Dubai is often portrayed as the ultimate upgrade – towering skyscrapers, tax-free salaries and a lifestyle that looks easy on social media. But a recent Instagram film by an Indian expat challenges this slick narrative, offering a more layered account of what life in the emirate can really be like.
“This is not a propaganda video against Dubai, but I will prevent you from moving here,” the man says at the start of the video, which has since resonated with thousands of viewers, especially young Indians considering the idea of working overseas.
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An expat who moved to Dubai two years ago says he arrived with expectations largely shaped by what he saw online. “I only knew what the Internet told me – the lifestyle, the exposure, the chance to do something better. And that’s all true,” he admits. “But no one really mentions the second part.
According to him, the “other part” is the less glamorous reality that usually doesn’t make it onto Instagram reels. He talks about the frustration of finding work in a highly competitive market, describing the experience as “applying to 20 jobs only to be disappointed by all of them”.
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The rising cost of living is another big issue he cites. “Rent would eat your salary alive,” he says, adding that day-to-day life in the city often comes with surprising expenses. “Just when you think you have a good budget, you get a 200 dirham parking fine.”
Aside from finances, the video also touches on the emotional strain that many expats quietly deal with. “You’ll be watching people casually spend your monthly income over one dinner while you’re working full-time trying to save some money,” he explains. “You come home after a long day feeling like you haven’t done enough.”
This part of the video struck a chord with Indian viewers, especially those considering relocating for better opportunities. The contrast between visible wealth and personal financial pressure is a reality that many migrants face but rarely talk about openly.
But Expat is careful not to paint Dubai as a cautionary tale. He also talks about the moments that make the struggle worthwhile. “Then there are days that make total sense,” he says, pointing to small but meaningful joys — “having a nice brunch,” meeting people from “so many different cultures,” and the comfort of being able to walk safely at “2 a.m. with the family.”
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Ultimately, his message ends up somewhere between ambition and realism. “You realize there’s a price for growth, and that’s getting outside your comfort zone,” he concludes. “The pressure never stops, but neither does the excitement.
The Internet is responding
One user commented: “So well put…honestly moving to any country takes guts.”
Another user wrote: “After 33 years in Dubai it’s important to know that like the top rated cities in the world. New York, London, Tokyo is a two income city. Spend one income and (try to) save the other.”
“Welcome to Dubai Habibi. Well expressed lesser known facts,” wrote a third user.
“If only more people were honest,” wrote a fourth user on Instagram.
A user asked in the comments section: “Is AED 343,000 a year salary good enough to move? What could be the savings potential?”
(This report is based on user-generated content from social media. Livemint has not independently verified and does not endorse these claims.)