With housing, transport and everyday expenses continuing to be major considerations for expatriate households, budgeting has become an increasingly relevant topic for UAE residents earning modest salaries.
A new guide aimed at workers earning below Dh10,000 a month highlights the importance of building a realistic monthly spending plan rather than relying on a fixed percentage formula.
For lower-income expatriates, accommodation can be one of the biggest expenses, while transport, groceries and remittances to families back home can significantly affect disposable income.
Financial advisers recommend maintaining a consistent savings habit, even when the amount is relatively small, while prioritising emergency savings and avoiding unnecessary debt.
The issue has particular relevance for South Asian expatriate communities, including Sri Lankans, where salaries may need to cover both UAE living expenses and financial commitments in their home countries.
Rather than focusing solely on how much a person earns, the budgeting approach emphasises understanding where money goes each month and creating a sustainable balance between living costs, savings and family commitments.