pro than a con is the community point. But that is because we moved into a family orientated community - there are kids and young families everywhere. We have met more people in the last 3 weeks than we would have met in a year in New Zealand. Which is nice.
I have been surprised (and frustrated) how slow and stressful 'setting up' has been here though. LOTS of paper work, lots of unexpected fees, lots of extra costs I wasn't aware of and also lots of delays. Though we did choose the hard path when it came to moving - We purchased a house here on a mortgage, and I'm self employed - moving the company to Dubai - so there has been a lot more work compared to say someone moving here and just renting and getting a job and a salary.
Anyway, like you - the location is a big driver for my move. Plus I wanted to be surrounded by ambition and recognised NZ was not the best place to grow my business (I travel to Europe a lot as well). Plus, I didn't think NZ was the best place for my kids (poor schooling, medical system etc).
Will Dubai be our forever 'home', who knows. We'll definitely give it a solid crack. But I wouldn't be surprised if in 2-5 years we're moving out for another change.
Had lived in Shanghai for 13yrs, I realized immediately this is not my place at all right after I arrived in Dubai yesterday. I'm joking with my friends this is just a heated version of Pudong, shanghai，city of steel and concrete, extremely wide streets with traffic jam nor no space for people to walk.
As a person from the country with overbearing government, I can even sense the regime here also doing the same in every aspect in the society, like you can not call someone with whatapp, messenger, telegram, facetime, Chinese wechat, only the two apps of their own, unless opening your vpn all the time.
I am sorry to put this out it's just a personal opinion, I would totally fail to understand why someone would like to leave a nature abundant paradise like new zealand to move to dubai. As a nature, waterfalls and cold weather loving guy, even your pros sounded like cons to me. But yeah the money is good.
Personal income taxes, for one. They are zero in Dubai. 30%+ in NZ
if in younger years when one has peak stamina one makes great sacrifices to make serious bank, then perhaps one can retire in their 40's and do whatever they want while that bank keeps churning and growing on auto pilot.
No jobs
Two words. Jacinda Arden
no taxes and crime rate super super low
Interesting video. As someone who has been living in Dubai for 2 decades now it's quite surprising how different the experiences of individuals can be. Personally I would have to say my list would look completely different. For example I feel Dubai Police are some of the friendliest police from anywhere and I would have so many stories to share to back up why I feel the way I do. I also don't think it's particularly difficult here for entrepreneurs, quite the opposite. There are so many companies that handle every little aspect and supporting to make your life easier and as there is a lot of competition prices are very reasonable for all these services. Even groceries and food are much lower than lets say in Europe or the US. Of course if you only buy imported products then you will pay a premium but if you buy fresh produce meat chicken seafood and locally produced items you will spend much less than in the Western world. Restaurants take out the same. Of course there is no limit if you go to high end places but you would not have to choose such places if you are on a limited budget. Also never had an issue as far as dating goes, of course it always depends on what you are looking for. But then again I am a female and as you already mentioned the gender distribution is really in our favor here 😇I enjoy being treated in a more old fashioned, gentlemanly way which is unfortunately not the norm anymore in the west.
The negatives for me after all these years in the UAE would be 1) definitely the weather during the summer half of the year. I don't mind dry heat but the humidity in summer it's just insufferable. 2) Nature. You are absolutely correct about that, I can relate to your missing the outdoors and true nature beyond a landscaped garden. I do enjoy going out of the city to the desert or even the mountainous areas that we have here, but it's still a far cry from much more scenic nature in so many other places around the world. As a third negative I would have to state that you can never rely on rules and regulations here to remain the same. Today it's like this then they might implement a new law from one week to the next and suddenly your whole business might be in jeopardy if the new rules somehow affect you. I've seen friends lose huge amounts of money that they had invested lets say in a restaurant and then suddenly one week they were told that this area is closed and that was that. No solution given and a lot of money lost. You also gotta be careful with who you do business. Let's say you are a construction company and win a contract for a government project. If any payment issues arise you are in trouble, not like you can go to court and sue them.
