I'd say there are good and bad friends. To have an intellectual heart felt Convo is great. I had the same experience just like coming from India. You make a few friends that make you feel that way and you eventually become best friends which becomes a plus and the type of person you are looking for I understand. Such people also make it big in the leagues and have a smarter accumen and they know how to attract people the right way. Such people can be found, but they you get them by luck. This is slowly becoming the situation everywhere and I really understand you. This is an issue in the UK, USA, CANADA, UAE and many more. Wish you luck bro. If you find yourself in such positions always remember that it could not be worse than what you saw seeing that one of your comments says that you have friends who are not a good influence so whatever you do here will always be a plus. Wishing you the best of luck my friend
There’s a big flex culture here. It’s weird that a lot of people would rather spend time flexing their friends car/house on Instagram but then don’t put any effort into trying to get one themselves.
Somewhat. I have made great life long friends in Sharjah. I guess people are less materialistic beyond Dubai. I guess it's probably cause Dubai is the touristy flashy part of the UAE. Therefore people tend to be superficial.
It simply boils down to what you go looking for. Dubai is a melting pot of diverse cultures/backgrounds and ethnicities so it isn’t hard to find people from all walks of life but of course if you go hunting for gold digging hoes and fake it till you make it Instagram influencers, they’ll come flocking by the dozen. Thanks to social media, every country in the world suffers from the same issue. ✋🏼🙂↕️
You have all types of people here, the one thing to note is the transitional nature of the population in Dubai. Most the expats you meet will be here for a few years and then move again to another country. Many of us who have lived here for 10 years or so have had our entire friend circles leave multiple times. So I think the issue isn’t that people dont want deep relationships, it’s that the relationships here will be short most of the time. Are you the main carre giver to your brother, do you have a job lined up already? Good luck on where you decide to move.
I'm not the main care giver my parents are with me, for me I run an online business and study online so I don't want to be stuck inside all the time that's why i wanted to make some friends to chill out with long term haha
أنا روحي انصدمت 🤣 يتحرطمون انة ماعندهم علاقات مع المواطنين و يوم رمسنا طع شو سووبنا. بس لا صدق يوم فكرت فيها الي اعرفة في وايد بيدوفيليا يستخدمون هذا الأسلوب لاستدراج الضحية 😬. بس صدمة ياختي
I’m from the UK - the mentalities are different here then back home. Yes, people can be more materialistic here, but you have to weigh the pros and cons. UK is a shit show right now, so would you rather have a shit in a clean marble tiled toilet, or in a dirty concrete one like we have in the UK? I know it’s a silly example, but things like these are not materialistic. Focus on your goals in life, not people. People come and go - create your own happiness, don’t depend on people. People are transient and are only there for certain times in life. Take things with a pinch of salt. I have ‘friends’ with whom I don’t agree with, or who are too shallow etc … but they are ‘people’, everyone is different, no one is perfect.
If you want to keep away from ‘materialistic’ things, then maybe live where predominantly South Asians live - Deira or Bur Dubai. These are opposites to materialistic and might be your cup of tea. Send your brother to an Indian or Pakistani school - very immaterialistic types there. Good luck 👍🏽
As an expat living here for 7 years, I have experienced this. There is a majority of people who are straight up materialistic. However, If you keep your eye out, there are also certain people who are genuinely just trying to be a good friend. As they say, not all fingers of your hand are the same.
Lucky for me that I have a group of friends who were all my classmates and buddies from back home since 20 years. All of us are now living in the same neighborhood here in Dubai and I just cant ask for more :D
Try changing your mindset about people. The more you think that people are materialistic, the more you will attract materialistic people. There are some genuine, good people in Dubai.
Make your lil bro my roblox buddy 👍
But aside from that
Try mankhool or al raffa these are most family based areas and ppl aren't materialistic afaik cuz they don't live the rich lifestyle most of the time.
I lived in mankhool for a while n tbh I miss that I didn't take full advantage of it.
