Dubai is one of the most exciting, fast-moving, opportunity-filled cities in the world.
But when you’re new here, it can also feel confusing, expensive and overwhelming.

Hi, I’m Ishwah Pervez — the creator, writer and researcher behind MyDubaiGuides.com.
And this is the story of how this website was born, why I built it, and how I hope it will help you build a smarter, more confident life in the UAE.

My Dubai Beginning – Two Suitcases, Zero Clarity, A Lot of Hope

When I first arrived in Dubai, I didn’t have a big network, fancy contacts or unlimited money.
I had two suitcases, high hopes, and absolutely no idea where to start.

I made every beginner’s mistake you can imagine:

• Overpaid for my first room
• Got lost on the metro (more than once)
• Trusted every WhatsApp job forward
• Fell for random “agents” who promised impossible things
• Overspent on groceries, transport and basics
• Struggled to understand visas, rules and paperwork
• Felt stressed, confused and constantly unsure if I was doing things right

I still remember nights where I wondered if I made the right decision coming here.
Dubai was exciting — but it was also scary when you don’t know anything.

And that’s exactly why MyDubaiGuides started.

Why I Created MyDubaiGuides – The Website I Wish I Had

Every time I searched for help, the internet showed me:

• Luxury lifestyle websites
• Outdated information
• Sponsored posts pretending to be real advice
• Complicated explanations
• Basic things written in confusing English

I kept thinking:

“Why isn’t there ONE place where someone explains Dubai simply… honestly… and without acting rich?”

So I started collecting my own notes, tracking expenses, studying rules, researching visas, comparing apps, asking experts, and learning everything through real experience.

Slowly, those notes grew into detailed guides.
Those guides became articles.
And those articles became MyDubaiGuides.com — a website built for people who want real, clear, beginner-friendly information about life in Dubai.

This site exists because I don’t want anyone else to struggle the way I did.

Who I Am – The Real Person Behind This Website

I’m Ishwah, a content writer, researcher, traveler and someone who genuinely loves simplifying information.
For the last few years, my life has naturally evolved around:

• Content writing – creating helpful, well-researched guides people can trust
• Research – understanding rules, comparing options, verifying real facts
• Travel – exploring new places in UAE and beyond
• Content creation – sharing honest information on social platforms
• Helping people – especially beginners, job seekers and expats

I’m not a corporate brand.
I’m not a travel agency.
I’m not sponsored by anyone.

I am just a real person who has lived through the confusion — and now loves helping others avoid it.

What You’ll Find on MyDubaiGuides

Everything on this website is written with one simple goal:
Make Dubai easier for you.

You’ll find detailed guides on:

► Living in Dubai

• Real living costs
• Sample budgets
• Rent, areas, DEWA, groceries
• Apps every expat needs
• First 30 days checklist
• Transport guides: Nol, metro, taxi, car

► Jobs in Dubai

• How to write a Dubai-ready CV
• Where to find real job openings
• How to avoid scams
• High-income skills
• UAE labour rules explained simply

► Visa & UAE Rules

• Tourist visa basics
• Extensions, fines, on-arrival
• Freelancer visa
• Residence visa
• Golden visa (simplified)
• Sponsorship and EID process

► Dubai Travel Guides

• 3-day, 5-day, 7-day itineraries
• Metro guide for tourists
• Budget travel tips
• Attractions with real notes
• Seasonal Dubai advice

► Staycations & Hotels

• Best 5-star value hotels
• Budget-friendly options
• Family places
• Couples retreats
• Tips for booking smart

► Shopping in Dubai

• Budget malls
• Souks
• Gold & perfume basics
• What to buy (and avoid)
• Fake sale vs real sale

► Family & Couples Guides

• Kid-friendly activities
• Ready-made plans
• Heat vs winter ideas
• Practical weekends

► Money-Saving & Life Hacks

• Monthly budgets
• Grocery savings
• Salon on budget
• Car vs transport
• Apps that actually help

Everything is updated regularly, based on real UAE experience, and written in simple English so anyone can understand.

How I Research My Content

People often ask me:

“How do you know all this?”

The answer is simple:
I research deeply, verify everything, and never publish blindly.

My process includes:

• Checking official UAE government portals
• Studying visa announcements and rule changes
• Testing apps and comparing services
• Talking to expats and workers for real experiences
• Reading local news sources
• Tracking my own expenses and experiences
• Double-checking facts before posting

I don’t copy others.
I don’t publish rumors.
I don’t upload random screenshots.

My focus is truth, clarity and practicality — always.

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What Makes MyDubaiGuides Different

There are thousands of Dubai blogs online.
So what makes this one special?

1. Personal, Not Corporate

Everything here is written by me — not a team, not a company.

2. Honest, Not Sponsored

No paid promotions pretending to be opinions.

3. Beginner-Friendly

Perfect for new expats, job seekers and tourists.

4. Focused on Real-Life Dubai

Budget, transport, rules, mistakes — not fake luxury.

5. Updated Regularly

Dubai changes fast, and so does this site.

6. Written in Clear, Simple English

Easy for everyone — especially non-native English speakers.

7. Designed to Save You Money & Stress

Every guide is practical and experience-based.

My Mission – To Make Dubai Easy, Affordable & Understandable

Whether you are coming for travel, job search or long-term living, my mission is to help you:

• Avoid scams
• Understand rules
• Save money
• Make smart decisions
• Plan without stress
• Build a better Dubai life

I want you to feel confident, informed and ready — not confused or lost.

Because I know exactly how that confusion feels.

If You’re New Here, Start With These Pages

To make things simple, begin with:

• Dubai for Beginners Guide
• Dubai Budget Guide
• Best Apps for Living in Dubai
• Dubai Travel Guide 2025
• Zero-Investment Side Hustles in UAE

These pages cover the basics and will save you weeks of trial and error.

My Promise to You

I want you to trust that everything you read here is:

• Clear
• Accurate
• Practical
• Updated
• Unbiased
• Easy to follow

No confusion.
No complications.
No hidden agenda.

Just real information from someone who has walked the same path you’re walking now.
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Final Words – Let’s Make Your Dubai Journey Easier

Dubai can be overwhelming at first…
but with the right guidance, it becomes one of the best experiences of your life.

MyDubaiGuides exists to make sure you:

• Don’t waste money
• Don’t fall into common traps
• Don’t feel lost
• Don’t miss important details

I want you to feel supported — like you have a friend in Dubai who explains everything honestly.

So welcome to MyDubaiGuides 💛
Bookmark the site, explore the guides, and start building your smarter, stress-free Dubai journey.