Overall and to summarize, however, I do think that one can build a very good life over here. Sometimes I do consider moving elsewhere, it's mostly about missing nature for me, but it is certainly not easy to leave after being used to the convenient life style of Dubai.
Puzzling that you have so many stories related to the Police. I wonder why...
@@west_ldn_xxx5549haha yeah, I’m curious
The police thing may be also because you're a woman... They treat women better.
@@west_ldn_xxx5549she just said they are friendly! And indeed they are. It’s part of middle eastern hospitality culture!
@@west_ldn_xxx5549 I see no mention of family options in your comment.
Wonderful young man, this video is much more than a review of living in Dubai. Many will benefit from the wisdom of making the best of circumstances, finding and pulling oneself from a somewhat messy world and finding a clearer forward path. Nice going at 24.
Love your perspective brother! I was contemplating moving there. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Very well explained!
Great video mate. Appreciate the honesty and lack of sugar coating
People struggling mostly are migrants from around the last 7 years. In the 2000s and early 2010s serious money was made there with less competition.
People made money until 2000, from here on things went south after property boom. Now Dubai is the hot bed for scammers and fraudsters.
But that is true everywhere. World has turned much more "winner takes it all". Now even high skiled professionals are perpetually running on hamster wheel.
This is one of the most succinct and accurate executive summaries I have ever listened to. You are wise and have a brilliant future ahead of you!
Awesome video man, great and honest perspective!
Wow 😳
I was born in America. I moved to Bogota Colombia recently. 9000ft altitude, cool and dry. 69F daily highs, 55F nightly lows. That’s everyday, year round. No humidity. No flies or bugs. A lot of tourists go to the beach cities or Medellin. Not for me. I love Bogota and I’m not leaving.
What do you do for a living there? Because the wages are very low..
That was one of the best talking videos I ever saw, not only for this subject but in general. How you sorted your points in numbers made it super clear and user friendly. Thanks for the info.
The lack of nature would kill me. I'd be so damn depressed in a place like Dubai. Breathing exhaust fumes all day. The sausage fest and crappy women don't sound appealing either. I've been to NZ and it's just incredible. Nature is a far better sculptor than anything we can build. Unbelievably beautiful country and people.
Yes and thank GOD for that. The ultimate creator
Exactly. And the slave is labor culture in Dubai. No thank you. The air quality alone is horrid
I lived in NZ and since 25 years in cool green NW Spain , best move ever. Would never advice to fall into the nude bare cold damp poor violent overrated far flung NZ narrative unless you are a simpleton with no taste and background.
If NZ is so incredible why did he leave? And why now did he move to a poor third world country under Putin? Obviously he did not make it there
@@bambinaforever1402 Ask him. I think NZ is incredible.
I live in Dubai and I couldn’t agree more with all the points you mentioned. Also, Serbia is great! Goodluck with your journey!
My summary of the quality of life in Dubai: Dubai is like a Christmas decoration ball, very beautiful on the outside , but completely hollow in the inside!
A bit like friendship, only skin deep...........
Yes that's how Christmas is also
Great analogy, and my sense of the place too from various videos and a family member (who was pretty superficial) visiting Dubai.
So you are very level headed, clear and focused plus you sincerely know what you do and don't want, and what your options are. So you made the most Dubai for personal growth too. Well Done
EXCELLENT video thank you for succintly describing all of this. I visited Dubai a few years ago for a month and I often toy with the idea of moving there for a couple of years with the taxfree setup but Im a US citizen and have been more strongly feeling pulled to set up home base in NYC. After watching this video I KNOW that my feeling of being called to New York is a MUCH better fit for me. I have been traveling and visiting family the last couple years and I really miss sense of community plus the extremely strict laws do not work well for me. So I am very grateful for your summary and showcase of who is and who isnt a good fit for the place. Cheers!
You can tell when people say the truth, thanks Liam for everything you've done for us online!
15:30 😁
as a locll i really apprieciate your honest review and you're always welcome to dubai and UAE
Always keeping it real, appreciate your perspective on the experience.
I’ve been living here for 8 years. I couldn’t agree more with everything you said. I can specially relate to the part you said it made you see what you don’t want to become.
