I Lived in Dubai for 1 Year - My Honest Review 

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I've lived in the UAE and Dubai specifically for 19 years now. Ex London and Birmingham, am very happy and safe here, yes the summer gets warm, but I'd rather have the heat than the damp grey skies of the UK any time.

I went to Dubai for the first time a couple weeks ago. I was pleasantly surprised. As for a USA comparison, it’s more like an improved Vegas. Nothing like Los Angeles in my opinion respectfully. No gambling, way way less drunk people, & more of an international crowd… but that larger than life everything brand new with the build outs was super noticeable. I know it was touched on in this video, but way safer feeling in Dubai compared to the majority of metropolitan cities in the USA.

I lived in Dubai for a bit less than 3 years but I couldn’t take the summers heat anymore. However since I moved to London I often miss the quality of life and the safety of Dubai. I guess there’s no perfect place. Anyway good video full of truth!

I have a friend who lives in dubai, she goes for walks in the middle of the night and she never gets paranoid!

Been to 34 countries and lived in 4 (Kazakhstan, Russia, US, Turkey). It’s my 1.5 year in Dubai and this is truly best place to live. Safe, modern, accessible, interesting. It caters to all. Really Love Dubai

You did not talk much about Dubai being a concrete jungle...heavy traffic and bldgs everywhere. RU-vidrs just show the beach , water and swimming pools. Traffic is a mess. Also very dusty, you balcony will be covered in dust everyday, no matter how often you clean it. RU-vidrs make it look like a tropical paradise with beach , boats, water, etc.

I'm glad to see an honest take on Dubai that's not blown out of proportion to appease the algorithm! You have a new subscriber.

I grew up in Canada. Beautiful sunny winter days. Freeze your nose off but the fresh air was like an elixir.

I've been in Dubai for 8 years now. I used to love it, but the quality of the people coming lately is lower than before, and this impacts the overall feel and class of the place. Genuinely talented expats are getting priced out, and there just aren't as many financial incentives (other than zero income tax) as there were before, because most people don't need to be "convinced" to move here as much as they did previosuly. (Inventives for those wondering would be things like housing transport allowances and shareholdings, etc. which were commonly very high a few years ago). The pollution is also insane, partly because of the number of cars that have come, rising by about a million each year! Also, Dubai burns its landfills and has no sustainable way of getting rid of biowaste and garbage. So for 8 months of the year in "summer" the lack of wind to blow away nasty fumes means Dubai is consistently in the top 10 worst polluted cities in the world, with thousands of deaths caused by pollution each year, listed among other developing countries where you'd think Dubai should not belong. BUT, I'm still bloody here! That's because I agree Europe is in the past and slowly falling apart, so I'm in a total dilemma in terms of where to go.

to be honest as a Iranian who has relatives in Dubai, I like Dubai the only reason that I don't want to move to Dubai is because I'm more of nature guy, I love rain and lush forest, and one thing I don't like is heat but other than that Dubai is an amazing place to live in so far that I know

Loved your content. Thanks mate.

I’m a flight attendant at Emirates. Going there very soon, so excited! Thank you for the video.

The growth part is important. The best part of dubai, singapore etc is that the people are all focussed on growth - people are trying to chase their dreams. They say you are the average of 5 people you surround yourself with. Being around a society that chases growth will eventually influence you in good ways.

A great film! Really enjoyed it; very informative. 🌟

Thank you so much! See you there guys

I just got back from a week vacation in Dubai, and I loved it. Great video. Totally depends on the person and any person’s particular preferences. Definitely a growth-minded city with tons of exciting places and things to do.

Great content. Much appreciated.

Favourite part of the video ? The WHY, growth is so important! It is not everybody's drive but it is defenitely mine. I am looking to do the same move from London to Dubai and it reassures me to see young educated people feel the same way! All the best for the future

Thank you for this video. Timeline is set. Dubai is looming 😎

The growth part is super critical and a lot of people simply don't comprehend it, or understimate its value. As a Brit, the UK has a clear culture of "traditional complacency." Where we keep around what's "old" and simply patch over it if it breaks, resulting in a lot of really inefficient, overly complex, and unreliable foundations to society. Pweople are more concerned with preserving what they have left, rather than growing and building, and it's extremely depressing for people like me. The world is moving on and leaving the west behind, and we in the west have this misconception that the pedigree of our countries and cultures is enough. It isn't. Our cities are old and stagnating, while being full of crime. Dubai is far from perfect, but I think it's the best choice an international citizen has for a safe and secure future.

You will never be able to become a citizen, so you will never be able to call it home. You will have to go home when you are of no use to them anymore.

Very nice review, especially highlighted the most underrated things most people overlook such as weather affect on testosterone hormone and most important personal growth let alone carrier/business growth.

That's one of the best reviews I've watched. Been here for 10+ years and agree with everything you are saying.

Few points I must say so people get the full picture. I lived there for years and yes, it is safe and nice IF you go where the westerners are located. Don't believe me, have a look at some stats on sa... You will pay 1st world prices for 3rd world services and products. If you're an outdorrsie kinda person the uae IS NOT the place for you. If you like shopping and hanging out at cafes, it's for you. It really is expensive and the traffic is horrible. HORRIBLE!! you will always need to live close to work, so factor that in. Overall, it is a nice country and I love the locals (what emiraties call themselves). If they keep the standards they have now, I would say there are so many pros. Even tho I have stated some cons. And remember, you're in a place with a lot of sand, what health issues can that lead to... lung cancer. The most common form of cancer. So if you do it, be smart. Best of luck

Way back in the sixties, I was in a small team that surveyed (hydrograpic) this area, it was a proper desert. I often wondered who this survey was for, I now know, and what a beautiful area. Great video.

Looking into Future you mentioned is Great point , Good video

Wow .. I grew up in a Mediterranean city, sunshine all Year long .. I never thought about it as a great advantage.. Hearing you describe it makes me appreciate it more

Bro Absolutely balanced review ❤❤❤❤❤ Cheers

Enjoyed the video 👍👍👍

Can’t wait to go visit Dubai! Such a very insightful video, appreciate you making this.

moving there as a Canadian/turk this year, thank you for this perspective

I can see your review that you are the dubai lover. I just back from Dubai and be honestly I can't live there and I don't want to. only one reason :I like nature.

I find funny you talking about sunshine. Cause I feel the same but about snow.

Hello everyone, who here thinks that it's a good idea to start a blog about what it’s like living in the UAE (since it’s my country) and so many people around the world want to move here whether it’s with their families or moving their company to Dubai. But a lot of them don’t know what life is like here lot’s false beliefs and misconceptions about the place. I could educate and inform them on what they should expect if they really want to move here. Let me know your thoughts and feedback on this

I was in Dubai 2 weeks ago. I felt safe & somehow at home because there are so many kababayans (Filipino) living & working there. I would love to come back soon.

The weather is perfect... Wait, the summers are unbearable 😂

Tuomas dear it is really an impressive video.

The major problem I have with these Gulf countries is that your salary is pre determined by your Passport. If you're not a westerner, you'll get paid alot less. Unless you're an entrepreneur, then it don't matter where you're from.

I'm moving to Dubai soon, thanks for the review

France has the best balance of weather. Dubai is too hot in summer. It will get worse. Finland is too cold! Walking is what i enjoy. Locals in dubai not always respectful. Its still their country.

I've been to Dubai plenty of times, you missed the part about the awful traffic.

Was there for 9 years and it really does depend on who you are, what you do, and where you're from. Whilst cost is relative to your earnings, without a doubt, Dubai is not value for money and has gotten worse. That goes for food and beverage and service in almost every industry. As I said, if your nationality restricts you from choosing any country, then Dubai may be an option, but otherwise, there are many many countries that are better value for money, better weather, lifestyle, travel and better for doing business and establishing a company.

YOU CANT JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER ...you need to see everything with your own eyes

My family lives in dubai. I like it. this is a very reasonable review.

A very well balanced, independent and accurate review…well done!

good review

Brilliant 👍🏽🥰 Excellent video 🏆

Growth is good and all, and I understand people and places that fully dedicate themselves to that. However for me, there’s somethings that I care for obsessively and focus on but I don’t think a total obsession with growth is mentally healthy. It’s okay not to be perfect or the best.

Having lived and worked in Dubai (and UK, Singapore, Hong Kong) I agree 100%, best review I have seen of Dubai!

Very helpful

Terveisiä suomesta! Seuraavan bullrunin jälkee pitää tutustua maailmaan :) ! Hyvä video!

rare Honest opinion , Thank you

i recently visited Dubai. Its a clean developed country, however for all the hype i would not want to settle down here. Housing rent is expensive, traffic is bad especially during rush hours, everything is expensive here. Spoke to some local immigrants and they said things are expensive and they dont save any money, they cant bring in their family, the only reason they are sticking around here is that they no other options as back home in their home country they have a high rate of unemployment. unless one has a high paying job you are ok, otherwise its not affordable or feasible to live here long term. With the hype about Dubai made people come here, however the city i saw as is over crowded

thinking for a while about retiring to Dubai.....your video has just made up my mind for me thanks

Great recap. And respect for your truthful analysis of EU - that’s why RU-vid, Apple, Google, FB, etc are US - Euros who are born into the right families and get educated take the easy route. Dubai was based on Singapore as far as law and order. I’ve been visiting for a long time - but always Nov - March. In the summer my friends say you exercise (run tennis, football) outside at 6AM or 10PM. But there are plenty of indoor gyms for staying in shape in the hot months. Didn’t scroll all the way down - but we Americans only have to pay tax on wages over $125k/yr. Still ridiculous but not that bad. And that can be avoided by setting up a company, as you said the bar is much higher, then pay yourself a salary below $125k.

Lived in dubai, also 1 year in 2017 and i would say its pretty similar experience for me!!

Best thing in the Emirates : “ The Emiratis ! ” One of the most well mannered kind hearted people eveh ! Shoutout to em from Algeria 🇩🇿

Hello, Tuomas! Thank you for your review! very informative! I'm myself from Tallinn! Do I need a working/freelance visa to work in Dubai as a photographer? I didn't study photography (I've studied interior design), so I'm a self taught photographer. once again thank you!

