Two Years in Dubai: An Entrepreneur's Honest Reflection

The weather in Dubai is excellent from October to March, with hot, dry conditions that allow for outdoor activities and a comfortable lifestyle. The city also offers exceptional efficiency and convenience, with rapid Amazon Prime delivery and the all-encompassing Careem app providing access to various services at your fingertips.

Dubai's environment is highly conducive to productivity, as the lack of distractions and the ability to focus for long hours can lead to significant professional growth. The presence of wealth and success can also be motivating, as it inspires personal development and a drive to achieve more.

Dubai is considered one of the safest places in the world, with low crime rates and a secure environment that allows for a carefree lifestyle, especially for women. The city's global nature also provides ample networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with high-level businesspeople and potential mentors.

Finally, Dubai's strict drug laws create a focused and disciplined environment, as the consequences for possession or use are severe, making it an ideal location for those seeking to avoid temptations and maintain a productive lifestyle.

1. Dating Scene: The dating environment in Dubai can be challenging, with a population that is 70% male and 30% female. This creates a lot of competition for a select group of women, and the author found that many of the women he went on dates with were primarily interested in getting something out of him, rather than genuine connection.

2. Lack of Community: The author found that there was a real lack of community in Dubai, with people feeling quite isolated if they didn't actively work to build a social circle. Coming from a place like New Zealand, where there is a strong sense of community, this was a significant drawback.

3. Scarcity of Nature: As Dubai is built in the middle of a desert, there is a notable lack of greenery and natural spaces. This was a deal-breaker for the author and his business partner, who craved more access to nature and fresh air.

4. Strict Law Enforcement: The police in Dubai are extremely strict, and the author felt that he was "one mistake away from getting put in jail." This created a sense of constant risk, even when doing nothing wrong.

5. Limited Leisure Activities: The author found that while there are plenty of nightclubs, bars, and other leisure activities in Dubai, they didn't provide a true sense of rejuvenation or recharge.

6. Poor Business Infrastructure: Contrary to the perception of Dubai as a business-friendly hub, the author found the infrastructure for things like banking, accounting, and payment processing to be quite challenging to navigate.

7. High Cost of Living: Everything from food to fuel to basic services in Dubai is significantly more expensive than in many other parts of the world, with the author citing examples like paying $6 for a coffee.

8. Reputation Concerns: The author found that being associated with Dubai as an online personality or businessman could carry a negative connotation, potentially impacting both his personal brand and dating prospects.

Overall, the author's experience in Dubai was a mixed bag, with significant pros and cons to consider. While the city may be well-suited for certain types of individuals, it may not be the right fit for everyone.

Based on the author's experience living in Dubai for 2 years, here are the key recommendations and cautions for who should and should not move to Dubai:

Recommended to Move to Dubai:

1. Entrepreneurs from small countries (e.g. New Zealand) looking for a challenging environment to grow their business and develop personally.
2. Individuals making substantial income (e.g. $50,000+ per month) who can benefit from the tax savings.
3. Young professionals willing to sacrifice community and vibrant lifestyle for career progression.
4. Those who have a strong support network of friends already in Dubai to help mitigate feelings of isolation.

Not Recommended to Move to Dubai:

1. Individuals from large countries with ample local business opportunities (e.g. United States).
2. People who struggle to adhere to strict laws and regulations - the legal system in Dubai is very strict.
3. Those who have trouble controlling their spending, as the cost of living in Dubai is very high.
4. Entrepreneurs not making significant income, as the cost and effort to relocate may not be worth it.
5. Older individuals looking for community, love, and a balanced lifestyle, as Dubai is more focused on the hustle and grind culture.
6. Anyone expecting Dubai to solve all their problems - it may actually amplify negative traits in the short-term.

The author concludes that Dubai is a great place to visit and potentially live for a few years, but it may not be the right long-term fit for everyone. It's important to carefully consider your priorities and lifestyle needs before making the decision to relocate there.

After living in Dubai for the past 2 years, I've gained a unique perspective on the pros and cons of living in this city. While Dubai offers excellent weather, efficiency, productivity, and safety, it also has its drawbacks, such as a challenging dating scene, lack of community, and poor business infrastructure.

Ultimately, I believe Dubai is best suited for certain types of individuals. Entrepreneurs from small countries, high-income earners, young professionals prioritizing career growth, and those with an existing support network in Dubai are the ones who are most likely to thrive in this environment.

On the other hand, those from large countries with ample business opportunities, individuals who struggle with strict laws and regulations, spendthrifts, low-income entrepreneurs, and older individuals seeking community, love, and a balanced lifestyle may find Dubai less suitable.

It's important to approach Dubai with realistic expectations and an understanding that it may amplify both your positive and negative traits. The city can provide valuable lessons and growth opportunities, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Carefully consider your personal circumstances and priorities before deciding whether Dubai is the right place for you.