Starting a new job search in a foreign country can be an exciting yet challenging experience, especially in a bustling and diverse city like the UAE. As a newcomer, aside from navigating the job market and interviews, one of the first practical concerns is figuring out where to stay and how to manage your daily meals.
In this article, I’ll share some tips about the meal and mess options for newly arrived job seekers in the UAE, so you can manage your time, budget, and health while embarking on your professional journey.
1. Understanding the Meal and Mess Culture in the UAE
The UAE is a melting pot of cultures, and you’ll find a wide variety of food options from different regions. As a newcomer, it’s important to know that meal and mess systems are common for workers who stay in shared accommodations or labor camps. These meal plans are affordable, offering basic meals like rice, curry, bread, and salad, and are a convenient option if you’re working long hours or have a busy schedule.
However, if you’re living in a more upscale area or renting a private apartment, you might not have access to such mess facilities, and you’ll need to make your own food arrangements.
2. Mess Facilities: Affordable and Convenient
For those staying in shared accommodations, there are often community messes provided by the company or the landlord. These messes are typically affordable, offering a set menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They cater to simple yet filling meals and are a great way for newcomers to save money while settling into their new life in the UAE.
Benefits of Mess Facilities:
- Cost-Effective: Messes are often cheaper than eating out at restaurants, helping you stick to a budget while you’re job hunting.
- Socializing Opportunity: Eating in a mess allows you to meet fellow job seekers or workers from different backgrounds, making it easier to form connections.
- Ready-to-Eat Meals: If you’re constantly on the go, mess facilities provide ready-to-eat meals, ensuring that you don’t have to spend too much time cooking.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Menu Variety: The food served at messes can be repetitive, with limited variety. However, it’s generally filling and provides you with the basic nutrients needed for your daily tasks.
- Hygiene: Check that the mess facilities maintain cleanliness and proper food safety standards before opting for them.
3. Cooking Your Own Meals: Independence and Flexibility
If you are living in a private apartment or sharing an apartment with friends, cooking your own meals can offer more flexibility and variety. While it may seem overwhelming at first, especially if you are new to the UAE, with the right planning, cooking can become an enjoyable and cost-effective way to manage your meals.
Tips for Cooking in the UAE:
- Explore Local Markets: The UAE has many local grocery stores and hypermarkets such as Carrefour, Lulu, and Spinneys. You’ll find affordable ingredients from around the world, including fresh produce, spices, and halal meats.
- Meal Prep: Prepare meals for a few days in advance to save time during the week. It’s a great way to eat healthy while saving money.
- Affordable Cooking: You don’t need fancy appliances to cook in the UAE. A basic kitchen setup with pots, pans, and a stovetop can help you make simple and nutritious meals.
4. Eating Out in the UAE: Affordable Options for Newcomers
If you prefer to eat outside, you’re in luck. The UAE offers a wide variety of affordable eateries, especially in areas like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where you’ll find numerous restaurants offering cheap meals without compromising quality.
- Street Food: Whether it’s shawarma, falafel, or kebabs, street food is a popular and budget-friendly choice in the UAE. It’s quick, tasty, and filling.
- Food Courts and Cafes: Shopping malls often have food courts with affordable international cuisines. It’s a convenient option when you’re out job hunting and need a quick meal.
5. Staying Healthy on a Budget
As a job seeker in a new country, it’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle to stay energized and focused on your job search. Even if you’re on a budget, it’s possible to find healthy food options in the UAE. Many supermarkets offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains at affordable prices.
Simple Healthy Meals to Prepare:
- Salads: With the wide variety of fresh produce available, salads are easy to make and can be nutritious and refreshing.
- Rice and Lentils: A staple in many cultures, rice and lentils are both inexpensive and packed with nutrients.
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: If you’re craving protein, grilled chicken or fish are affordable options in many supermarkets.
6. Plan Your Meals Based on Your Budget
Budgeting for meals is crucial, especially when you’re still in the early stages of your job search. If you’re living in shared accommodations with a mess, you can save money on meals. If you’re cooking your own meals, shopping smartly and cooking in bulk will help keep costs down.
Meal Budgeting Tips:
- Plan Your Weekly Meals: Take a few minutes to plan out your meals for the week and make a shopping list. This will help you avoid unnecessary expenses.
- Look for Deals and Discounts: Many supermarkets in the UAE offer discounts, especially on fruits, vegetables, and packaged goods. Keep an eye out for sales.
- Limit Eating Out: While dining out can be tempting, limiting it will help you save money and stick to your budget.
Conclusion
As a newcomer to the UAE, managing your meals and mess options is an essential part of adjusting to life while you search for a job. Whether you’re relying on mess facilities, cooking your own meals, or exploring local eateries, finding a routine that works for you can make your job search a bit easier.
By planning ahead, budgeting wisely, and maintaining a healthy diet, you’ll not only feel more energized during your job hunt but also save money along the way. Don’t let meal planning overwhelm you; embrace the opportunity to explore new foods and learn how to manage your daily needs while settling into life in the UAE.