Good comment to add on to this truthful and very good insight for someone in who is their 20s. All the best Liam.
Hi Liam, you have a clean spirit. Keep it up. And good luck on your journey in life.
I lived in Dubai for 2 years and absolutely hated it. It's true that not everything that glitters is gold.
I lived and worked in Dubai for four years. And yes, this is a place where you don't want to end up. Under the shiny surface it's all stinky and ugly.
Where did you move to?
Could you elaborate please?
@@Vengeful_Goan_spirit They have truck loads of shit hauled out of the city because many buildings lack a sewage system
@@makanamozo Outdated misinformation. Downsides of Dubai are clearly not the infrastructure nor convenience of living, this is ridiculous UA-cam knowledge. The downsides are a little more nuanced and it is hard to grasp because most countries don't have a society of 90% foreigners in transient state.
The fact that most people in Dubai don't and can't see it as their permeant home has a deep impact on the culture and the behaviour.
1 Of the best videos of the pros & cons of Dubai. Dubai is worth the visit, but it needs to be short term. I lived in Dubai for too long was there for 12 years. Great video sums up Dubai.
I came to Dubai for 2 weeks and have now been here for just over 8 years. We're not into the nightclub and partying scene. It depends on what you're looking for. There's many positives and I think like any country it comes with some variety of characters. The lack of violence and crime is an absolute blessing. We do a lot of outdoor activities during the cooler months and stay in and focus during the summer or head off for a month here and there. May not stay here forever, but grateful to be here and experience the kind friendly people we've met here.
meh
You forgot about the weather, though it is very harsh in summer but it is amaizing at least 8 months out of 12. Pretty good description of Dubai.The taxe free is just out of this world. You make money selling your house, it all goes to your bank account, no queations ask. You make money on the stock market, except for transaction fees and dividend, zero taxe. You own a property, zero school taxe or annual taxe. Just housing fees on electric bill and maintenance fee for the community maintenance where you live.
yea but if youre an expat from say the USA, nothing escapes Uncle Sam - he gonna tax your 'ess' whether youre earning stateside or earning in Dubai.
@@mteokay1246 Agree, there is something like 70-90K non taxable and some expense deduction available to Americans. But you are right, there is no hiding for USA citizen.
Love your genuineness of your experience in Dubai especially the Cons that people might not see at a personal level, as what they see is just things on the surface about growing money.. Best of luck going back to NZ!!
My highest respect for the courage. And thanks for sharing!
Courage 😂😂😂😂😂
Liam you are very wise and insightful. I really appreciated hearing your perspective and what you took from this experience.
I’ve lived in the UAE for 12 years and I love living here. The sun, sand sea lifestyle is something I always dreamed of when I lived in the UK. Every day is like a holiday. I work for semi-govt and have a fantastic salary and benefits which I could not get in the UK. In this video, he says 70% of the population is male which is true but the unequal gender distribution is due to large number of migrant labourers from south-east Asia who are the very low paid construction workers or retail assistants or office boys (although most are not boys, they’re grown men). If you put the construction workers to one side and you focus on Westerners, Americans, Australians, Europeans etc, I’d say there are more women than men. This guy in the video says he moved there on his own at 22 years old and worked long days as an entrepreneur, sometimes until 11 at night. Not surprised he felt a bit lonely and a lack of community and found it hard to date. That’s not the way to make friends, and find ladies to date. How you experience Dubai depends on so many different things, your age, your social skills (how good you are at making friends easily), who you work for or if you work alone, people you already know there, your knowledge and understanding of the culture and ‘how things work’, if you like the sunny beach lifestyle etc. I think if this guy goes back to Dubai or Abu Dhabi 10 years from now (when he’s a bit more worldly) with, say, a girlfriend, group of friends or if he’s married with kids, he’ll see it from a different perspective and will look back on his early twenties and realise he was not in the right place at the right time for what he wants out of life. For me, for my friends, it’s amazing. We love it here. The only way to know if it’s right for you is to experience it for yourself.
