Thriving in Dubai: Embracing Life and Opportunities in the World’s Fastest Growing City

At deVere Group, we are proud to be a truly global company, with offices and opportunities in some of the most exciting and dynamic cities around the world. Our Dubai Marina office is no exception, offering a unique blend of high-powered career growth and a rich, fulfilling life outside of work.

In this page, we’ll take you on a journey through the eyes of Ciaran McDiamond, who’s worked in the Dubai Marina office since 2018. Ciaran will give us an insider’s look into the city’s work-life balance, top activities, unique experiences, and much more. We hope this glimpse into the world of deVere Group in Dubai inspires you to explore all the opportunities available to you with us.

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Work-life balance in Dubai

At deVere, we believe in the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Ciaran McDiamond, one of our consultants, can attest to the positive work-life balance in Dubai. He says, “Work-life balance in Dubai is pretty good! It’s certainly a city which is designed around enjoying life. Like any deVere office, there is an expectation for hard work, however, when you’re outside of work, you’ll find it difficult to get bored”.

Dubai is a bustling city that has something to offer for everyone. From exciting nightlife to tranquil beaches, Dubai has it all. This cosmopolitan city offers a unique work environment that is perfectly balanced with a vibrant social scene. Here at our Dubai Marina office, we encourage our employees to take advantage of everything the city has to offer, so they can recharge and return to work with renewed energy.

Furthermore, Dubai’s government also values the work-life balance of its residents and has implemented policies to ensure it. In 2019, the UAE government introduced a new initiative called “The National Policy for Balance between Work and Life” to promote work-life balance for all employees in the country. As a result, employees in Dubai are entitled to a minimum of 30 days of annual leave, sick leave, and maternity leave, which can help to ensure a healthy work-life balance.

We are firm believers that a happy employee is a productive employee, and our work culture reflects that – as we will explore.

Reasons to relocate to Dubai

If you’re considering relocating to Dubai Marina, there are plenty of reasons to do so. Ciaran recommends the city for several reasons.

Firstly, Dubai offers a tax-free income, which means you get to keep all of your hard-earned income. Secondly, Dubai is centrally located and serves as an ideal hub for travel to other destinations. The Emirates’ expansive network allows easy travel access to different parts of the world both regionally and further afield. Thirdly, Dubai boasts a high standard of living. The city’s world-class infrastructure, modern amenities, and safety is unmatched. And finally, Dubai is considered one of the safest cities in the world. Ciaran said, “I’ve travelled to 63 countries, and I think the UAE is the safest place I’ve ever visited”.

Being part of the deVere Group in Dubai offers a range of career growth opportunities.

The office environment in Dubai

We have two deVere offices in Dubai: the flagship Marina Plaza office, located in the heart of Dubai Marina, and the H Hotel office in Downtown Dubai. The Marina office offers stunning views of the surrounding skyscrapers and the Arabian Gulf, while the downtown office is situated in the midst of Dubai’s bustling financial sector. Both offices are dynamic, energetic environments that house some of the most successful wealth management teams in the industry. The Marina Plaza office also serves as deVere’s headquarters and frequently hosts visits from the company’s leadership team.

The Marina area is home to a variety of fantastic restaurants, cutting-edge gyms, a shopping mall with a cinema, and a lively nightlife scene. The downtown office is located near DIFC, the Burj Khalifa, and the vibrant business district. Both offices provide exceptional career progression opportunities in various roles.

Adjusting to life in Dubai

Like any new city, Dubai may take some time to get used to. Some of the most significant challenges newcomers may face include adjusting to the hot weather and cultural differences.

Ciaran acknowledged that the lack of greenery and nature can be a challenge. However, with the desert, mountains, ocean, and green neighbourhoods, the city offers plenty of nature and greenery if one knows where to find them.

To overcome these challenges, it’s crucial to get involved in local groups, clubs, and activities to meet new people and build a community. Joining sports clubs, expat groups or using AskWho, an application to connect with like-minded people, is a great way to start.

Misconceptions about Dubai

There are many misconceptions about Dubai Marina, and it’s important to address them.

For example, some people believe that Dubai Marina is a traditional city where women are restricted in what they can wear, alcohol is forbidden, and you need to be careful about how you act. However, Ciaran stated that Dubai Marina is an open-minded city that encourages freedom of expression.

While respecting local customs and traditions, the city welcomes all visitors and expatriates. Additionally, the city’s diversity is seen in its people, fashion, and culinary experiences.

