Living in Dubai as an American Citizen - My Honest Review

[@RamiTamimi]

We've missed you in Michigan, but I'm so happy to see you having a great time in Dubai!

[@fksebati]

I will see you soon inshallah need to catch some more sun first to bring back 🌞

[@halabesmar4652]

Very nice! So nice of you to share ❤

[@fksebati]

It’s a great vibe!

[@drtracythomas]

That’s really helpful to know. However, when I Google and look at cars to purchase like my own car that I would like to re-purchase it feels like it’s easily 20% more than it is in the US so I seem to be either looking at the wrong, part of the Google search or I’m missing something. Are you positive that cars are cheaper and do you have a website to point me to? And also since I’m not gonna have credit established in Dubai, are they gonna be willing to finance a car for me? Thank you so much for your help and support here.

[@fksebati]

Good questions. I'm not the car expert, but I think you could find some good insights searching this on reddit. I rented a Toyota Yaris from Hertz for $500USD monthly including insurance. It's not luxury, but it was a good start.

[@shawnhassanpour7142]

Be careful with the cars. They bring a lot of American damaged cars and get fixed here. Be very careful

[@faizanmckagan2827]

Very nice to meet u brother. I'm from Montreal canada but almost done with the process of moving to Dubai. Would be awesome to meet u there. Take care of yourself.

[@hartleyb8356]

Thank you for making this video. My husband was offered a job in Dubai and I’ve been hesitant about it but his son already lives there and I’m trying to learn everything I can. I’ve lived in South Carolina my whole life and I’m nervous but also want to support my husband.

[@fksebati]

Dubai has a lot of diversity. You can meet people from every country!

[@petersmith2040]

An advantage is that English is widely spoken and used in Dubai. You don’t need to learn another language to live there. Otoh, moving to a country in Central/South America or Europe would most likely require learning a new language.

[@user-lf7jc3uh1i]

This is exactly why the country doesn’t have many Americans, yet it’s FULL of British, Russians, and a bunch of other European because they’re not “scared” and take the leap and then stay here forever 🤭 (14 years American in Dubai-best decision of my life)

[@rhodiak]

Yes Dubai and Abu Dhabi are Phenomenal cities. I personally think these places are amazing from a social perspective as well as for business.

[@JQURNEY]

I know this is a old video but if you want to move to Dubai full time citizen of Dubai from the USA do you still pay taxes ? I'm looking to completely leave the US and move there

[@fksebati]

Good question! Yes, you still pay taxes regardless of where you go as a USA Citizen. There is a tax rule where you don't pay taxes on the first ~ $120k of income, but in order to qualify for this there is a time requirement of being in the United States (no more than 30 days in a year or something like that).

[@JQURNEY]

@@fksebati yeah I thought if you was in Dubai 6months out the year you don’t have to pay taxes! I know that’s why a lot of people go to PR because it was kind of similar. But I’m trying to become a full time Dubai citizen

[@fksebati]

@@JQURNEY yup. Keep in mind there's a difference between a Resident and a Citizen. You can become a resident pretty easily. It's almost impossible to be a citizen (as of now).

[@RealKevGotEm]

@@fksebati😮😮😮😮

[@manfredceriatke6301]

you complain about the Dubai public transport but there are at least 100 US cities which have more or less no public transport system at all

[@fksebati]

*thousands of US cities have horrible public transportation, but if we're talking about Dubai (a global city with millions of people), then we need to compare Apples to Apples. There's only a handful of cities in the United States that Dubai can be compared to including New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Of those, only LA compares to Dubai with it's reliance on cars for transportation and therefore terrible traffic.

[@timerwentoff]

How is the swim scene in Dubai?

[@fksebati]

It's awesome! A lot of masters programs and competitive age group as well. Not to mention the sea swimming groups!

[@drtracythomas]

Im about 10 days from my move to Dubai and still can't decide if I should ship my car or not...Do you need a car there?

[@fksebati]

Good question. It's good to have a car because walking to the public transit will not be as efficient (especially in the summer when it's a billion degrees outside). You can also use ride-share (careem & uber) very easily + taxi is everywhere in the touristic/downtown areas. Depending on your timeline/continued contact back in the United States, you could start without a car, then decide if you want one at which point you could ship yours or just get one locally. I rented a car for 4 months from Hertz and that was pretty simple.

[@user-lf7jc3uh1i]

Ahhhhhh DO NOT ship your car to Dubai, NOT worth it. You can just buy a car here…they’re not that expensive here, compared to some countries where it can be a rip off. I’ve been here 14 years and have a bunch of family that moved here (from the US) and NO one shipped their cars, all bought from here. Just my advice but as always, I suggest ppl to follow their intuition.

[@kathryneconomou791]

Leaving for Dubai tomorrow. Can't wait!

[@muratj0hn]

I like swimming but here in Dubai I hate swimming in the sea because it is never transparent. What is your view?