Nope. Construction workers (including well paid Engineers,etc) are about 1.6 million. There are still way more men than women. It's just those male western expats aren't aware that they're running through the same few women. You can't be with arab and Muslim women, so most male expats are part of roster of some EE/Filipina women that are already married back home
Every thing built off poor people! They don't even design there buildings, have to get western design company to do it! What a joke!
One of the best detailed videos ive seen on the topic, im impressed 👌
11:22 you're spot on this because as you said Dubai attracts a certain types of guys and I definitely don't want to be associated with them I think going to Dubai as a tourist makes sense more than actually living there it's seems like an empty concrete city with no soul compared to other cities
First time viewer and I think it's a fair analysis. Personal safety is quite underated, Dubai (and UAE overall) is hands down the safest place on earth which one appreciates as they get older, or have young children or from a religious minority.
It's safe on the streets. Behind closed doors is easily a different story.
Can't be safer than Japan.
In Japan you can forget your wallet somewhere and 3 days later it'll still be there... It's an alternative universe, not another country.
Other Gulf states are safer plus financial crime and scams are more common in Dubai than other places.
used to be. not now
Not very safe if you criticise the government though is it
You present a well balanced perspective. I'm a much older guy and I've lived in a few different countries in Europe and Asia. I've been to Dubai a few times on business trips. I didn't see anything that would attract me to live there. I think what you describe as the positives, can be found in many places around the World. (at a much lower cost) Good video, well done.
Taxes is number one, I all of Europe it doesn’t make sense to work hard because you have to give half of your earnings to the government to waste it
@@vonder7 Fair enough. Same here in Australia!
i was thinking about all these pros and cons and even discussing them with my friend here. Absolutely spot on.
We lived in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for the last 10 years and for us, it's a different experience. I've met a lot of our friends there. It's easier for us since there are a lot of fellowmen from our country (Philippines), living and working there. You are right with your pros and cons, but it taught us much knowledge, built wisdom, and plans for our future. We love how accessible Dubai is when you travel to Europe. We moved to Australia after that and considered it the best for our family and future. But we miss the desert once in a while, the people, the culture, and the food scene.
Australia is incredible and I am looking to do my visa applications as I feel for families it is fantastic!
Your blog is so reassuring to me, an older individual, about this younger generation. You seem to have a valuable outlook on life and good work ethic. Wish you the best for an interesting, fulfilling life!
I’m military, I lived in Bahrain, Dubai and Saudi, all truth told. I loved it there but still wanted to leave. When I look back at it, it’s like it wasn’t a real place. Hard to describe. I want to go back for a long time but I don’t want to stay.
Where among the 3 countries would you settle for a long time ?
Hi I also lived in the same 3 countries. Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Jeddha. Over 10 years. I really enjoyed it. But the whole time I was there I always felt this is not my home.
@@MeMoi-k9t I would settle in Abu Dhabi if I had the choice. Oman isn’t too far with natural waterfalls and greenery so that’s that.
'When I look back at it, it’s like it wasn’t a real place' It isn't a real place, it's a fake place.
thank you for your terrorism sir
Great video! Thank you for your perspective. This was very informative and helpful for me. 😄
I must admit, I didn’t watch your entire video but did catch the first 5 minutes. The comments section is full of people sharing their experiences in Dubai. Dubai is a major business hub connecting the MENA region, much like New York, London, or Mumbai. It’s a highly competitive city, and for those seeking a more community-oriented environment, other cities within the Emirates might be a better fit. Dubai is a Muslim city, but it's also a tolerant one that welcomes people from all nationalities and religious backgrounds. It's important to remember that life isn't just about chasing money and wealth. Many who relocate from Western countries often do so because they struggled to find suitable employment at home.
Can you recommend other cities within the Emirates that might be a better fit?
This guy is Spot On. Respect!
Impressed with how level headed you are and not being a typical Gen Z-er.
First time I was in Dubai was in 1991 and already felt back then as a superficial, soulless and material world.
When a woman tells me she lived in Dubai for a few years, I say no thanks and move on.
Yes you can get something out of Dubai as you experienced and described. You did a great job, discovered, worked hard, learned a lot and realize that a truthful, natural, humanely life doesn't take place in Dubai.