Navigating Dubai and its climate

Dubai has a warm climate with sunny skies for most of the year. Temperatures can rise to very high levels during the summer months, which can be a challenge for some. However, the cooler winter months provide the perfect opportunity to explore the city’s outdoor activities. Dubai has a range of indoor and outdoor activities available throughout the year, such as desert safaris, water sports, beach clubs, and even indoor skiing if you need a break from the heat.

Navigating Dubai as a foreigner is relatively easy, thanks to the city’s English-speaking population. Moreover, the availability of currency exchange services makes it easy to carry out transactions in the local currency.

Getting around is easy and convenient, with a variety of transportation options available. As Ciaran explains, “Many people start out in the Marina area where you can walk to work or use a scooter or bike. The city has a metro connection between the Marina and downtown which is very affordable. People tend to get a car after they’ve been here for a while which is fairly inexpensive, fuel is cheap, and cars are reasonably priced”.

Dubai Metro, the city’s rapid transit system, is a popular and cost-effective way to travel. It connects Dubai Marina to various parts of the city and is a great way to avoid the traffic. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem are also widely available and reliable. For those who prefer to drive, cars are reasonably priced, and fuel is cheap in Dubai. In addition, Dubai Marina is a very walkable area with a pleasant promenade along the water’s edge. Bikes and scooters are also popular options for short trips.

Popular activities and hobbies in Dubai

As mentioned, Dubai offers an extensive range of activities and hobbies, from sports to arts and culture. In addition to the well-known options, there are also hidden gems waiting to be discovered. For instance, Kite beach is a popular spot for locals to unwind and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Those who love the outdoors can explore the amazing hiking trails in RAK.

For foodies, @justfooddxb is an Instagram account worth following for the top hidden food spots in the city. Whether you prefer to spend your free time exploring the great outdoors or discovering new culinary experiences, Dubai has something to offer for everyone.

Unique experiences in Dubai

Dubai is a city of endless possibilities, with unique experiences that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. As Ciaran explains, “Desert Safari camps are an absolute must, where you can dune bash, ride camels, eat local cuisine and watch belly dancing. There’s also tours of the world’s tallest buildings, boat trips around the palm, and if you’re missing the cold, you can check out Ski Dubai. The Al Quadra desert cycling track is also fantastic”.

In addition, Dubai is famous for its extravagant shopping malls, which offer everything from luxury brands to high-street fashion. Dubai Mall, for example, is the world’s largest shopping mall and is home to over 1,300 stores. However, if you prefer a more authentic shopping experience, the city’s traditional markets, or souks, are a must-visit. Here you can find everything from spices and textiles to handmade jewellery and souvenirs.

One of the most unique experiences in Dubai is the traditional Emirati culture.

The city is home to numerous heritage sites and museums that offer visitors an insight into the rich history and culture of the UAE.

Property in Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is a great place to live, and there are plenty of rental properties available in the area. As Ciaran notes, “Renting is very easy. You will not struggle to find an apartment near the office in the Marina area”.

You can live cheaply and further out if space and peace and quiet is your priority, or you can sacrifice both if you want to be in the middle of the action.” Rental prices in Dubai Marina vary depending on the type of property, location, and amenities. However, the area offers a range of affordable options for those on a budget.

Websites like Property Finder and Dubizzle are great resources for finding suitable apartments in the area. Moreover, our Dubai Marina office is situated in a prime location, making it a convenient and accessible place to work. The office is surrounded by many of the area’s best restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, ensuring that our employees have everything they need at their fingertips.

We hope this page has given you some insight into the world of deVere Group in Dubai. We’ve explored the benefits of relocating to Dubai Marina, including its tax-free income, central location, high standard of living, and safety. Additionally, we’ve discussed the challenges newcomers may face when adjusting to life in Dubai Marina and provided tips for overcoming them.

We’ve also debunked some common misconceptions about the city and highlighted its open-minded and liberal nature, and finally, we’ve showcased the numerous activities and hobbies available in Dubai Marina, including sports, arts, and unique experiences.

At deVere Group, we value work-life balance wherever we are, and believe in encouraging our employees to enjoy all that Dubai Marina has to offer. We encourage you to consider Dubai as a top destination for work and living. With its thriving economy, diverse population, and endless opportunities for fun and adventure, Dubai is truly a city like no other.

If you're interested in joining our team and exploring all that Dubai has to offer, visit our careers page and apply today. We look forward to hearing from you!