[@fksebati]

It's relatively clear given the currents and boat traffic! I guess I'm coming from lake swimming in Michigan which is less clear. If you go up the coast to Saadiyat Island, it's some of the clearest sea water in the world. Happy swimming :)

[@muratj0hn]

Ok I got the point. So my feeling is because of relativity as I am used to beautiful Turkish seas. 😜

[@fksebati]

@@muratj0hn Bosphorus is beautiful!

[@muratj0hn]

@@fksebatiglad to see you finally in beautiful bosphorus. Good luck and try to swim diagonal considering the strong flow. You will feel really fast!

[@Brooklynyc918]

What's the benefits of American retiring in Dubai.

[@fksebati]

Good question. I think that's a lifestyle choice that should factor everything someone wants to do/enjoys spending time.

[@Brooklynyc918]

@fksebati lifestyle for me...play golf and enjoying the culture.

[@user-lf7jc3uh1i]

Most ppl don’t view it as a retirement city, they see it as a city to make/save a lot of $$$$$$$

[@shawnhassanpour7142]

Expensive to retire here

[@Marmoura20]

even if I find a job in Dubai am I still paying taxes ?

[@fksebati]

Correct. There are two alternatives to consider. One is renouncing your citizenship to the United States, and the other is if you spend less than 30 days inside the United States there's a certain amount of income that is not taxed. Seek tax consult by a professional!

[@user-lf7jc3uh1i]

Bruhhhhh stop making it sound so black and white, you don’t have to pay taxes as a US citizen until you’re making more than 120K and that’s a looot of AED (440,000+++). So no don’t be stupid and renounce your citizenship, just move here and pay taxes over 120K, and you’ll still make/save more in dubai

[@RajMohhammed]

If you wish to see the dubai history visit old Dubai. Shandaga, naif, gold souq, its where Dubai started where most of the oldest residents reside. That is the real Dubai. Marina and everything beyond Jumeirah was build very recent development.

[@khay_m]

Your Video is EXCELLENT!!! Thank you! You were energetic, upbeat, direct and VERY informative. :::

[@manfredceriatke6301]

Strange that you - comming from the US - forgot to talk about the safety. I am sure you notices that Dubai is a place where you can walk at any time of the day or night in any part of the city and nothing wil happen to you. Even as a woman. Guess the is in most parts of the world quite different

[@fksebati]

Most of the world is not even close to Dubai on every measure of safety. I didn't mention it because my day to day life isn't really any different. I'm sure if I were a woman I could see how beneficial to have the peace of mind you get in Dubai and the region in general.

[@jenniferealymig85]

Thank you, please let people know about how they need to act in public. What goes on in the western world they do not go for it in Dubai. It us a peaceful place for both men and women. Westerns leave your attitudes at home once you get on that plane.

[@charliejold]

As a US citizen do you still pay US taxes?

[@fksebati]

Yes, as an American citizen, the only way to not be a citizen is renouncing your citizenship. I still have USA citizenship and pay taxes.

[@timerwentoff]

For you taxes, I think Uncle Sam exempts part of your salary from taxes, plus you can also expense few things as part of running a business. Talk to an accountant.

[@evanzolilemehlomakulu6979]

Great video but one thing - Dubai definitely has dirty and gritty areas. Check out Deira district or Sarjah. Near the old Dubai creek. You will see the history and flavor of the country there for certain!

[@MolyAbhane]

I enjoyed your info as American

[@fksebati]

Thanks for watching

[@LIL-MAN_theOG]

Homey, I thought Old Dubai was that old school, more blue collar section of there. I wonder if youre hanging out in all the rich areas and never went over there. I see old Dubai in so many videos, and dont get how that is

[@ubuntu6929]

you dont know why people say Dubai is fake? because the things that are advertised are not an everyday occurrence, unless you are not worried about money, which is very very rare. Also the people doing brunches and this and that are living "on a high," of that moment. its not all day every day. and its unsustainable. think about going to vegas for a weekend, then advertising that weekend as if its literally every day. Like if you live in vegas, this is your life! THATS why people say its fake. People like you who know this, but only show the fancy tux and fun stuff without showing a normal day, eating from home, not going outside cuz its too hot, getting used to all the views (you kinda eluded to these things with saying the food is DECEDNT for less than 10 bucks, and not having grit makes the glitz normalized.) but what does it really feel like to walk into your beautiful high rise apt and be bored cuz its hot and not feeling like getting dressed, going to the mall, paying for parking, and a movie. What is it like to be able to do that, and not be able to afford it, and or the thrill be gone? the potential depression... but you live in a beyond first world city! constantly looking for the next big thing in a place where big is normal is dangerous for most peoples mental health. especially when the image is your "supposed" to be constantly living it up! I think balancing the highs with the lows in a video and being authentic is actually going to help people accurately predict if this life is for them. Imagine me telling you, making a million dollars a year is great! Just do what I do! but you work 18 hours a day 6 days a week, grinding cuz that's your norm. but don't talk about the grind, just smile and say do what I do! not accounting for the timing you lucked into the industry, or your hook up in the business. its unrealistic and image driven, not practically driven. All this to say, I think its would be great to experience the UAE!!! but probable its not going to be for the rest of your life. just until your next epiphany happens.

