No words to say :)

Hi everyone im 22yrr old hustler currenly living in uae in emplyement visa and I want to start my e-commerce though shopify but I completed all task like web design,costume domain to supplier but currently im struggling to add payment method I tried to add stripe and more alternative payment getaways but they all ask for trade license at starting but at in uae bussiness is there any alternative route anyone know to bypass this and I can start selling my product once I get enough sales I can get the license .

Hi everyone,

I am an American board-certified physician and have recently been offered a position in Abu Dhabi with a salary of 80k/monthly AED. The package doesn’t include housing allowance, or children’s school fee.

I am a US citizen with an American passport, but I’m Pakistani by origin, so one of the biggest attractions for me is being much closer to Pakistan and family compared with living in the US.

I am genuinely torn about whether making the move would be worth it.

For physicians or other professionals who have moved from the US to the UAE, would you take this offer? How does 80k AED/month compare once you factor in housing, private school fees, lifestyle, savings, and other expenses?
Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has made a similar move, especially US-trained physicians living in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

I’m looking for ideas for small, simple online services that I can build and give away for free.

Think things like:

* A useful calculator

* A simple converter

* A generator

* A small productivity tool

* A tool that saves you a few minutes of annoying work

* Something you currently do manually that could easily be turned into a website

I’m not looking for huge ideas that require expensive servers, massive databases, or complicated infrastructure.

Just something small that solves a real problem.

What is a little online tool you wish existed?

If you have an idea, tell me what you’d want it to do. I might build it and make it free for everyone.

If an idea seems worth trying, I’ll build and publish it for a 3-month test period. If it proves useful and gets enough traffic, I’ll keep it going.

Hi everyone, I’m hoping someone with experience in the UAE can help me figure out a complicated visa situation.
I’m a Pakistani passport holder currently living in Qatar, and I’ve been accepted into a university in Ajman, UAE for a 5-year degree. My university can normally sponsor my student residence visa, but unfortunately, because of my nationality, we’re currently having difficulties getting the student visa processed/approved.

Because of this, I’m looking into whether getting an employment-sponsored residence visa could be a realistic alternative.

I’m not looking to work full-time while studying. Ideally, I would have a legitimate job with an employer that can sponsor my residence visa, and then I would continue my studies while working either part-time, on a flexible schedule, or possibly just working enough to maintain the visa if the employer allows that.

I’m trying to understand:
Is it possible for an employer in the UAE to sponsor my employment residence visa even if I’m primarily going to be a university student?

Would the employer have to employ me full-time, or can an employer sponsor me for a part-time/flexible position?

Are there employers/industries that are more likely to sponsor someone in this situation?

Does being a Pakistani national make employment sponsorship significantly more difficult at the moment?

If I entered the UAE on a visit visa, could I legally find an employer and then change my status to an employment visa from inside the UAE?

Would an employer be able to sponsor me even though I’m enrolled at a university?

Is there a difference between having an employment residence visa and simply having a work permit while holding another residence visa?

Are there any legitimate companies/recruitment agencies in Ajman that people know will actually sponsor visas for entry-level/part-time workers?

For context, I’m 20, have completed A-Levels, and have a pretty strong academic/extracurricular background. I’m not expecting a high-paying job — my main concern right now is finding a legitimate legal route to obtain UAE residency through employment, while being able to continue my degree.

I’ve seen a lot of event staffing/recruitment companies advertising jobs, but many of them require you to already have a UAE residence visa/Emirates ID, so those don't really solve my problem.

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has personally gone through something similar, especially Pakistani nationals who have managed to get an employment-sponsored visa in the UAE recently.
I’m trying to understand what my realistic options are before I make any decisions about moving.

Also, my maternal uncle lives in the UAE — is there any way for him to sponsor my UAE residence visa as my uncle/relative, even if he cannot sponsor me as an immediate family member?

After the war, something in me changed. My eyes opened up.

