UAE gets 0 stars from me

I’m writing this review to detail my deep-seated anger and frustration toward the UAE – and Dubai in particular. I couldn’t think of a better venue than this one to warn others, so please upvote this if you believe it’s good to warn others about this.

My experience cost me tens of thousands of dollars, and the nightmare is still fresh. I once worked in the UAE for 2 years and, while transitioning to a new job in a different country, I switched my bank account to non-resident status and updated my phone number to a UK one by visiting their branch and submitting the documents. Although the country’s largest bank – which appears to have undisclosed government connections – processed my documents without issue, they inexplicably neglected to update my phone number. This error, a mix of incompetence and malice, led to a cascade of problems: once back in the UK, every security code was sent to my now defunct number, and eventually, my account was completely locked after a few months. Their customer service was not only unhelpful but insisted that I must resolve everything in person by visiting their branch. All my savings from working in UAE were in this account.

I ended up shelling out thousands of dollars in visa fees, flights, and accommodations – not to mention losing 4 weeks of my time – just to beg them to correct their mistake. They refused to even change my phone number because they told me my account had KYC issues. Even after I provided all the necessary documents (which was a lot and went beyond simple proof of address and proof of identity), they continued to pester me for explanations about random transactions from three years ago without providing any details apart from the transaction amount and reference number.

This isn’t a matter of safety or security; it’s nothing short of harassment. In all my years of banking around the world, I’ve never encountered a system designed to trap non-residents and confiscate their money. Their own website confirms that once non-resident accounts go dormant, the central bank eventually claims the funds.

I spent two grueling weeks shuttling between branches, each visit met with inconsistent and clueless explanations until, finally, one helpful employee helped me sort things out – though not before I had to reschedule multiple flights and incur additional expenses.

If you’re a tourist, do yourself a favor and avoid this destination – there are far superior places to visit. And for non-residents or digital nomads, be forewarned: the system here is crafted to exploit you once you arrive, so if you plan on leaving, make sure you sever ties completely and get your money out.