The truth about moving to Dubai
Highly requested video about moving alone to Dubai and the pros and cons. I've tried to be as honest as possible and not biased but it's all relative to me and my experience. I really hope this helps everyone who's DM'd me about moving alone and the challenges.
Also, I know I speak really fast 🌚 It's just the way I speak and I'm trying to slow down in my videos, you can always watch the video at reduced speed if it's too much 😆
Timestamps ⏰:
00:00 Intro
00:46 Job salary and tax-free income
03:38 The weather
05:34 Safety
07:26 The lifestyle
08:33 Meeting people
09:35 Opportunity
10:30 Community
11:31 A city that never sleeps
12:42 You need to drive
13:26 Dating
14:00 Judging
15:18 Beauty standards
16:43 Challenging
18:00 Final thoughts
If you would like to rent a car for monthly rental, feel free to check out our website: revv.ae/ and message us on Instagram: / revvuae
I’m hoping to make people's journey of moving to Dubai a bit less stressful 🥹
xxx
Latifa
Dream Big
♥️ / latifa.dreamer
Leave a comment, I try and reply to everyone ♥️
Sub count: 629
Thank you so much for this video 🙏🏾
I have recently moved to Dubai and I work remote as well, hence your videos has been helpful in building perspective & planning. Thank you! please keep them coming.
I'm glad, it's definitely a big challenge working remotely here. I feel your pain 😊 time makes everything better!
@@LatifaDreamer why would you say that working remote is a challenge in UAE? Pls explain
@@syedasamreen2501 @Syeda Samreen because it's harder to meet people. Most people who move here, their friends are their colleagues. If you work remotely and alone, much harder to meet people.
Remote which types jobs easily available ? Can anyone apply before coming to Dubai ? Do this remote job worldwide accepted employees?can you suggest any companies?
@@syedasamreen2501not safe for women when going out alone you get harassed by uae local men and police help them track anyone they are interested in
A very humble and down to earth approach you have! Thank you for sharing the video 🎉
Living in Gulf or GCC region is always seeing through the person's lens based on his/her nationality, his/her wealth & his/her social circle. In this region, you cannot generalise the standards. It varies a lot & depends a lot from which part of the world you come.
100% 🙂 I make it clear that this is purely my perspective and opinion 🙏🏼 I know I’m coming from a privileged background so my experience will be different.
Well said 👍👍. I am an Asian who lived in the Middle East (including Dubai) for many years. For some people it is paradise and for others it can be a hell (depends on your job, ethnicity, nationality etc).
If you work hard and are smart you can get to where you need to be
@NM-ru2qj whr do u work?
Thank you so much for the wholesome content. It definitely gave the much needed insight that i needed, there really isn’t much extensive content on living in Dubai on KZhead right now. This definitely makes the move there easier now.
So glad to hear it was helpful ♥️♥️
Really like your vids. I appreciate your down to earth and grounded vibe. On so many other channels I've watched on KZhead about Dubai, the expat presenters try to present a very bougee lifestyle which can be irritating and quite unrealistic for many. You share a lot of tips that feel very relevant. So good job!
Thank you 💙 it is definitely a part of Dubai the flashy lifestyle but that’s also similar to many capital cities. I always say it comes down to you as a person and what you want 🙂 and what you make from each place.
This was the most informative video I have ever watched on moving to Dubai! Thank you. Please make this a series!
So glad to hear that 🙏🏼 it’s my personal experience so just take it with a pinch of salt 🌚
Thank you for your videos! they are super informative. Keep up the great work!
Glad you like them! Thank you ♥️
Hey girl! Absolutely loved the video - they way you presented it, your voice, the pace… you have calmed down those anxiety thoughts I got after watching countless videos about life in Dubai. In the last few weeks I’ve received a sudden urge to relocate to Dubai. Thank you for creating your channel 💛
I’m so glad it helped 🤍🤍🤍
Hey Latifa, recently moved to Dubai and just wanted to say your content is great! I’ve been watching for a few months now before moving and really helped put things in to perspective. Keep doing what you’re doing! Hope to catch up sometime. Alkan. 🙂
Thank you, really appreciate the message 🙏🏼
You can't imagine how peaceful is this video spacial the background , i love the way you talk, your smile god bless you
Aww thank you!!! I did try and make some effort 😝😝
thanks for the timestamps, makes it easier to go through the video and seeing the content I'm interested in - I'm moving in 3 weeks and came across your channel
Amazing! I hope you love it here 🙂
Wow! You popped up on my wall... heavenly sent for sure...I am soon about to do the big leap! I am also moving from the UK! Thank you for this video!
