My Dubai Salary: 'I pay myself what I need for living – around Dh50,000 a month'

Ilia Sheludiakov moved to Dubai five years ago, driven by his belief in the city's potential. He now balances his time between running a family estate agency business, managing personal investments, and expanding his media presence. Starting his career as a marketing specialist in Moscow, earning around $700 a month, Ilia later transitioned to roles in sales and trading, where he gained insights into investment analysis.

Upon his arrival in Dubai, he pivoted to the real estate industry, recognizing its vast opportunities. Now, he allocates around Dh50,000 monthly to cover his living expenses, with the remainder saved for personal investments. His investment portfolio includes a mix of conservative assets like ETFs and equities, as well as real estate ventures.

Ilia also emphasizes the importance of taking on debt strategically for significant investments. Growing up, he didn't receive formal financial education, but learned through experience and observation. Ilia's primary financial goal is to achieve financial independence through passive income, diversifying his income streams beyond his primary business activities.