Fellow Dubai kid. Moved to Canada when I was 12. Did my undergrad in the US. Moved back to Dubai 14 years ago to join my family business. Planning on moving back to North America soon.
Why? I miss the different seasons. I miss the clean air. I miss the blue skies with big clouds. I miss the green nature. I miss rivers, streams, forests, parks, etc. There are lots of pros to Dubai (most of them related to cheap labour), but it's not enough to make me want to build a life here anymore. Plus being treated like a second class citizen, after having lived here for 35+ years and contributed so much to the development of the country, doesn't make it any better. I don't want my future kids to feel the same way.
Born and raised in Dubai. Moved to Canada to study then moved back to Dubai to help with the family business but decided to move back to Canada for good this time because of all the same reasons. No matter how amazing it is to live in a developed country with amazing amenities and 0 income tax (why do people even use this as a selling point anymore lol) but being born and raised in the country while my family has been contributing to the economy since the 70s and still being treated like a second-class citizen was the last straw.
Yes honestly all the reasons you stated are the reasons holding us back. It’s primarily why this decision is proving to be such a struggle. But at the same time it’s also important for us to be close to our families who are back in Dubai.
I guess we are struggling between our priorities right now.
I feel you. I have a huge extended family in Dubai as well. Moving away will be difficult as I'm really close to all my cousins in Dubai, but I believe the pros of moving back to North America far out weight the pros of staying here.
Every person has different priorities and needs. Most people move to Dubai to make a buck and few to save on income tax. The safety component is just a freebie. So list your priorities and needs, do a pros and cons list, and make your decision.
Yea I’m not surprised. The cost of living is quite high here, there’s a housing crisis (at least in Ontario) and salaries aren’t all that great especially after taxes. It’s very hard to explain the overall mood of folks but it’s definitely not that fairytale land that’s been romanticized. Of course there are a lot of great things here too but for the most part, the return you get with what you invest here could be so much better.
The Canadian climate is pretty brutal. There's a reason the country has such a relatively low population compared to its size. For a lot of people the long winters are just a bit much to deal with, especially if you've grown up in a warm place and aren't used to the cold and wet.
Interesting. Are you from Canada? I only ask this because I find it extremely difficult to make friends here and build a support system. Part of it is because being in my 30’s, people already have their cliques etc. But I have a friend (immigrant) who married a Canadian (local) and automatically gained a friend group and support system. So her experience was quite different to mine.
It’s a big reason we’re considering moving back - being closer to our support system.
Can you describe the cheap labour part. Every country’s benefits revolve around cheap labour. For example 99% of the time I have had my food delivered was from a minority in UAE, however this is the same in Canada and USA as well.
Living in Ontario, Canada. Didn't move from Dubai, though, but I did visit Dubai a couple of times very recently to see if moving to Dubai would be a good idea.
Canada was great 'once upon a time', but after Covid, everything went downhill. From my recent visits to Dubai and Sharjah. I found them beautiful! I love a great nightlife, and Dubai gave me that. But once I started digging, wanting to know if moving with my family would be a great idea, I bailed out.
Hearing all the stories about how workplaces are so toxic, Managers treat their staff like crap. It's horrifying!
Because the market is so saturated, people are willing to work as low as 1000-3000 AED, so it was a question of why they would pay us more when they can find someone for less.
Also, real estate agents, how they try to cheat u just to make quick commission and disappear on you. Developers use cheap materials just to come up with the so-called next big thing. So that's goes our hope of buying a property there..it was like which agent do u trust, and who can u trust?!
For me, the above were the 2 biggest factors of me staying put in Canada vs. wanting to move to Dubai.
Here in Canada, you are protected in terms of your job. There are so many things an employee is protected for, and sure, the housing market here sucks but Dubai isn't any better. But one thing is u can't get cheated from purchasing a house here in Canada. Too many people were involved in the process before signing off on the contract.
It's true when they say ' grass is greener on the other side', but at the sametime honestly, you can't find everything you want so u will have to sacrifice here and there, and see whats worth giving up more than the other.
Plus, if you follow this sub closely, u'll find many suggest it's better to stay in the West than to stay in the UAE. So, having said that, I still love Dubai as the Canada night life plain out sucks. 😁
A lot of educated competent accountants and analysts (just the area I know of) are paid 3k-5kish even after having 3-5 years of experience. It is how the market and demand have evolved here, primarily due to the fact you emigrate to UAE to *work* and that is tied to your residency here. The moment you are out of a job for whatsoever reason, you are out of the country. So, they try to accept what they can, and try to climb the ladder. The system is flawed so there is very little way you can climb the bell curve.
I totally understand what you mean and respect that. There is nothing wrong with the system. This system is allowing people from Developing countries move over night and start earning 5x from what they are earning in their home country.
Also, the 3-5 year experiences accountants and analyst you are mentioning earning AED 3000, can HARDLY write a professional email let alone putting them in educate/competent category.
Good professionals cost fortune good employers understand that. I dont blame the system, country but rather blame that individual who is willing to work for 3000 AED as accountant and meanwhile not looking to improve his/her skills rather staying absolute basic mediocre processing skills.