Amazing! So glad it helped 🥰
Great video! Very level-headed advice :)
loved this longer vid, very insightful!
Habibti!! I miss you, come to dubai my love ♥
@@LatifaDreamer Soon 😍 God willing! I can’t wait ❤️
I loved that you talk about beauty standards, and keeping up with luxury lifestyles. Such useful info especially for a woman.
Glad you found it useful!
Girllll I'm sorting myself to move to Dubai in the next several months and youv deffo made me want to!! So excited!! Going to revive my KZhead in the process I'm so excited thanks to your video!! Thank you💖💖
That’s amazing to hear 🤍 super excited for you 🥰
I love your videos, you are incredibly brave and hard working. Shocked you don't have more subs. Please keep going! x
Thank you Gary 🙏🏼 what a sweet message 🥺 I do KZhead just for fun and it was a great way to keep myself busy when I moved to Dubai ♥️ I just hope it helps others who move alone to a new country.
Thank you for this video. It was very insightful.
This was a great video, thank you. All the best on your journey. In’sha Allah me and my wife make the move soon too.
InshaAllah 🙏🏼
InshaAllah I will be moving this December as well.
@@zainseyal7947 In’sha Allah. Hope everything goes smoothly for you brother 😎
Hey Latifa, In such a short staying in dubai you have found the mantra of living positive and hopeful, you have a very balanced and matured attitude of looking at things, people draw all sort of conclusions usually without getting to know all the prospectives. I have been here over a decade and I exactly know what it takes to make success story with the perseverance and passion, you will go long way girl.
Thank you Neel! That means a lot and I really appreciate the kind words 💙
I want to take that leap and am starting my journey!
Thank you so much! GREAT VIDEO!
Loved your peaceful style of telling story , rare nowadays ! I am moving to Dubai In August from Spain, your content helps me a lot ! Hug .
Thank you 🥹 really happy it helped! You’ll love it here, I’m sure your used to heat so you should be fine 🙏🏼
Thank you! My only confusion was your statement about being self employed, and not having to work a regular job. Your summary was helpful, thank you!
Latifa, your videos are amazing! Your video quality is amazing, setp up and agenda?? I cant understand how you dont have more followers!! AND you are so gorgeous!!!!!!!
You are too sweet! Thank you ♥
Well covered. Very thoughtful.
Thank you everyone for all the love on this video! I'm so happy to hear that it's helped so many people take the plunge and move to Dubai! 💙 I recently opened my own car rental company given some of the bad experiences I had in Dubai with renting a car, if your moving and in need of a car, feel free to reach out to me directly and explore our fleet! Always happy to help with any move related questions 😊revv.ae/
Thank-you for this video and congratulations on starting your KZhead channel. I am from Canada and have been travelling to Dubai on and off during my teens. Can you make a video factoring in the expenses living with a family in Dubai ( things like housing, schooling, utilities, travel, entertainment etc) to comfortably reside in Dubai. Completely echo your points on Dubai being a 24/7 city and weather makes all the difference( coming from Toronto where it's extremely cold half the year I can relate to the effects of the sun on one's mood and overall health). Thank-you again look forward to your videos.
Glad to hear! Thank you, I don’t think I’ll be able to be that informative on that as I don’t have a family 🥹 so feel like I wouldn’t be able to give a honest view on it 🫠 b
Awesome video, tons of insights; thank you Latifa 👍
Thank you ♥️ Glad it was useful!
I moved to Singapore 4 years ago and can relate to the first 6 months as a roller coaster. After that, you change and become a better person.
