Proven ways to save money in UAE 2024

Living in the UAE brings exciting opportunities, but managing finances in a high-cost environment can be challenging.

Learn how to create a balanced investment portfolio, stick to a monthly budget, and shop smarter by taking advantage of discounts and deals. Plus, discover how thinking in AED, rather than comparing costs to your home country, can help you manage expenses more effectively.

Tips to Save Money in the UAE

• Create an Emergency Fund
• Make a Diversified Investment Portfolio
• Consider Debt Consolidation
• Create a Monthly Budget to Streamline Cash Flow
• Use Shopping Discounts and Offers — Shop Smartly!
• Exclusively for Expats, Think in AED

How to Save Money in the UAE?

1. Create an Emergency Fund

This is one of the major tips to save money in the UAE. 

We always need extra money for financial emergencies while living in a country that has high living standards. For this reason, creating an emergency fund is important. This fund comes as a saviour in case of sudden job loss, emergency medical treatment, and unexpected repairs. 

Without an emergency fund, people often rely on high-interest loans, making it harder to save effectively. By saving up to 6 months' worth of living expenses, you can handle unexpected financial challenges with ease. 

To access funds quickly, keep your emergency savings in a liquid account like a savings or money market account. 

2. Make a Diversified Investment Portfolio

Next on the list of the best ways to save money in the UAE is to create a diversified investment portfolio. When starting and managing an investment account, stock trading platforms often charge significant fees. Before opening an account with a broker, make sure to do thorough research. It's also important to have a diversified portfolio to lower the risk of losing money. 

If you put a large amount into one stock or asset, you risk losing money if it performs poorly. Investing smaller amounts in different stocks reduces the risk. You can also balance your investment plans between stocks and UAE National Bonds for the best way to save money and maximise returns in the UAE.

3. Consider Debt Consolidation

While debts can be useful when used properly, they can also trap you in a cycle of high-interest payments. It's important to pay off active debts regularly and aim to close them as soon as possible. 

Without careful spending, it's easy to fall into credit card debt. Missing payments can lead to growing debt, especially with high credit card APRs of up to 40%. Make sure to settle your debts properly. 

Another helpful tip to save money in the UAE — don’t use your emergency funds or savings to pay off debt. One effective method is the debt snowball approach, which focuses on paying off smaller debts first. If you have multiple small loans, consider consolidating them to lower the APR and extend the repayment period. 

You can also consolidate credit card debt with a personal loan, which usually has a lower interest rate.

4. Create a Monthly Budget to Streamline Cash Flow

A monthly budget plan is an effective hack to save money in the UAE and manage finances. It provides a clear view of your savings and expenses, helping you create a practical investment or savings plan. 

Start by listing essential expenses like rent, bills, groceries, and transportation. This separates fixed costs from your remaining income, showing what’s left for other needs.

You can even turn to the 50/30/20 rule — allocate 50% of your income to necessities, 30% to non-essential expenses like dining, shopping, and hobbies, and save or invest the remaining 20%. By budgeting this way, you gain control over your spending, ensure consistent savings, and discover opportunities to grow your wealth over time without compromising your needs and wants.

5. Use Shopping Discounts and Offers — Shop Smartly!

In the UAE, you can save money by taking advantage of shopping deals and discounts from platforms like Entertainer and Buy1Get1. If you have a credit card, you can easily access these offers for a small fee and enjoy discounts as well as special benefits on shopping, dining, movies, theme parks, and more.

Another tip to save money in the UAE includes attending shopping events such as GITEX and the Dubai Shopping Festival, which can help you save money on electronics. Regularly checking outlets and mini-malls for special offers on specific products is also a great way to cut down on expenses. 

By actively seeking out these deals, you can reduce your lifestyle and shopping costs while enjoying various activities in the UAE.

6. Exclusively for Expats, Think in AED

Expatriates often find themselves thinking in the currency of their home country, constantly comparing prices to what they’re used to back home. While it's natural to do this, living and working in the UAE requires adjusting to thinking in Dirhams. 

This shift will help you better understand the cost of living, what’s reasonable, and how to invest money in UAE for your future. Adapting to this new mindset will make managing your finances in the UAE much easier and more comfortable.

Key Takeaways

• Save up to 6 months of living expenses to cover emergencies and avoid high-interest loans
• Spread your money across various stocks and bonds to minimise risk and maximise returns
• Lower your APR and extend repayment by consolidating debts or using personal loans for credit card balances
• Follow the 50/30/20 rule—50% for essentials, 30% for non-essentials, and 20% for savings/investments
• Use discounts and offers from platforms like Entertainer and Buy1Get1, and attend events like GITEX and Dubai Shopping Festival
• Adjust your mindset to thinking in Dirhams to better manage expenses and plan investments in the UAE