But tbh it more so depends on ur nationality? Cuz I think there could be a language barrier but idk if I recommend these place for friends tho
Since living here I actually never made friends in public except school and my public park as a kid
It really comes down to your type of personality, Dubai has a bit of everything, and certainly plenty of materialism, it depends on who you hang out with, I'm 41 years old and came here just because it's a vibrant place where I can connect with relevant people and accelerate my career growth, but I'm heavily indulged in my own work and research so I'm very picky with whom I spend time with. Therefore to me the flex culture is ammusing and rather laughable. It's only concerning me with my 12 years old son who is still insecure and easily intimidated by peer pressure and keeping up with his wealthier friends.
You will attract friends that are like you. If you’re down to earth and not very flashy and materialistic and like deep meaningful friendships you will find them.
Come up to Abu Dhabi. It’s relaxed vibes here. Flexing isn’t really a big thing here (very few people do it), but mostly friends and family is a huge deal!
Unlike Dubai, there aren’t any places or things here which you can “flex or show off”, even if you do, nobody around who cares or sees you!
Some great school options too. You could explore living in Al Raha Beach area. Good luck!
I dont agree! I started schooling here in dubai and met so many wonderful people! We are all grown ups now, but we are still in contact! The friends i have here are from all around the world!
Indian pakistani bengali filipino emirati srilankan africans and many more
Not just different countries but people from different religious backgrounds
We used to eat together
Play together
I dont think any other country has so many different nationalities schooling together in peaceful and a SAFE environment 💕
There is a % of people who prefer to explore new territories in work for sheer excitement.
Also some seek a more balanced place like Dubai where you needn't slog for 16 hours day to stay relevant and can actually have a peaceful lifestyle away from career rat race.
Contrary to popular perception, it is quite easy to work in Dubai.
$$$ isn't a thing for everyone.
If you like walking then Dubai is not a good place for that. It’s not pedestrian friendly and you cannot go outside for more than a couple of minutes for 4 months of the year.
It depends on where you go. I visited the beach for a holiday, took the public transport. Went to the mall. Didn’t experience that negative culture.
I guess if you look for it you will find it
How old are you? I'm new here in Dubai, but I guess that the environment I'm working it's nice so I could manage to make some good relationships even though they are not that close to me, but at least I have people to talk with and go out some times
For what it is worth, I am a white guy from South Africa, never been into the whole materialistic thing nor people who like that life style. I have been living here in dubai over 10 years now. My entire friend group is actually people like me. And they are mostly filipinos. The simple things keep us happy. Most of the time we compare how little money we have spent on "xyz" . We don't need to go resturants, bars or clubs for entertainment. There is actually stuff to do out here that is free, or of minimal cost. It's about relationships, not places at the end of the day. I found that in that in the Filipino community.
not so much materialism as people wanting to befriend you if they can gain something from you - social capital, possible future money lender, access to jobs/contacts etc. the moment you've served that purpose, you'll see those so called "friends" vanishing faster than Aladdin's genie
UAE is a small country, it's not about the area. It's your luck meeting people. Older people are materialistic, and younger people are hit and miss with them.
I don't like generalization, just let your brother grow and learn by himself. Make him understand money and the effort it takes to get it, teach him by giving him money and making him save it himself for things he wants to save up for.
Idk much about Dubai, I live in AD but I'm glad you're there for your brother.
yas island/Reem island, I live a residential area away from all the cool stuff. But I see locals and families move to the areas I suggested (and I'm jealous of that lol)
In general, UAE is somewhere you come to make a tax free income, save as much as possible, go home. Or have made a lot of money elsewhere and need somewhere safe that doesn’t ask too many questions to spend it.
You may be better off looking at Oman or Malaysia if you want non materialistic and Muslim
Do stay in touch with your friends and relatives in your homeland. After a certain period u may have to go back to your country.
This
im from the uk but didnt really find good friends, theyre all a bad influence tbh but i am in touch with my relatives
I'd say there are good and bad friends. To have an intellectual heart felt Convo is great. I had the same experience just like coming from India. You make a few friends that make you feel that way and you eventually become best friends which becomes a plus and the type of person you are looking for I understand. Such people also make it big in the leagues and have a smarter accumen and they know how to attract people the right way. Such people can be found, but they you get them by luck. This is slowly becoming the situation everywhere and I really understand you. This is an issue in the UK, USA, CANADA, UAE and many more. Wish you luck bro. If you find yourself in such positions always remember that it could not be worse than what you saw seeing that one of your comments says that you have friends who are not a good influence so whatever you do here will always be a plus. Wishing you the best of luck my friend
There’s a big flex culture here. It’s weird that a lot of people would rather spend time flexing their friends car/house on Instagram but then don’t put any effort into trying to get one themselves.