Totally agree, cannot believe how much I've grown this year!! It's been amazing for me.
Thanks for your videos. Keep this great work. 😘
Thank you Marta ♥️
This was super helpful. Ta!
Many years ago, my plan was to move to the UAE as I always visit there every year while living and studying in the UK. After graduation from university, I booked a one way ticket to Asia, to enjoy my long holiday before applying for jobs to move to the UAE. But during my holidays in Asia, I met a random person, who recommended me about moving to China to work as a teacher, which I had no plans or intention. Then I started applying for teaching jobs, online interviews, I even had my documents and paperwork ready to meet the requirments to get a work permit and legal working visa, which I got within 7 days, book a ticket to China to start my new life and job in China. 4 years later, I'm still living and working in China! No intention of moving to China but wanting to move to UAE. Well, at least I'm happy here and never regret moving here. Would love to visit UAE again during holidays, after this crazy border closures of China is gone, been stuck here for nearly 3 years!
I'm glad to hear you are having a great time in China, and hopefully you can visit the UAE soon 🙂
Wow your life sounds amazing and adventurous
As born and raised I cant advice you visit uae
Hey Latifa I am from Paris and i feel very stressed and weak all the time here. I am contemplating moving to the uae too. You are a breath of fresh air to me, always talking and sharexperiences
I lived in Paris for 2 years and I don't know how I did it :D whenever I go back I can only stay for a short period because it is very stressful 😆 inshaAllah you can.
I've been to Dubai many times and going back in a few weeks. The cost of living in Dubai is way cheaper then where i live in Los Angeles, so it's all relative to where you are coming from. Aside from extremely expensive taxes in the U.S., the food, housing and gas is very inexpensive in Dubai when I compared it to L.A. and I plan to retire in Dubai possible next year. The weather is identical year round to L.A., and in fact, i would say it's even a little hotter in L.A. in the summer months. We've hit many days in a row at +46C in L.A. and i don't remember any days that hot in Dubai.
Very similar thoughts to me and London 🙂
I agree with you, I recently just moved to Dubai from Miami, USA AMERICA in general is basically going completely down the toilet!!
weather is absolutely not identical to LA, it's way hotter in Dubai and air quality difference is staggering. Both cities are good though.
Great video I'm from England and will be moving there in September can't wait thanks for the positivity video
Amazing!! I hope you really enjoy it 😊 weather will be hot but your in time for winter here which is great.
Dubai is a great city! thank you for sharing your experience!
You are welcome 🤍
Loved the video, thank you❤
What a great and informative video, I personally have never thought to move out of London, but I guess you are a whole lot more adventurous than I am.
You should definitely think about it 🙂 life is too short and the world is too big to only live in one place 🥰🥰
@@LatifaDreamer Also, if you changed the thumbnail to include a picture of Dubai in the background (maybe the Burg) , it will do really well because its a great video, but not obvious from the thumbnail.
Totally get what you mean about the weather. I'm from the tropics, South Atlantic. I've spent about 18 years in England and still can't get the hang of the weather. Come summer, everyone at work is turning on their fans and I have a woolly cardi and black tights on complaining that I'm cold ... I literally p** myself laughing when they say there's gonna be a heatwave and I'm like how hot will it be and they come out with something like 21 degrees and I'm like, sorry still too cold 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Ahahahaha literally me now 🌚🌚 whenever I go back to the U.K. I’m actually freezing 24/7. My body has gotten so used to the heat here.
Very detailed & informative. Many thanks 🙏🏻. Hope to meet you when I get to Dubai & maybe I’ll make it to your KZhead video😍.
