How Jamal Robinson Retired Early and Now Lives Off $185K in Dubai

Jamal Robinson, an American expat retiree, is living the dream in Dubai on a comfortable $185,000 per year. But his journey to early retirement wasn’t easy—it started with a decision he made at just 17 years old while working at Taco Bell.

The Decision to Retire Early

At 17, Jamal looked around at the job market and saw too many people unhappy with work. Determined to take a different path, he set a goal to retire by 45. Through discipline and strategic career moves, he surpassed that goal by six years, retiring in his late 30s.

Climbing the Corporate Ladder

Jamal’s journey to financial independence wasn’t overnight. He started working in tech at a startup called Info Chimps in Austin, Texas. From there, he made career moves that led to positions at IBM, Amazon, Intel, and Microsoft. By continuously seeking opportunities and increasing his value, he saw his salary climb from $40,000 to over $1 million per year.

Living the Dream in Dubai

Now retired, Jamal has explored nine countries and 15 cities, with Dubai standing out as his favorite. He appreciates the city’s safety, diversity, and high-quality services tailored to retirees. Contrary to popular belief, he finds Dubai more affordable than many major U.S. cities.

Monthly Expenses Breakdown:

• Total Income: $15,400/month
• Spending: ~$9,000/month
• Rent (900 sq. ft., beachfront): $5,000
• Food: $2,000 (loves dining out and entertaining guests)
• Healthcare: $1,600 (private expat insurance and medications)
• Transportation: $400–$600 (uses a driver service instead of owning a car)

Changing His Mindset on Money

Growing up in a lower-middle-class home, Jamal developed a scarcity mindset, saving as much as possible. But as he became financially independent, he realized hoarding money wasn’t the goal—maximizing life experiences was. Now, he enjoys spending freely while maintaining financial security.

Also Read – How Anthony Tan Built Grab into a $2.36B Southeast Asian Super App
Also Read – How Coss Marte Turned His Past into a $12M Cannabis Business

How He Picked Dubai

Jamal created a personal ranking system with 14 factors, including safety, government stability, diversity, and currency strength. Dubai ranked high, making it an easy choice. He also enjoys the international community and finds his identity as a Black American received differently abroad.

The Reality of Being a Black Expat

Jamal describes his experience as refreshing compared to the U.S. Instead of being categorized by race first, he finds that people recognize him as an American, which changes social interactions in a positive way.

What’s Next for Jamal?

Though retired, Jamal isn’t slowing down. He plans to travel to Amsterdam, Bangkok, South Africa, and back to the U.S. His hobbies, like DJing and music production, keep him engaged, and he’s focused on adding value to the world while enjoying the freedom he worked so hard to achieve.

Key Takeaways

• Retirement isn’t a destination; it’s a new phase of life.
• Financial discipline and career growth are key to early retirement.
• Living abroad can be cheaper than major U.S. cities.
• Mindset shifts are crucial—money should be spent to create experiences.
• Choosing where to retire involves more than just cost—it’s about lifestyle, safety, and opportunity.

Jamal’s story proves that with strategy and persistence, early retirement isn’t just a dream—it’s a reality that can be designed and lived fully.