Dubai Expat Life: 50 Valuable Takeaways From My Experience Of Living And Working In Dubai

Due to its rapid development and strategic location in the world, Dubai presents an abundance of business opportunities that attract people from all over the globe. As a result, living and working in Dubai can offer a diverse range of experiences and lessons for expats that may not be available elsewhere.

In my personal experience, I found some similarities between living and working in Dubai and Shanghai as an expat, but I also encountered many new experiences in Dubai, particularly while working for a mega event such as Expo 2020 Dubai.

In this article, I reflect on my year-long journey living and working in Dubai as an expat, highlighting the four main areas in which I learned and grew: Dubai’s lifestyle and Culture, National Development, Self-growth & Mental Health as well as Management Skills

I hope some insights shared here will be useful in helping you prepare for living and working in Dubai as an expat, and minimise major cultural shocks.

List of Contents

Dubai’s Lifestyle and Culture
National Development
Self-growth & Mental Health
Management Skills

Dubai’s Lifestyle and Culture

1.Foreigners in Dubai are not required to follow the Emiratis’ dressing code in Dubai UAE

Emiratis in Dubai and throughout the Arab world follow strict dressing rules that reflect the conservative values of their culture. In public, Emirati men typically wear a kandura, a long white robe, while women wear an abaya, a long black robe, and a headscarf to cover their hair. These traditional clothing items are not required for foreigners, who can wear shorts and t-shirts in public as well as swimwears at beach areas and pools.

However, it is important to be respectful of the local culture when dressing in public places.

To show respect for local religious customs, both men and women should avoid wearing revealing clothing in public in Dubai UAE.

And when visiting mosques or other religious sites, men should cover their shoulders and knees. As for women, covering arms, legs and head are required, to meet this requirement, women may choose to wear an abaya.

For more information on dressing guidelines for mosques in the UAE, see this ultimate guide to The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

2.Video and voice calls are restricted in Dubai UAE with local carriers

Video and voice calls from apps like Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and WeChat do not work in Dubai without a VPN. However, Zoom and Google Meet function normally.

3.Alcohol is available in Dubai, UAE

We are allowed to consume alcohol in Dubai UAE, however it can only be purchased at licensed bars, hotels, restaurants, and some wholesale stores located far away if you have the permit.

4.Pork is so rare in Dubai UAE, it can only be found in certain places

In Dubai, the local Islamic culture prohibits the consumption of pork, which makes it a rare sight in the city. Even 5-star hotels like Intercontinental, Mövenpick, and Radisson typically substitute pork with beef, turkey or chicken, for example beef bacon, chicken Siu Mai and turkey ham etc).

However, we managed to find some places for it. If you think you might crave pork too, you can find it at designated sections for non-Muslim food in some supermarkets, as well as at some specialty restaurants catering to non-Muslim customers.

Check out my recommendations for international food options and pork restaurants in Dubai to find some great places to satisfy your cravings.

5.Dubai UAE offers an amazing diversity of international cuisine, with a wide variety of food from around the world available in the city

With around 90% of Dubai’s population being international expats, and the city being a popular tourist destination, Dubai boasts a diverse food culture that can satisfy a wide range of tastes. From well-known global brands to local specialties, there’s something for everyone.

Check out my article for some of my top recommendations for international food in Dubai.

6.The act of swearing, public nudity, and displaying affection in public are strictly prohibited in Dubai

It’s important to be mindful of local laws and customs in Dubai, as behaviours that may be acceptable in other places could result in fines or even jail time. For instance, public displays of affection, nudity, and swearing are strictly prohibited. To avoid any legal issues and to show respect to the local culture, make sure you Don’t do these things in Dubai UAE.

7.Majority of the people speaks English in Dubai

English is widely spoken in Dubai, as the city caters to international businesses and tourists. Whether you are traveling or living and working in Dubai, not speaking Arabic is not a major issue for communication. Even construction workers and taxi drivers speak English.

However, learning some basic Arabic phrases can be beneficial in terms of making connections and showing respect for the local culture. If you speak even better Arabic (or have Arabic speaking friends), it can be especially useful and important when dealing with government officials or interacting with Arabic-speaking individuals in daily life.

For example, I remember having a problem figuring out where my visa statement was and where the government had sent my resident card. Fortunately, I had an Arabic-speaking colleague who was so nice and assisted me in dealing with this issue. He called the same phone number as I called, but selected the Arabic speaking option, and spoke to the Arabic-speaking officials and quickly resolved the problem, and my resident card was sent to me within a week.

