2 years in Dubai - my honest thoughts

Summary

In this reflective video, the 24-year-old entrepreneur Leam Motley shares his two-year experience living in Dubai, highlighting its pros and cons. He discusses the benefits of the excellent weather, efficiency, safety, and networking opportunities, while also addressing the downsides like the dating scene, lack of community, high cost of living, and strict laws. Motley provides insights on who should consider moving to Dubai and who might want to stay away, offering a balanced view for those contemplating a similar move.

Takeaways

• 🇳🇿 The speaker moved from New Zealand to Dubai for new experiences and to avoid complacency in a small market.
• 🏙️ Dubai offers excellent weather from October to March, making it an attractive place for those from colder climates.
• 🚀 The city's efficiency and convenience, with services like Amazon Prime and the Kareem app, cater to an entrepreneur's lifestyle.
• 💪 Dubai's environment is conducive to focus and productivity, leading to significant career growth for the speaker.
• 💰 The visibility of wealth in Dubai can be a source of motivation for some individuals.
• 🔒 The UAE is one of the safest places globally, with low crime rates and a high sense of security for residents.
• 🤝 Networking opportunities are abundant in Dubai due to its status as a global hub for diverse professionals.
• 🚫 Strict drug laws in the UAE contribute to a disciplined and focused atmosphere.
• 👩‍❤️‍👨 The dating scene in Dubai is challenging due to a high male to female ratio and certain behaviors among singles.
• 🏘️ There is a lack of community in Dubai, leading to feelings of isolation for some residents.
• 🌳 The absence of nature and poor air quality can be a drawback for those who value green spaces and clean air.
• 🚓 Strict law enforcement can be intimidating and may lead to a heightened sense of risk for residents.
• 💸 The high cost of living in Dubai, along with various fees and taxes, can offset the benefits of a tax-free environment.
• 📈 Dubai's business infrastructure has its challenges, including difficulties with banking, legal counsel, and government control over services.
• 🤔 The reputation associated with living in Dubai can have negative impacts on personal branding and dating prospects.
• 🧳 The speaker suggests that Dubai may be best for short-term stays to gain experience rather than long-term residence.

Q & A

What prompted the speaker to move from New Zealand to Dubai?

The speaker wanted to move from a small place like New Zealand to avoid becoming complacent and to grow personally and professionally. They were also attracted by Dubai's central geographical location, tax benefits, and the opportunity to be in a larger, more challenging environment.

What are some of the advantages of living in Dubai according to the speaker?

The speaker mentions several advantages including excellent weather from October to March, efficiency and convenience with services like Amazon Prime and the Kareem app, conducive environment for productivity, motivation from seeing wealth, safety, networking opportunities, and strict drug laws.

What are the cons of living in Dubai as experienced by the speaker?

The cons include a challenging dating scene, lack of community, absence of nature, poor air quality, strict law enforcement, high cost of living, difficult business infrastructure, and the potential negative impact on one's reputation.

How does the speaker describe the dating environment in Dubai?

The speaker describes the dating environment in Dubai as not great, with a male-dominated population and a competitive dating scene. They found that some people they dated seemed to be trying to get something out of them, which was a shock coming from New Zealand.

What is the impact of Dubai's strict drug laws on the speaker?

The speaker views Dubai's strict drug laws positively, stating that the lack of availability and severe consequences for drug use create an environment conducive to focus and productivity, without the temptation of recreational drugs.

How does the speaker feel about the safety in Dubai?

The speaker feels that Dubai is one of the safest places in the world, where they can wear watches or jewelry without worrying about getting robbed. They also mention that it's very good for women, as they felt their ex-girlfriend was safe when going out.

What are the speaker's thoughts on the business infrastructure in Dubai?

The speaker finds the business infrastructure in Dubai to be poor, with difficulties in getting bank accounts, accountants, legal counsel, and other services. They mention that the government controls many facilities, leading to inferior services and a lack of a free market.

What types of people does the speaker recommend moving to Dubai?

The speaker recommends Dubai for entrepreneurs from small countries, individuals making substantial income for tax savings, young professionals willing to sacrifice for career progression, and those with a support network in Dubai.

According to the speaker, who should not consider moving to Dubai?

The speaker advises against moving to Dubai for individuals from large countries with ample local business opportunities, those who cannot adhere to strict laws, people who struggle to control their spending, entrepreneurs not making significant income, older individuals seeking community and a balanced life, and those expecting Dubai to solve all their problems.

What personal growth did the speaker experience from living in Dubai?

The speaker experienced personal growth by facing the ugliest parts of society, materialism, and wealth. They gained negative role models that helped them understand who they didn't want to be, which they consider one of the most valuable things they got out of Dubai.

What is the speaker's view on the future of their stay in Dubai?

The speaker is considering moving out of Dubai in the near future, as they feel they have done their 'dash' there. They believe that Dubai is a place where people come for a few years to work and achieve their goals before moving on.