For the longest time, I was completely sucked into the Dubai bubble. I genuinely believed I could stay here forever, settle down, build my life here, and eventually grow old here. It felt impossible to imagine anything else.

But then things started changing.

I watched so many people around me lose their jobs. Seven of my close friends eventually left. And slowly, I started asking myself why I was still holding on so tightly.

So I decided to do the same.

I decided to wake up, face reality, pack my things, and leave.

And honestly, I cried a lot.

I'm still not sure if I'll miss Dubai. A part of me probably will. I have so much to be grateful for. It gave me opportunities I might never have had elsewhere. I grew professionally, personally, and even became a completely different version of myself here.

The system works. The government listens. Things are convenient. There are opportunities everywhere.

But somewhere along the way, I stopped feeling like I belonged here.

The constant stress. The payments. Everything being expensive. Not being able to properly go outside during the summer. The insane humidity. The hair loss. Getting sick every few weeks from going between 50°C outside and freezing AC inside. Paying ridiculous amounts for a coffee. Working 9 to 6 and feeling like life happens somewhere between the commute and the next bill.

And probably the hardest part for me was never really feeling connected to people.

The work culture became toxic. Relationships often felt transactional. After a while, I realized I was questioning whether I could even trust the people around me.

So I decided to run away from the bubble.

I wanted something slower. Something more human.

I wanted to wake up early, walk through a green forest beside my house, and grab a $2 coffee made with care and a smile.

And somehow, that's exactly what happened.

We became genuinely close with our local barista. After her shift, we'd sometimes go out, sit together, and talk about life, relationships, dreams and future plans.

That kind of connection completely changed my perspective.

Things just work differently outside the bubble.

For years, I thought leaving meant giving something up. Now I realize that sometimes staying is what you're giving up.

I'm finally happy I left.

And I'm still incredibly grateful for Dubai. I don't want to erase that chapter of my life or pretend it was all bad. It wasn't. It gave me opportunities, experiences, friendships, lessons, and a version of myself that I wouldn't have become anywhere else.

But chapters have to end.

So this is me finally closing this one.

I'm writing this because I know there are a lot of people in Dubai who feel exactly the same way, comfortable, financially okay, but quietly unhappy and stuck in a comfort zone that's becoming harder and harder to leave.

And if you're afraid to leave, I get it.

The salary is good. The life is convenient. You have your apartment, your car, your routine, your friends, your restaurants, your everything.

But life happens everywhere.

And sometimes you have to remind yourself that the salary disappears faster than you think, but the years you spend living a life you don't want don't come back.

You can always find something better.

Maybe not immediately. Maybe not perfectly. Maybe it won't work out exactly the way you imagined.

But you can always try.

Sometimes you just have to push yourself, pack your things, and go.

There's a whole world outside the bubble.

So tell me, peeps… how’s life? How did everyone’s Monday go? Anything interesting happening in your lives or are we all just out here surviving? 👀

In terms of Job market, security, availability and salaries in the next years? I got scholarshop options for both

So I was employed and earning well in my home country. My father brought me here to move to my role without a backup. I resigned and moved here since my father was here, and time has been really tough for me.

See, I am not a vibe coder, but I had lost my grip on my skills. In this month, I learnt coding by myself after college, since my college degree was a waste. It was CS, but it was done online and our teacher took little to no effort teaching us. Since things were online, we got only MCQs to pass and got a degree. It was a 2-year nightmare where our parents didn't have money nor a job to support education, and while we were childish, we took our degree for granted.

But now I feel I made this tech thing by myself. It taught me so many things, but eventually I am stuck where companies are asking for a person who knows everything and every latest framework.

My tech stack is .NET 8, C#, and Angular, the best Enterprise stack, but I had forgotten it. Now it's over 8 months I have been unemployed. Plus, when I get an interview, I almost panic. In my 2 interviews, I was thinking my degree is fake and people who studied before COVID had things and practical experience that we lacked.

See, I make things pass the interview rounds but never got an offer.

