Guide

Top 10 Most Affordable Budget Airlines in the UAE For Your Next Trip

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Classifieds

Jobs

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

Dubai Announces Pilot Launch of 4-Day Work Week For Employees

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

How to Claim UAE Job Loss Insurance: Eligibility and Step-by-Step Guide

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

Can I Get Fired in the UAE For My Mental Health Condition?

Dubai Dedicates AED 150 Million Government Support Fund For Influencers

How to Deal With Workplace Harassment in the UAE

The UAE's New End-of-Service Programme, Explained for Residents

Events

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

When Is the Next UAE Public Holiday? Eid Al Adha 2025 Dates Revealed

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

Eid Al Fitr 2025 in the UAE: When is the Long Weekend?

Ramadan 2025 in Dubai: List of Ramadan Markets to Explore

Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Dubai

An Enchanting Regency-Era Evening Awaits at Dubai's Bridgerton Candlelight Concert

Education

Back-to-School, Reimagined: How UAE Families Are Choosing a Smarter Start to the School Year

Embark on a Summer Adventure at Kids First Group Universe!

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Experience Summer Learning at its Best with MDX Study Camps at Middlesex University Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

Nurturing Compassionate Leaders: 8 Ways Dibber Preschools Prepares Your Child

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

Money

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

6 Financial Resolutions to Make for the New Year

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

5 Signs You've Been Scammed Over the Phone, and What to Do Next

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

Home

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Hiring a Maid in the UAE: 5 Legal Red Flags

Ask a UAE Flower Shop: Your Most Common Questions, Answered

FYI Dubai is Banning All Single Use Bags From June 1

Carrefour's 'Choose Better' Programme is Here to Reward Healthier Choices With 10x the Points

Are UAE Domestic Helpers Allowed to Work on a Trial Period and Hired After?

Pet Breeding in the UAE: Is it Allowed and Where to Find Legal Pet Breeders

Choithrams Announces Launch of All-Women Operated Store in the UAE

Where to Order Same-Day Valentine's Day Flowers in the UAE

Car

These Are Dubai's New Public Parking Fees From April 2025

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Dubai Public Commute Timings & Road Closures for New Year's Eve

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

UAE Petrol Prices Will Increase in August 2024

Head's Up! Dubai Taxi Fares Will Increase in May 2024

UAE Announces New Fuel Prices For May 2024

Missing UAE License Plates: How to Report a Lost Plate or Reclaim Yours

Wellness

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

9 Warning Signs for Breast Cancer

Top Tips to Have a Healthy Heart in the UAE

Discover "The New You" at Zieda's Aesthetic Clinic in Dubai

Top Ladies-Only Gyms and Fitness Centres in Dubai

Say Goodbye to Wrinkles With Mediclinic's Botox Mondays Offer

Get Expert Healthcare and Wellness Delivered to Your Doorstep in Dubai Within 30 Minutes

Top 7 Scenic UAE Jogging and Running Routes

IVF in the UAE: Unmarried Non-Muslim Couples Are Allowed to Undergo IVF

Shop

Shopping In Dubai

Best Online Shopping Sites in Dubai and UAE

An A-Z Guide to Dubai's Popular Malls

What To Wear At The Beach In Dubai

14 Hilarious Realities of Visiting Dubai Mall

Every Day is a Discount Day on THIS Deals Site

Cityland Mall Preview: Dubai's New Nature-Inspired Shopping Mall

EWmums

EWfood

ewmoda

Dear Dubai....I am divorcing you.....

312 posts / 0 new

Last post

Log in to post new content in the forum.

80

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 10:17

Just back from a walk in the desert........no cost.............saw.....4 adult camels each with a baby.......priceless, life is whatever you want to make it!

379

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 10:16

[b'> Crystil wrote: I can't stand Galaxy chocolate[/b'>, some love it. It's a matter of taste. I wonder if those who disagree with the OP so passionately would be so "in the face" if it was a face-to-face discussion. I was yours until that bit :( I would be more than happy to buy you a bag of Galaxy chocolates and watch you eat and enjoy them. :) <em>edited by Crystil on 24/03/2011</em>

1257

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 10:11

How ... puerile.

199

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 10:09

omg, you don't like galaxy? Clearly you come from a cr*p place that has no good chocolate. How can you not love Galaxy?! Why don't you just move back to your dark gray country with no milk chocolate! I challenge you to find a Galaxy bar, any Galaxy bar, you don't like! I think its you, perhaps you didnt try hard enough, with all the galaxy choices to be had, you choose to sit at home and long for dark chocolate!? Did you give all the Galaxy bars a chance?? I am sure you didn't experience all Galaxy has to offer. I bet you suck down chocolate that tastes like chalk back home and don't know real, classy, indulgent chocolate like Galaxy! Moaner!

