Back from NYC: Reflections on Life, Work, and Startup Trends in Dubai
I’ve just returned to Dubai from snowy NYC, where I spent Christmas and New Year. Even during the holiday season, NYC’s energy was as bustling as ever—it truly is the city that never sleeps.
Spending time in New York makes me reflect on the stark contrast between life there and in Dubai. NYC thrives on its fast-paced hustle, where every minute counts, while Dubai offers a different kind of drive—just as ambitious but shaped by its ever-growing multicultural tapestry.
It’s an interesting shift to go from the subway rush to Dubai’s highways, where the pace feels fast but somehow more adaptable. For expats relocating to Dubai, this adaptability is one of the city’s unique appeals. Whether you’re navigating the job market in Dubai or adjusting to a new lifestyle, there’s a sense of balance here that stands out.
Emerging Startup Trends: Wellness Tech and Mid-Price Fine Dining
One thing that stood out during my NYC trip was its emerging startup trends—wellness tech and mid-price fine dining:
Mid-price fine dining is redefining luxury with curated menus and trendy interiors. It makes fine dining more accessible while still delivering high-quality experiences—a perfect fit for a city where social life revolves around food, but affordability matters.
Wellness tech fits NYC’s ethos of self-optimization and efficiency. With tools that integrate seamlessly into daily life, it’s all about convenience in maintaining physical and mental health.
These trends feel especially relevant in Dubai. With its growing wellness scene and a large audience that appreciates fine dining with a trendy, accessible approach, there’s so much potential to watch—or even tap into!
Remote Work vs. Regional Realities
While I was in NYC, I couldn’t help but notice how much remote work has become part of daily life there. People were working from cafés, co-working spaces, and even on the go—it’s just ingrained in how they operate. But coming back to Dubai, it’s a different story. Remote work hasn’t taken over in the same way here. Instead, in-house or hybrid models still dominate. It’s part of the region’s current norm, where personal connections and face-to-face interactions are so deeply valued.
This got me thinking about how these work culture differences also reflect the job market. In Dubai, things are becoming more competitive as the market grows. Salaries are stabilizing—or even dipping slightly—because companies don’t need to overpay when there’s already an abundance of talent right here.
If you’re planning to move to Dubai for work, this is something to keep in mind. For junior to mid-level professionals coming from outside the region, it’s becoming increasingly important to show you understand the local market. Companies are prioritizing candidates with regional experience, which means demonstrating that you “get” the way business is done here can really set you apart.
Talent Trends in MENA and Beyond
With that being said, the demand for talent in the Middle East is still on the rise—especially as places like the UAE attract global attention and Saudi Arabia goes full steam ahead with its ambitious projects. It’s an exciting time to be in the region, especially if you’re already here and building your career within this dynamic environment.
Comparing this to what I saw in NYC, US companies are more open to hiring remote workers and embracing global perspectives, making it a bit easier for professionals to tap into opportunities no matter where they’re based. It’s a different rhythm, reflecting the varying levels of market maturity between the two regions.
Adapting to Two Cities’ Energies
What struck me most, though, is how NYC locals adapt to the intensity—they lean into the chaos with a “keep moving” mindset (having a lunch break on a workday is considered a luxury). For expats in Dubai, the experience is different. Dubai’s work culture balances ambition with a sense of global connectedness. It’s shaped by the way cultures—Arab, Chinese, African, and European—come together, creating opportunities for networking and collaboration that feel unique to the city.
If you’re thinking of relocating to Dubai, one thing to consider is how the city’s vibrant energy aligns with your goals. From thriving startup opportunities to a multicultural lifestyle, it’s a city that rewards those who embrace its rhythm.
Both cities are inspiring in their own way, and I’m grateful to experience the best of both worlds.