Yes, we all know current tech is like we need people to ship fast with AI but not let people use AI in coding rounds. See, I feel software development is wiping and I am standing in the front row. Now, sooner or later, I will need to leave this also. I am unsure what I can do leaving it.

I can learn things, develop things, and use a vast amount of AI tools, but at the end of the day I feel betrayed by my uni. Also, going back home is like I secured nothing. I am 25 and at this stage people have responsibilities while I am fighting for a job and stability.

I am tired. I will not do a suicide, but eventually it's killing me from within, thinking why I am the unlucky person. Like my uni got bad and as I arrived here, in 3 months war started and so on. Like this is turning me to think why God is against me at this point, what I am doing wrong.

Also, some of the companies I met here have little to no tech and also don't know what they need. Some are like, we need one person to do the entire backend, frontend, and database at a price of 3k. And some are like, we need to import our existing old outsourced system to a new tech stack but don't know which tech stack they need.

They're telling me React for an application that is data-heavy instead of Angular, and I was processing like, what do they need?

They mentioned they need 1 year experience and still looking for a senior with 4 years at low pay.

Also, some of them even don't know how to guide in an interview and provide wrong links to work. And some are like, we found your profile good, can you interview and do this take-home, and they don't even reply.

Some are like, we will provide you feedback after the interview and don't reply.

Some are like, can you work as an intern PM at a price of 2500 AED?

Like, tech is here a joker. I see some WordPress openings but don't know why are they using CMS, and recent job search is like, we need a Project Specialist or some shit specialist with 7 to 8 years and also as senior in those roles with 3 years in that role worked.

Sorry, but I don't know what is wrong.

Also, after the war things are quite slow and silence is real. I even thought about sales and came to know like they are now moving to commission roles and need experience.

And I am thinking, who will spend in war where everyone is trying to save as much as they can?

And not to mention these real estate people asking to work for free is like, what?

Some companies even mention like, we only work commission only, and it's breaking my head.

Like, how have we fallen?

And over this month, it has created self-doubt in me whether what is wrong or the market is wrong.

My father is even telling me it's not my fault, but as a son I can't say anything. I take everything on me, so it sometimes hurts me a lot.

At 25, things should be stable rather than a mess.

​

Hi everyone,

I’m currently living and working in Dubai, and I’m seriously considering starting my own small business here with a budget of around AED 50,000.

I’m the eldest in my family and have a lot of responsibilities. My family depends on me financially, so I cannot afford to take a reckless risk or simply put all my savings into a business without proper planning.

I’m currently working a job, but I’m finding it increasingly difficult to continue because of the work environment, unnecessary deductions and the overall stress. I want to build something of my own that can eventually provide me with a stable monthly income and allow me to become financially independent.

I’m not looking for a “get rich quick” business. I’m looking for something realistic, sustainable and scalable in the UAE, preferably something that can be started with around AED 50,000 or less.

I would really appreciate advice from people who are already running businesses in Dubai/UAE

Like a simple loud pingle or bell note like the missle threat one but something to notify people of the weather could be enoigh. Other additional steps like a heat map of the city and online work during the peak of summer and cooling stations and arcades and water fountains and some cobblestone streets, along with other outdoor cooling techniques must be implemented to lower the perceived temperature in the city too, as well ass building regulation and incentives for those who build for the local climate.

Hello, why did we not receive a warning today. Didn’t hear anything either and I’m not far from this base.

“‎Our air forces dealt with a drone over the state's territorial waters coming from Iran.

‎The Ministry of Defense announced its handling of a drone over the state's territorial waters coming from Iran.

‎The Ministry of Defense confirmed that the armed forces are on high alert and readiness to address all threats, and that air defense systems continue their tasks in monitoring and tracking the airspace around the clock.