[@TazBo-wd2ig]

Dubai is EXPENSIVE!

[@kritische4920]

groceries, rent, petrol, health insurance, public transport, everything is cheaper there. and on top of that, you don't pay taxes. so no, dubai is not expensive

[@TazBo-wd2ig]

@@kritische4920 yes it is. I lived there for years it’s expensive.

[@kritische4920]

@@TazBo-wd2ig i live there too, and for me its cheap. well my apartment wasnt cheap but all the rest is cheap. compared to germany, usa and switzerland

[@jamestravis1037]

Good to hear there is no GRIT. New and clean is just my style !

[@drtracythomas]

TY very much.

[@adeniyitaofik3832]

why people complain about the temperature, you knew before going

[@ubuntu6929]

seeing the number 125 degrees and FEELING 125 degrees with high humidity are 2 very very different things. and most have nothing to compare 125 to.

[@2013TombRaider]

Amazing video, turns out dubai is way more expensive to live than i thought. I can get better apartment in Austin texas than that cheaper despite Austin skyrocketing in prices lately.

[@michellebarnes7640]

Traffic, heat, humidity....sounds like Atlanta 😂

[@fksebati]

you're not wrong about that!

[@phoenix-thefutureofAI]

German's are also required to pay tax in Germany for 10 years if they move to live in another country.

[@nadk8886]

10:45 go to Satwa 😂😂

[@shamsvahedi6920]

Its actually PERSIAN GULF! Have you not studied geography on this area before doing a review??!

[@peaktreyface2224]

UAE ranks 7th on the global slavery index. The grit you are missing is a lower class that isn’t stuck in indentured servitude, but that’s also the reason for every pro you list.

[@fksebati]

That’s not grit. Grit is the culmination of a working culture that has developed over a long period of time and comes through in the way people live and work. Like I said, it’s hard to describe. However, your comment isn’t the full picture. Based on the index you’re referring to: 13 in every 1,000 people in the UAE fit their (global slavery index) umbrella criteria. In the USA the number is 3 in 1,000 people. Half of Europe and Asia is in the same ballpark as the UAE. So for a country that’s a few decades old and continuously improving, it’s likely this will improve quickly as well (as it already has). A bigger issue is homelessness which I didn’t cover in this video. In the United States this is a major problem. One of the worst in the world for a “developed country”. In the UAE, it’s not an issue because the native citizens are only 1m and the government can support their population. Everyone else living in the UAE has a job. Therefore the unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the world.

[@atracamoniusvlogs]

Living in dubai a al barsha 3 tour

[@daprince001x5]

the grit is old dubai

[@Marmoura20]

so I am a US citizen , am I still paying taxes ??????

[@blade823-u9y]

yep

[@blade823-u9y]

but the cost of living will be less ofc

[@ParisianThinker]

No tax breaks being an American. Difficult to understand how being in Dubai helps your virtual business.

[@fksebati]

Mindset, environment and network.

[@shawnhassanpour7142]

As a US citizen, this tax thing will follow me to the day I die.

[@simple2125]

so rents r expensive, car is expensive, so whats then so great.

[@Arizonacomet]

Religiousness? Alcohol? Drugs? Healthcare? Etc

[@SepehrDev]

It’s not Arabian gulf, It’s Persian gulf! Thanks for your content though

[@FaisalBh]

my opinion in 1 word, Dubai is not for me.

[@theguythatdoesthatonething2133]

In 5 words really… sorry my OCD couldn’t help it 😂

[@khay_m]

I AGREE… about how long distances can affect your closeness to your FAMILY. :::

[@ArmyOne519]

So he’s rich . The Average American can’t afford to live there.

[@kritische4920]

dubai is cheaper than america. groceries, rent, petrol, health insurance, public transport, everything is cheaper in dubai

[@user-lf7jc3uh1i]

Bruh, if you’re qualified in any professional area, you can move to Dubai. Unfortunately most Americans don’t even try so they never make it here (speaking ad an American living in Dubai)

[@KaLiGr]

I think you have missed the liberty and the gun rights in the US haha ;) In Dubai you have to follow islamic rules ... :/

[@fksebati]

The UAE has freedom of worship. It’s also one of the safest counties in the world. There is no comparison in safety between the USA and UAE.

[@KaLiGr]

@@fksebati yes, but usa has democracy, liberty and there the people can do whatever they want to do... Btw. Im a gay man. Living in dubai as a gay can be very dangerous.

[@kritische4920]

​@@KaLiGr absolutely not. being gay in dubai has no disadvantages, what you are saying is bullshit. plus, the usa has no real democracy. in dubai you have more freedom than in the usa.

[@SummersJourney-d5d]

​@@KaLiGr Democracy, liberty etc doesn't mean much, when the environment is toxic and violent.