'Applying to 20 jobs just to be ghosted': Indian man warns about the reality of living in Dubai

Indian man shares reality of living and working in Dubai. (AI-generated image)

Dubai is often seen as a city of opportunity, drawing thousands each year with promises of tax-free salaries, modern infrastructure, and a fast-paced lifestyle. Its skyline and luxurious developments feature in countless social media posts, presenting a life of ease and success. But the reality, according to those living in the emirate, can be very different.

One Indian expat, Yashamo, has shared his experience two years after moving to the city. “This is not a propaganda video against Dubai, but I’m gonna de-influence you from moving here,” he said in an Instagram reel that has caught the attention of many planning to work overseas.

When Yashamo arrived in Dubai, he carried only the images and information he had seen online. “All I knew was what the internet told me, the lifestyle, the exposure, the chance to do something better. And that’s all true,” he said. “But no one really mentions the other part,” he added.

He explained that the “other part” includes the struggle to find work. “Applying to 20 jobs just to be ghosted by all of them,” he said. For many newcomers, landing a position in Dubai’s competitive job market can take months of persistent applications.

One of Yashamo’s most striking points is the high cost of living. “Rents would eat your salary alive,” he said. Beyond rent, everyday expenses can mount quickly. “Just when you think you’re budgeting well, you’re slapped with a 200 dirhams parking fine,” he added.

The city’s fast pace also takes a personal toll. “You’ll watch people casually spending your monthly income over one dinner, while you’re working full time trying to save some money,” he said.

He further expressed, “You come home after a long day feeling like you haven’t done enough.” This tension between lifestyle expectations and personal budgeting is a challenge for many residents, not just newcomers. It can lead to stress and a feeling of constant catch-up, even for those earning good salaries.

Despite the difficulties, Yashamo highlighted that life in Dubai is not without its rewards. “Then there are days that make complete sense,” he said. These include “treating yourself to a nice brunch,” meeting people from “so many different cultures,” and walking safely at “2am with your family.”

“You realise that there’s a price for growth, and the price is getting out of your comfort zone,” he said. “The pressure never really stops, but neither does the thrill,” he concluded.

In the caption, he penned, “Not a propaganda video. I believe this is a story of anyone who leaves their home, move to a different city/country to build something! You might get warped in by the world moving too fast around you, but you have your own pace of building your life. I moved to Dubai believing it's going to be easier, turns out it's the opposite, the world isn’t as comforting as your hometown! But who doesn't love a bit of challenge?”

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A post shared by Yashamo (@doitlike_mo)

His Instagram reel generated strong reactions. One viewer commented, “So well articulated..honestly moving to any country takes courage.” Another said, “Welcome to Dubai Habibi. Well articulated the facts, lesser known.”

Questions around salaries also came up. A user asked, “Is 343K AED annual salary good enough to make a move? Like, what could be the savings potential?” Yashamo replied, “It’s a pretty good start, I’d say. Savings are subjective, but generally, you can save 30% of this if planned correctly.”

A long-time resident added perspective,“After 33 years in Dubai it’s important to know that like the worlds top ranked cities - New York, London, Tokyo - this is a 2-income couple city. Spend one income and (try) to save the other.” Yashamo agreed, saying, “That’s the right approach.”