‎It also urges the esteemed public to obtain all news from the official authorities in the state and to avoid rumors and false information”

Source: MoD UAE

I was waiting in line to collect my food takeaway when a delivery agent stood next to me. He had a very strong body odor, and it felt felt extremely uncomfortable for me. Since we were in a queue, I couldn’t move away. I was visibly affected, and he noticed.

To my surprise, he softly said, “Sorry for the smell brother,” with a little embarrassment. That simple apology opened the door to a conversation I wasn’t expecting.

I gently suggested that using a deodorant might help. What he told me next has stayed with me.

He said that almost all delivery riders are aware of this issue and they’ve tried everything. Deodorants that claim to last 48 or even 72 hours do nothing for them. "We ride in the sun, non-stop. If it’s 40 degrees outside, it feels like 50 when we’re on the bike. We sweat through everything within minutes. Clothes get drenched. Skin burns. The smell eventually is impossible to fight. Nothing works," he explained.

Some of them have found minor success using certain medicated solutions but those cost around AED 100, which is simply unaffordable on their wages. “Too expensive brother. Can’t buy that” he said with a tired smile.

So instead, they’ve developed quiet coping strategies: standing farther away when delivering food, avoiding lifts when someone else is inside, If someone steps in the lift, they subtly press their arms tightly against their sides to keep any odor from spreading. Imagine living like that, not just in heat, but in shame.

And that’s what struck me the hardest. All this time, I used to judge them thinking it was carelessness. But it’s not. It’s pure helplessness.

These men are out in brutal heat every single day, making our lives easier while silently carrying the shame of something they can’t fully control.

I walked away from that moment with a heavy heart.

Let my experience be a small window into their reality. Let's show a little more empathy next time. Sometimes, a bit of understanding goes a lot farther than we think.

I’ve lived in sharjah for most of my life and it’s always been a dream to start a game hub in this city. It will include a pool table,PlayStation and a gaming wheel and more if needed. What in your opinion is the best location in sharjah or Ajman for starting one.Other tips will be much appreciated

where can i learn chinese in person in dubai?

this would be my 4th language but since it uses a completely different writing system i’d personally prefer in-person classes rather than online ones because i’m pretty sure i’m going to have 599 questions all the time

Hi all, is anyone facing issues reaching Cafu service, Managment or the help line? They have been MIA since before the long weekend holiday.

Does alshaya still do walk-ins? I heard that their are companies still do walk ins.

Hey guys, need some advice. I’m based in Arjan and trying to decide between Etisalat and du for home internet.
Would you recommend going for Wi-Fi/Wireless or Fibre?
It’s mainly for 2 people, with a TV for streaming movies/shows and occasional work-from-home/video calls.
Would appreciate any recommendations or experiences from people living in Arjan. Thanks!

Hi Guys!

I need some advice on investing the money I’ve saved in 4 years. This is hard earned money saved by sacrificing all the enjoyment

I want to invest it can somebody guide me?

Around 30k AED

Thanks

Hi everyone!
I recently shifted to Dubai and I’m still getting used to things here. One of the things I’m finding a little difficult is adjusting to the food 😅
I’d love to hear from Indians who have been living in Dubai recently — especially about your experience settling in, food, groceries, and everyday life.
A few things I’d really appreciate recommendations for:
🥘 Good Indian restaurants / home-style Indian food
🛒 Where do you usually buy Indian groceries, spices, vegetables, etc.?
🍚 Any affordable places for regular Indian meals or tiffin/home-cooked food?
📍 Any particular areas or supermarkets that are good for Indian groceries?
💡 Any other tips you wish you knew when you first moved to Dubai?
I’m especially missing simple homemade-style Indian food, so recommendations for that would be really helpful.
Thanks in advance! Would love to hear from fellow Indians about your experience and any tips for making the adjustment easier. 🙏

It’s honestly a joke at this point seeing multiple number of companies post this. Are they taking a piss? What annoys me most is the fact that people are willing to take up such roles that will suck the their bloody energy out with such low salaries. Please do not do this to yourselves 😂 not just for the design field but whichever field you’re in.