The video presenter, a British online entrepreneur, shares his Two-Year experience living in Dubai, detailing the pros and cons that ultimately led him to return to the UK. He initially moved to Dubai to avoid significant corporation tax.
Reasons for Moving to Dubai #
- Tax Avoidance: The primary reason for relocating was to avoid paying a substantial amount in corporation tax in the UK.
Pros of Living in Dubai #
- Abundance and Perspective on Wealth: Dubai offers a unique view of wealth, with luxury vehicles and real estate being commonplace, exposing individuals to what's possible financially.
- Convenience: The city is highly convenient, with fast services, delivery apps for almost anything, and quick response times for various needs.
- Cleanliness: Dubai is exceptionally clean, almost sterile, with no visible litter or homelessness.
- Spectacle: The architecture and infrastructure are phenomenal and awe-inspiring, even after a long stay.
- Winter Weather: Winters are pleasant, with mild temperatures and sunny conditions, a welcome change from the cold and dark UK winters.
- Taxation: No income tax for individuals, although there's a 9% corporation tax and VAT on transactions within the UAE.
- Personal Brand Growth: The luxurious setting of Dubai can enhance one's personal brand and content appeal (e.g., for YouTube).
- Conducive to Good Habits: Strict laws against heavy drinking, pornography, drugs, and gambling discourage negative habits.
- Safety: Dubai is extremely safe, with virtually no crime, violence, or robbery, fostering a strong sense of security.
- Networking: It's a hub for entrepreneurs, offering ample networking opportunities.
- Quality Meat (Honorable Mention): Access to high-quality meat suppliers like Carnostol, offering excellent steaks.
Cons of Living in Dubai #
- Difficulty in Emotional Unpacking/Transient Community: Dubai's population is largely transient, with most people planning to leave, making it hard to build consistent social and personal relationships.
- Summer Weather: Summers are unbearable due to extreme heat and humidity, which makes it impossible to be outside, forcing a reliance on air-conditioned indoor spaces.
- Air Quality: Dubai has poor air quality, ranking among the worst globally, leading to respiratory issues and a visible "polluted fog" during certain periods.
- Construction Noise: Relentless construction noise is a significant issue for those living in apartments or high-rises.
- Dating Market Challenges: The dating scene is competitive and attracts a specific type of individual, making it difficult to find long-term, wholesome relationships.
- Non-Potable Tap Water: Tap water is not safe to drink, and bottled water often lacks essential electrolytes, leading to dehydration.
- Car-Dependent City (Highway Experience): The city is not pedestrian-friendly, requiring cars or taxis for all movement, and traffic can be severe.
- Unclear Tax Rules: The taxation system is unclear, causing confusion and potential liabilities for businesses and individuals due to conflicting professional interpretations.
- Negative Associations: Dubai carries a reputation for being a place where "dirty money" is laundered, associated with criminals and scammers, which can negatively impact one's professional image.
- Conformity and "Flexing" Culture: There's a strong aesthetic conformity among residents, particularly "new money" entrepreneurs, leading to a lack of individuality and a competitive drive to display wealth.
- Isolation and Lack of Normal Social Life: It's challenging to build a genuine social life and community due to the city's structure and the transient nature of its residents. Networking events are often transactional.
- Time Zone Challenges: The time zone difference can be difficult for entrepreneurs working with teams in other parts of the world, leading to late working hours.
- Lack of Nature: Despite coastal living, there's a significant lack of natural green spaces within the city.
- Police Authority and Underlying Fear: While safety is a pro, the extensive power of the police and the autocratic government can create a subtle fear of unknowingly breaking obscure laws or offending local customs, leading to severe consequences.
Overall Summary #
The presenter found Dubai to be an intriguing city with unique advantages, particularly for financial gain and experience, especially the lack of income tax. However, the overwhelming cons, especially the transient community, the severe summer weather, and the poor air quality, ultimately made it unsuitable for long-term living for him. He emphasizes that while Dubai offers impressive spectacles and convenience, it lacks the "heartbeat" or soul of a lived-in community, leading to isolation and difficulties in establishing a normal, healthy social life. His primary reasons for leaving were the community aspect and the air quality, suggesting that while it's worth experiencing, it might not be a viable long-term home for everyone.
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