New life in Dubai? Advice?
Discussion
I've worked in Dubai and AbuDhabi. If you are going to stay for any length of time you will quickly have to harden yourself about the near slave conditions most of the workforce suffer. Similarly the political situation, rights, legal system, essentially everything which makes for a civilised society is radically different - and generally not is a good way.
You can shut it out if you try - until you find yourself next to someone the 'system' is gunning for.
I find it amusing people talk about avoiding the chavs - so many of the expats there are exactly that, just covered in bling! Of course when their scam comes to an unfortunate end they run to the British Embassy to avoid the jail that results from bankruptcy.
If you are making 'good money' now you are in a fortunate position. Try thinking about why that is now enough - you mention university - is it that important - try the Open one! If you are comfortable try some travelling to see just what much of the world looks like - that alone may change things!
You can shut it out if you try - until you find yourself next to someone the 'system' is gunning for.
I find it amusing people talk about avoiding the chavs - so many of the expats there are exactly that, just covered in bling! Of course when their scam comes to an unfortunate end they run to the British Embassy to avoid the jail that results from bankruptcy.
If you are making 'good money' now you are in a fortunate position. Try thinking about why that is now enough - you mention university - is it that important - try the Open one! If you are comfortable try some travelling to see just what much of the world looks like - that alone may change things!
I love and hate (in equal measure) reading posts about Dubai. I know the place like the back of my hand, every area, district, local population, culture, different nations that reside there etc. I usually end up just shaking my head in disbelief. Most of what is written is vastly exaggerated, and the rest is incorrect.
People also need to apply a strong sense of balance and reason when comparing the UAE with other nations.
A few posts back, someone spoke about deep, deep problems and I honestly had to check the preceding posts and context because I thought they were talking about the UK.
The UK is an absolute basket case at present, developed over the past 30 years, the US is an absolute joke of a country (society). So the UAE is also a bit of a basket case for different reasons, but it's no worse or better than anywhere else on earth.
People also need to apply a strong sense of balance and reason when comparing the UAE with other nations.
A few posts back, someone spoke about deep, deep problems and I honestly had to check the preceding posts and context because I thought they were talking about the UK.
The UK is an absolute basket case at present, developed over the past 30 years, the US is an absolute joke of a country (society). So the UAE is also a bit of a basket case for different reasons, but it's no worse or better than anywhere else on earth.
But RS is 100% correct. You need to remain here for now and resolve any issues you may have - work on yourself first.
I am a member of a local FB Dubai dad's group - the number of people on there who post anonymously and ask for mental help, financial assistance, many have reached rock bottom and are seemingly only days away from doing something drastic. So Dubai is not a place that repairs your inner psyche, sometimes it can go the other way.
I am a member of a local FB Dubai dad's group - the number of people on there who post anonymously and ask for mental help, financial assistance, many have reached rock bottom and are seemingly only days away from doing something drastic. So Dubai is not a place that repairs your inner psyche, sometimes it can go the other way.
Prisoner 24601 said:
I usually end up just shaking my head in disbelief. Most of what is written is vastly exaggerated, and the rest is incorrect.
Are you able to give a brief and realistic overview of what is good/bad about the place? I can see your point, I've never been but I read threads like this and it does cause confusion as my Brother and family went (who are as far away from "chav" as you can get) and are well traveled and said he enjoyed it. There was a short 4 day stop-over trip though. Also I know another person who is a teacher and she's lovely, she's lived there about 8 years.
redrabbit29 said:
Are you able to give a brief and realistic overview of what is good/bad about the place?
I can see your point, I've never been but I read threads like this and it does cause confusion as my Brother and family went (who are as far away from "chav" as you can get) and are well traveled and said he enjoyed it. There was a short 4 day stop-over trip though. Also I know another person who is a teacher and she's lovely, she's lived there about 8 years.
I spend half my time in UK and Dubai. I can see your point, I've never been but I read threads like this and it does cause confusion as my Brother and family went (who are as far away from "chav" as you can get) and are well traveled and said he enjoyed it. There was a short 4 day stop-over trip though. Also I know another person who is a teacher and she's lovely, she's lived there about 8 years.
The good I see about Dubai:
- Tax free
- Weather for 6-8 months per year
- No crime or anti social behaviour
- People quite respectful to each other
- Growing economy and entrepreneurial environment
- Schools and healthcare are privatised so generally very good
- Good outdoor activities - sports, swimming, boating
- Good restaurants, nightlife
- I like the glamour - hotels, Ferraris, shopping. Easy to poke fun but it’s easier on the eye than most UK towns
- International feel - everyone is an expat - easy to make friends
- A good hub for Asia, Maldives etc
The bad:
- Weather for remainder of the year
- Does lack culture and history
- Small compared to London
- Hard to get anything done, poor customer service
- Public transport not great so dependent on taxis
- Increasingly expensive
I do feel sorry for some of the labourers working in the heat and not living in great conditions, but many have come from the third world in search of something better and supporting their families. I don’t speak with any labourers, but I do speak with restaurant staff and taxi drivers and they all seem pretty positive on Dubai economically.
Red Rabbit - I would 100% concur with Muscat's post. Very succinctly put.
Safety and security were a big hit for us. Disposable income is higher for the vast majority. Our accounts always grew month on month in Dubai, but don't grow here. Culture and heritage, it is there to some degree. One of my favourite things to do was park at Bastakiya, then walk down to the creek, turn left along dozens of old dhows and boats, you get to an old public square, walk through that and you eventually get to a little coffee shop right on the creek, on a corner plot. Sit outside sipping espresso's. Your surroundings are only 60-70 years old, but still, that is the UAE's culture and history - it is what it is. I've had a quick look, the coffee shop is called Mazmi Coffee and More if people want to retrace my steps on google (al fahidi creek walkway).
