When most people hear the word “Dubai”, a list of things come to their mind, such as luxury, wealth, lavish lifestyles, surreal architectures, 7 star hotels, the world’s tallest building, fast cars, yachts parties, beach clubs, and the list goes on. There’s no atom of lie in this, but like anywhere else, there’s a different side many don’t know or talk about, but that’s not why we’re here.

Dubai is undoubtedly one of the most visited cities in the world. While most of the visitors visit to experience and explore the beautiful city, a significant fraction of the visitors visit in search of greener pastures (no pun intended) and opportunities to better their living conditions. Depending on how you play your cards, moving to the city of Dubai could be the best or worst decision you’ll ever make in your life. The harsh truth is that a regular 9 to 5 job will never make you rich, and you’ll probably remain a slave for the rest of your life building another man’s dream, except you own the company or you’re at the top-level in your career and company.

There is good news however, there are things you can do to change your narrative in this beautiful city and make tons of money, but it requires hard work, patience, and perseverance. Inspiring Dubai success stories like Sim Whatley, JC Butler, Ronaldo Mouchawar, Dhananjay Datar, Mona Ataya, Huda Kattan, Mohamed Beiraghdary, Alex Hirschi, and many more; are products of some of these tips which you can read after the jump.

Below are some great tips on how to make money and become rich in Dubai, and the United Arab Emirates in general.

1. Create a website or mobile app that serves the people (or hire someone to do it for you)

Two Americans named Sim Whatley and JC Butler, started a classifieds website known as Dubizzle from their shared bedsit in 2005. Fast forward to 2019, Dubizzle has been fully acquired by Naspers, a South Africa-based investor through its subsidiary OLX Group, for a total sum of $310 million (Dh1.1b). 51% controlling stake in Dubizzle was acquired in 2013 for $120m, and the remaining 49% stake was later acquired for $190m in April 2018.

Another case study is Ronaldo Mouchawar from Syria who founded e-commerce website souq.com, which later grew to become the largest e-commerce platform in the Arab world. In 2017, Amazon acquired Souq.com for a whopping $580 million (Dh2.1b). I could go on with many more success stories and case studies, but that’s for another day. I believe the message here is crystal clear.

2. Start blogging – seriously

Yes, you read that correctly. It’s not a secret that Dubai is home to some of the world’s richest and most famous bloggers. I’m very positive that these names ring a bell: Huda Kattan, Alex Hirschi aka Supercar Blondie, Mohamed Beiraghdary aka MoVlogs, amongst several others. Although not UAE locals, they’re all successful and influential bloggers based in Dubai. They started off in Dubai, but today known and respected across the globe.

Just pick a niche that interests you – something with a good following. Then, decide what method of blogging you want to use, from weblog, vlog (YouTube), and social media (Instagram), or the combination of the three. That’s it, start blogging your way to financial freedom. This isn’t for the lazy though, you’ve got to work hard, stay consistent, be patient, and persevere. Before you know it, you’ll have your own strong following and you’ll be making a fortune from adverts, sponsors, and selling your own products.

3. Get into importing

Dubai is one of the largest and most important centers of global trade for import and re-export of foodstuffs. Tens of thousand tonnes of fruits and vegetables are imported daily in Dubai. This should be more than enough to show you the potential of becoming successful through importation of farm produce.

So, strike a deal with the local farmers in your home country; take the next available flight to do the same with UAE retailers or food manufacturers. Get those products imported into the country, get your payment, pay the local farmers their cut, keep yours, and everyone is happy with more money in the bank. Voilà!

4. Become a salesperson for high value items or commodities (that pay commissions)

If you’re the type that talks sweet and you think you are or can be a great salesman or saleswoman, this could be a great way for you to get rich. Selling high value items or commodities such as properties, precious stones and metals, rare and coveted cars or raw materials, could get you some really attractive returns if you get paid a percentage in commission.

5. Start freelancing

Freelancing could make you rich in Dubai, if your niche market is a highly profitable one. Along with some of the aforementioned tips, freelancing has been a go-to solution – even till this very moment in 2020 – for a lot of people, not only in the UAE, but the world as a whole. Brilliant deliveries to your first few clients will guarantee you success with this one, because not only will you be handsomely rewarded and building your portfolio, they’ll always come back to you for more. In addition to that, they’ll tell their friends and associates about you.

Life is way too short to be wallowing away in poverty and debts. Every hardworking and diligent person with a good heart deserve a good life. Take advantage of the above and change your narrative for good.