Financial Planning for Women in Dubai: Wealth & Wellbeing

Managing Personal Finances for the New Year

LinkedIn Women Corporate Wellness Series

Presented by Michele Carby

Section 1: Why Money & Mindset Go Together

Everyday stress & Emotional regulation

Lifestyle choices & Decision confident

Long-term stability creates mental peace

The Dubai Reality: 2025 Cost of Living

Without an employer-mandated pension, savings require precise personal planning against these high costs.

Invisible Spending

• Subscriptions • Daily convenience spending • Delivery + transport apps • Impulse lifestyle purchases • Social comparison pressures

Invisible spending → Invisible stress

Building Visibility: The Tools

Weekly 10-minute check-in

Categorised spending breakdowns

Apps: Monify, Wally, Revolut Insights

The Power of Compound Interest

Deposited: AED 120,000 | Accumulated: AED 155,000+

Building an Emergency Fund

Target: 3–6 months of essential expenses

Provides emotional stability and flexibility during transitions or job changes.

Investing in the UAE

Practical & Neutral Guidance

How UAE Employees Invest

Structured Plans

• Zurich Vista, RL360 styles • Built-in discipline • Good for hands-off investors • Longer lock-in periods

Self-Directed Apps

• Interactive Brokers, Saxo, Sarwa • High flexibility & lower fees • Requires personal knowledge • Portable globally

Critical: Where Will You Live?

The most important investment question is: “Where do I plan to live in the future?”

1. Tax rules change when you leave the UAE 2. Some platforms aren’t portable 3. Good planning connects today with tomorrow

Your Action Plan for January

Track spending for one week

Identify one habit to change

Start or increase your emergency fund

Thank You

Managing Personal Finances for the New Year

Michele Carby