The Reality Behind Dubai’s High-Earning Dream: One Expat’s Story Reveals the Pressures Behind the Glamour
Dubai continues to attract thousands of global professionals each year with the promise of tax-free income, luxurious living and rapid career growth. For many, the emirate delivers exactly that — a lifestyle upgrade paired with unmatched financial opportunities. Yet behind the glamorous Instagram facade, some expats discover a far more demanding reality. The experience of British expatriate Euan Craigie highlights the intense pressure, long working hours and high living costs that can accompany the pursuit of success in one of the world’s most competitive real estate markets.
The Dubai Dream: Tax-Free Income and Global Ambition
Craigie, originally from the UK, moved to Dubai in 2016 in his mid-20s, leaving behind a successful career in car sales to chase the widely marketed “Dubai dream.” With no income tax, a booming property sector and an international lifestyle, the emirate has long been a magnet for ambitious young professionals seeking accelerated financial growth.
He was far from alone. According to Atlas Wealth Group, approximately 20,000 Australians now live across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, drawn by the emirate’s affordability compared to soaring housing costs in their home country. For many, Dubai offers genuine financial relief. One such expat, 33-year-old Louise Starkey, told Australian media that she enjoys more luxury, lower everyday expenses and greater long-term savings potential than she ever could in Sydney.
Her experience represents one side of Dubai’s expatriate spectrum — the high-savings, high-lifestyle path that many residents enjoy in well-developed communities such as Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai and Jumeirah Beach Residence.
Behind the Glamour: The Grind That Fuels Dubai’s Competitive Sectors
But Craigie’s story reflects the other side — one rarely seen on social media. In his interview with The Sun, he described brutal work schedules that became the norm after he accepted a “zero salary” job in the real estate industry. With no fixed pay, his income depended entirely on closing deals. The result was a relentless grind: 100 cold calls a day, work stretching to 11pm, Zoom meetings with Canadian clients at 3am, and a return to the office by 6am.
“Everyone was fighting for deals, and I barely slept,” he recalled. His schedule illustrates the intense competition that shapes Dubai’s real estate workforce, especially among brokerages operating in prime neighbourhoods and fast-moving off-plan markets led by major developers such as Emaar, DAMAC and Binghatti.
While many real estate agents thrive and build long-term careers, Craigie struggled under the pressure — not because the market lacked opportunity, but because the lifestyle required a mental and physical toll he hadn’t anticipated.
The High Price of Living: From Dream Home to “Maid’s Room”
Adding to the challenge was the disparity between income potential and immediate living conditions. Craigie moved from his “dream house” in the UK to a cramped “maid’s room” in Dubai — a small interior space within a shared villa, often used by domestic staff.
His accommodation consisted of a mattress on the floor, a standing shower in the corner and shared access to a kitchen and bathroom with four other tenants. Even then, rent amounted to £800 (around AED 7,500) per month. With no basic salary and unpredictable commissions, the combination of rising living costs and Dubai’s competitive pace left him exhausted and financially strained.
Despite eventually building a multimillion-dollar property portfolio back home — a testament to the earning potential Dubai can offer — Craigie admits the personal toll was steep. “Dubai life looks glamorous online,” he said, “but the hustle culture and 18-hour days left me lonely and burnt out.”
Two Realities, One City: What Aspiring Expats Should Know
Craigie’s story does not contradict Dubai’s potential — it complements it. The emirate remains one of the world’s most attractive destinations for wealth creation, career acceleration and international living. High earnings and tax-free salaries continue to draw residents to emerging communities such as MBR City and Dubai Hills Estate, where lifestyle upgrades and financial gains often go hand in hand.
But his experience serves as a reminder: Dubai rewards ambition, but it demands resilience. Sectors such as real estate, sales and financial services require grit, discipline and a willingness to work long hours — especially for newcomers starting without a financial cushion.
The Balance Between Opportunity and Pressure
As Dubai continues to evolve into a long-term home for millions of expatriates, the city offers a spectrum of experiences. Some residents achieve financial freedom, rapid career growth and luxury living. Others face intense competition, burnout and rising living costs before finding stability.
The lesson is clear: success in Dubai is achievable, but not automatic. Understanding market dynamics, choosing the right community, securing stable income channels and maintaining realistic expectations are critical for anyone considering the move.
For those planning to relocate, invest or enter Dubai’s real estate sector — whether to work or build a property portfolio — Aurantius Real Estate offers expert market insights and guidance to help you navigate the city’s opportunities with clarity and confidence.