8.Arabic words and calligraphy are so artistic and some words can have different meanings depending on the situation

I developed my appreciation for the language while working on product development and saw a variety of different Arabic calligraphy and heritage pattern designs on the products in Dubai as well as learning from my Arabic-speaking colleagues.

My favourite one is “Yalla”, which is a versatile word that can mean “let’s go,” “hurry up,” “come on,” “alright/okay,” and “let’s get it over with.”

“Habibi” is used to address a male, while “habibti” is used to address a female, and both mean “my beloved” or “my dear.” These words are frequently used in everyday conversations in Arabic-speaking countries.

I also learned other useful words include “shukran” which means “thank you, and “khali wali” which is often used to express disinterest, indifference, or a lack of concern about a particular situation or topic. It can be translated to mean “whatever” or “let it go”.

9.Different Arabic-speaking countries have their own ways of saying certain things

I only found out this when we asked our Arabic colleagues to help translate our copies from English to Arabic, we noticed variations in the words used by Emiratis, Jordanians, Syrians, Sudanese and Egyptians. And when we asked each of them to check others’ translations, they usually said, “ahh it is not the same as how we’d say it.

10.Dubai is well influenced by British culture in several ways

When I arrived in Dubai and went to Dubai Marina Mall, I was thrilled to see a familiar sight – the brands and products I had grown accustomed to in the UK, including Wagamama, Waitrose, Virgin Mobile, Yo Sushi, Nandos, Innocent smoothies, Terry’s Chocolate Orange, Yorkshire Tea, Aussie shampoo, Five Guys and more. It almost felt like I was back in the UK.

The reason why so many British brands can be commonly found in Dubai can be traced back to the UAE’s history as it was a British protectorate until 1971. During this period, British culture played a significant role in shaping the Emirate’s development that has remained in place to this day.

Moreover, many British expatriates have moved to Dubai and continue to live and work there, contributing to the city’s diverse cultural mix. Hence a wide selection of British-style pubs, restaurants, as well as retail brands and supermarkets such as Waitrose, Marks & Spencer are easily accessible to both travelers and residents.

11.Dubai offers numerous global retail and luxury brands in the malls

Dubai has many global retail and luxury brands because it is a top destination for business and tourism, attracting lots of international visitors and expatriates. The government of Dubai has also created policies and projects to support its retail and tourism industry, such as tax-free shopping, luxury resorts, and world-class malls. These things, combined with Dubai’s strategic location as a hub for trade and commerce, make it a great place for global brands to establish themselves and cater to diverse consumers.

In my shopping experience, it’s easy to get lost in the malls in Dubai, especially Dubai Mall, which has over 1,200 stores and 200+ food and drink outlets. The mall is so big that it can be hard to find specific brands. If you want to shop more efficiently, I recommend going to Mall of the Emirates instead. It also has many retail brands but isn’t as massive as Dubai Mall.

By the way, if you want to enjoy great discounts, the best time to go shopping in Dubai is during the Dubai Shopping Festival(DSF), an annual month-long shopping and entertainment event in Dubai, UAE. It typically takes place from December to January and features various retail promotions, discounts, and deals across shopping malls, markets, and outlets throughout the city. In addition to shopping, the festival also includes cultural events, live performances, fireworks, and raffle draws with valuable prizes which attracts lots of residents and tourists to participate every year.

12.Dates and Arabic coffee play an important parts of Arabic culture

Arabic coffee is typically served to guests in small Arabic cups and is often accompanied by dates or other sweets as a sign of hospitality and welcome in not just Dubai UAE but the Middle East.

As for dates, I never knew there were various flavours and fillings for it until I saw the premium dates brands like Bateel, offer a diverse selection of dates and unique, attractive packaging that make for great gifts. It’s a bit too sweet for me but I love looking at them!

13.From morning until night, Dubai is a city that's buzzing with activity and excitement

There are so many events happening every day in Dubai, including festivals, art events, sports events, exhibitions, live concerts by famous artists, shows featuring international top 100 DJs, yoga events, drone shows, light shows, ferry parties, beach bars, and much more. These events are typically of high quality and held to high standards. Dubai is truly a city that doesn’t sleep and where people can’t get bored, unless you are all about nature.

14.Winter is the perfect season for beaches in Dubai

When my friend, who has been living in Dubai for years, told me “in winter you will get to enjoy Dubai beaches, summer is impossible”, I didn’t believe him until I went there and personally experienced the hot-bath-like ocean in summer.

During summer in Dubai, temperatures are around 36-42 degrees and can reach up to 45+ degrees sometimes. The ocean water is also usually hot and warm, around 30+ degrees Celsius even at night time, making it too hot to visit the beaches and swim.

