u/cupofjoe001

Hi Expats :)

I’m an Aussie expat in my early 30s, currently based in the UAE. I work in AI / deep tech and have been here for a couple of years.

I recently accepted an offer with a London based startup. The role pays well, includes equity, and I genuinely believe in the company’s vision. London also appeals to me personally: I would like a fresh start, to date more seriously, and enjoy being closer to Europe.

After accepting, I was approached through a referral for another UAE-based role. I wasn’t actively looking, but the offer is financially much stronger on a net basis. I would save significantly more (2.2x) by staying in Dubai.

The UAE role is also interesting and prestigious, but I am concerned about work culture: obvious hierarchy, communication style in upper management, psychological safety, and likely very demanding hours. They’ ve been upfront that the role would require significant availability around very senior leadership. I understand the nature of that and would want to give the role my full attention, but I am concerned about whether that level of intensity would be sustainable for me.

Career wise, I work across the AI / deep tech supply chain, including LLMs, AI infrastructure, chips, data centres, and hyperscaler arrangements. So part of me wonders whether London could open up more global options later, including possibly returning to Dubai or Abu Dhabi for a final savings push, or even moving to another AI hub like California. I genuinely don’t know where Iwould end up after London - definitely not in Australia though (for personal reasons).

So I am trying to decide whether to take the UAE role and maximise savings now, or go to London for the personal reset, equity upside, and broader long term optionality.

Has anyone here chosen between a high-saving expat role and a move that seemed better for your long term life?

Would you optimise for money while the opportunity is there, or take the lower savings option if it feels more aligned with the life you want?

Thanks all :)

Hi all!

I [30M] am an Aussie solo traveller and long term Dubai expat, and planning a 10 day holiday in late May 2026.

Last year I did Hanoi (Vietnam) and loved the Ha Giang Loop: social, adventurous, iconic, and easy to meet other solo travellers. I am looking for something with a similar “anchor activity” (a trek, road trip, multi day adventure, loop, expedition, or once in a trip experience).

Open to Asia, Europe, China, or pretty much anywhere that makes sense from Dubai.

Priorities:

• Good for solo travellers / easy to meet people
• One iconic activity or route to build the trip around
• Works well for a 10 day trip in late May
• Reasonably practical from Dubai
• Adventurous but not reckless (I like diving)

What destinations or specific trips would you recommend? Thanks all. I'm thinking either Spain or Bali, perhaps Vietnam again.

For Bali, I'm thinking of doing Bali (Canggu for 4 days - learning to surf, Gili islands for 3 days - diving trips, and perhaps Sanur or Ubud for 3 days - padel or yoga, respectively).

I've been to Japan, Thailand, Philippines, and most parts of Europe.