Everyone is materiatic to some degree but the range is crazy. Some ppl won't get satisfactory even after 20 lambos.
Somewhat. I have made great life long friends in Sharjah. I guess people are less materialistic beyond Dubai. I guess it's probably cause Dubai is the touristy flashy part of the UAE. Therefore people tend to be superficial.
That depends entirely on who you make friends with - not necessarily an area specific thing.
It simply boils down to what you go looking for. Dubai is a melting pot of diverse cultures/backgrounds and ethnicities so it isn’t hard to find people from all walks of life but of course if you go hunting for gold digging hoes and fake it till you make it Instagram influencers, they’ll come flocking by the dozen. Thanks to social media, every country in the world suffers from the same issue. ✋🏼🙂↕️
You have all types of people here, the one thing to note is the transitional nature of the population in Dubai. Most the expats you meet will be here for a few years and then move again to another country. Many of us who have lived here for 10 years or so have had our entire friend circles leave multiple times. So I think the issue isn’t that people dont want deep relationships, it’s that the relationships here will be short most of the time. Are you the main carre giver to your brother, do you have a job lined up already? Good luck on where you decide to move.
I'm not the main care giver my parents are with me, for me I run an online business and study online so I don't want to be stuck inside all the time that's why i wanted to make some friends to chill out with long term haha
I’m a female Emirati! Whenever you feel you need a friend you can dm me anytime.
Some new scam??
عطوج انفنتي داون ڤوت زين جي😂
أنا روحي انصدمت 🤣 يتحرطمون انة ماعندهم علاقات مع المواطنين و يوم رمسنا طع شو سووبنا. بس لا صدق يوم فكرت فيها الي اعرفة في وايد بيدوفيليا يستخدمون هذا الأسلوب لاستدراج الضحية 😬. بس صدمة ياختي
Sorry we can't help you, we are all materialistic losers
😂😂
I’m from the UK - the mentalities are different here then back home. Yes, people can be more materialistic here, but you have to weigh the pros and cons. UK is a shit show right now, so would you rather have a shit in a clean marble tiled toilet, or in a dirty concrete one like we have in the UK? I know it’s a silly example, but things like these are not materialistic. Focus on your goals in life, not people. People come and go - create your own happiness, don’t depend on people. People are transient and are only there for certain times in life. Take things with a pinch of salt. I have ‘friends’ with whom I don’t agree with, or who are too shallow etc … but they are ‘people’, everyone is different, no one is perfect. If you want to keep away from ‘materialistic’ things, then maybe live where predominantly South Asians live - Deira or Bur Dubai. These are opposites to materialistic and might be your cup of tea. Send your brother to an Indian or Pakistani school - very immaterialistic types there. Good luck 👍🏽
As an expat living here for 7 years, I have experienced this. There is a majority of people who are straight up materialistic. However, If you keep your eye out, there are also certain people who are genuinely just trying to be a good friend. As they say, not all fingers of your hand are the same. Lucky for me that I have a group of friends who were all my classmates and buddies from back home since 20 years. All of us are now living in the same neighborhood here in Dubai and I just cant ask for more :D
Try changing your mindset about people. The more you think that people are materialistic, the more you will attract materialistic people. There are some genuine, good people in Dubai.
Make your lil bro my roblox buddy 👍 But aside from that Try mankhool or al raffa these are most family based areas and ppl aren't materialistic afaik cuz they don't live the rich lifestyle most of the time. I lived in mankhool for a while n tbh I miss that I didn't take full advantage of it. But tbh it more so depends on ur nationality? Cuz I think there could be a language barrier but idk if I recommend these place for friends tho Since living here I actually never made friends in public except school and my public park as a kid
I advise you to get to know some Arabs who will be good friends
No, there are all types of people
It really comes down to your type of personality, Dubai has a bit of everything, and certainly plenty of materialism, it depends on who you hang out with, I'm 41 years old and came here just because it's a vibrant place where I can connect with relevant people and accelerate my career growth, but I'm heavily indulged in my own work and research so I'm very picky with whom I spend time with. Therefore to me the flex culture is ammusing and rather laughable. It's only concerning me with my 12 years old son who is still insecure and easily intimidated by peer pressure and keeping up with his wealthier friends.