However, during the winter months, the temperature is milder, ranging from 23-30 degrees Celsius, with the lowest temperature I experienced being around 17 degrees Celsius. This makes it the perfect weather to visit some aesthetic beach bars in Dubai in day time.

15.During summer, it is impossible to live without an air conditioner in Dubai

Going out of the office or home is a very difficult task during summer in Dubai, due to the high temperatures mentioned above. After living there and experiencing their rough summer, I finally understood why there are so many malls built in Dubai and have bizarre activities such as big aquariums, the deepest pool, and ice skating playgrounds and more. It is the easiest thing for people to do during the summer months.

16.During Ramadan, Muslims are required to refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours throughout Ramadan. Be kind to them

Ramadan is a holy month in the Islamic calendar, and Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sunset, serving as a means to cleanse both the body and mind, drawing them closer to God, and developing compassion towards the people in need as well as to cultivate patience and break harmful habits.

They are permitted to break their fast if they are feeling unwell or not in good condition. However, they are required to make up for the missed fasts after Ramadan, or pay fidyah or kaffarah (penalties). A colleague told us, for them if they missed fasts, one needs to either donate food to feed six families or donate money that is enough to feed six families.

I fully respect my Arabic colleagues who still work persistently during their fasts even under hot weather as I don’t know how they manage to do it but I have full respect for them and learned not to assign them complicated or difficult tasks in the afternoon when they have less energy due to fasting. Additionally, I try to be understanding and kind to Muslims who may be less patient during the day while fasting.

One time, I caught a taxi an hour before sunset during Ramadan. The taxi driver didn’t want to drive me to my destination when he found out the area would be congested, as this could have made him late to break his fast. As a result, he dropped me off at a location where I still had to walk 15 minutes to my destination, despite my feet hurting (which was why I took a taxi). Although he didn’t take me all the way to my destination and dropped me off in the middle of the road just 2 minutes after picking me up, I still had to pay the minimum taxi fare of 12 AED. I understand that hunger can affect one’s mood, so well I forgave him and wasn’t angry.

I am glad though, as foreigners, we are not required to fast during Ramadan when we travel or live in Dubai UAE. But there are certain things to be aware of if you are traveling or planning to live and work in Dubai during Ramadan.

17.Some Middle Easterners are extremely patient and have a high level of tolerance

I wonder if this is due to their culture and the training they receive during the month of Ramadan. Of course, there are also many who are rude and misbehave, but the kind and great ones I have met are on another level from the people I have encountered around the world so far.

18.The gap between the quality of people in Dubai is quite significant, perhaps the biggest I have ever experienced in one place

On the one hand, there are many kind, generous, ambitious, and intelligent people who have a high degree of tolerance and are always willing to help others, whether it be their families, countries, or their own business/dreams.

On the other hand, there are also many rude individuals, shady characters, and shallow individuals. There are even some strange men on the street who randomly ask girls to be their wives.

19.Driving in Dubai is a very challenging thing

Despite the strict laws and expensive fines in Dubai, residents’ driving behaviour was a huge concern for many of us from Asia and Western countries. While driving, we often witness drivers suddenly switching lanes without signalling or pressuring other cars by driving very close to them if they think the car is driving slowly, instead of just overtaking them.

In addition, missing or taking the wrong exit can result in an additional 30+ minutes of driving time (if you don’t get lost), with some drivers even ending up in rural areas or different cities. Combined with peak hour traffic, driving in Dubai can be a frustrating experience.

I can relate to this frustration as we have experienced missing the exit three times during my time in Dubai. It felt terrible to be on the wrong path after a long day at work, making the drive home feel even further. However, there was one instance when missing the exit led us to a desert camel farming area, and seeing the camels and the desert in the morning made my day.

What’s more, for some expat from some countries ( for example Taiwan and Czech Republic), once they have UAE resident visa, it is required for them to obtaining a valid UAE driving license by taking an exam, which can be costly, ranging from 4500 to 7000 AED.

(note: for tourists, the international driving license is enough).

National Development

1.If a country wants to attract foreign talent and investment, it must consider what these individuals value and create an environment and system that invites them in

Dubai, UAE has done this exceptionally well by offering a diverse and amazing lifestyle, a tax-free system, numerous business opportunities.

However, they also require low-cost workers for basic and hospitality jobs, as well as construction work. Therefore, they also provide an environment that allows people with relatively lower income to live in the city with amenities that are superior to those of their hometowns, as well as safety and a promising future.