379

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 10:08

I have one American friend who "loves" Dubai, but that doesn't mean it's not fair for me to say that most Americans don't love Dubai. With this one exception my American friends are lukewarm about this place. They like their life but they don't love Dubai and will be quite happy to move on when the time comes. As an American, I too am lukewarm about Dubai and I have lived here over 14 years. Why? Because my husband is Arab, in an industry that favors blonde/brown hair, blue eyes and white skin. He has been very successful here, something he would not have been able to be in the States. I miss my daughter and grandson. I miss my freedoms. I miss having choices. I miss all the things that you can do on any given day. I miss Broadway and the museums and the free outdoor concerts. I miss my privacy and being able to move freely. I miss the seasons, travelling to different states. I miss people marching to the same drum beat, where there are no issues with "culture". And so much more.

521

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 10:07

Sue, I like your post, it sums up many of my feelings towards Dubai Well put I also enjoyed a pp by someone who went thru all the points made by the op and gave her take on it. Dubai is a different experience for everyone, just like everywhere else

2322

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 10:05

Don't be so judgmental. Of course there's always going to be the outlier, the one exception to the rule. I have one American friend who "loves" Dubai, but that doesn't mean it's not fair for me to say that most Americans don't love Dubai. With this one exception my American friends are lukewarm about this place. They like their life but they don't love Dubai and will be quite happy to move on when the time comes. I think the reality is, that it depends upon where you come from, where you have possibly lived/worked abroad in the past and what matters to you in life. Depending upon how one answers those questions, Dubai could seem like a paradise...or it could seem like a nightmare....or somewhere in between. If you were born and raised in Kabul...worked previously as an expat in Harare, got posted to Dubai and love cars and cheap gas, then you likely LOVE Dubai. If you were born and raised in Canada...worked previously as an expat abroad in Tokyo/Singapore/Sydney and don't really subscribe to having brand names and doing a lot of shopping...I suspect you loathe Dubai. what a bl00dy ridiclous generalization! I come from NZ (you know, pure green beautiful NZ) worked Sydney, Dublin etc, wouldnt know a brand if it uped and hit me in the face, loath shopping, and have a true hate affair with malls, and funnily enough, despite all that, and some very real problems i have with certain things here, I LOVE living here. Hows that work in with your theory then? What? Me? Being judgemental? thats a laugh given some of the opinions being stated on this thread. It's not a judgement I am making, I just catorgorically state that the above generalization is just that: a gross generalization. Its like saying all americans are loud.

5499

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 10:03

Crystal- I was thinking the same thing. The well-wishers were such a minority in a thread that took a turn. Many posters just did not want to hear an opinion other than theirs hence the ones who claim to be the most happy had a sense of bitterness-ironic. Everyone has the right to an opinion. Differences of opinion can be discussed, but it's hard to do on a forum where some people think that there are only two opinions that count - their's and those who agree with them. I don't like milk chocolate, but love dark chocolate, [b'>I can't stand Galaxy chocolate[/b'>, some love it. It's a matter of taste. I wonder if those who disagree with the OP so passionately would be so "in the face" if it was a face-to-face discussion. I wish the OP all the best - and respect her opinion - whether I agree with it or not, in whole or in part. I was yours until that bit :( I wish I had never bought property here because it's the one thing keeping me here; I want to leave. There are things we want to do as a family that we just can't do here so we want to move to a place that fits us better. If I could sell my house I'd leave the region the following day. I have friends who just love it here and want to stay as long as they can. I don't quite get why they feel that way but they can't understand why we [i'>don't[/i'> love it. All said though, we each respect each others different feelings and don't ever let it become an obstacle in our friendship.

2262

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 10:00

hmmm. I like Dubai, I dont love it but she and I get on quite well for the most part :)..it took a while for our friendship to grow and it had some major bumps along the road but, she gave me sunshine hence no shoveling snow. She gave me great looking malls, hotels although I am not a great shopper and don't frequent the hotels much, they are lovely and CLEAN. There is lots to do here, you are spoiled for choice and you can choose to sit at home and grumble or get out and about. I guess we are unfortunate Canadians in that this is our 1st overseas job so we are not expecting much lol. but, we are well travelled in our years, have seen alot and Dubai is pretty good in comparison. They have laws we might not agree with but, this is not our country so suck it up. They do things differently here and things can get frustrating but..hey, I go back to Canada in the summer and it takes me awhile to get used to living in Grey and brown again, pokey drivers blah blah but....I get used to it somewhat and know we will find it hard going back home when we retire. So, all in all. Miss Dubai is alright. She is not perfect and suffers from a superiority complex now and then but she is trying hard to fit it with the world. She is young yet and has lots to do but, we like it here, not love it but sure like it alot.