InshaAllah 🙂
@@LatifaDreamer 🤲🏻
Thank u so much for this. I really wanna move to Dubai!! Pls make more videos about Dubai
I have quite a few videos about moving to Dubai, if there's anything specific let me know 🙂
I'm planning on moving to Dubai and work from home (I work in IT consulting). So just from saving the tax alone, I will be able to pay a mortgage for a villa. I am looking forward to officially live in Dubai and bring my family over (wife and 2 kids). No tax, more safe, no -40c winters, no tropical non-stop rainy summers, beaches, can get a maid for very cheap, better educational system, less liberal BS, and of course...no racism/discrimination (I am a palestinian muslim arab). Great video thank you! I am even more excited :)
Glad to hear that, I do hope you enjoy it and it works out better for you than where you currently live. I know education can get a bit pricey so I hope you factored that in :D
Sorry to disappoint you, there is actually lots of racism in Dubai and the UAE. In fact as a Palestinian I am sure you know how things work in the Arab world, specially the pecking order in the Gulf. If you have a western passport, that might shelter you from the worst of it, but no matter what you are still Palestinian in the eyes of Arabs and Emiraties you would be working with. Now if you land a high paying good job maybe at an executive level that would help as well, but be careful of all the blackmailing and toxic work environment - chose your employer very carefully. Quality of education for the kids will be sub-par relative to the UK or the west, and if you send your kids to an average school there is a good chance they will be bullied for being a privileged Palestinian. Anyway good luck!!! There are pros and cons with everything, so make sure you do your research.
I was waiting for your vlog haha
Ahaa, it's Ramadan so I haven't been filming as much 😁 vlogs should be back soon 💙
thank uu for this video! keep it up with it
If you have a job here your collègues will become your friends most likely and then doing activities like gym, sports is a great way as well ☺️
Amazing and complete video thanks ❤️
Thank you 🥹🥰
Great content. Thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Great video! Thank you
Great video, gave us a lot of insights when we were moving to Dubai. We decided to move our business to Dubai this year, and let me tell you, it's been a major hassle. Getting things started or relocated here is way more complicated and irritating compared to what we're used to in the Western countries. You can't just buy an LLC like you do back home; it's a whole bunch of confusing paperwork and details. But, even though it's been really frustrating, it's paying off since we don't have to pay any taxes now, and Dubai is just an amazing place. We found a company that helps with setting up businesses, otherwise I think we would've been stuck trying to figure everything out for ages.
can you tell more about the biz setup process?
Yes totally agree when you come here it’s best to get a third party to help but you just need to be careful and make sure to check reviews and get a few quotes. I’m so glad you are enjoying it!
I’m making a video on this will get it out sometime soon
InshaAllah I'll be getting married and moving to Dubai this December :), Thanks for the video! I would love to hear more about what you do in your business. I'm really interested in starting a business in Dubai.
Congrats, I don't have a business in Dubai. I'm just a freelancer / do consulting :-)
Gosh the weather in UK...I was once asked in an interview "What motivates you to get up in the morning?", I answered, the sun 🌞 (no I didn't get the job).... I was there in Dubai Nov to May one year, such a crazy work schedule, but working on the Expo project was pretty cool. 8 - 6pm though...no thanks. When I return insha-Allah, I'll work from there, but not a UAE company, as long as I have a good Internet connection it's all good.
Yeah that’s what I would suggest if you can get a remote job not in the UAE but benefit from living in the UAE, it’s the best situation to be in 😊
A wonderful channel and great contents, I enjoyed watching most of your videos, thanks for sharing.]]]
Thank you 🥰
Amazing information, Latifa! I am planning to move this coming January and wanted to ask if you are aware of any interesting networking events or online meetups that I can join before moving to Dubai.
I actually don’t know 🫠🫠 I’m sure there will be of your search on Google. Super excited for you! January is a great time!
I have visited Dubai and I am from NY yea Dubai is safe I would definitely not work in Dubai but Dubai is amazing you won’t be a victim of crime I have visited Switzerland I would move to Swiss Whatever I do like USA as of now
looking so beautiful ❤
Thanks for your insights. That is once thing that puts me off, is that it seems like a very shallow and materialistic place.
I think every place has it's pros and cons, I know Dubai has this rep but I don't notice it much other than the nice cars on the road, majority of people are actually really nice and sweet.
It’s no difference than anywhere else where there are haves and have nots! Dubai was great. Love it. Not materialistic, just people are able to afford more based on how much they are able to keep. 🤯! Do the math !
This was the best insight yet and very helpful information in my plans to move to Dubai. I wish you all the best.
