In his post, he spoke openly about leadership gaps, rigid work culture, and personal values that made him rethink his priorities. “It took five months for my UAE job visa to come through… and only three months for me to realise the place wasn’t for me,” he wrote.

He explained that in India he was used to self-accountability and outcome-focused work. “In UAE, flexibility didn’t exist. If I don’t punch in at 9 AM, it’s a half-day loss,” he added.

He also noted the UAE’s growing tech scene, but highlighted a mindset issue. “Infrastructure is excellent, but digital product culture felt young. Conversations around design thinking often met resistance,” he wrote.

Another reason he quit was leadership bias. “Top roles were often decided by nationality, not merit, making it hard for genuine expertise to thrive,” he said.

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Ultimately, he reflected and chose to return home. “Money is something, but not everything. So, I stepped away,” he explained.

His post resonated widely, with many users sharing similar Gulf work experiences. One commented about grueling schedules and long contracts. Another agreed that UAE jobs often promise high income but come with hidden pressures. Many also related to the intense expectations in the tech workspace.

This story shows that money isn’t the only factor in career choices. Work culture, flexibility, and leadership values can matter more than salary. Professionals are increasingly prioritizing personal growth and well-being over high-paying roles abroad.