379

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 09:58

Crystal- I was thinking the same thing. The well-wishers were such a minority in a thread that took a turn. Many posters just did not want to hear an opinion other than theirs hence the ones who claim to be the most happy had a sense of bitterness-ironic. Everyone has the right to an opinion. Differences of opinion can be discussed, but it's hard to do on a forum where some people think that there are only two opinions that count - their's and those who agree with them. I don't like milk chocolate, but love dark chocolate, I can't stand Galaxy chocolate, some love it. It's a matter of taste. I wonder if those who disagree with the OP so passionately would be so "in the face" if it was a face-to-face discussion. I wish the OP all the best - and respect her opinion - whether I agree with it or not, in whole or in part.

199

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 09:52

I agree with this sentiment - probably THE worst thing here is that feeling - that you are at the mercy of how some individual feels on any given day. It is the pits. I found out recently about someone here who who involved in a minor incident and protested about it and did say something along the lines of "what kind of country is this" - the person concerned has been dragged from there to here with police and has had to sign a letter saying that they will never say such a thing again. Can you believe it? this sums it up for me in a nutshell. You get used to it, but when I think about it, it makes my blood boil. The other day at C4, there was a long line at the till and this local woman and her daughter just cut in front of everyone. I heard the daughter say in arabic, "mom, just get in here, who cares, let them wait". So as they were right behind me I said very calmly, "there are a lot of people standing in line" and to which her response was, "yes they said we can go ahead of them" then the mother chimes in "what is the problem, they said we can go". I said, "really, all of them, said yes please go ahead"...looking me straight in the face, bold faced lie, "yes". Everyone in that line was fuming, but we knew there was nothing we can do about it. and no, its not like they had a loaf of bread, they had a whole basket. I am constantly amazed at how often I get cut in lines, or when people see me making my way to the till, the teller, whatever it is, and race me to it. I should say this only happens with a certain two groups of people. I chalk it up to a culture where its dog eat dog and anyway you can get ahead is acceptable. But it drives me mad. I have never had a western man run ahead of me to a till. In fact often when they see me, a pregnant woman pushing a baby stroller, they tend to be very accomodating. No I am not racist. Thats just my experience. and again, I think its just a cultural thing. While we are on it...this drives me nuts. My MIL is visiting and has a very obvious handicap-she was born with one arm. The amount of ADULTS staring and actually swivelling their heads or pointing it out to others is shocking! even when I give them the death stare of "stop staring", they don't get it! They continue to stare!

521

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 09:48

Crystal- I was thinking the same thing. The well-wishers were such a minority in a thread that took a turn. Many posters just did not want to hear an opinion other than theirs hence the ones who claim to be the most happy had a sense of bitterness-ironic.

654

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 09:47

Don't be so judgmental. Of course there's always going to be the outlier, the one exception to the rule. I have one American friend who "loves" Dubai, but that doesn't mean it's not fair for me to say that most Americans don't love Dubai. With this one exception my American friends are lukewarm about this place. They like their life but they don't love Dubai and will be quite happy to move on when the time comes. I think the reality is, that it depends upon where you come from, where you have possibly lived/worked abroad in the past and what matters to you in life. Depending upon how one answers those questions, Dubai could seem like a paradise...or it could seem like a nightmare....or somewhere in between. If you were born and raised in Kabul...worked previously as an expat in Harare, got posted to Dubai and love cars and cheap gas, then you likely LOVE Dubai. If you were born and raised in Canada...worked previously as an expat abroad in Tokyo/Singapore/Sydney and don't really subscribe to having brand names and doing a lot of shopping...I suspect you loathe Dubai. what a bl00dy ridiclous generalization! I come from NZ (you know, pure green beautiful NZ) worked Sydney, Dublin etc, wouldnt know a brand if it uped and hit me in the face, loath shopping, and have a true hate affair with malls, and funnily enough, despite all that, and some very real problems i have with certain things here, I LOVE living here. Hows that work in with your theory then?

392

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 09:38

I agree with this sentiment - probably THE worst thing here is that feeling - that you are at the mercy of how some individual feels on any given day. It is the pits. I found out recently about someone here who who involved in a minor incident and protested about it and did say something along the lines of "what kind of country is this" - the person concerned has been dragged from there to here with police and has had to sign a letter saying that they will never say such a thing again. Can you believe it? this sums it up for me in a nutshell.