Thank you so much John. I’m glad it was helpful 🥰
I like never leaving the house and I feel so guilty because I’m taking our weather for granted. Though, crime is pretty bad in my area. I’m here after hearing crime was low out there.
Same, natural beauty is good! ❤
Natural beauty all the way for me :D
Thank you 🦋
Your welcome 🤍
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Me and wife are planning to move from North America so looking forward to the new challenge.
How exciting! Wishing you all the best 🙂
I'm living in Saudi from last 7 years and here is no peace of mind , I do wanna move to Dubai and willing to buy an apartment as well but really hard to accept that what the future hold there for me.
If it's not too much of a risk and you don't have much to lose, why not!
Great review. So mature.
You are so beautiful 🤩 great video, thanks for sharing
Thank you 🥺 ♥️
Don’t be crazy, you’re a very good looking girl…no changes necessary! 😊
Thank you I really appreciate it!
nice video! I might have missed it, but what do you do for a living?
I work in tech 😊
Thank you for this video! I have two little children, I'm a bit worried about the air quality - do you have any thoughts on that?
Hmm it's a tough one, I've never really thought about it. I haven't found the quality bad per say just humid, during the winter it's been nice but that might be because a whole side of Dubai is off the ocean and I'm always at the beach :D
@@LatifaDreamer That's good to know thank you, I was afraid the air was noticeably bad like other cities. Thanks for your insight :)
Thanks, now I think i'll think of moving there.
I wanna work out there I do endoscopy. I have a 4 year old boy I just wanna move out for 1 year. I am so scared but think I am gonna do it.
Do what is best for you and makes the most sense, it is definitely harder moving here with a child.
Thanks for this. Are you from middle Eastern country
Nope, I'm from the UK 😊
I spent time in Dubai. and enjoyed it so looked for work here but was disappointed to find the salaries were not what I expected as an Electrical Engineer so I will not be moving out there
Yep I heard the packages are not as great as they were before. Something good to know you can live in Dubai and benefit from the tax free and have a job somewhere else if you can work remotely 🙂
Huge fan and love your truth ❤️❤️❤️ Keep it up and love from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺
Thank you Ed 😊 you always put a smile on my face!
Thank you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💙💙❤️❤️🧡🧡
Even for people who don't live in Dubai you get tempted to do something to yourself and have a hard time with self acceptance
It’s not the same though, I’m sure there are other cities that are similar but in Dubai it’s all in your face everywhere, there’s constant adverts, billboards and everywhere you look you’ll see something about it. It wasn’t the same at all for me in London. I think it’s more the constant reminder that can indirectly get to you which I wanted to highlight.
in terms of living cost what can you get for examplet for 1500 pound sterling in dubai, also as a british do you need to apply for visa to live and work there?
I made a video on costs of living in dubai if you want to check that out 🙂 but you can get a decent 1 bedroom apartment for £1500 a month. As a Brit you can live there for 2 months as a tourist, to work there you need to have a job with a dubai company, open your own and apply as a freelancer 🙏🏼
Hi Latifa Would you be able to cover income taxes there if your American citizen please
I honestly have no idea because I'm British, so wouldn't be able to advise. I'm sure there must be some youtube videos on this by an american :-)
hey :) which company did you use to set up business and then move? would be great if you chould share some helpful info. id help you back in return if your into crypto? :)
I use this company which was recommended through a friend www.uaecompanysetup.com His name is Wassem and would defo recommend he’s been so good. Tell him Latifa sent you 🙂
Great information.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for amazing video. I am from US, do you know if the income you make in Dubai get taxed in your home country, I know there are some exceptions. Also how much you expect to pay for Rent 1-2 bed room apartment for single or couple
It’s all down to the tax agreement dubai has with the US / your home country. I don’t know enough about the US 😩 but I heard you get taxed. It all depends where you live but typically 1 beds are about 50,000 AED
@@LatifaDreamer50,000 in a month?
