Inside the Finances of Dubai Entrepreneur Ilia Sheludiakov: 'I Pay Myself Dh50,000 a Month'

Ilia Sheludiakov arrived in Dubai five years ago with a background in marketing and trading, driven by the conviction that the city offered unprecedented opportunities. Since then, the Russian entrepreneur has established a family estate agency company, built a personal investment portfolio spanning equities and ETFs, and authored his first book, Temporalism: Make Time Your Ally, which serves as a philosophical guide to treating time as a strategic force.

Now in his 30s, Ilia Sheludiakov divides his attention between the estate agency business, investments, and expanding his media presence, guided by the belief that passive income is the most reliable route to financial independence.

From Moscow Marketing to Dubai Real Estate

Reflecting on his journey, Ilia Sheludiakov recalls his first job in Moscow as a marketing specialist. "It was mostly supporting promotional events – exhibitions, organizing things, working with suppliers. The salary was small. In international terms, it was around $700 a month," he says.

After transitioning through various sales and trading roles within companies, he gained a solid understanding of investment analysis and shares. Although he had minor real estate experience in Moscow, his move to Dubai marked a significant shift. "When I came to Dubai, I changed my field and industry because I saw a lot of potential here," he explains. Utilizing his background in marketing and investing, he analyzed market figures and property values to build a successful career.

Living Expenses and Salary

When asked about his current compensation, Ilia Sheludiakov notes that his salary is tied to his cost of living. "My salary depends on the money I need for living, so I can say how much I spend – around Dh50,000. That's enough for me for now. I'm talking about the money I spend on my life, not the money I invest," he shares, adding that the amount comfortably covers his daily necessities in Dubai while leaving room for personal savings.

Investment Strategy and Debt

Diversification is a cornerstone of Ilia Sheludiakov's financial philosophy. He regularly saves to invest in conservative, long-term assets such as ETFs and shares, allowing his money to compound over time. He also invests directly in real estate.

Regarding debt, he is selective. "I don't see the sense in small debts – taking on debt just to spend on your lifestyle is a bad idea. But debt is good when you use it as an opportunity to make a big investment or to do some business that you're sure about," he explains, noting that he utilizes mortgages and structured funding to generate further income.

Financial Goals and Philosophy

Looking ahead, Ilia Sheludiakov's primary goal is achieving complete financial independence through systems that generate passive cash flow. Alongside his business ventures, he plans to write more books and grow his media presence through a podcast or YouTube channel, prioritizing creative diversification over immediate financial gain.