To me it's an empty, overly regulated, material focused and shallow society.
Thanks for this great vid and analysis. You're only 24 with more wisdom and grounded spirit than 99% of 44 y.o. and older. You're rocking your life very well.
Cheers and keep on going and teaching people about the true values of Life.
⭐💜✌️
Lol I've met a few vvimmin who said they'd lived in Dubai too. Instant disqualification.
I've never been to Dubai, but generalization never did any good to me. I'll tell you this, stats shows that 80% of women in the US are not okay with men making less money than they are and that doesn't make them bad people. Just like a dude who is showing off a very beautiful woman next to him is not a bad person.
you judge someone instantly because they said they lived somewhere for a few yeasr? Without even knowing anything about them and their experience, and say no thanks? NO THANKS! 😂😂
@@dawno.81 Yeah. I guess it must be our loss, right? 😂
@@dawno.81
You obviously don't know what you're talking about when it is about women and Dubai.
Nice assessment, your bonus pro hit the nail on the head. I moved there in the mid nineties and left 2009 after seeing the country go from a jewel in the desert to an oasis of grotesque opulence. Sounds like you did it right and took the best parts and left with a clear wise head.
Lack of nature is why I’m leaving too. Not a whole lot of greenery.
And the heat between June to October is awful.
I don’t agree necessarily about the police. They’ve always been helpful in my experience. Nothing to fear if anyone’s moving here. :)
Cost of living is high yes - but high salaries with no income tax makes it all manageable.
It’s a great city- but at some point - you might get tired of it. If you’re someone who craves nature - you won’t last long.
Another great thing is - travel is super easy- well connected to lots of great travel destinations.
I came across your video your thoughts about your 2 years in Dubai. After listening to what you had to say and having lived 16 years in Dubai, I felt the need to take my time and type this lengthy mail to counter some of your points. I have also lived in New Zealand so I am able to compare both the locations baed on my experience. I will list them in the order you presented in your video. Please also note that I am not an emarati and have no affiliation to the UAE in any way.
Pros
1. Weather - Yes it is hot pretty much throughout the year. But what did you expect? It is a desert country. It does get hot but every structure is air conditioned and may I add also well maintained in most of the cases. Compare this with the way heat pumps that they use in NZ. It is fitted only in the living room when we spend atleast 8 hours of our life sleeping in the bedroom and the builders there have no clue of how the human body works. NZ prides in following the best standards but is no where close to following the WHO standards for healthy indoor temperatures. I need not add the mouldy houses.
2. Efficiency convenience - You got that right. Everything is at our finger tips. Although I expected some delays in online worldwide delivery, nothing prepared me for such a laid back atmosphere in NZ. Police stations and pharmacies close by 5PM, some restaurants stay open till 8PM (unless you are the CBD of a major city like Auckland) but McDonalds is open 24 hours. Talk about priorities.
4. Focus - Surprised that you even thought of working till late night while everyone back home in NZ would promptly put down their pens or tools exactly at 5PM and walk away. Ask them to work any longer and there would be an endless tirade about work life balance and how they felt stressed. What baffled me even more what any tradesman would charge me for the time they took to travel from their home or office to my place to carry out the work. Some even charged me for the mileage and fuel. I call this a major BS, clearly businesses there do not know about overheads. Thats not how businesses work in other parts of the world. I have told many not to every leave NZ for fear of getting a kick in their nuts (figuratively).
6. Safety - I totally agree with you on this.
8. Drug Laws - This is excellent too, something that NZ is missing.
9. Face ugly part of society - Really? Are you not aware that there is a vibrant night and may I add adult culture alive and thriving in NZ? Met with a gal once who was proud of her work as a part time escort after her daily grind of being a receptionist. Her clientale sounds exactly like what you described in your last pro. You didnt have to travel all the way to Dubai to learn that.
Con
1. Dating - No matter how progressive it looks, Dubai is still a part of an islamic country. There is always an uncurrent of conservative ideologies no matter where you go and what you do. The authorities do close their eyes to some of the vices that go on. It would be foolish of any one to thing that Dubai is a dating mecca. But I have heard this only from the western community. Most of the other nationalities that go there have just one aim - earn as much as they can and get out.
