whatsapp

UAE: Young Professionals Embrace Side Hustles and Crypto Amid Retirement Concerns

  • 0
  • 697
/media/gulf_articles_6_on5yiXO.webp © Image Copyrights Title

As inflation and the rising cost of living continue to strain finances globally, Generation Z professionals in the UAE are turning to unconventional methods, such as side hustles and cryptocurrency investments, to secure their financial futures. Many young workers are increasingly worried that their savings might not last through retirement.

Retirement Concerns Among Gen Z

A recent report by BlackRock revealed that 69% of Gen Z worry about outliving their retirement savings, reflecting a growing unease about financial stability. Rising rents, commodity prices, and inflation have exacerbated these concerns, pushing young professionals to rethink traditional approaches to saving and investing.

“Inflation has been soaring globally, and even in Dubai, the cost of living has steadily risen over the past decade,” said AbdulMalik Ifthikar, a finance student at the University of Wollongong. He stressed the importance of managing expenses wisely and avoiding unnecessary purchases to maintain financial stability.

The Rise of Side Hustles

Many young workers are exploring secondary income streams to boost their earnings.

  • AbdulMalik’s Experience:
    The 20-year-old launched a media production company and invested in Index funds like the S&P 500, noting their potential for annual returns of 5-7%.

  • Freelance and Multiple Jobs:
    Tejasvi Sandeep Gurjar, a 22-year-old fashion marketer, highlighted the growing trend of juggling multiple jobs, including freelance assignments, to combat financial worries.

Cryptocurrency Gaining Traction

Cryptocurrencies are becoming a popular investment choice among Gen Z, offering an alternative to traditional savings.

  • Tejasvi’s Approach:
    She invests in cryptocurrency, considering it a long-term solution to tackle rising expenses. “If you invest for a longer period, you can benefit from it,” she said.

  • Broader Perspectives:
    Qais Abuiktish, an industrial engineering student, also emphasized the potential of crypto, alongside gold, stocks, and real estate, to generate wealth over time.

Generational Shifts in Financial Mindsets

Many young workers believe they have an advantage over older generations due to their access to financial literacy tools and investment options.

  • Learning from the Past:
    “Gen Z is more proactive about retirement planning, thanks to the vast resources available online,” Qais said.
    • Changing Perspectives:
      Unlike their parents, who prioritized savings and expense-cutting, younger professionals focus more on investments and leveraging financial instruments to grow wealth.

Challenges and Opportunities

While opportunities for investment and multiple income streams have grown, challenges such as job market saturation, AI disruption, and economic uncertainty remain.

  • Fear of AI:
    Tejasvi reflected on concerns among her peers, noting fears of AI replacing traditional roles, pushing young workers to seek financial backups like crypto and XRPs.

Outlook

As the financial landscape evolves, Gen Z professionals in the UAE are redefining how they approach savings, investments, and retirement planning. From side hustles to digital currencies, their proactive strategies highlight a shift towards financial independence in an increasingly uncertain world.

Related Posts
© UAE Fuel Prices for April 2025 Announced: Petrol and Diesel Rates See a Decline

UAE Fuel Prices for April 2025 Announced: Petrol and Diesel Rates See a Decline

Abu Dhabi/Dubai – The UAE Fuel Price Committee has officially announced the revised petrol and diesel prices for April 2025, revealing a notable reduction across all categories compared to March....

  • 169
© Saudi Arabia Enforces Taxi Meter Rule: Free Rides for Passengers If Meter Is Off

Saudi Arabia Enforces Taxi Meter Rule: Free Rides for Passengers If Meter Is Off

Riyadh – Passengers across Saudi Arabia are entitled to a free taxi ride if the driver fails to activate the fare meter, the Transport General Authority (TGA) has confirmed. This new regulation aims t...

  • 208
© Trump’s Tariff Bombshell Rattles Asian Automakers — Toyota Braces for Major Blow

Trump’s Tariff Bombshell Rattles Asian Automakers — Toyota Braces for Major Blow

In a move that’s set to reshape global auto trade dynamics, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping 25% tariff on all vehicles not manufactured within the United States, triggering market...

  • 202
© Saudi Crown Prince Implements Major Real Estate Reforms to Tame Soaring Land Prices in Riyadh

Saudi Crown Prince Implements Major Real Estate Reforms to Tame Soaring Land Prices in Riyadh

In a significant move to address the soaring land prices and rental costs in Riyadh, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has approved a set of transformative real estate reforms aimed at stabilisin...

  • 183
© LSG Eye Punjab Kings’ Struggles in Bowler-Friendly Lucknow

LSG Eye Punjab Kings’ Struggles in Bowler-Friendly Lucknow

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will be looking to take down the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in what promises to be a tightly contested IPL 2025 match at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The match will ta...

  • 170
© Jafza Invests Dhs90 Million to Expand Logistics Park Amid Surging Demand

Jafza Invests Dhs90 Million to Expand Logistics Park Amid Surging Demand

Dubai – The Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) has announced a significant Dhs90 million investment into the second phase of its Logistics Park, expanding its footprint to meet escalating demand for high-qua...

  • 205
© Abu Dhabi’s GDP Grows 3.8% in 2024, Hits Record Dhs1.2 Trillion Driven by Non-Oil Sector

Abu Dhabi’s GDP Grows 3.8% in 2024, Hits Record Dhs1.2 Trillion Driven by Non-Oil Sector

Abu Dhabi’s economy posted a robust 3.8 per cent growth in 2024, with the emirate’s gross domestic product (GDP) reaching an all-time high of Dhs1.2 trillion, according to preliminary figures released...

  • 200
© Foreign Investors Drive Surge in Abu Dhabi Real Estate as Sales Top $6 Billion

Foreign Investors Drive Surge in Abu Dhabi Real Estate as Sales Top $6 Billion

Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector is experiencing a strong upward trajectory, with foreign investors emerging as key drivers behind the market's robust performance in 2024. Leading developer ...

  • 209
© Elon Musk Gives Away $1M Cheques Ahead of Wisconsin Supreme Court Election Amid Legal Controversy

Elon Musk Gives Away $1M Cheques Ahead of Wisconsin Supreme Court Election Amid Legal Controversy

Green Bay, Wisconsin – Tech billionaire Elon Musk sparked fresh political and legal debate over the weekend after handing out $1 million cheques to voters at a rally in Wisconsin, just days before the...

  • 231
© Dubai Fountain to Go Dark for Renovation: Final Show Set for April 19, 2025

Dubai Fountain to Go Dark for Renovation: Final Show Set for April 19, 2025

Dubai – One of Dubai’s most iconic attractions, the Dubai Fountain, will temporarily close next month for an extensive renovation. Developer Emaar has officially announced that the fountain’s final pe...

  • 193
Commnets 0
Leave A Comment