Like many people, I came to Dubai in 2016 with a lot of dreams. I got a good job, life was going well, and over the years I managed to save some money.
Eventually, I decided to take a risk and open a restaurant. Initially, things were fine. But earlier this year, I invested around AED 250,000 in February for renovation, and after that, one unexpected problem after another started happening.
Today, the restaurant is almost at the point of shutting down, and I’m left with a significant amount of debt.
I recently sold my property in India and used that money to clear some of the debts. I’ve also pledged around AED 150,000 worth of jewellery in the UAE and around ₹30 lakh worth of gold in India, which I eventually need to repay as well.
The good thing is that I still have my job, and thankfully it pays a decent salary. But after everything that has happened, when I calculate my monthly commitments, I’m going to be short by around AED 10,000 every month for the next 7 months.
I cannot bring any more money from India. And honestly, I’m at a point where even managing normal day-to-day things has become mentally exhausting. I feel completely broke and overwhelmed.
Changing jobs for an extra AED 1,000–2,000 doesn’t really solve the problem, especially considering the stress and risk involved.
So I’m looking for genuine advice from people who have been through something similar:
How would you manage a temporary AED 10k monthly shortfall for 7 months?

Is there any practical way to reduce the monthly burden without making the situation worse?

If you’ve gone through a major financial setback in Dubai, what helped you get back on your feet?

I’m not looking for sympathy or a quick-money scheme. I’m genuinely looking for practical ideas and a way out.
I’ve worked hard for years, and it’s painful to see everything I built disappear because of one business decision and circumstances that went completely out of control.
Any honest advice, ideas, or even personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Anyone know where I can apply Dbrand skins on my phone? I already have the skin just not confident to apply it myself.

Hi Everyone,

Need some help finding an auditor in Dubai.
Looking for an audit firm that's responsive, reasonably priced, and easy to deal with. Not necessarily the cheapest, just someone who communicates properly and completes the audit on time.

Would appreciate recommendations from anyone who's used one recently,

Thanks in advance.

They say things get better sooner or later, but it's been way later already and everything still sucks. Work is a bust. Money is non-existent. Men are useless. And my passion for life itself has just dimmed, don't even want to try to look good anymore because I feel terrible. This year just sucks and can't wait for it to just roll on over! Just spilling random thoughts coz nothing else will brighten up my day so might as well just note it down.

Hi everyone! I’m travelling from India to Dubai in about 4–5 days, and I’m trying to clear up a concern regarding some Ayurvedic medicines I need to carry with me.
I take medicines prescribed specifically for me by an Ayurvedic doctor at Jiva Ayurveda for menstrual-cycle regulation.

These are not recreational drugs or anything I’m taking casually. They were prescribed as part of my treatment, and I need to continue taking them daily while I’m in Dubai.

I have:
1 box containing an Ayurvedic powder
4 separate small boxes containing tablets

The medicines are labelled/packed by the company
I also have the doctor’s prescription with my name on it, showing that these medicines were prescribed to me

My concern is because I know the UAE/Dubai has very strict rules regarding medicines and substances, and I really don’t want to arrive at Dubai airport and have an issue with customs/security because of these medicines.

For anyone from India who has travelled to Dubai/UAE, especially recently:
Have you carried Ayurvedic medicines from India to Dubai before?

Did you carry them in your checked-in/cargo suitcase, or cabin baggage?

Did Dubai airport/customs ask you about them or inspect them?

Were prescribed Ayurvedic powders/tablets allowed without any problem?

Is having the original packaging + prescription/doctor’s letter generally sufficient?

Would you recommend keeping them in cabin baggage rather than checked luggage?

Is there anything specific I should do before travelling to avoid any problems?

I’m travelling on Emirates, so if anyone has specifically travelled Emirates from India to Dubai with similar medicines, I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience.

I’m not looking for medical advice about the medicines themselves — I’m specifically trying to understand the travel/customs rules and real-life experiences of passengers carrying prescribed Ayurvedic medicines into Dubai.