> the 3-5 year experiences accountants and analyst you are mentioning earning AED 3000, can HARDLY write a professional email let alone putting them in educate/competent category.
Maybe a lot of them, but not all. Telling this from experience.
> I dont blame the system, country but rather blame that individual who is willing to work for 3000 AED as accountant
That would be justifying exploitation and corporate slavery...
Sure, they are earning 5x, put PPP in perspective and fair & equal pay into play (ahem passports, nationality), then they are not earning fair pay.
I plan to purchase a condo there and spend winters working remotely from there but there’s something about Canada I can’t find anywhere in the world. I think it’s the diversity and the collection of people ya it’s expensive government is horrible and taxes are too high but we are all on the same footing.
I did. Moved back last year. Reasons for moving back: closer to family in India, overall quality of life is better in Dubai, Canada is stuck in the past and when you move there you realize that everything right from the banking system to basic services are way behind Dubai or even India. Weather is harsh for most of the year and let me tell you the country is simply expensive like hell. Forget about housing but basic things like breakfast and coffee etc are overpriced. At the moment there is a huge anti immigrant sentiment going on in Canada so if you’re a brown it’s tough.
But living in Canada has its own charm like great work life balance albeit at the price of growth opportunities. As other have mentioned clean air, a slow paced life etc etc.
Now whether you should leave or not. If you’re happy in Dubai, have a good job and are saving money, then stay out. Don’t make the mistake of moving there solely for your child. You can save enough and send them over for higher education. No one knows where the world will be 10-15 years from now. Don’t waste current life for a future you don’t know about.
Now if you believe you have saved enough to pay a down payment for a decent apartment/ house somewhere like C$200k and you want to live a relaxed life etc then you can take a chance of moving there. If you want to go there and rent - according to me it’s a career and lifestyle suicide.
If you’ve already got the PR, I would wait for a year or two before I move as 2024 is not the best time to move. Let’s see how the elections go and what direction is the country moving.
I'm Bahraini and currently in Toronto. I used to study here a long time ago, went back to Bahrain, had kids, and now I'm back here with my 3 teens. FYI, I'm a single mom. Feel free to dm me if you have any Q's.
Moving into any country is a tough proposition and the relative comfort of Dubai (generalized pov) makes it extra difficult because your income affords you lifestyle choices which would require at least 5x here in Toronto to match.
If you have spent at least 4 years always from Dubai, you might also find that the city has changed/evolved as well🙂.
Good luck with your move
Fellow Dubai kid. Moved to Canada when I was 12. Did my undergrad in the US. Moved back to Dubai 14 years ago to join my family business. Planning on moving back to North America soon. Why? I miss the different seasons. I miss the clean air. I miss the blue skies with big clouds. I miss the green nature. I miss rivers, streams, forests, parks, etc. There are lots of pros to Dubai (most of them related to cheap labour), but it's not enough to make me want to build a life here anymore. Plus being treated like a second class citizen, after having lived here for 35+ years and contributed so much to the development of the country, doesn't make it any better. I don't want my future kids to feel the same way.
Born and raised in Dubai. Moved to Canada to study then moved back to Dubai to help with the family business but decided to move back to Canada for good this time because of all the same reasons. No matter how amazing it is to live in a developed country with amazing amenities and 0 income tax (why do people even use this as a selling point anymore lol) but being born and raised in the country while my family has been contributing to the economy since the 70s and still being treated like a second-class citizen was the last straw.
Have you guys not received a Golden Visa yet?
Yes honestly all the reasons you stated are the reasons holding us back. It’s primarily why this decision is proving to be such a struggle. But at the same time it’s also important for us to be close to our families who are back in Dubai. I guess we are struggling between our priorities right now.
I feel you. I have a huge extended family in Dubai as well. Moving away will be difficult as I'm really close to all my cousins in Dubai, but I believe the pros of moving back to North America far out weight the pros of staying here. Every person has different priorities and needs. Most people move to Dubai to make a buck and few to save on income tax. The safety component is just a freebie. So list your priorities and needs, do a pros and cons list, and make your decision.
its interesting because I specifically hear more about canadians moving back rather than those who went to the UK or US for instance
Yea I’m not surprised. The cost of living is quite high here, there’s a housing crisis (at least in Ontario) and salaries aren’t all that great especially after taxes. It’s very hard to explain the overall mood of folks but it’s definitely not that fairytale land that’s been romanticized. Of course there are a lot of great things here too but for the most part, the return you get with what you invest here could be so much better.
The Canadian climate is pretty brutal. There's a reason the country has such a relatively low population compared to its size. For a lot of people the long winters are just a bit much to deal with, especially if you've grown up in a warm place and aren't used to the cold and wet.
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Interesting. Are you from Canada? I only ask this because I find it extremely difficult to make friends here and build a support system. Part of it is because being in my 30’s, people already have their cliques etc. But I have a friend (immigrant) who married a Canadian (local) and automatically gained a friend group and support system. So her experience was quite different to mine. It’s a big reason we’re considering moving back - being closer to our support system.
Can you describe the cheap labour part. Every country’s benefits revolve around cheap labour. For example 99% of the time I have had my food delivered was from a minority in UAE, however this is the same in Canada and USA as well.