2. Lack of community - Totally wrong here buddy. And again, this is a feeling that I have seen only amongst the western community. They make only about 2% of UAE's demographics and it might be difficult for them to find other westerners to integrate. Plus their idea of community is vastly different from those of say Indians or Filipinos. I have been lucky to be friends with people from both these communities and never did I feel there was a lack of community. Didou ever try to mingle with other nationalities when you were there? And I dont mean just as an aquaintance but real family level friendship?
3. Lack of nature - Refer back to the first point under pros. It is a desert country and that in itself is a part of nature. Nature doesnt mean only greenery, even a desert landscape is very much part of this planet and has its own beauty. Did you every try desert safari, a trip to the wadis of Fujairah or the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah? Yes the temperatures are high but on the contrary the temperatures are low in NZ. For all those who keep bragging about the nature in NZ, you can enjoy it for a couple of weeks but after that it looses its charm, just like any other place. And you cant eat nature can you?
4. Too stict law - Again, really? Throughout my stay there, I never ran into any trouble. Use your common sense and follow the rules. I must say that I found the police in NZ to be too gentle to the point that they lack guts to take necessary action to put away the scum of the society away for good. I ran into a NZ post worker once who said people send weed through the post (mind boggling) and when it is traced and handed over to the police, it gets delivered back to the sender by the police. This is utterly ridiculous. But if this is what you grew up with, no wonder you find it scary to be confronted by a touch policeman. NZ should learn something.
5. Lack of leisure - Refer back to points 2 and 3 under cons above. You can always have proper leisure if you know where to look and also learn to adjust to a new environment. Not trying to be rude, but you cannot expect the comfort of your mama's home in other places.
6. Poor business infrastructure - When in rome, be a roman. Did you ever try to learn any Arabic and befriend an Arab? Yes you need to know the right channel to get things done, like I did. You cannot apply the rules of NZ in other parts of the world. Either adapt or get kicked out.
7. High cost of living - You must be kidding me. Complaining about the price of a coffee? The cost of living index in NZ is 94.3 compared to 72.1 in UAE. One has to pay clost to a million for a house in Auckland that usually has just one toilet/bath irrespective of the number of bedrooms, in most cases insufficient insulation in the walls with single glazing, heat pump just in the living room (houses there boil in summer and freeze in winter). Being from an engineering background, I can safely say that the builders there do not know how to constuct houses. You dont have to go through such difficulties in the UAE (there are exceptions in both places). And why do you always have to drink an americano or expresso from star bucks? In the two years did you not learn that the best tea or coffee if found in Adnoc petrol stations that cost 1 dirham?
8. Reputation - This totally depends on what kind of people you interact with. There will always be people on both side of the fence. Learn to look at the bright side and all is usually good. I never had any issues with this.
9. Isolation - Refer back to point 2 under cons. If you can build a good friend circle and by that I mean from different background and cultures, you would never be isolated. Again, I cant comment on your likes and dislikes, and it is possible that you do not like to mingle much which lead you to feel isolated.
WHo should move to Dubai
Why is it only to Dubai when it constitutes only 2% of the UAE. Have you tried living in Abu Dhabi which is a bit more slow and family oriented? I have found that a majority of westeners only like Dubai. Is that because you guys are all addicted to the pomp and glamour, and cannot survive without partying?
1. People from small country - entreprenuers. Why only this category of people? There are hundreds of other job categories. Let me digress a bit, have you noticed a work based racism in UAE? The emaratis get paid the highest, which is fine as it is their country. The next category is what is refered to as whites - white skinned people from western countries. All the westerners work ONLY in managerial or higher position, you will NEVER find them doing menial works. And when there is a 'white' doing the same work as a 'non white' guess who gets paid more? Now this should have been your big con.
2. Making money - Yes it is a place where you can earn good provided you are intelligent and know how to live within your means and save. But you mentioned tax saving. That should not be applicable to you. Assuming that you are a NZ citizen, any income you earn overseas is still taxable under NZ tax laws. If you arent doing this, you are evading tax back home.