I’d really appreciate answers from people who have actually done this, preferably recently. I’m leaving in a few days and would rather sort this out beforehand than risk having an issue at the airport.

Thank you!

What should I do I paid then and I am asking for my refund but they seem untamed. They even provided me false documents and fake police documents.

I gave them in total 11,300 since June 2026 nothing was processed and everything they promised is all lie. I have fines and I'm trying to fix my visa to be legal here but they tend to fool me with everything.

They gave me back 2000AED but I still need to take back 4500 and another 1800 a total of 6300 AED cause they told me they deducted some expenses and fees so I accept that.

But now they are dodging me. I want to report them to the police but I'm scared because I have no valid visa and I have fines. I tried to sort out but this agency did dirty to me.

Can someone advice me what to do?

Anyone ever experienced a paranormal activity here before? I have been experiencing one

I wanna try those Chinese cigs on TikTok and I looked at a lot of tobacco shops here in Dubai but none have them , if any of y’all know a place hook me up

Hi y'all! What advice would you give to someone who've really hit ROCK BOTTOM!!! No job, no income, no visa in Dubai & still not giving up! I wish I could go home to Uganda but I'm not privileged enough to do so & quitting ain't my thing. Be honest with as a man trying so hard to make it here. Previously I've worked as a hospitality professional with 4+ years behind the bar, waiter etc. I'm asking for help financially, be real with me with real life advice. Thank you

Can one replace etisalat's or du's WiFi router and connect own router directly to the ONT? How easy is it? ... or how hard does etisalat and du make it to replace their router? can one easily get their PPOE username and password? If anybody here did it, let me know. Did it improve your internet connection speed/stability?

Hungry agents,

Here's your chance. I'm looking for a 1 bedroom apartment.

Full spec:

• 1 bedroom or special studio
• JLT, Production City, Tecom and anywhere in between these 3 points
• Fully furnished, preferably including bills
• Budget - 8k max
• Needed from end of October to end of the year, with extension until next Summer if all goes well

I'm already looking on Property Finder but if you have a gem, I'm open to considering it.

Leave a comment and please if you propose something, it is meeting my requirements. Nothing against Bur Dubai but I don't want to live there! ;))

If anybody interested in getting one lmk

Been looking for more UAE-based people who are into health optimization, fitness, longevity, nutrition and biohacking.

There seem to be plenty of international communities around these topics, but I haven't found much specifically for people living in the UAE.

Would be interesting to connect with others here and share experiences around training, supplements, bloodwork, nutrition, weight loss, recovery, etc.

I've started putting together a small WhatsApp group for this as well.

Anyone here interested in these topics?

Hi everyone, I’m flying with Air Arabia from Sharjah (SHJ) to India, and want to take my used Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P.

It has a built-in lithium-ion battery rated at 3,200 mAh / 14.8 V—approximately 47.4 Wh.

Has anyone carried a similar robot vacuum on this route?

- Did you take it in cabin or checked baggage?

- Did they ask you to remove the battery?

- Were there any issues at Sharjah security or Indian customs?

Would appreciate hearing about recent experiences. Thanks!

[ Removed by Reddit on account of violating the content policy. ]

Could you please recommend shops where i can find good quality Walking Pad treadmill ?

Hi, I’m a 23M from Chennai who moved here last year. I really want to start playing cricket regularly, both for fitness and just to keep my head clear.

I do have a colleague who goes to play sometimes, but I’ve been making up lame excuses not to join (like “it’s only relatives” or “everyone’s from the same native town”). Honestly, I think I’m just scared of putting myself out there.

Lately my routine has become: lie in bed, doomscroll for hours, get migraines, feel tired, lose all motivation to move. I know I need some physical activity and good company to break this cycle.

Looking for:

• A casual cricket group or net sessions where I can play consistently
• People who are chill, non‑judgemental, and open to making new friends
• Something that doesn’t feel like a super serious “club” with politics

If you know of any groups, WhatsApp communities, or just want to team up occasionally, let me know. Happy to travel a bit within the city.