Towering buildings, tax-free incomes, and a lifestyle that appears effortless on social media make Dubai the epitome of luxury.
However, a recent Instagram post from an Indian expat is upending that well-polished image and providing a more nuanced depiction of what living in the emirate may actually be like.
The man’s opening statement, “This is not a propaganda movie against Dubai, but I am going to de-influence you from relocating here,” has since struck a chord with thousands of viewers, especially young Indians considering a career abroad.
The foreigner, who relocated to Dubai two years ago, claims that his expectations were primarily influenced by his internet research. “The lifestyle, the publicity, and the opportunity to do something better were all I knew from what I read online. And all of it is accurate,” he acknowledges. “However, nobody really brings up the other aspect.”
The less glamorous reality that typically does not make it onto Instagram reels is that “other part,” he said. He talks on the aggravating experience of looking for a job in a highly competitive market, likening it to “applying to 20 jobs simply to be ghosted by all of them.”
Another significant issue he raises is the rising expense of living. He claims that “rents would eat your pay alive” and that unexpected costs are a common part of city life. “You get a 200 dirham parking fine just when you believe you are managing your money effectively.”
The documentary also discusses the mental stress that many foreigners silently endure, in addition to money. He says, “While you are working full-time trying to save some money, you will observe somebody carelessly spending your monthly income over one dinner.” “After a hard day, you feel like you have not accomplished enough when you get home.”
This section of the video has touched a nerve with Indian viewers, particularly those who are thinking about moving for better possibilities. A problem that many migrants face but hardly ever openly acknowledge is the gap between apparent prosperity and actual financial strain.
The expat is cautious, though, not to use Dubai as a sole warning. He also talks about times when the hardship seems worthy. He mentions minor but significant pleasures like “treating yourself to a beautiful brunch,” meeting people from “so many different cultures,” and the ease of being able to stroll safely at “2am with your family.” “Then there are days that make full sense,” he writes.
In the end, his message falls halfway between realism and aspiration. “You understand that growth comes with a cost, and that cost is stepping outside of your comfort zone,” he says. “The thrill never truly goes away, but neither does the pressure.”
The Internet responds
“So wonderfully expressed..moving to any country honestly requires courage,” a user wrote.
“After 33 years in Dubai, it is vital to know that like the world’s top ranked cities,” another user commented. Tokyo, London, and New York are cities with two incomes. Spend one source of income while attempting to save the other.
“Habib, welcome to Dubai. “Excellently expressed the lesser-known facts,” the third user remarked.
The fourth individual commented on Instagram, “I wish more people were honest.”
In the comments section, a user posed the question, “Is an annual salary of 343K AED sufficient to make a move? For example, what possible savings would there be?