3. Sacrifice community - Not at all, if you read my earlier points.
Shouldnt move to Dubai
1. People from large countries like US - What about China which is also a large country and the biggest Chinese outlet outside China is in Dubai, and they are minting millions. Some of the Indian billionaire operate their business in UAE - owner of the Lulu supermarket is an example. And given the current situation in UK and other european countries, also US, they might be more than willing to move to UAE and work.
2. Adhere to law - There is a dark side to the UAE. I wont go into the details but you can search it yourself.
3. Control spending - It is no more expensive than NZ. If you are able to live in Auckland, then living in Dubai wont be any costlier.
4. Not making significant income - Unlike NZ and other similar countries, the rest of the world gives importance to credentials and education. In NZ an electrician can become a manager after a few years and any white skinned person by default works as a manager in the UAE. If one is intelligent and works smart, he or she can earn good.
5. Older inviduals - Correct. UAE wants your hard work, and you get paid for it. Once this relationship ends, you go back home. It doesnt need old and feeble individuals who cannot contribute to its growth.
6. Solve all your problems - Thats true for any place on earth.
I have ranted enough. Please note that I am not trying to bash NZ or the westerners. On the contrary, I am stating the facts even if it sounds bitter.
Cheers.
I think you forgot that he is just sharing his experience... There is nothing wrong or right about that. You are trying to push him to think that what you think is the right. That's exactly what I personally hate about Dubai: You don't get to decide other people their opinions, it's unique to them.
Why not get your own channel and grow your own audience
NZ citizens don’t have to pay NZ tax on earnings while living overseas we ARE NOT like Americans.
hello
I came to Dubai as a photographer, as soon as you get your tripod out, there is a security guard jumping on you, I can't even make a picture of the sea... what a sick joke, an awful place,
also way too much sun, heat, and humidity.
Just beaches and shops...
Hello sir, how can I reach out to you? I have passion for photo and videography. I would need you mentorship if possible please. Am a newbie
@@jallowjerry9452 @pictofrog
I can't understand why anyone would want to keep visiting a live air prison.
There are places people live with modest incomes but as free citizens and democracy.
Wait, filming is not allowed?! Why?? Is that a law or something? Or just a policy of private places?
Total B.S I have took photos all over Dubai never have I been prevented.
Great video! Very insightful and honest and I appreciate that. Thank you!
Interesting. I have a very different perspective after 4 years coming to Dubai and 2 years living here. The sense of reputation maybe it’s attached to your market segment, whereas to me it has been a great asset being working in the UAE. No idea about the dating scene, but as per making friends and having a sense of community, my personal experience has been better than in the USA or Europe. Emiratis are extremely kind and it helps a lot trying to speak a little bit of Arabic (also as a matter of respect for their culture) and many expats I’ve met are here to stay (also maybe we are from different age groups). I’ve lived in NZ a long time ago, so I can relate to your extremely high standards as per nature and climate, but I’ve found so much beauty in the desert and desert life and, of course, it helps if you can afford taking a break elsewhere during summer time. As you said, it’s not for everyone and it seems that you tried to be very honest to your feelings in your video. Wish you best of luck in your next steps.
You've only lived in Dubai for 2 years. I've lived in Dubai/UAE for 12 years. What he says is mostly true. It's not a place for everyone.
@@saiyedakhtar3931 mfer I lived here 16 years, my whole life lmao.
Hi Liam, great video, thank you for the dubai breakdown, I always wondered how it was living there. I have a question, the camera and lighting quality in your video looks great. Can you please tell me which camera/lens you are using and are you using a lightbox? thank you
Thanks mate. Was considering moving to Dubai having just started my business as a UA-camr, media buyer and affiliate marketer. Definitely will relook at my decision
I traveld to Dubai first last year , because a lot of influencers tell that Dubai is the best place to live...so i was there for 2 weeks to make my own picture. So at the first time i was shocked about that there is no free speech and actually the city has no soul and the bars where are women the air is freezed , because you can not just casually talk to a random women for a date or something. After 2 week i must say there was this positiv thing about the comfort and convinience.