Singapore Sling

243

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 08:48

I agree and when I read the original post, I took it to be a funny way of repeating some of the downsides of living here....as someone else said, yes I know all that she refers to. Can't believe though just how shitty some of you have been about it. I agree. I was thinking that the thread starter actually opens the way for interesting discourse and discussion about how we experience cultures/countries/destinations and our place within. There is no need to be insulting to others to argue a point.

5499

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 08:41

I bet the OP is having a good laugh reading all of this and is thinking *I left out another reason why I don't like Dubai*. ;) ROFL!

bornconfused34509

542

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 08:33

I bet the OP is having a good laugh reading all of this and is thinking *I left out another reason why I don't like Dubai*. ;) :D

379

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 08:31

I bet the OP is having a good laugh reading all of this and is thinking *I left out another reason why I don't like Dubai*. ;)

AdviceSeeker13702

1100

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 07:55

I think the reality is, that it depends upon where you come from, where you have possibly lived/worked abroad in the past and what matters to you in life. Depending upon how one answers those questions, Dubai could seem like a paradise...or it could seem like a nightmare....or somewhere in between. If you were born and raised in Kabul...worked previously as an expat in Harare, got posted to Dubai and love cars and cheap gas, then you likely LOVE Dubai. If you were born and raised in Canada...worked previously as an expat abroad in Tokyo/Singapore/Sydney and don't really subscribe to having brand names and doing a lot of shopping...I suspect you loathe Dubai. what a bl00dy ridiclous generalization! I come from NZ (you know, pure green beautiful NZ) worked Sydney, Dublin etc, wouldnt know a brand if it uped and hit me in the face, loath shopping, and have a true hate affair with malls, and funnily enough, despite all that, and some very real problems i have with certain things here, I LOVE living here. Hows that work in with your theory then? I have to agree with this post, and have a very similar story to arohadxb, I personally don't think it comes down to anything other than a person's attitude and expectations.... We didn't come out here expecting to be living like a rock star (and we're not) buying "brands" (whatever that means) or living the "high-life" we simply came out here for a job that was better paid than at home, and the only expectation we had was that we expected it to be very different, but we were open to give it a go. I think in general, you'll find people who came here pre hype of the glitz and glamor (or who didn't really pay any attention to it) are generally happy here, and those who came BECAUSE of the hype of the glitz and glamour end up being disappointed.

2322

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 07:34

I think the reality is, that it depends upon where you come from, where you have possibly lived/worked abroad in the past and what matters to you in life. Depending upon how one answers those questions, Dubai could seem like a paradise...or it could seem like a nightmare....or somewhere in between. If you were born and raised in Kabul...worked previously as an expat in Harare, got posted to Dubai and love cars and cheap gas, then you likely LOVE Dubai. If you were born and raised in Canada...worked previously as an expat abroad in Tokyo/Singapore/Sydney and don't really subscribe to having brand names and doing a lot of shopping...I suspect you loathe Dubai. what a bl00dy ridiclous generalization! I come from NZ (you know, pure green beautiful NZ) worked Sydney, Dublin etc, wouldnt know a brand if it uped and hit me in the face, loath shopping, and have a true hate affair with malls, and funnily enough, despite all that, and some very real problems i have with certain things here, I LOVE living here. Hows that work in with your theory then?

2

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 07:28

I think the reality is, that it depends upon where you come from, where you have possibly lived/worked abroad in the past and what matters to you in life. Depending upon how one answers those questions, Dubai could seem like a paradise...or it could seem like a nightmare....or somewhere in between. If you were born and raised in Kabul...worked previously as an expat in Harare, got posted to Dubai and love cars and cheap gas, then you likely LOVE Dubai. If you were born and raised in Canada...worked previously as an expat abroad in Tokyo/Singapore/Sydney and don't really subscribe to having brand names and doing a lot of shopping...I suspect you loathe Dubai.

2340

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 06:10

I am not a negative person. I have a good job, I live in a nice 5 bedroom house, I have friends and money. But I too hate Dubai. It's soulless. I can't explain it but every day living here is destroying me as a person. My husband loves it and thinks I'm silly. If I were to leave, I would leave alone. That's what's keeping me here. Some people are not made for this place. SG...you need to spend a day or night out with Miss Balamory. She'll show you the soul of Dubai. Don't suffer through your life there, try to find a way to enjoy your time there. :)

spongemonkey980

4329

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 21:26

I agree and when I read the original post, I took it to be a funny way of repeating some of the downsides of living here....as someone else said, yes I know all that she refers to. Can't believe though just how shitty some of you have been about it.

