When you live in Abu Dhabi, the temptation to splurge is strong, from lavish Sunday brunches to cutting-edge spa treatments. It is one of the wealthiest cities in the world, and this can make it difficult for anyone to free up cash to save for a rainy day.

But you must start somewhere, even if it seems like a small action. For instance, discovering some of the best deals in Abu Dhabi to save on dining out or wellness therapies. Every small action meant to cut back on spending can create significant savings when done often enough.

When you’re struggling to find cash to save, try these 10 simple strategies that will allow you to cut back without sacrificing the things you enjoy.

1. Track your expenses.

You can’t economise until you’re absolutely certain where your money goes. How much do you spend in a month?

It’s not enough to know; you must document your expenses using an app or even a notepad. Include everything you spend on, which means listing those occasional trips to your favourite cafe, the post-office cocktail or pint, and impulse purchases at the grocery store. These would be aside from the usual expenses, such as rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance, and healthcare.

Use your credit card statements to see if you’ve missed any expenses.

Once you have a record of the money that goes out and where it goes, you can identify opportunities for saving money.

2. Create a budget that includes savings.

Expense tracking gives you a clearer picture of how you’re spending your money. With this data, you can create a better budget plan that should give you more room to save money.

One budgeting approach is the 50-30-20 rule: spend 50% of your income on what you need, 30% on non-essentials, and 20% on savings.

3. Search for the best deals.

Life in Abu Dhabi can be posh, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy what the capital city has to offer. You can take the family to a theme park, arrange a dinner date with your significant other, or book a spa treatment without spending too much.

Apps like The Entertainer offer packages that give you access to thousands of “buy one take one” deals. Entertainer Abu Dhabi 2025, for instance, offers opportunities to enjoy weekends with friends and family without spending big on restaurants, theme parks, attractions, hotels, and other leisure activities.

4. Review recurring charges you don’t use.

How many online subscriptions do you have?

You probably pay for Netflix, Apple+, Amazon Prime Video, StarzPlay Arabia, OSN, or MBC Shahid. What about music streaming or subscription boxes for food, fashion, or make-up, which you only got originally because of the pandemic?

Some subscription services are necessary, whereas others are not as essential. Determine which of these services you no longer use and cancel your subscription.

5. Create short-term savings goals.

Short-term goals are events you expect to happen soon. These could be a family reunion abroad, your daughter’s wedding, or a sabbatical from work. Instead of deducting the expenses when the time comes, save up for such events.

You can put away a percentage of your income into a time deposit or a savings account created for such needs.

6. Create long-term savings goals.

A short-term goal could mean saving up for a year or two, but a long-term savings goal could take up to five years, like buying your first villa. Some goals will take longer, such as a retirement plan.

With long-term savings goals, consider investing in stocks or mutual funds to let your money work for you.

7. Review your debt.

Debt can make it difficult to save money, but repayments must be done. A statute of limitations (typically seven years) applies to debt collections in the UAE, which means debt can be written off after that time. But that all depends on the type of debt you’re carrying.

If you have a few, review your debts. Create a repayment strategy that’ll pay down your debts without making it difficult to budget your expenses. Some tactics include consolidating debts, paying off the higher interest debt, and paying off the debt with the lowest balance.

8. Sell what you no longer use or need.

Sell the things you no longer need, and you not only declutter your home but also gain a few dirhams to save (or add to the budget).

You can sell your things online, consign luxury items to a store, or do private sales for big-ticket items, like fancy furniture or an old car.

9. Reduce energy spending.

Electricity consumption in Abu Dhabi is categorised into two to manage daily consumption: green band and red band. Green is a lower rate charge for staying within the ideal daily consumption, and red is a higher rate charge for exceeding the ideal daily consumption.

If you live in a villa or apartment, you might consume more energy. If you’re an expat, you will be billed more than a UAE national. In either case, you’re likely spending more on energy.

Here are some simple things to help reduce your electricity consumption:

• Unplug unused devices
• Minimise heat gain with shades and curtains
• Set your thermostat to a comfortable setting
• Replace old bulbs with energy-efficient ones
• Replace old appliances with energy rating

10. Invest your money.

Make your money work for you by investing in different assets. Other than stocks, bonds, or certificates of deposits, try real estate. A lot of wealthy people have built their billion-dollar income on real estate.

Evaluate your risk appetite, diversify your portfolio, and start growing your savings today.

When you forget all the other strategies, think about this one from the world’s most successful investor, Warren Buffet: “Don’t save what is left after spending; spend what is left after saving.”

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