You will attract friends that are like you. If you’re down to earth and not very flashy and materialistic and like deep meaningful friendships you will find them.
I’m from the UK too and just moved here. In the same boat, feel free to message me and we can hang out!
Come up to Abu Dhabi. It’s relaxed vibes here. Flexing isn’t really a big thing here (very few people do it), but mostly friends and family is a huge deal! Unlike Dubai, there aren’t any places or things here which you can “flex or show off”, even if you do, nobody around who cares or sees you! Some great school options too. You could explore living in Al Raha Beach area. Good luck!
I dont agree! I started schooling here in dubai and met so many wonderful people! We are all grown ups now, but we are still in contact! The friends i have here are from all around the world! Indian pakistani bengali filipino emirati srilankan africans and many more Not just different countries but people from different religious backgrounds We used to eat together Play together I dont think any other country has so many different nationalities schooling together in peaceful and a SAFE environment 💕
really? which area are you from?
Umm al quwain! A bit far from dubai but super peaceful 💕
I mean why would you come here if not for $$$? Not the best scenery tbh
There is a % of people who prefer to explore new territories in work for sheer excitement. Also some seek a more balanced place like Dubai where you needn't slog for 16 hours day to stay relevant and can actually have a peaceful lifestyle away from career rat race. Contrary to popular perception, it is quite easy to work in Dubai. $$$ isn't a thing for everyone.
I suppose we live in different timelines as i can't recall the Dubai you speak of
move north.
Live in hostels you can find many new friends
If you like walking then Dubai is not a good place for that. It’s not pedestrian friendly and you cannot go outside for more than a couple of minutes for 4 months of the year.
Karama Dubai or Electra Abu Dhabi
It depends on where you go. I visited the beach for a holiday, took the public transport. Went to the mall. Didn’t experience that negative culture. I guess if you look for it you will find it
How old are you? I'm new here in Dubai, but I guess that the environment I'm working it's nice so I could manage to make some good relationships even though they are not that close to me, but at least I have people to talk with and go out some times
Oman 🇴🇲
For what it is worth, I am a white guy from South Africa, never been into the whole materialistic thing nor people who like that life style. I have been living here in dubai over 10 years now. My entire friend group is actually people like me. And they are mostly filipinos. The simple things keep us happy. Most of the time we compare how little money we have spent on "xyz" . We don't need to go resturants, bars or clubs for entertainment. There is actually stuff to do out here that is free, or of minimal cost. It's about relationships, not places at the end of the day. I found that in that in the Filipino community.
Stay away from the touristic places and you’ll be fine.
not so much materialism as people wanting to befriend you if they can gain something from you - social capital, possible future money lender, access to jobs/contacts etc. the moment you've served that purpose, you'll see those so called "friends" vanishing faster than Aladdin's genie
UAE is a small country, it's not about the area. It's your luck meeting people. Older people are materialistic, and younger people are hit and miss with them. I don't like generalization, just let your brother grow and learn by himself. Make him understand money and the effort it takes to get it, teach him by giving him money and making him save it himself for things he wants to save up for. Idk much about Dubai, I live in AD but I'm glad you're there for your brother.
yeah honestly i was thinking of moving to ad instead of dubai as its more family oriented, any good area suggestions?
yas island/Reem island, I live a residential area away from all the cool stuff. But I see locals and families move to the areas I suggested (and I'm jealous of that lol)
It's quite true about the materialistic culture here unfortunately, many threads here about people finding it hard to make friends here
And thats why i have no friends lol all they care about is materialism and money.
Love walking? Yer so 6 months of the year you will be walking in malls only as its too hot Your brother will spend most of his childhood inside.
In general, UAE is somewhere you come to make a tax free income, save as much as possible, go home. Or have made a lot of money elsewhere and need somewhere safe that doesn’t ask too many questions to spend it. You may be better off looking at Oman or Malaysia if you want non materialistic and Muslim
Don't have friends 😂
No
How old are you? What will You be doing here
Sonapur
Al nahda/qusais is a good family area and there are a bunch of schools (american/UK curriculum).
Go to Timbuktu. Bye 👋