News
Balancing Two Cities: My Experience Working Between London and Dubai
When my partner came home on a dark and cold January evening in 2023 he briefly mentioned a job opportunity for a 12 month posting abroad in Dubai. I immediately said YES GO FOR IT, lifes too short and after working through covid along with flexible working here to stay I new we could make it work.
Id never even been to Dubai before, or really herd much about the City. As a Chartered Surveyor running my own SME business, for now 15 years, life is a constant balancing act. With offices in Soho, London, and a team of eight people to manage, I’ve always had a full plate. But 12 months ago, I decided to split my time between London and Dubai, working partially in-person and partially remotely.
This dual-city lifestyle has given me fresh perspectives on work, culture, and life itself. While it hasn’t been without its challenges, it’s a setup that’s helped me grow both professionally and personally. Here’s how I’ve made it work, what I’ve learned, and what I’ll miss from Dubai.
Making It Work: Navigating Two Cities
Running a business across two cities requires discipline and careful planning. For me, the key is structure. In London, my days are office-centered, with back-to-back meetings and direct collaboration with my team. When I’m in Dubai, I focus on strategic thinking, catching up on emails, and planning the next steps for the business.
Time zones are an adjustment. Dubai is three to four hours ahead of London depending on the time of year, which works in my favor most of the time. Mornings in Dubai are quiet, allowing me to get a head start on the day before London wakes up. By mid-afternoon, my London team is fully online, and I can coordinate with them before their day ends.
Travel is another major factor. Flights between London and Dubai take around seven hours, and I’ve learned to use that time wisely—either catching up on work or relaxing with a podcast. Flights are frequent, with options from airlines like Emirates, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic. Costs can range from £350 to £700 for a round trip, so I make sure to book ahead during peak seasons. I found the morning flights are best arriving around late afternoon evening Dubai time, then wake up early to start the day. Getting over jetlag in Dubai so bad when the sun is shining and warm weather.
What I’ll Miss About Dubai
After a year of living and working in Dubai, there’s so much I’ll miss about this vibrant city.
The Expat Lifestyle: Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, and being part of the expat community is an experience like no other. There’s a unique sense of camaraderie among people from all over the world who’ve come here to chase opportunities and build their lives.
Exceptional Service: One of Dubai’s defining features is its “yes we can” “everyone is welcome” culture. The service across hospitality and service industry is exceptionally fast, efficient, and customer-focused. Whether it’s arranging a last-minute delivery or solving an administrative issue, things get done quickly and easily. It’s a stark contrast to the slower pace of bureaucracy often experienced in London.
Ease of Doing Business: Dubai has built itself on welcoming entrepreneurs. Setting up a company here is straightforward, with clear processes and minimal barriers. The government’s proactive approach to attracting business makes it an ideal place for those looking to establish themselves in the region.
The Famous Saturday Brunches: Few places can rival Dubai’s brunch culture. These aren’t just meals—they’re full-day social events filled with incredible food, lively atmospheres, and a chance to unwind with friends or colleagues after a long week.
More Disposable Income: Without personal income tax, you often have more disposable income in Dubai compared to London. This allows for a higher quality of life, whether that’s dining out, traveling, or indulging in the city’s luxurious offerings.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Dubai radiates ambition. It’s a city built on dreams and hard work, where innovation is encouraged and entrepreneurship thrives. The “anything is possible” attitude is infectious, and it’s inspired me to think bigger and embrace new challenges.
The Welcoming Business Environment: The city’s openness to people from around the world is remarkable. It’s a place where everyone is encouraged to succeed, and that inclusivity fosters creativity and collaboration.
Work Culture: London vs. Dubai
The differences in work culture between the two cities are striking. In London, the pace is fast, meetings are efficient, and there’s a focus on getting things done quickly. My team is accustomed to working independently, and I rely on their initiative to keep things running smoothly.
Dubai, however, is more relationship-driven. Trust and face-to-face interactions are paramount, especially when dealing with clients. Business hierarchies are more formal, and there’s an emphasis on respect and hospitality. While this took some getting used to, I’ve come to appreciate the value of building genuine connections before diving into the business side of things.
What I’d Take Back to London
Over the past year, my time in Dubai has taught me valuable lessons that I’d bring back to London—both in work and in life.
From a professional perspective, I’d bring back Dubai’s focus on building strong relationships. In London, we often prioritise efficiency and results, but my experience in Dubai has reminded me of the value of slowing down to genuinely connect with people.
Dubai’s ambition and “can-do” mindset are also inspiring. The city’s rapid growth and openness to new ideas have shown me the importance of thinking big and embracing innovation—a mindset I want to apply more with my team in London.
On a personal level, Dubai’s focus on work-life balance has been a revelation. While I thrive on London’s energy, I’ve learned to appreciate the importance of making time to recharge.
Lastly, I’d love to see London adopt some of Dubai’s efficiency and customer-focused service culture. Whether it’s for business processes or day-to-day life, the speed and ease of getting things done in Dubai is something I’ll truly miss.
Would I Do It Again?
Having lived this dual-city lifestyle for 12 months, I can confidently say it’s been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. But would I do it again? The answer is a resounding yes—with a few adjustments.
The past year has taught me the importance of balance, not just between work and life, but also between two very different cities. I’ve grown to love the contrasts: the fast-paced energy of London and the cosmopolitan ease of Dubai. However, it’s also been demanding. Frequent travel can be exhausting, and it’s vital to prioritise downtime to avoid burnout. Also having a long distance relationship hasn’t been easy.
If I were to continue this setup, I’d refine my schedule even further, perhaps limiting the frequency of travel and making longer stays in each city to settle into a routine. Ultimately, the rewards far outweigh the challenges, and I feel fortunate to call both London and Dubai home.
Conclusion: A Journey of Growth
Splitting my life between London and Dubai has been a rewarding experience. It’s pushed me to rethink how I work, live, and connect with people. The challenges are real—managing a business while shuttling between two cities isn’t for the faint-hearted—but the rewards are immense.
Whether it’s the charm of Soho or the allure of Dubai’s golden sands, I feel incredibly lucky to have lived this journey. And while the specifics might evolve, this past year has shown me that with the right mindset and tools, the possibilities are endless.
Im always free for a chat on anything sailing or work related and enjoy meeting people people, please do get in touch.
