Review of Living in Dubai

Introduction

• Speaker's name: Charlie, an online entrepreneur.
• Lived in Dubai for 2 years to avoid UK taxes.
• Initially paid around a million pounds a year in corporation tax.
• Dubai has both pros and cons; moved back to the UK due to more cons.

Pros of Living in Dubai

Wealth Perspective

• Abundant wealth indicators: luxury cars, real estate.
• Exposure to luxury and wealth provides a unique perspective.

Convenience

• Highly convenient with apps for everything.
• Quick services such as medical tests and repairs.

Cleanliness

• Extremely clean and well-maintained city.
• No street litter or visible signs of homelessness.

Architectural Spectacle

• Impressive buildings and engineering feats (e.g., Burj Khalifa).
• Endless tourism opportunities.

Winter Weather

• Mild, pleasant winters unlike the UK.

Taxation

• No income tax.
• 9% corporation tax and VAT apply, but moving rules in taxation.

Personal Brand Growth

• Living in a luxury location can enhance personal brand appeal.

Healthy Lifestyle Encouragement

• Many vices like heavy drinking, pornography, and drugs are illegal.

Safety

• Very safe with minimal visible crime or violence.

Networking Opportunities

• Hub for entrepreneurs to network and connect.

Quality Meat Supply

• Access to high-quality meats like steaks from Carnostol.

Cons of Living in Dubai

Emotional and Social Challenges

• Difficult to emotionally unpack and establish long-term relationships.
• Many residents are transient and plan to leave soon.

Summer Weather

• Extremely hot and humid summers.
• Limits outdoor activities due to severe heat.

Poor Air Quality

• High air pollution levels, noticeable in summer.
• Potential respiratory issues due to poor air quality.

Construction Noise

• Frequent construction noise, especially in apartment areas.

Dating Scene

• Difficult dating scene due to gender imbalance and specific social dynamics.

Water Quality

• Cannot drink tap water; bottled water lacks electrolytes.

Transportation and Mobility

• Car-dependent city, not pedestrian-friendly.
• High traffic congestion and poor driving experiences.

Unclear Tax Regulations

• Uncertainty in tax rules and lack of clarity on responsibilities.

Social Associations

• Dubai's reputation for hosting questionable financial actors.

Conformity

• Strong tendency for social and fashion conformity.

Isolation

• Challenges in forming a social life and community.

Time Zones

• Inconvenient for those working remotely with teams in other regions.

Lack of Nature

• Limited natural green spaces and lack of integrated nature.

Authority Concerns

• Significant police authority, leading to apprehension about minor legal infringements.

Conclusion

• Main reasons for leaving included air quality, community issues, and being closer to his team.
• Encourages trying Dubai if interested, as it offers a unique experience.