Moving to Dubai - great opportunity from the sound of it. After all, who doesn't want to live in a city steeped in glitz and glamour and sales around every corner.
It is in this city where you can get anything for cheap more often than not. With such opulent lifestyle up for the taking, it's easy - extremely easy to fall into a rut faster than you could think.
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If you've been here for long, then you already know how to manage your life in the 'sandpit.' If, however, you're just a few days in with zero idea of how things work and how you could manage, here are some practical tips for you.
1. Not reading your job offer thoroughly
Read your offer letter and contract, without missing the fine print. If something is confusing to you, ask the hiring manager for help in explaining it to you. Better yet, seek help from one of your friends that have been there longer than you are.
2. Spending like there's no tomorrow
One of the most common mistakes new Dubai expats make is the financial one. Generous pay is only equalled by the many things you can purchase here. Even food is cheap in this part of the world. If you're paying full price for everything, you apparently haven't checked out Cobone, Groupon and of course, the reliable Entertainer.
3. Getting a credit card
Hear us out here: nothing is wrong with credit cards - if you can pay them through, that is. But if you're neck deep in debt and paying it all off seems like a pipe dream, don't even think about getting one. Plus, if you miss a deadline for payment, there is a late fee that you need to worry about.
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Every, single, weekend. There is no other recipe for being in a financial rut in Dubai than going on a brunch every single weekend. Socialising need not essentially be about hanging out at the costliest places. Learn to take it easy and save up while you are here.
5. Being a lone wolf
The city runs at a very fast pace so it's quite difficult to make friends outside of work. However, if you have any interests, you will find many clubs and groups in the UAE tailored to your hobby. Are you a writer? There's a group for that. Are you a singer? There's a Meetup for that. Maybe you just want to hang out with people - Facebook groups can help.
Although you might be happy slogging in on work days and sleeping out your weekends, it is not healthy to live in your shell. Go out and make some friends.
By Keith Pereña