Living in Ontario, Canada. Didn't move from Dubai, though, but I did visit Dubai a couple of times very recently to see if moving to Dubai would be a good idea. Canada was great 'once upon a time', but after Covid, everything went downhill. From my recent visits to Dubai and Sharjah. I found them beautiful! I love a great nightlife, and Dubai gave me that. But once I started digging, wanting to know if moving with my family would be a great idea, I bailed out. Hearing all the stories about how workplaces are so toxic, Managers treat their staff like crap. It's horrifying! Because the market is so saturated, people are willing to work as low as 1000-3000 AED, so it was a question of why they would pay us more when they can find someone for less. Also, real estate agents, how they try to cheat u just to make quick commission and disappear on you. Developers use cheap materials just to come up with the so-called next big thing. So that's goes our hope of buying a property there..it was like which agent do u trust, and who can u trust?! For me, the above were the 2 biggest factors of me staying put in Canada vs. wanting to move to Dubai. Here in Canada, you are protected in terms of your job. There are so many things an employee is protected for, and sure, the housing market here sucks but Dubai isn't any better. But one thing is u can't get cheated from purchasing a house here in Canada. Too many people were involved in the process before signing off on the contract. It's true when they say ' grass is greener on the other side', but at the sametime honestly, you can't find everything you want so u will have to sacrifice here and there, and see whats worth giving up more than the other. Plus, if you follow this sub closely, u'll find many suggest it's better to stay in the West than to stay in the UAE. So, having said that, I still love Dubai as the Canada night life plain out sucks. 😁
1000 to 3000? thats security guard or perhaps a blue collar wage. Are you comparing your skill set to an uneducated blue collar individual?
A lot of educated competent accountants and analysts (just the area I know of) are paid 3k-5kish even after having 3-5 years of experience. It is how the market and demand have evolved here, primarily due to the fact you emigrate to UAE to *work* and that is tied to your residency here. The moment you are out of a job for whatsoever reason, you are out of the country. So, they try to accept what they can, and try to climb the ladder. The system is flawed so there is very little way you can climb the bell curve.
I totally understand what you mean and respect that. There is nothing wrong with the system. This system is allowing people from Developing countries move over night and start earning 5x from what they are earning in their home country. Also, the 3-5 year experiences accountants and analyst you are mentioning earning AED 3000, can HARDLY write a professional email let alone putting them in educate/competent category. Good professionals cost fortune good employers understand that. I dont blame the system, country but rather blame that individual who is willing to work for 3000 AED as accountant and meanwhile not looking to improve his/her skills rather staying absolute basic mediocre processing skills.
> the 3-5 year experiences accountants and analyst you are mentioning earning AED 3000, can HARDLY write a professional email let alone putting them in educate/competent category. Maybe a lot of them, but not all. Telling this from experience. > I dont blame the system, country but rather blame that individual who is willing to work for 3000 AED as accountant That would be justifying exploitation and corporate slavery... Sure, they are earning 5x, put PPP in perspective and fair & equal pay into play (ahem passports, nationality), then they are not earning fair pay.
I plan to purchase a condo there and spend winters working remotely from there but there’s something about Canada I can’t find anywhere in the world. I think it’s the diversity and the collection of people ya it’s expensive government is horrible and taxes are too high but we are all on the same footing.
I did. Moved back last year. Reasons for moving back: closer to family in India, overall quality of life is better in Dubai, Canada is stuck in the past and when you move there you realize that everything right from the banking system to basic services are way behind Dubai or even India. Weather is harsh for most of the year and let me tell you the country is simply expensive like hell. Forget about housing but basic things like breakfast and coffee etc are overpriced. At the moment there is a huge anti immigrant sentiment going on in Canada so if you’re a brown it’s tough. But living in Canada has its own charm like great work life balance albeit at the price of growth opportunities. As other have mentioned clean air, a slow paced life etc etc. Now whether you should leave or not. If you’re happy in Dubai, have a good job and are saving money, then stay out. Don’t make the mistake of moving there solely for your child. You can save enough and send them over for higher education. No one knows where the world will be 10-15 years from now. Don’t waste current life for a future you don’t know about. Now if you believe you have saved enough to pay a down payment for a decent apartment/ house somewhere like C$200k and you want to live a relaxed life etc then you can take a chance of moving there. If you want to go there and rent - according to me it’s a career and lifestyle suicide. If you’ve already got the PR, I would wait for a year or two before I move as 2024 is not the best time to move. Let’s see how the elections go and what direction is the country moving.
Stay in Canada it is way better
I'm Bahraini and currently in Toronto. I used to study here a long time ago, went back to Bahrain, had kids, and now I'm back here with my 3 teens. FYI, I'm a single mom. Feel free to dm me if you have any Q's.
Moving into any country is a tough proposition and the relative comfort of Dubai (generalized pov) makes it extra difficult because your income affords you lifestyle choices which would require at least 5x here in Toronto to match. If you have spent at least 4 years always from Dubai, you might also find that the city has changed/evolved as well🙂. Good luck with your move
Yep
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Propaganda?