For those making AED 50K+ monthly, what do you do? Is it mainly through senior leadership roles, or can freelancing and consulting get you there too?

What skills, industries, or career paths would you recommend focusing on to reach this income level?

Would love to hear real experiences and practical advice from people who’ve achieved it!

I’m a software engineer, and honestly, there’s no real need for me to sit in an office for 9 hours every day when I can do my job from home without depending on anyone in the office.

So, why doesn’t the UAE have a work-from-home culture like Western countries? If you look at the US and UK, many companies offer remote or hybrid work options as standard.

This is a genuine question. Do you think remote work will become the norm in the UAE in the future, or will companies continue to prefer office-based work?

(Ajman, UAE)
For the past few weeks, a man has been sleeping in front of my warehouse in Al Jurf, Ajman. I honestly don’t have a problem with him sleeping there. I don’t need to be at the office after 6 PM, and I can only imagine how difficult his situation must be. The entire area around my workplace is quite dark at night, so I understand why he might consider it a good place to sleep.
My only concern is that he sleeps extremely close to the main gate, right where I usually park my car. On a couple of occasions, I’ve had to brake hard because I nearly ran him over while driving in or out. Two of my employees have also complained about the same issue.
Today, it happened again. Out of frustration, I told him to move away from the gate and warned him that I would call the police if he refused. He didn’t seem bothered at all and told me, “Go ahead.” I got back into my car and asked him a couple more times to move, but he simply turned his head and went back to sleep.
The thing is, I genuinely don’t want to call the police because I’m worried that it could get him into even more trouble, and I don’t want to make a difficult situation worse for someone who might already be struggling.
At the same time, I can’t keep risking accidentally running him over, especially when my employees are facing the same issue.
What would you do in my position? Is there a way to handle this situation humanely while still ensuring that he stays a safe distance away from the entrance? Has anyone in the UAE dealt with something similar?
I’m looking for practical advice that doesn’t unnecessarily get the guy into trouble but also keeps everyone safe.

I’ve changed the retailer’s name, but hopefully you can figure out which one I mean

Ordered a Samsung S25 Ultra online for AED 4,549, with additional warranty, bringing the total to AED 5,173.35. It was delivered the same day.

The IMEI labels were peeling, the box looked old, and the inner packaging containing the cable and booklet looked like someone had removed it and put it back carelessly.

Called Scare4 customer service, and they said no refund once the box is opened! The staff even suggested selling it to a Samsung store, paying the difference, and buying a new one. Seriously? Beware4!

Initially, I wanted to keep it because I didn't want the hassle of returning it and waiting for a refund. But the phone started heating up while charging. Scare4 support asked me to visit a Samsung store and obtain a report confirming the defect.

When I switched it on, there was no initial setup screen like you'd expect with a new phone, and some apps were already open. I checked the activation history through the Samsung Shop app and found that the manufacturer's warranty expires on January 2027, leaving less than 3 months. This suggests the phone may have been activated around January 2026.

I emailed Scare4 with all the pictures and details, but they again asked me to visit Samsung. On a second call, another representative said there was no need to do anything and that their team would arrange collection.

Now I'm trying to file a complaint with DET, but there are several businesses with similar names, and I don't know which trade licence to select. Customer service won't provide the licence details either.

Will I get a full refund, including the additional warranty?

Should I dare4 to file the complaint now or wait for collection?

How do I identify the correct trade licence?

Please share4 your experiences and help me compare4 my options. I want a fair4 resolution without more hassle!

TLDR: Beware4 of Scare4! Paid AED 5,173 for a “new” Samsung S25 Ultra, but the signs suggest it may have been activated nearly a year ago! The box looked tampered with, apps were already open, and the phone heats up while charging. Now I'm being sent back and forth between customer service and Samsung just to get a refund. I'm trying to file a DET complaint but can't identify the correct trade licence. Has anyone dealt with this? Will I get a full refund, including the additional warranty?

I just want to rant and get this off my chest, just once.
I am working in events who mostly cater this activities you see around the malls where you left your kids and let them do activity.
Most of the time scenarios are like these, small kids pre-k to kg and this older kids grades 1 and up.
In these events i noticed that many times there will be a spoiled kid in the pack.
The event is regarding navigation and handmade turbines and floating boats and etc was the activity.
Small girls were playing in the big water tub to watch their boat float. Several big boys came and starts splashing water to the kids.
One parent talked to the boys and tells them to stop. But this boy just answers back and points his finger to that parent.
I approached the boys and told them stop splashing water. And as always this kids will never listen and continues their way of playing.
One girl left and decided she will just do colors.
They were sitting peacefully and minding their own papers.
When this boys came, splash water on this girls paper and took her pen.
She then of course proceeded to tell her parents since this wasn’t the first time that kid bothered their daughter.
The dad came inside the events room, took the pen from that boy, but the boy suddenly acts like he will have a tantrum. And the next thing i saw was the dad of the girl was holding the boy down and putting him down the floor.
And from there, their story starts.
The boy calls his dad via phone, and the parents came running.
I was watching from afar, because i know what will happen next. This is always the scene and the case.
The villain will be the victim now, and the victim will become the villain.
ALL THE TIME.
At this point it’s tiring. This is the same reason, we don’t to anything when such kids act like this. You will never win with this people, and I learned that the hard way.
They will shout at you. Point finger at your face and will threaten you to call the police.
To that girls dad and any parents out here, never touched any kid that isn’t yours. Even if they look like they will hurt them self or whatever!
That was that dad’s mistake.
Guys! Raise your kids well. Just because it’s your kid, doesn’t mean they’re always right.
You are raising a kid that will grow up to be a man or a lady soon.
Everyday drama is always revolving around the villain who becomes the victim of the story.
Just like that one co worker of yours.

The UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment said initial assessments showed no signs of concern following reports of unusual odour across the country, adding that investigations will continue to determine what caused it.

I want to share a personal struggle that I believe many working parents in the UAE may understand.

I work hard, earn a monthly salary, and do my best to provide for my family. Like many employees, I have to manage rent, household expenses, children's needs, and other financial commitments.

But now, I'm facing a difficult question: How can an ordinary salaried employee afford health insurance for the entire family when premiums keep increasing?

I'm currently trying to arrange health insurance for my young daughter. I expected the process to be straightforward, but I've encountered high premiums, additional charges for child-only insurance, and different quotations from different insurance providers.

The additional premium I've been quoted varies from around 50% to 80%, depending on the provider. Some providers have also raised questions about whether both parents are insured.

This leaves me wondering: if I want to insure my entire family, how much of my monthly salary am I expected to spend just to make sure my wife and children can access healthcare?

My salary may be enough to manage our normal family expenses, but with rising insurance premiums, comprehensive family coverage is becoming increasingly difficult to afford.

I understand that insurance companies are businesses and that premiums depend on coverage, risk, and underwriting. However, when prices differ so significantly between providers, ordinary families need more transparency.

Why are parents facing such different additional charges for similar circumstances?

Why is it so difficult to find affordable insurance for a child when the employer does not provide family coverage?

And what options are available for employees whose salaries cannot comfortably absorb the cost of insuring every family member separately?

I'm not asking for free insurance. I'm asking for a fair, transparent, and affordable option that allows working parents to protect their families without putting themselves under serious financial pressure.

The UAE is home to millions of hardworking families. Many employees contribute to the country and work hard to build a secure future for their children. But healthcare costs are an important part of that responsibility, and family insurance needs to remain financially realistic.

A parent should not have to choose between meeting the family's basic living expenses and ensuring that their child has access to medical care.

I would genuinely like to hear from others:

- How much are you paying for health insurance for your family in the UAE?

- Have your premiums increased at renewal?

- Have you faced extra charges when trying to insure your child separately?

- Are there any affordable, reliable options for family coverage?

I'm sharing my experience because I know I'm not the only parent facing this struggle.

Perhaps it's time for more open discussion about the affordability and transparency of family health insurance in the UAE.

Working hard to provide for our families should give us peace of mind, not leave us worrying about whether we can afford to insure them.

Hello everyone,

I applied through QuadraBay in Dubai to have my Pakistani university degree verified for UAE degree equivalency. I paid AED 350 and was informed that the verification process would take approximately 30 days. After waiting for 30 days, I was informed that my university had not responded to the verification request and that my application had been closed. I am disappointed with the way this matter has been handled, particularly because I have been unable to obtain clear guidance on how to proceed with my degree verification.

I would like to highlight the following concerns:

1. My application was closed because my university did not respond within the given timeframe. I expected clear guidance on the next steps and how I could help resolve the issue.
   
2. I have tried contacting QuadraBay through its helpline, but I have been unable to speak to anyone, and have not received clear responses online.
   
3. I visited the Dubai office address listed online and discovered that QuadraBay was not operating there; another company was using that office. Interestingly,

Office 603, 6th Floor
The Onyx Tower 2, The Greens, Al Thanyah 3, Duba
The above address i found on internet of Quadrabay and when i went there then i found no office was there

Also guide where can i file a report or complain about quadrabay

Thanks

I’m Pakistani, born and raised in the UAE, and my family lived here for around 47 years. Unfortunately, my family is no longer here, and I’m trying to manage this difficult situation on my own.

I have a BBA degree and over 5 years of experience in hospitality, including hotel operations, holiday homes, reservations, guest relations, and administration in Dubai.
My previous employment visa was cancelled in March 2026 because I was moving to another job. Unfortunately, the new company collapsed, and I was left without employment. I now have around AED 11,000 in overstay fines, and I have very limited funds. I cannot afford to pay the fines or hire an agent, and I’m trying to find a way to resolve my situation through GDRFA.

After spending my whole life in the UAE, it’s incredibly difficult to find myself in this position without my family around or much financial support. I’m doing my best to keep going and find a way back into stable employment.
If anyone knows a genuine employer hiring in Dubai, could refer me for a position, or has advice about applying for a fine reduction or waiver, I would be truly grateful.
I’m looking for opportunities in reservations, guest relations, hotel operations, holiday-home management, or administration. I have experience, a degree, and a genuine willingness to work hard.