I’ve heard stories from expats earning less than 400 USD/month who are still able to send money back home, pay rent (sharing a room with 8 people), and save money while living in Dubai. And they are already incredibly grateful for the safety, freedom, opportunity, and salary that the UAE provides, which their home countries have failed to offer.

2.Ambitious leaders with clear visions and the mindset and goals of wanting their country to do great can achieve a lot for their nation in a relatively short period of time

As seen in the incredible example of Dubai’s progress in just 51 years.

This makes me thinking whether frequent changes in political parties and leadership, as well as the process of citizens voting for their leaders, are always beneficial. It is possible that in such situations, leaders may prioritise winning votes over pursuing greater development for the country. It can also lead to a shift in long-term goals and vision with each change. Unless each candidate and leaders all have the mindset of doing great things for their countries and citizens instead of themselves, then I guess it is ok.

3.Strict laws may seem intimidating, but they play a crucial role in governing a country and shaping people's behaviour

They also encourage foreigners to respect the country’s people, rules, and culture.

In the UAE, to protect their culture and people, swearing, public nudity, and displaying affection in public as well as taking photos of random people are strictly prohibited which can get both residents and visitors fines.

4.Dubai is a very futuristic city but not everything is as glorious as we’ve seen on the media , there are other stories and views as well

Similar to other countries, Dubai has both rich and poor people. However, the gap between them is very large. As statistics show that the high rate of expats in Dubai, which is 85%, is not only because of rich Western or Arabic people but rather a large number of Asians, Africans, and Middle Easterners as well. This is different from what I had imagined before visiting Dubai, but it’s good to know and understand it through living and working in Dubai and knowing that even many of them are not rich, but they already have better quality life in the UAE than from their own countries.

5.When leaders of a country engage in activities that the average person does and remain grounded, they are likely to be more loved, respected, and influential among their people

This is especially true if they promote certain behaviors and consistently lead by example. One such leader is the Crown Prince of Dubai, who is known for his love of photography, travel, and adventure. In 2017, he initiated the Dubai Fitness Challenge, which encourages residents to engage in 30 minutes of exercise every day for 30 days each year. As a result, he is widely admired and respected by both Emiratis and expats in Dubai, UAE.

6.The UAE used to have a weekend from Friday to Saturday, but in order to align with international practices, the country made a significant reform and changed its weekend to Saturday to Sunday from January 1, 2022)

This change was made as part of a broader effort to synchronise its business and economic activities with other countries in the region and across the globe, ultimately aiming to enhance its competitiveness and appeal as a business destination. This shift shows the UAE’s commitment to connecting with the world and international markets even more.

Self-growth & Mental Health

1.Self-care is important, and if we don't care about ourselves, no one else would

2.To see is to believe, and we can learn so much by exploring places deeper

3.Meditation is helpful to calm our soul down and makes our mind more clear, even if it's just 10 minutes before going to work or sleep

4.Busy people learn to manage their time better and make the most of it in order to accomplish more tasks, so sometimes we say “busy people have more time”

In order to be productive and achieve goals and finish more important tasks, busy people usually are very good at managing their time effectively and prioritize their tasks as well as knowing what matters most in their lives and making more intentional decisions.

For me, I think I realised that peace of mind, embracing nature and self care became the most important. And I tend to stay sober more often, and to save energy in order to do some exploration on the precious day off.

5.Ask for help when we need it. If we don't ask, no one would know we need help

6.Able to do things alone is a total freedom

In this way, we don’t have to wait for or compromise with others, so we have full control of things we want to do and our time.

7.We should always take some mindful, positive mindset books with us for our daily reminders. It helps change our mindset when we forget or go through tough times

8.Away from the gossip, toxic people, and people with crazily high ego, they are not good for our mental health. And don't talk bad about people either

9.Shopaholic is a real phenomenon that can be triggered by stress or anxiety

I experienced it for the first time in my life after working for more than a month without any days off. When I finally had a few hours break, I went to a mall and started shopping for things that I thought would make me feel better, without checking the prices or if I really needed them. It was a bit scary, actually.

Also, when it comes to getting a massage, I tend to go for the more expensive ones just because I don’t have the energy or mood to risk receiving an unstable quality massage. So when I find a great one, I tend to stick with it even if it’s relatively more expensive.

I guess my takeaway from this is, taking care of ourselves and rest is important, otherwise, it doesn’t matter how much more money we earn, if we don’t take care of ourselves (both mental and physical), all money won’t be able to keep it anyway.

