Q&A | Life in Dubai as an British expat of 8 years | What is it really like?

What are the pros and cons of living in Dubai? Why did I decide to move here? What is Dubai really like to live in after 8 years?
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This week I'm answering all of these questions and more as a way of not only introducing myself on the channel, but also sharing some of the insights I've gained after living here since 2016.
Get ready for a story time on how and why I moved to Dubai, what it was like as a 23-year-old British expat moving to a new country where I didn't know a single person.
Dubai has become my home and I've built my dream life here, I can't imagine myself living anywhere else right now. That's not to say it doesn't have it's downfalls like any place, but in this video I'll break down the reality of life in this incredible city.
If you've ever wondered whether you should move to Dubai or not, I also offer some advice for people who are thinking about making this city their home. Plus, I throw in some personal questions about food, career, business, and my content creation journey.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Have you been to Dubai? I'd love to hear your perspective.
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Timecodes:
Intro: 00:00
When and why did you move to Dubai? 00:36
What's a common misconception about living in Dubai? 04:33
What’s your ultimate comfort food? 06:52
How do you find balancing between working full time and running a business? 09:01
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as an entrepreneur? 12:10
What’s one piece of tech you can’t live without? 13:06
What’s a piece of advice you’d give to someone who wants to move to Dubai? 14:01
Top pros and cons for living in Dubai? 15:07
Why did you begin making content? 19:03
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Follow me on my social channels to keep up with my travels and get behind-the-scenes looks at where I'm headed next. Can't wait to share more with you!
elisetagram
www.tiktok.com/@elisedubai
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Tags: moving to Dubai, dubai life, dubai expat, british expat, how to move to dubai, moving to uae, why i moved to dubai, should i move to dubai

[@Angela-yh9ze]

I love your videos ❤ I'm relocating to UAE next August and I am very excited but also terrified, if that makes sense. Watching your video made me feel better.

[@elisekerr_]

Don’t be scared! It will be the best thing you ever do 🤍 glad you like the video!

[@drtracythomas]

I’m really grateful for this video. I have felt simultaneously like if I don’t move to Dubai I’m gonna regret it for the rest of my life, and I have also felt terrified about moving there and being able to self-actualize when I am a single woman and would be moving there on my own. I feel that no matter what I do living in the US it’s really not set up for success and it’s just one big hamster wheel and I really want to be somewhere where I can actually grow and drive and set up to encourage people to be really successful and supportive of that. I feel mostly concerned about tolerating the heat and needing the acclimate for that because I don’t love extreme temperatures coming from California. But I feel that I would potentially be willing to acclimate to it if it really was a city where I could feel like I fit in because most people around me have very low ambition and just spend their life following her doing the same thing generation after generation. I want to be where I can be my most ambitious self collaborate with others and feel like I’m actually part of a fabric of society that makes sense to me. I am a psychologist and I’m hoping that I can be a great benefit to society in Dubai and that I can feel like I’m in a place that feels like home to me which America really never has. I lived in Manhattan for many years and they were the best years of my life because I was surrounded by people with lots of ambition who were full of life, but I’m in my late 40s now and I just can’t stand the thought of just doing what most people do around me in California, which is slowly but surely start to Fade out of life as they hit a certain age and just give up on all their dreams. I still believe that I can achieve mine and I just wanna feel like I’m in the right place that’s going in the correct direction and a place that has a way of life that I can actually believe in. I think the fear I have comes from the thought that if something happens and I’m struggling there that I’ll be all alone even though I’ve always been great at making loads of friends my whole life. In fact, I really wanna make friendships that feel like family the way I did in New York, which was the most rewarding chapter of my life where I also dealt with three months of heat and humidity, and then very cold winters, so it was worth it when I was there and I’m hoping that I could feel that way about Dubai and the heat. I also wish Dubai was more. That’s my favorite thing about New York is walking around and walking out your door to everything so I’m looking at the Dubai marina have more access to things right out my door. If there are ways to connect with people and start to make friends when you first get there, that would be incredible to know. Also, I’ve heard that the buildings are half empty and I’m just wondering about the possibility of signing community and friends in the high-rise building that I would live in, and whether those kind of communities are there because in New York and places like San Francisco and San Diego, all their high-rise communities are really focused on community life within the building itself, which is really important to me. Any more input here would be appreciated and thank you for doing these very very valuable videos.

[@elisekerr_]

Wow. Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. I remember going through all the same emotions when I considered making the move. All that I can say is that your open mindset and kind nature will get you everywhere you want to go in Dubai. People respond to people and its one of those places where connections will get you everywhere (similarly to NYC I imagine). I had youth and naiveté on my side when i made the move but I genuinely hope you muster the courage to seek what's right for you (and understand that 'home' will always be there). Dubai is not New York, your city walks will convert to winter hikes and summers in Europe but it's a special place that makes dreams happen for those who work hard and a place I couldn't not imagine spending my life. Please DM me at @elisetagram if you have any more questions and I'll also be making more videos about my experience over the last 8 years x

[@janegreenman754]

Really insightful!

[@elisekerr_]

Thanks, so glad you enjoyed it 🤍

[@HarrietCross1611]

Loved this Q&A! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@elisekerr_]

So glad you enjoyed 🤍

[@luxetravelcouple]

Such a great video! So true about all the misconceptions of living here. Also thanks for sharing some of your favourite restaurants 🙌🏼 taking notes

[@elisekerr_]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@cadburybubblegum]

I was in Dubai last year for two months... Couldn't secure a job... The competition is crazy... But i think networking in Dubai will eventually help u land a job.... And that'll take some time... Im in digital marketing and project management...

[@elisekerr_]

The time of year is also really important. For example in agencies the busy periods are Sept-March and I find they’re always looking for top talent but in the summer it’s hopeless. January is generally the best time to look for work here but of course it’s still challenging

[@paulocosta447]

Thanks for the tips really good

[@elisekerr_]

Thanks so much ☺️

[@therume9234]

good video! Can you please make a detailed breakdown video of living cost in Dubai

[@elisekerr_]

Thank you, yes of course!

[@therume9234]

@@elisekerr_ When the next video coming

[@Mohamed.Fathalla6969]

you are beautiful, why you are not making new videos ;)

[@elisekerr_]

Thank you! I have some very exciting videos coming soon!

[@saichakresh3031]

can you help me to find a job in dubai as a fresher with my post graduate degree

[@elisekerr_]

What’s your field? Job searching is hard but the best thing you can do is build your network and sell yourself and your skills

[@vajzavajza2748]

hi from kosovo

[@elisekerr_]

Hii! Kosovo looks amazing I’m planning visit one day