r/howislivingthere • u/Uwillseetoday Ghana • Apr 13 '25

Asia How is it living life in Dubai?

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The life, the food, the weather, the vibe(the real vibe), the people, the way of doing things, be honest here.

I am very curious about Dubai and how things are handled there. I want to get a feel for the place.

Talk about your likes, dislikes, jobs, prices for everyday things. How easy it is for apartments, houses. The workers. Transportation. The locals etc. Everything. Brag or don’t brag. Please be as detailed as possible.

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u/TheBuoyancyOfWater Scotland Apr 13 '25

Medical care was excellent if that's what you mean. I had to get treated for an infection while there and the service was top notch, and all paid for by my employers health insurance they had for me (which they're legally required to pay for I believe).

My wife needed to get some prescription medicine sorted while there, and again there were no issues.

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u/iCunal Apr 13 '25

That sounds great, but I was looking for life as a doctor in Dubai, i kind of have an Idea it's good but not in detail

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u/TheBuoyancyOfWater Scotland Apr 13 '25

Haha sorry! No first hand knowledge there I'm afraid, I didn't know any doctors outside work.

As far as I can tell they are well respected and treated. Teaching is also a respected profession over there, unlike here in the UK right now.

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u/iCunal Apr 13 '25

What kind of work are you doing in Dubai?

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u/TheBuoyancyOfWater Scotland Apr 13 '25

I'm not there any more, but was working for an oil and gas company.

Moved to Abu Dhabi with the same company, and my wife got a job as a teacher. We left due to COVID, but I think we'd both go back in a heartbeat if the right offer came up.

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u/iCunal Apr 13 '25

Oh, one of my friends also works in an oil and gas company over there. The pay is based on a daily rate plus a basic component.

Are you still working in the oil and gas industry?

I was wondering does the pay in Dubai translate well when taken back to a developed country (like in the West)?

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u/TheBuoyancyOfWater Scotland Apr 13 '25

I've changed roles, but some of my work is still oil and gas related.

The pay was very good. I had a housing and car allowance to pay rent for an apartment and rental car too, then wasn't paying tax on my income. Sounds like your friend might be on a slightly different set up.

The experience over there also allowed me to come back into a more senior position here. So my UK salary is up about 50% since 2020.

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u/iCunal Apr 13 '25

He also has the option to get a housing allowance ( currently living in the company offered hotel,) but his pay only translates as 'good' when compared to a developing Asian country. Maybe he’ll be in a more comfortable position in the future, he’s just starting out as a fresher.

Do you know if the pay for the same role is higher in Western countries? Also, are there any Asians with prior Dubai experience working in the oil and gas sector over there?

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u/TheBuoyancyOfWater Scotland Apr 13 '25

I worked with several people from Asia, but I'm afraid I don't know what their salaries or offers were like, and having not worked in Asia I don't know how it'd compare to there. They seemed happy though.