10.People will always make time for us if we are important to them. No one is ever too busy

11.To be more mindful of my thoughts

Because, “Thoughts are magnetic, and thoughts have a frequency. As we think, they are sent out into the universe, and they magnetically attract all like things that are on the same frequency. Everything sent out returns to the source – you.” ― Rhonda Byrne, The Secret

This quote reminded me to be more aware of my thoughts, and helped me turn things around when I was feeling low and faced unpleasant situations. Ever since I reread 《The Secret》 at Seva Experience, I felt a shift in energy. And on that day, I even received everything I asked for, including small things like finding a book I needed at a random kiosk on the street. It’s important to remember that “we are a magnet, attracting everything to us”

12.When we are focused on solving a problem or completing a task, complaining becomes a waste of valuable time that could be spent finding solutions

13.No one is coming to save us, we just have to get up and take control

14.Kindness is gold, kind people are precious. Keep them

Some people don’t have much but they are willing to give us all and ready to always be there for us when we need them. Some people have tons but are very calculated and stingy.

15.Don’t trust people 100%, some of them don’t even know what they are doing. Develop our own thinking, opinions and trust ourselves especially if we’ve been doing certain things for a while

16.No one is ever 100% right. Staying humble and open to new ideas is important

17.Even if we are super busy, don’t forget to do something that makes us happy and helps us maintain good emotional & mental health

During months of busy events in Dubai for more than a month, I worked non-stop for over 14 hours a day without a chance to take a day off or get a good night’s sleep. It was a challenging and crazy period, but it took a toll on my mental and physical health. I experienced my first nervous breakdown and had unusual pimples. And when I finally got one day off per week, it was so precious that I had to choose between rest and exploration. I always chose the latter because it made me feel alive and happy. Sometimes even if I needed to work or was still too tired on my day off, I forced myself to get out of the house and visit beaches, cafes, and massage places. This allowed me to explore a few places in Dubai/UAE despite limited time and energy. Also that’s one of my ways to release stress, to control my emotions as well as not to bring negativity to people around me.

And I believe when more individuals are healthier and happier, the environment and the world will too.

Management Skills

1.It is crucial to communicate the goal, clear direction and purpose of assigned tasks to the team and employees

I find when managing and working with people in this way, they can understand the significance of their work and might as well develop more efficient ways or give new ideas to solve the problems and achieve the desired results.

2.Stay calm when facing unexpected situations at work and try to communicate calmly and clearly when giving directions to the team, even when feeling panicked or stressed internally

It takes time and experience to master this skill and develop effective problem-solving strategies for unexpected situations.

I was pleasantly surprised that within a very short time for an urgent unforeseen project, I managed to handle the numerous unexpected situations we faced despite being short-staffed and pressed for time, while also dealing with constantly changing team members. I’m glad I was able to manage my stress and not let it affect the team, and they didn’t sense that I was overwhelmed.

3.A healthy working environment can enhance employee productivity and happiness

To achieve this, it is essential to cultivate a culture of kindness and positivity in the workplace, avoiding negative behavior such as gossip or speaking ill of others. Given the already high levels of work and stress, employees do not need additional negativity in their work environment. Furthermore, gossiping does not unite people, it creates divisions and isolates individuals.

4.It is important to appreciate the efforts and hard work of employees and the teams

Recognising their contributions through positive feedback and encouragement can motivate them to keep going and showcase their skills. However, it is crucial to find the right balance between acknowledging employees’ achievements and avoiding overpraising, as the latter can make them become overconfident and undermine attention to detail or overly bragging.

5.Taking on too much at once is not a good idea

When we try to do multiple tasks and businesses simultaneously, it becomes more challenging to consider all important aspects and details before making decisions and taking action, and it also overloads ourselves with work. This can lead to the undesired results of each project as well as feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, which can negatively impact the mental & physical health of ours and those who are working with us.

6.With good communication and presentation skills, as well as knowing the people that the business need, we may be able to sell ourselves well enough to land a high-paying job, even without a strong set of professional skills, extensive experience or doing much work

Although it may be uncomfortable to acknowledge, I have witnessed individuals with these qualities succeed in landing such positions. However, from what I’ve observed, not many people actually respect them, if they only talk and not hand in results.

7.To be patient, flexible, but well-prepared to react quickly to the uncertain situations during event project is important ,as circumstances can change rapidly and require immediate action

8.Art is a highly abstract concept. If marketers and leaders have specific ideas, it is important to communicate clearly about the goals and concept of the project

By providing examples or elements to the designers, photographers, and videographers, it becomes easier to direct them before they start working. This approach helps save the team’s time and increases efficiency. Even if the team wants to experiment with different ideas, having a clear goal and concept in mind ensures that everyone is working towards the same objective.