I’m not asking anyone for money. I’m simply hoping for a job opportunity, a referral, or guidance from someone who might understand my situation. Even one helpful lead could make a real difference.

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read this.

Could anyone let me know where I can rent a cycle for this event? ❤️

I'll be honest with you: if I had the time, I'd go for the Cookie Haul. Another one that looks super interesting for older kids is the Shj animation conference, but it's 90% sold out.

Hope some of these help.

Be kind to the strays 🥹

Hi everyone,

I’m considering buying a new car in the UAE and have been looking at Chinese brands such as Geely, MG, Jetour, JAC, and Chery.

These brands are offering some really attractive deals, with competitive prices, plenty of features, and good warranty packages. Compared to Japanese and Korean brands, they seem to offer a lot more for the money.

However, before making a decision, I’d love to hear from people who actually own or have owned these cars in the UAE.

My main concerns are:

• Reliability: How do these cars hold up after 3–5 years of ownership? Any major mechanical or electrical issues?
• After-sales service: How is the service experience with UAE dealerships? Are appointments easy to get, and do they resolve issues properly?
• Spare parts availability: If something breaks or needs replacement, are parts readily available, or do you have to wait weeks or months?
• Maintenance costs: Are servicing and repairs reasonably priced?
• Resale value: How much value do they lose after 3–5 years?
• Warranty claims: Have you had any issues getting repairs covered under warranty?

I’m particularly interested in feedback from people who have driven these cars for at least 1–2 years, rather than just first impressions from a test drive.

Honest positive and negative experiences are both welcome. I’m not against Chinese cars at all; I just want to make an informed decision before spending my money.

Thanks!

One of my biggest driving pet peeves while driving on Sheikh Zayed Road from Dubai -> Abu Dhabi is people sitting in the left-most lane who apparently have absolutely no idea how to maintain a constant speed AND IT IS ESPECIALLY NOTICABLE WHEN DRIVING UP THE INCLINES OF THE ROAD.

140 -> 125 -> 135 -> 130 -> 140 -> 125 again...

For the love of all that is good and holy, PICK A SPEED AND STICK TO IT OR MOVE TO A SLOWER LANE!

If you don't have cruise control, your right foot is supposed to do the job. Why am I constantly having to adjust my speed because you can't maintain yours!? 😡

What's even worse is driving on the 4 to 6 lane highway with a 140km/h speed limit only to find some idiot doing 100km/h in the SECOND from left lane!? WHY? There are TWO perfectly good lanes to your right where busses and trucks go at maximum 80-100km/h!

The concept is so incredibly simple and taught in all driving schools: KEEP RIGHT UNLESS OVERTAKING.

How is this so difficult for so many drivers to understand omg.

I DON'T EVEN LIKE THE LEFT-MOST LANE IT IS PANIC-INDUCING BUT PEOPLE DRIVING SO SLOWLY IN OTHER LANES AND NOT MAINTAINING SPEED OR FOLLOWING THE "KEEP RIGHT PASS LEFT" RULE ARE DRIVING ME INSANE.

I have been leasing my cars since 2021 following a bunch of non-fault accidents that ruined my last car. Every year comes with its fair share of non-fault accidents. I have been considering getting a BYD Shark of late to reduce my monthly fuel costs that currently exceed 4k between my cars, and this was my monthly reminder not to buy a car.

Interested to hear thoughts ‘bout it from emiratis or from expats who live in the UAE :)

Hey guys, few days back a photo review was posted on my google business profile by an anonymous user.

If it were a genuine negative review i would have something to work with or improve. However, the photo itself contains captions “owner run” & “shop close”. Which is absolutely not true and is going to mislead my customers into thinking the branch is closed.

I tried contacting google regarding this but they wouldn’t respond to my plea.

How do i go about this? Any suggestions would help me out.
Thanks!

People working for store selling refurbished laptops & mobile how much profit they make?

I am trying to understand the business model

Anyone can pitch in

DINK couples, assemble! 👫
Do any of you ever rethink your decision when you see your friends or relatives start their own families? Do you ever wonder if you’re missing out on something, even when you know why you chose this lifestyle?
And if you don’t, what makes you so sure about your decision?
Sometimes I wonder… is it the beautiful phase of pregnancy, the excitement of welcoming a baby, and those first few months that make us question our choice? Or is it the idea of raising a child and everything that comes with it that we’re actually unsure about?
I’d genuinely love to hear from couples who have consciously chosen to be DINKs. Not looking for judgment or convincing arguments, just honest conversations. ❤️

Hello! Does anyone work here as a teaching staff for Bloom World Academy in Dubai? I know they are under Bloom Education. I just want to know what your honest review about the school, students and the overall working environment. What are the standard benefits (although I know they vary). And if there's any opening for teaching staff. Thanks you! ✨️

A bit random but how do you deal with anger, sadness, or frustration without taking it out on others?

Like, how do you stop yourself from idirectly taking it out at coworkers or family when you're having a bad day?

What actually works for you to release those emotions in a healthy way instead of bottling them up or letting them affect your daily life?

Urghh it's so annoying... What to do

Been like this for 40 mins now