@@valerievalerieko252 A year, but it's gone up now a lot!
you are so beautiful - it surprised me to hear that you were considering any sort of improvement of plastic surgery. Interesting video. Just watching for now - not planning to move yet
Thank you that’s so sweet 🥹 I surprised myself. Normally not much sways me but if you do move here you’ll notice most of the girls look like models and have done a lot of things to themselves. It feels like your living in Instagram here. I felt a lot of pressure at the beginning but now I don’t 🙏🏼.
@@LatifaDreamer I heard about plastic surgery for years but saw it only on Instagram and on TV shows where they show what went wrong. For many years I didn't witness anybody in real life who did it. my world and the world of plastic surgery were completely separated. Then in summer 2019 I traveled to Monaco. The hotel was expensive in Monte Carlo area and I saw it! Tits were huge! Then I saw some other ladies with obvious breast implants in Ibiza also in a more pricy hotel. From this I made conclusion that there are more people who do such surgeries in richer areas and Dubai is rich city so maybe that is why. Also the same about teeth veneers. I am considering such improvement but not sure.
how did you go about setting up your business out there? Im looking at moving my agency there soon, im assuming you used a freezone?
I'll make a video on this as It's hard to explain :)
Hello, Latifa! What about air and water quality ? I have here from friends it’s the biggest issue why they leave Dubai.
To be honest I’ve lived here for so long now I don’t really know because the air quality was also bad in London! In terms of the water, yes but most people just use filters 🙂 I think the main issue is the heat so you are unable to go out in the summer periods and enjoy the fresh air. However Dubai is along the ocean so I never found an issue with air quality when I’m out and about 🙏🏼
Great example for girls who want to move alone. Pls mention areas which are considered as family areas to live in dubai and more safe for alone girls
Thank you 🤍 Dubai is pretty safe everywhere to be honest. The more family areas are more expensive but there JVC, Motor City and other areas not so central that are more affordable ☺️
Simple question, is Dubai more expensive than San Francisco? It's crazy here and the quality of life does not represent the cost of living. However the weather is great.
No wayy, SF is the most expensive place ever. It’s actually mental. If you can get a SF salary and live in Dubai you will be living your best life!!
Wow, Thanks! Need to plan my next move ☺️
You good at math? I knew a family growing up that lived pretty well all over the U.S. because one of them was an architect who could work remotely on a California Salary.
Weather high in summer is between 38-50.
Yep it can get really high!
❤❤❤
Great video
Thank you! Glad it helped!
what about healthcare and food (groceries)?
What about it
I love your channel
Thank you 🥺
nice =) love your eyes
😍😍😍😍😍
Great video but what kind of business can you start in Dubai??
Anything 😊 it’s more about hard work to make it succeed but as a developing country there are lots of opportunities
Did you have to give up your UK residency to get tax free salary? If so, how do you do that and what are the cons of this? Thanks
it's not about giving up residency, if you live in most places for 6 months or more you become a resident of that country, and depending on the agreement your home country has with the other place you are subject to tax laws there. No cons so far, but I'm British so I still get access to all the same things even if I'm not a resident.
@@LatifaDreamer thats great as im british aswell. But i heard about this from someone british, maybe its all just about the job then.
I subscribed to your KZhead channel ❤️👍❤️
Hi is it easy to find vegetables, nuts and fruits that are ecological grown / Bio ? Thank You
I’ve had no issues, Carrefour, Waitrose and many other places have many healthy options and bio options 😊
@@LatifaDreamer nice thank you
Super informative - subscribed
Glad it helped!
From Brazil, could you please tell me how easy to find tech jobs in dubai ? I would like to move dubai. Seems Like dubai so interesting city to live
I can’t really comment I don’t know the job market here as I don’t work in the UAE 🙏🏼
What about work culture and job security.
I can’t really comment on that as I don’t have a job in Dubai 🙏🏼 I’m self-employed
🥂
Everyone I know who is in Dubai is trying to get out. Dubai is good if you have a good job, and/or a strong passport. Which go both hand in hand usually as you’re always judged by the color of your passport in Dubai. If you have a weak passport, I wouldn’t even try to live in Dubai forever, because you can’t. There needs to be a backup plan.
I’ve never felt that and am unable to comment on it but I’m privileged as I never had a job here but also do have a British passport