Maria's Story: From Cebu to Dubai — How AbiWorkers Changed My Life
Maria, a 32-year-old mother of 3 from Cebu City, shares how she went from struggling to find work to earning AED 1,500/month in Dubai through the AbiWorkers platform.
By AbiWorkers Team
Maria dela Cruz never imagined she'd be working in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. In 2024, she was a stay-at-home mother in Cebu City, her husband's income barely enough to cover rent and school fees for their three children.
'I tried applying through local agencies but the fees were too high. A friend told me about AbiWorkers — a free platform where you register online and get matched directly with Tadbeer centers.'
The Registration Process
Maria uploaded her documents through the AbiWorkers platform in under 30 minutes. Within 2 weeks, she received a match notification from a Tadbeer center in Dubai Deira.
Life in Dubai
Today, Maria earns AED 1,500 per month, plus free housing and food. She sends AED 800 home every month — enough to pay for her children's education and save for a small business back home.
'My day off is Friday. I video call my kids, go to church with other Filipinos, and sometimes visit the mall. I feel safe and protected here.'
Her Advice to Other OFWs
✅ Get TESDA certified before you leave
✅ Only use DMW-accredited channels
✅ Save your employer's and POLO-UAE's number
✅ Send money home regularly — don't wait
Ready to start your own UAE journey? Register at AbiWorkers today — it's free, fast, and fully AI-powered.