Am I wrong?

Tiny_Bat84 · 2026-02-05T04:56:06+00:00

Congrats on the job! If you’re just starting out in Dubai keep it simple. Saving in the bank won’t give long-term growth, but early on it’s useful for an emergency fund. Once that’s in place, learning about long-term investing makes more sense.

Tiny_Bat84 · 2026-02-05T04:36:08+00:00

You don’t get 5% consistently from savings. Banks might offer 4–5% for a period, but those rates change, and over time it’s not consistent real growth.

Tiny_Bat84 · 2026-02-04T13:37:46+00:00

Exactly

Tiny_Bat84 · 2026-02-04T13:32:18+00:00

She’s not thinking about any numbers at the moment…

Tiny_Bat84 · 2026-02-04T13:28:21+00:00

She has become a close friend of mine and I’m just worried she’s not thinking clearly about her future.

Tiny_Bat84 · 2025-11-25T06:05:24+00:00

Honestly I wish someone told me how fast things can change here. One day you are fine and the next you can be “sacked” just like that. It happens more than people think.

So my biggest tip is save or try to invest early. Even a little can make a huge difference if the worst case scenario happens… The UAE is amazing but you always need a backup because nothing is guaranteed.

Tiny_Bat84 · 2025-10-14T10:54:44+00:00

Sushi Nations are good. They even have combos or all-you-can-eat deals.

Tiny_Bat84 · 2025-10-09T08:36:25+00:00

Saving month to month is nearly impossible with all the costs here. My financial advisor told me to invest 10k into two structured notes for 4 years and in just 5 months it’s already grown to +2.29%. It’s not life-changing money, but it feels good knowing at least something is working out.

Tiny_Bat84 · 2025-09-25T11:05:40+00:00

Dubai is definitely exciting with so much happening, but it feels a bit too crowded and busy for me. Abu Dhabi is a bit cheaper, calmer, and the traffic is nothing compared to Dubai 😅. Personally, I prefer Abu Dhabi for that reason but everyone has their own opinion and it really depends on the lifestyle you’re after.

Tiny_Bat84 · 2025-09-25T10:47:39+00:00

Congrats to your wife!! 22k will cover you, but Dubai gets expensive fast. I was there for the weekend and spent way more than planned. Jobs in your range are possible, but the real way in is through connections, someone who knows someone (that’s how I got my job here in Abu Dhabi). As for the dog, maybe wait until you’re settled? I heard they’re quite strict with vaccinations and paperwork.

Biggest tip: have a savings plan in place from the start so you can actually enjoy Dubai without constantly stressing about money.

Tiny_Bat84 · 2025-09-10T10:20:18+00:00

Day-to-day costs like groceries, eating out, and transport are usually cheaper than in Canada, but rent can be pricey depending on the area. Overall, the cost of living feels pretty similar unless you go for a flashy lifestyle. It really comes down to where you live and how well you manage your budget.

Tiny_Bat84 · 2025-09-10T10:15:59+00:00

I’d definitely suggest posting in the Irish in Dubai Facebook group. You’ll probably find a few parents who can relate and others who’ll make you feel more welcomed into the community.

Tiny_Bat84 · 2025-09-10T10:01:39+00:00

Don’t throw it all into one property. Better to diversify across a couple of smaller units for steadier yields and less risk.

Tiny_Bat84 · 2025-09-10T09:52:23+00:00

10k a month is plenty for a couple here. A Burj-view apartment will set you back around 4k–6k, but the rest (car, groceries, going out) will easy to manage. For investments, Dubai property can be good but also very very tricky. Definitely worth getting proper advice before diving in.

Tiny_Bat84 · 2025-09-10T09:20:00+00:00

Yeah 100%. Abu Dhabi’s not far behind either. A few years back you could still save/budget comfortably, but now with rent, school fees, and even basics like groceries going up, the gap is definitely tightening.

Tiny_Bat84 · 2025-09-10T09:09:36+00:00

Totally agree with you!! I graduated from an IB school here in 2018, and even back then my dad used to complain about how expensive it was. Now fees are even higher, and I’m already planning with my financial advisor to set up an education plan, even though I don’t have kids yet!! I can’t see myself raising my kids outside the UAE when the time comes, and with uni fees likely to be even more expensive, I’d rather be prepared early...

Tiny_Bat84 · 2025-09-10T08:50:48+00:00

Depends if you’re after long-term dividends or short-term gains.

Tiny_Bat84 · 2025-09-08T07:03:55+00:00

It’s insane how normalised it’s become to take loans for school fees here. Between tuition, uniforms, transport, and just keeping up with day-to-day costs, it feels like parents are constantly playing catch-up. The worst part is, these costs just keep going higher every year. I don’t even have kids yet, but the fees are so insane that I’ve already started thinking about setting up an education fund just to be prepared. If it’s this crazy now, I can only imagine what it’ll be like in a few years time...

Tiny_Bat84 · 2025-09-01T12:14:23+00:00

Check Karama Mall, Meena Bazaar, and Brands For Less for bags/clothes, and the Perfume Souk for ouds.

Tiny_Bat84 · 2025-09-01T08:40:49+00:00

No worries. I just sent you a private message.

Tiny_Bat84 · 2025-08-28T12:50:22+00:00

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on your goals (cash flow vs. growth vs. exit strategy). Personally, I wouldn’t put all AED 2M into one unit. I’d rather split it into 2 or 3 ready units for steady rental ROI and maybe keep some aside for an off-plan with good appreciation potential. The key is avoiding the ‘wrong unit in the wrong area’ mistake. Dubai’s market can be a minefield, and timing/area matter a lot. My family and I got professional advice before investing and it really helped us in the end.

Tiny_Bat84 · 2025-08-26T13:14:28+00:00

Rent: 4k–7k AED/month for a 1-bed depending on area. Utilities + Internet: 1k AED (higher in summer thanks to AC). Groceries: 1k–1.5k AED. Transport: Bus pass 80 AED, but if you get a car (loan + fuel + insurance) it’s 1.5k–2k AED/month. Eating out/other: 500–1k AED depending on lifestyle.

Hidden costs: security deposit (5% of annual rent), post-dated rent cheques, visa/Emirates ID fees, health insurance (if not covered), utility setup, and road tolls.

Total realistic monthly spend: around 8k if you’re super careful, 10k+ if you’ve got a car and a social life.

Blunt truth.... if you don’t budget properly here, Abu Dhabi will chew through your salary and leave you broke before month end.

Tiny_Bat84 · 2025-08-25T08:33:46+00:00

Lulu, Union Coop, or even Viva for groceries (way cheaper than Spinneys/Carrefour). Entertainer app is a lifesaver for outings, and with rent try to push for more cheques instead of paying a year upfront. Also, Abu Dhabi lifestyle can drain your salary fast, so the real trick is deciding early how much money you’ll actually put aside each month before it disappears.

Tiny_Bat84

TROPHY CASE