Do you know how much it costs to live your lifestyle? We asked four Dubai women on different incomes to reveal how they spend their hard-earned cash.
LAURA-ANN YUILLE, 33 (pictured above)
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL EXECUTIVE SEARCH CONSULTING FIRM
SALARY BRACKET: Dhs50,000 – Dhs55,000 per month
HOME SWEET HOME
I live with my husband and our cat, Rusty, in a four-bedroom villa in Umm Sequeim 3. My biggest expenses are shared with my husband, and those are our house, cars and DEWA, which can be extortionate during the summer months.
THE WEEKEND
It often starts with a long bike ride in the desert, then I feel like I have the rest of the weekend to relax guilt-free. I love entertaining, so I prefer having friends over for dinner parties and BBQs rather than doing brunches.
THE SPLURGE
Like most women, I like lovely things, but I like to think that I buy wisely. I keep an eye out for sales on sites like theoutnet.com and matches.com. They ship to Dubai and you can pick up some great deals.
SHOES, SHOES, SHOES
I think my shoe collection is quite modest but, of course, my husband would disagree. My favourite shoes are my Nicholas Kirkwood Python heels – I got them in the sale for roughly Dhs1,368. They’re totally impractical but I love them.
TOP TIP
My friends think it’s hilarious as I put every single spend on a spreadsheet. My husband and I also have a finance meeting every month to make sure we’re on track.
MONEY MANTRA
Of course money allows us the ability to enjoy experiences but, in a world that is so full of uncertainty, I think saving for the future is equally important.
CAROLINE HOLMBERG, 32
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SEPT PR
SALARY BRACKET: Dhs35,000 – Dhs40,000 per month
HOME SWEET HOME
My two-bedroom apartment near Safa Park has an eclectic mix of furniture and décor from my days of living in London, imports from New York and pieces I’ve collected during my time in the Middle East. My pet dog – a perky rescue puppy – is the king of the castle. He comes with me to the office most days.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I love to cook. On weekends I go for a big shop at an organic food market and then prepare a large lunch or dinner. I try to buy local fruit and vegetables wherever possible, as they’re both cheaper and fresher. I’m lucky enough to represent some of Dubai’s best restaurants so I also dine out often.
THE WEEKEND
When I’m at home I either plan a BBQ at a friend’s house, head to the beach or enjoy a long lunch, so Dubai weekends don’t have a big impact on my finances. I like to travel often because of my busy work schedule. With airfares reducing and living in Dubai (which is such a hub for travel) it’s becoming more affordable to explore the world.
SHOES, SHOES, SHOES
During the day I often wear flats and pumps from designers such as Tod’s, Miu Miu and Tory Burch. My favourite shoes are a pair of coral netted Christian Louboutins, which I was lucky enough to receive as a gift.
TOP TIP
I always try to calculate how much I’d be paying in tax if I were living in Europe and put that into my savings account.
MONEY MANTRA
My father always told me to invest in property and art – I’m working hard on both.
VICTORIA RUSSKY, 29
TEAM MANAGER CIS, SELECT PROPERTY GROUP LIMITED
SALARY BRACKET: Dhs30,000 – Dhs35,000 per month
HOME SWEET HOME
I have a three-bedroom apartment in Dubai Marina, which is owned by my company so I don’t pay rent. I live with a parrot called Mr Grumpy, who flew through my window two years ago and never left.
THE SPLURGE
My car sets me back quite a bit as I have it on loan. My biggest bill is the gym as I have a personal trainer. At Dhs5,000 every month it’s expensive but it’s worth it. I don’t think I spend too much on clothes – you can find great designer bargains if you know where to shop.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I have a smoothie or fruit for breakfast. Lunches probably cost me around Dhs2,000, which is incorporated into my food budget and I cook most evenings.
THE WEEKEND
I’m a member of Le Royal Méridian club so I spend my Fridays in there. It doesn’t affect my finances massively as I have a good deal. A typical Friday would be gym in the morning, beach from 9am until 12pm (reading a book), nail and hair appointments in the afternoon and then dinner with friends.
SHOES, SHOES, SHOES
I have a bit of an addiction – shoes! I have over 40 pairs and I can’t resist buying more. My favourites are a gorgeous pair of green Jimmy Choos, which were a gift.
MONEY MANTRA
Money is made for spending.
HARRIET BARDSLEY, 26
EVENTS MANAGER AT GALLERIES LAFAYETTE
SALARY BRACKET: Dhs15,000 – Dhs20,000 per month
HOME SWEET HOME
I share my Dubai Marina apartment with a friend and all of our bills are included. I seem to spend at least Dhs200 on candles every month as I feel they make the apartment appear warmer.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
As I work in the food industry I don’t tend to buy lunch. However, most evenings I have a takeaway, go out or cook a nice meal, which adds up. In the morning I normally make myself a smoothie – you can add anything and it’s pretty cheap.
THE WEEKEND
I work for a few hours at the weekend and that helps me save money. If I’m not working I go out for dinner, go to house parties or BBQs, visit the beach, do brunch or go away for a weekend. Most of my money goes on weekend activities. I find you can’t do a lot in Dubai without spending.
TOP TIP
I’m always raving about my local Friday food market at Emirates Towers. It’s a very grown up alternative to brunch, but it saves me a lot of money and it’s something a little different to do at the weekend.
CUT BACK
Anyone who says it’s cheaper to order in than cook just doesn’t know how to budget. It’s actually really simple.
MONEY MANTRA
Money is made for enjoying. Having said that, I try to live within my means so that I can travel as much as possible.
Photographer: Farooq Salik | Styling: Sarah Garden
