Feeling stuck in the UK, Elbi Henshaw swapped her “miserable” life for the glitzy shores of Dubai, only to discover that the city of luxury comes at a hefty price! After making the move eight months ago, this 23-year-old personal trainer quickly realised the cost of living is sky-high. Fancy a glass of wine? That’ll set you back a whopping £20! And don’t get us started on the £12 yoghurt or a £7 coffee.
Settling into Dubai wasn’t all sunshine and glamour. Elbi faced long work hours—six days a week—in one of Dubai’s luxury gyms to maintain her lifestyle. She’s loving the active lifestyle and the eternal sunshine but can’t help missing the good ol’ UK pubs and that hometown sense of community.
Dubai offers jaw-dropping views, high-end clients, and of course, no tax. Yet, day-to-day expenses are a real shocker. From sky-high rents to pricy dinners, life in Dubai demands a steady income. Elbi’s salary? Around £3,000 a month. Comfortable living? You’d ideally want closer to £5,000.
Despite the initial challenges of finding friends and navigating the fast-paced life, Elbi’s thriving in this buzzing metropolis. From walking through air-conditioned malls to lounging by exclusive pools, she’s embracing the ultra-clean, ultra-posh lifestyle with open arms.
But there’s a caveat—dating and meeting new people are as challenging as they are different. With everyone too busy hustling, spontaneity takes a back seat, leaving Elbi longing for those organic UK meetups.
Even with its ups and downs, Dubai’s allure hasn’t faded for Elbi. Yet, she’s realistic: “If I’m single by 27, it’s back to the UK for me,” she shares, contemplating a future filled with love and maybe a DIY family in her beloved UK. Feeling this sunny escape or would you stick with the British drizzle? 🌞🍷🏖️