I think overall, Muscat has nailed it in his post above.
Safety and security were a big hit for us. Disposable income is higher for the vast majority. Our accounts always grew month on month in Dubai, but don't grow here. Culture and heritage, it is there to some degree. One of my favourite things to do was park at Bastakiya, then walk down to the creek, turn left along dozens of old dhows and boats, you get to an old public square, walk through that and you eventually get to a little coffee shop right on the creek, on a corner plot. Sit outside sipping espresso's. Your surroundings are only 60-70 years old, but still, that is the UAE's culture and history - it is what it is. I've had a quick look, the coffee shop is called Mazmi Coffee and More if people want to retrace my steps on google (al fahidi creek walkway).
I think overall, Muscat has nailed it in his post above.
Sorry if I am spamming the thread. Since you ask (red rabbit), one of my main worries prior to leaving was around the risk and red tape that the country still persists with. An example of which was the villas where we lived (The Springs), well, often an underground leak would 'spring' somewhere beneath the driveway or, god forbid, house. The only way that you discover that it has happened is when the £3,000 monthly water bill arrives. You can try and challenge it with the water company but they won't hear any of it, you have to pay. Tenants don't have insurance but property owners would. I don't know for sure, but what would Thames Water do in a similar scenario, surely there is some regulation or ombudsman you can appeal to, at the very minimum, phase the payments over a dozen or more months?
On the one hand we liked the fact that it was so authoritarian, but sometimes it can bite you on the bum.
On the one hand we liked the fact that it was so authoritarian, but sometimes it can bite you on the bum.
scottbarnett93 said:
Not interested in more money more different life lifestyle and culture quite happy ti earn less
Not saying don't move to the Middle East but from what little I saw of Dubai when working there (site visits, not full time) it wasn't the best place. If I was going to live in the UAE I'd go to Abu Dhabi.
RSTurbo
As mentioned I'm 31 now and ever since reached certain financial milestones and status along with thr luxuries that have came with it I have found it hard to find a reason to get up and some days I don't at all. As I say no reason, think I just want a total new life and change as been doing the same thing for many years now
As mentioned I'm 31 now and ever since reached certain financial milestones and status along with thr luxuries that have came with it I have found it hard to find a reason to get up and some days I don't at all. As I say no reason, think I just want a total new life and change as been doing the same thing for many years now
I don't know Dubai at all, closest I've been is Jordan and even then it was just Wadi Rum. Wonderful position to be in and if it were me, I'd be buying a convertible sports car (nothing daft) and spending a few months exploring Italy before moving down to Greece and some of the islands.
Good luck with what ever you choose!
Good luck with what ever you choose!
scottbarnett93 said:
Bolero
I have done all the cars gotta mclaren and aston at present and had such cars since about 21 they don't do it for me mow as daft as it sounds
Worth reading the book 'affluenza' which describes how people need purpose not things to feel fulfilled, and why poverty certainly brings misery, affluence (hence the title) often does as well.I have done all the cars gotta mclaren and aston at present and had such cars since about 21 they don't do it for me mow as daft as it sounds
How many here have yearned for that supercar and when they finally got it felt a bit deflated? Many of my mates have sold their Lambo's, Mclarens etc in favour of buying something old (and expensive mind) and going on road trips with for the experience. What about a few trackdays to bring some variety into your car life at least?
scottbarnett93 said:
Just me no kids or anything... just looking for a total change. Have felt down for a long time and feel a full change totally in order. Want to totally avoid my current work or anything in retail also. Thanks for the reply.
Sorry for the diversion, how large is this retail store to make this much profit?!740
That is me down to a T unfulfilled where any more or any less money doesn't really nake any difference if that makes sense
Of the cars i have which is a 570s a current vantage m2 comp and I've got a 15 year old 1 series with dents in every panel that used to get used for my dog (German shepherd) and I uze that for 99% of my journeys now
I have done many tracks days often with the marques through invite etc
That is me down to a T unfulfilled where any more or any less money doesn't really nake any difference if that makes sense
Of the cars i have which is a 570s a current vantage m2 comp and I've got a 15 year old 1 series with dents in every panel that used to get used for my dog (German shepherd) and I uze that for 99% of my journeys now
I have done many tracks days often with the marques through invite etc
scottbarnett93 said:
740
That is me down to a T unfulfilled where any more or any less money doesn't really nake any difference if that makes sense
Of the cars i have which is a 570s a current vantage m2 comp and I've got a 15 year old 1 series with dents in every panel that used to get used for my dog (German shepherd) and I uze that for 99% of my journeys now
I have done many tracks days often with the marques through invite etc
That makes total sense, yes.That is me down to a T unfulfilled where any more or any less money doesn't really nake any difference if that makes sense
Of the cars i have which is a 570s a current vantage m2 comp and I've got a 15 year old 1 series with dents in every panel that used to get used for my dog (German shepherd) and I uze that for 99% of my journeys now
I have done many tracks days often with the marques through invite etc
I bought a track car during lockdown and started doing trackdays with a bunch of really fantastic guys, over the years we've built up a little group. We chat on WhatsApp nearly every day, and meet a couple of times for a pub lunch outside trackdays. I enjoy the driving, but I really enjoy the shared interest and the friendship. It's Mumsnet with suspension settings basically
. That might be the sort of thing rather than manufacturer days that are more high end but less personal?Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff