10 Simple Ways Teachers Can Make Their Dirhams Go Further in Dubai
Life in Dubai can be incredible but it’s no secret that the cost of living can quickly add up - especially on a teacher’s salary. Between brunches, bills and the occasional staycation, you might find yourself wondering where all your hard-earned money has gone.The good news? A few small tweaks to your spending habits can make a big difference. Here are 10 simple, teacher-friendly tips to stretch your dirhams further while still enjoying everything this amazing city has to offer.
1. Take Advantage of Teacher Discounts
This one’s obvious, but so many teachers don’t use the perks available to them! Platforms like ClassPerks curate exclusive offers from local businesses that genuinely value educators. From restaurants to wellness sessions, those 10–20% discounts add up fast.
2. Shop Smart for Groceries
Skip the expensive imported brands and try local or store-brand alternatives - often the quality is just as good. Carrefour, Union Coop, and Viva all have weekly offers that can save you 20–30% on your food shop.
3. Use Cashback & Reward Apps
Apps like Smiles, Fazaa and The Entertainer can help you earn points or get 2-for-1 deals. Stack those savings with your teacher discount where possible for double the benefit.
4. Meal Prep Like a Pro
Even one or two days of meal prepping each week can slash your food delivery costs. Cook extra portions and freeze them for those “I can’t cook tonight” evenings.
5. Split Subscriptions with Friends
Streaming services, gym memberships, even Amazon Prime can often be shared legally between households. Team up with a teacher friend to cut your costs in half.
6. Look for Off-Peak Deals
Dubai is full of offers if you’re flexible with your timing. Hair salons, brunches, and fitness classes often have off-peak or weekday discounts that are 20–40% cheaper.
7. Buy & Sell Pre-Loved
Facebook Marketplace, Dubizzle and Thrift for Good are goldmines for secondhand furniture, clothes and teaching resources. You can often resell things later when you move on.
8. Carpool or Use Public Transport
Sharing rides with colleagues or friends can save hundreds of dirhams a month on fuel, parking and Salik. Or, if you live near a metro line, consider taking public transport for a few days a week.
9. Plan Your Nights Out
Rather than going with the flow (and overspending), plan ahead - look for free community events, happy hours and ladies’ nights. Dubai is packed with budget-friendly options if you know where to look.
10. Invest in Your Wellbeing
This might sound counterintuitive but spending a little on things that reduce stress (like a yoga class, art workshop or a teacher community event) can stop you from “emotional spending” later.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Financial stress is one of the biggest contributors to teacher burnout. By being mindful and strategic with your spending, you can free up money for the things that truly bring you joy.
Want more tips and exclusive teacher discounts? Follow @classperks and check out our membership - every deal we source is personally selected with teachers in mind.