Have you noticed how we all have the same 24 hours in a day but some people can just get more done? Here are some tips on saving time ( oh and money as well). If you are reading this outside of Dubai you may have similar options available to you where you are. The idea of this blog post is to get you to think.
A big shout out to the “British Dads Dubai “Facebook group for helping with this one.
1 The lifestyle in Dubai is fantastic, sun, food, great outdoor life. Employment opportunities that we can often only dream of in our own countries. With this comes a great temptation to treat our time here as an extended holiday and we spend and spend. When I first arrived in 1998, I was warned that many people leave with great stories a closet full of clothes and nothing else. It appears it is still true and the “British Dads” number 1 recommendation is. In a nutshell, “Spend some, save some” ( which is the family moto of Grahams Hughes a UAE based financial planner and is very pertinent here)
2 Use technology- Look for and use useful apps like Entertainer or Fruugul that will allow you to live a good life and save while you are doing it. Other online services such as Kibsons that save money and time with groceries delivered to your door. Seek out family discounts such as familypass.ae ( coming soon) and other family parks discounts
3 Even if you live in Dubai, you can look at options to start your flights in another country and make sure it transits through Dubai. I recently saved 5000aed on a trip to Australia doing this for two pax. The travel agent who helped me with this is Mark Reed ( mark@nasa-travel.com) so feel free to reach out to him.
4 Choose a school and then where to live. I have spoken to too many parents who spend half their lives dropping off kids and getting up at silly o’clock.
5 Reach out for help. It is possible to feel completely alone and still surrounded by people. Online Communities such as British Dads Dubai or Brits in Dubai are great forums to ask for help and advise. Also, reach out and get involved in social groups and networking groups from your home country such as the British Business Group.
6 Punch in Google maps periodically before leaving for a meeting to check arrival time and delays. It will help you stay on time for meetings. Even if you know the way sometimes, it helps to punch in the route which will highlight delays and suggest a workaround.
7 Choose a Bank that easy to get to. While there are many different deals available, regular personal trips to the bank to sort out paperwork is a frustration and a time burner. So having one close by is a real bonus.
8 Just because someone says Yes doesn’t mean they understand or agree, for many nationalities here saying “NO” is rude or they are just uncomfortable saying NO. So YES is the default answer and can cause a world of problems. One trick you pick up in the Middle East is to ask people to repeat their understanding of a request back to you.
My mission is to help unstoppable business people with a passion for life, health and family to live the life they choose. These tips are aimed at this journey and making it one that will inspire others.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.