Fair review

Dubai is Awesome 😎

Been in Dubai for over 30 years. Best place in the world.

I did Dubai marathon, once. Might do it again in 2025.

I've been in Thailand the most amazing place n the world as well and my next stop will be Dubai!! nice content i love the vid

I think Dubai should definitely invest more in making there cities greener and ofcourse improving there drainage system because apparently it kinda sucks.

Great to know

Dubai is beautiful, i visited few times and still feel to visit again and again, feel to settle there but the only thing is u need some good business opportunities that make u settle and live in dubai.

What about the air quality? Smog, dust, etc.

I worked in Dubai for 10 years and made a good amount of money. Because I earned USD without income tax, I would have had to work 21.5 years to make the same amount of money in CAD if I were working in Canada.

The weather factor my friend, I am not sure if I can handle the heat in Dubai but certainly sunshine means a lot to how one feels about life in general...Mediterranean weather 👍

Thanks for the insights. I think Singapore is probably a better compromise for many people. It also has a growth mindset with low taxes and the possibility of a lavish lifestyle. But at the same time it’s not as strict when it comes to things like alcohol, religion and freedom of sexuality that westerners are so used to (except dont smuggle weed or they’ll literally hang you lol). It also has a stable temperature all year round, not too hot, not too cold and virtually no crime. The biggest downside lately I think is cost of living, the rental prices went thru the roof in the last few years, making it harder to start out.

Very helpful video thank you so much ! I do have a quick question, if I am a dual citizenship Korea and Us do you think I would also be considered as a US citizen ? I have mostly raised at Korea.

The thing about the US is there is an income exclusion caveat, for lack of a better word, so you can exclude up to 114G on your taxes. So if you don't make that much, you pay 0, but you still must file a return.

Прожили в Дубае 1,6 года. Сначала счастье и эйфория. А потом начали видеть скрытые минусы. Нечем дышать, будто задыхалась все время, особенно в июне, июле, августе. Лучше не становилось в сентябре. Песчаные бури, песок в глазах, песок везде. Вода тоже оставляет желать лучшего.😮😮😮😮 Кстати, вид у вас из окна как у нас на JBR было.

Can you please make a video on how much money or income do you need to live a comfortable lifestyle in Dubai, breaking down all the expenses like rent, groceries, healtchcare, leisure, etc?

Just came back from Dubai Your video is a very good recap of what Dubai is Keep going mate 🔥

I was thinking about moving there but i thought about building my online passive income business and go there to live and enhance and grow my already existing business i thinkit's not the best to go there from scratch and start there as it's very challenging to find a job and some other staff what do you think .... and is youtube or online business ur full time source of income or you work there any 9-5 job side from youtube ?

Do you see a lot of elderly people about or is it a young person country? Would it be good to retire too?

Yo rents in Dubai are mental these days. I don't ever remember it being this expensive. It's like new York prices

Only 1 year? Need about 5 to get a real sense of a big city surely?

As a correction. As an American you don’t have to pay taxes if you spend 330 days outside the USA. Just so you know.

Safety, Clean, Great Food, Friendly people, Things to do, Sunny Weather, Beach, Normal, no homeless people... have to go to bed, will finish tomorrow.

Curate your own reality. I like that.

If you are from Finland,you must understand very well how Sunshine is essencial for your health, physical but Specialy Mentally. That's why i still don't understand its why every time that cames out a "list" of countries were the people are the most happier,are always the the same ones. Sweden,Norway,Finland and Denmark. Its really beyond me how someone can be more happy with 5 hours ( even less) of Sunshine a day for 6 months straight,than someone who live in a country with 300+ days of Sunshine a years,14 hours a day. I speak by personal experience.

Dubai for me is the place to live in these days.

Great video Tuomas ✌Much higher quality than most other channels. I think this'll blow up. Don't you have a free zone company? The

Hi great video thank you. im planing to move out with my son any chance you can do a video for children?

3-6 months per year in Dubai is perfect!

What microphone do you use?

New Sub. Love From India 🇮🇳 ♥️

Amazing

Hello...!!! For me,Dubai i the best place to Live!!! Luxury-Muslim country,AlhamduLillah!!!!!

i dont like how there is no real city like melbourne or sydney where you can walk the streets with cafes, restaurants. bars, etc

What is the song in this ad

I live in Dubai, and have done so for about 13 years. Still love it! I think I will stay here for life. This is home!

Hi can someone say can I photograph cars with a camera on public?

You say we don't need to stay in the country we're born at but it's not allowed to just move to Dubai or the US as an European citizen unless you get married or get a work visa that's very hard to get!

Well done 👍🏻 I recall in 2006 to 2010 and i had to sell Dubai Burj Khalifa to global investors in places like London and telling them its the future! Now im focused on Saudi Arabia and frontier new oil 🛢️ in Somalia 🇸🇴

Too many 🇷🇺 russians in Dubai ?

If you live in the UAE and you have the visa, how much can you travel in other countries before you have to come back? Or can you travel as long as you want?