People complain about no free speech usually want to offend someone, And no random women do not want to be harassed.
@@Enzo-G63 you're acc offending me! Let's censor you!
@Enzo-G63 free speech is incredibly important and it’s sad that you don’t even realize why it has value. Like a goldfish in a small bowl that doesn’t dare to dream of being free because it’s dangerous out there in the lake so it tells itself that the bowl is great.
All governments are unethical and corrupt, we have a right and a duty to criticize them.
@ashleylala4293 freespeech is overrated. Just an example.... many brag about freesoeech is USA, so can you say anything, without getting targeted or potentially losing your livelihood?
Lol "no free speech"? So 2 weeks in you have an issue with free speech. Pray tell what you wanted to say that you weren't allowed to and who actually stopped you??? I find it odd that being only there for 2 weeks you had an issue with free speech.
100% agree on everything you said, Liam. Warsaw next? Enterpreneurship | Energy | Nature | Cheap | Community.
Wild horses couldn’t drag me to Dubai.
Same
I feel the same way about Vegas...all that glitters
I live in London and I’m sick of this place. Would love to move to Dubai.
@@vonder7 Dubai is a slave State
@@vonder7 Grass is always greener. You will miss london badly. You should go and see
I literally had NO idea what it was like there so THANK YOU bro (I’ve followed your channel for Ai before) FANTASTIC quick real view for us all! AMAZING
Liam - thanks so much for posting such an interesting video! I'm not even considering moving to Dubai at this age and stage in my life but I found your attitude, maturity and presentation well worth my time. Good luck!
This was super helpful Liam. Very grounded video.
I grew up in regional Queensland and the best education investment I've made was to pack up and live overseas. I spent seven years in Europe and another 7 in Asia. Now, it's nice to be back in Queensland and Brisbane is a reasonably sized city. I still keep my eyes out for sound opportunities to live abroad. Congratulations on your ME adventure, Liam! You don't have to be a creep to mature and travel too.
Wanna live abroad? How about coming to Sweden?
What’s your job? Mate
Haha... you never hear of Aussies or New Zealanders choosing to go live in Central America or sub-Saharan Africa. Only some northern Europeans have the balls to do that....
He doesn’t have to be a mature creep??
I think you made the right choice!
Dubai seems too artificial to me, in my 3 months there.
New Zeeland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
No it isn't
@@kaydod3190why not ?
Down to earth person like yourself, paints the honest picture!
You are a mature young man and this video is really great! I considered moving to Dubai years ago and Dubai missing a sense of community and nature were the main resons I decided not to.
I actually quite like how you put this video together and explained this .. very little bias, honest, realistic, and not so very negative nasty energy
From $10K to $25k that's the minimum range of profit return every week I think it's not a bad one for me, now I have enough to pay bills and take care of my family
Damn that's huge, how do you make that much weekly? I'm 37 and have been looking for ways to be successful, please how??
Oh, yeah. That was possible with the help of my Guru expert, Jenifer Spencer
That's great!!. I don't know anything about investing and I intend to start. What are your strategies?
Can I also do it??? My life is facing lots of challenges lately.
Wow! Kind of in shock you mentioned expert, Jenifer Spencer. What a coincidence
Dude, you'd probably be happier in Singapore if you want to live in a big, sophisticated city with nature, community, infrastructure... all in a central location ✌🏽
but in singapore there is no beautiful russians/ white girls. The arabs love white girls
Fine city😂
@@parnamsaini4751 expensive city.....
Agree with that. Actually it's not that expensive except accommodation and cars!
@@mbronti i goto Singapore every year.. everything has gone up by 20 to 40 percent after 2020...
I personally love, Dubai in small doses. But if you want to live in the gulf, better to pick a country like Oman.
I'm from the U.K and I just can't see myself going back there. That being I went to Turkey for the first time last month. That place was super cool.
Best spots I've lived in - Barcelona, Hiroshima, Muscat and Bangkok.
But don't get me wrong, I do love Dubai. But it weighed on me after 2 years and I had to leave.