About Me
The person behind the keyboard, and why I started writing about reward cards
Photo: Unsplash / Joseph Gonzalez
Hi, I'm Daniel
I'm a software engineer who moved to Dubai in late 2021. Originally from Eastern Europe, I came here for a job opportunity that was too good to pass up - better salary, zero income tax, and the chance to experience a completely different culture.
What I didn't expect was how much time I'd end up spending on optimizing everyday spending. Back home, reward programs were an afterthought. Here, they're practically a lifestyle.
How This Blog Started
About eight months after moving to Dubai, I found myself in a conversation with a colleague about credit cards. She mentioned casually that she'd saved over 2,000 AED the previous year just through strategic point redemptions and cashback optimization.
I was skeptical. That sounded like the kind of thing that requires a spreadsheet addiction and way too much free time. But curiosity got the better of me, and I started paying attention to my own spending patterns and the rewards attached to them.
The rabbit hole was deeper than I expected. Different cards for different categories. Stacking promotions. Timing purchases around bonus periods. Points expiry traps. The psychology of "free" delivery. It turns out there's an entire mini-game built into the UAE consumer experience.
I started taking notes - initially just for myself, so I wouldn't forget what I'd learned. Friends started asking questions. "Which card should I get?" "Is Noon VIP worth it?" "What's the deal with Smiles points?" I found myself explaining the same things repeatedly.
This blog is essentially those explanations, written down. No SEO-optimized fluff. No affiliate links. Just what I've actually experienced after three years of living here.
What You'll Find Here
Real Numbers
I track my actual spending and savings. When I say a program saved me 500 AED, I have the receipts and transaction history to back it up.
Honest Opinions
If something is overhyped or not worth your time, I'll say so. I'm not trying to sell you anything - I just want to share what works and what doesn't.
Practical Advice
I focus on strategies that don't require becoming a full-time rewards optimizer. If it takes more effort than it's worth, I'll tell you.
Regular Updates
Reward programs change constantly. I revisit my articles when terms change and update them with current information.
Beyond the Blog
When I'm not analyzing cashback rates or debugging code, you'll probably find me:
- Exploring new neighborhoods in Dubai (currently obsessed with the old Deira area)
- Trying to improve my non-existent Arabic beyond "shukran" and "yalla"
- Taking weekend trips to Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah
- Complaining about the summer heat (39 years of European weather did not prepare me for August here)
- Searching for the best karak chai in town (current winner: a small shop near Al Fahidi that I refuse to name because it's already crowded enough)
I work in fintech, which probably explains why I find reward program mechanics interesting rather than tedious. There's something satisfying about understanding the systems designed to influence your spending behavior - and then using that knowledge to your advantage.
Important Disclaimer
Everything on this site represents my personal experience and opinions. I am not a financial advisor, and nothing here should be taken as financial advice. What works for my spending patterns might not work for yours.
I have no affiliation with any bank, financial institution, or company mentioned on this site. I don't use affiliate links, and I haven't received any compensation for my reviews. The programs I recommend are simply the ones that have worked well for me personally.
If you're making significant financial decisions, please consult with a qualified professional.
Get in Touch
Have questions? Found a better deal I should know about? Think I got something wrong? I'd love to hear from you.
Contact Me