Struggling Vacation for Party-seekers in Dubai: Brits Complain of High-pressure Lifestyle and Expensive Living
In recent years, Dubai has been a magnet for sun-seeking Brits, lured by promises of high salaries, wealthy lifestyles, and low taxes. However, a closer look at the city's living costs reveals a more complex picture.
According to data from Numbeo, an imported 330ml beer is half the price in London compared to Dubai. Yet, the average basic utility bill for an 85 sq metre apartment in London is higher than in Dubai. This discrepancy extends to other everyday items as well. A pair of Levi 501 jeans is less expensive in Dubai compared to London, while a pair of mid-range Nike running trainers is only slightly less expensive in Dubai.
However, the cost of living in Dubai is not all rosy. Cigarettes are 70% more expensive in Dubai compared to London, and internet access is significantly more expensive as well. Residents have complained about the city being overrun with people, with videos on social media showing crowded beaches, streets, and shopping malls.
The job market in Dubai is becoming more competitive as the city matures and becomes a victim of its own success in attracting global talent. Marium, who shares advice on TikTok under the account 'yahesaaccounting', advises getting a legitimate job offer before moving to Dubai. She also suggests considering income when moving to Dubai, as jobs are not paying as much as they used to due to increased competition.
The cost of accommodation in Dubai varies widely, with luxury hotels and resorts reporting prices starting from around €710 to over €800 per person. In contrast, accommodation costs in recent years ranged from approximately €21 per night for a hostel to about €47 per night for a 3-star hotel.
Some British expats have returned home due to issues in Dubai becoming so bad. One TikToker who specializes in opening companies in the UAE warns people who cannot guarantee a secure income against moving to Dubai. Elbi Henshaw, a British woman who moved to Dubai, found herself struggling to make ends meet despite financial support from her parents and a job in a high-end gym.
Ross Irvine, the financial director of William Russell, stated that Dubai is starting to 'lose its shine' due to rising costs of living, high housing rents, expensive schooling and healthcare, and steep everyday costs. A new TikTok trend based on the phrase 'Habibi, don't come to Dubai' has gone viral on the platform.
One British entrepreneur, who made £30million in Dubai, has quit the city due to the cons outweighing its advantages. Shannon Hynes, on TikTok account 'thesimplestep', lists expenses in Dubai that are more expensive than in the UK, including gyms, clothes, toiletries, and internet access.
Despite these challenges, Dubai remains the 15th most expensive city to live in, with the highest cost of living in the Middle East, according to Mercer's 2024 ranking. It seems that for those considering a move to Dubai, careful consideration of the costs and potential challenges is essential.