Sticky Wicket36659

1511

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 21:23

I so hate these threads, same old same old everytime.

spongemonkey980

4329

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 21:22

Made the move a few weeks ago and now relocated in another expat posting The freedom that all our family feel being out of dubai after 10 years is totally unbelievable I cant say I LOVED dubai but until I left I didn t realise how much inhibited we all were - afraid to upset a local, afraid to drink outside of our home ( for me cos I wasn t working ) afraid to fall foul of any authority and end up in jail, afraid afraid afraid We didn t realise this until we left, we enjoyed our time but my we are glad to be gone ! I agree with this sentiment - probably THE worst thing here is that feeling - that you are at the mercy of how some individual feels on any given day. It is the pits. I found out recently about someone here who who involved in a minor incident and protested about it and did say something along the lines of "what kind of country is this" - the person concerned has been dragged from there to here with police and has had to sign a letter saying that they will never say such a thing again. Can you believe it?

33

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 21:17

It’s quite interesting to read though. What amazes me are some women that year after year talk about how much they dislike living here and how much better their home countries are and are just staying here for the money. What does that make them; money grabbing b i t c h e s? It should be more to life than $$$$. quote pamya I find this statement extremely offensive. You may call me a money grabbing b i t c h, however I think it takes a smart person to sacrfice things today for a better tomorrow. When I do eventually go back home I plan on funding my own retirement instead of living on a pension. Dubai will help me to do this. If you think about it Dubai uses us as much as we us it! Don't fall in love too much, it's not like you can retire here!! edited by sallyk on 23/03/2011 Agree 100%. I am here because its whats best for my family at this point in time. and its true, you can thrown out of here at a moments notice for the smallest infraction. I find that scary because at the end of the day we don't have too many rights here. I don't find it offensive at all. When you strip everything down to the bone, the real reasons for the choices we make in life are sometimes quite ugly and generally not ones we are able to readily admit too. edited by Snitch on 23/03/2011 Who are you to judge?? I have no children, so I have not left anyone who is dependent on me behind. I do however have a father who struggles to support himself and struggled to support his five children when my mother died. I learned at very young age that sometimes you should sacrifice now in order to plan for your future. I will not end up like my father, I will not rely on others to support me whatever life throws at me!! That is not an ugly reason, it is just simply good planning!! Did I direct that directly at you? No, I don't believe that I did. Those are your reasons, they are not shared by the whole expat community dear. Oh I'm sorry, I thought that you quoted my post! Anyway...not looking for an argument. Everyone is here for different reasons and I don't think that one of us has a right to judge.

648

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 21:12

Credit where credits due, Dubai is a really great place for a beach holiday. The hotels and service is always fantastic.

70

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 21:06

It’s quite interesting to read though. What amazes me are some women that year after year talk about how much they dislike living here and how much better their home countries are and are just staying here for the money. What does that make them; money grabbing b i t c h e s? It should be more to life than $$$$. quote pamya I find this statement extremely offensive. You may call me a money grabbing b i t c h, however I think it takes a smart person to sacrfice things today for a better tomorrow. When I do eventually go back home I plan on funding my own retirement instead of living on a pension. Dubai will help me to do this. If you think about it Dubai uses us as much as we us it! Don't fall in love too much, it's not like you can retire here!! edited by sallyk on 23/03/2011 Agree 100%. I am here because its whats best for my family at this point in time. and its true, you can thrown out of here at a moments notice for the smallest infraction. I find that scary because at the end of the day we don't have too many rights here. I don't find it offensive at all. When you strip everything down to the bone, the real reasons for the choices we make in life are sometimes quite ugly and generally not ones we are able to readily admit too. edited by Snitch on 23/03/2011 Who are you to judge?? I have no children, so I have not left anyone who is dependent on me behind. I do however have a father who struggles to support himself and struggled to support his five children when my mother died. I learned at very young age that sometimes you should sacrifice now in order to plan for your future. I will not end up like my father, I will not rely on others to support me whatever life throws at me!! That is not an ugly reason, it is just simply good planning!! Did I direct that directly at you? No, I don't believe that I did. Those are your reasons, they are not shared by the whole expat community dear.

33

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 20:44

It’s quite interesting to read though. What amazes me are some women that year after year talk about how much they dislike living here and how much better their home countries are and are just staying here for the money. What does that make them; money grabbing b i t c h e s? It should be more to life than $$$$. quote pamya I find this statement extremely offensive. You may call me a money grabbing b i t c h, however I think it takes a smart person to sacrfice things today for a better tomorrow. When I do eventually go back home I plan on funding my own retirement instead of living on a pension. Dubai will help me to do this. If you think about it Dubai uses us as much as we us it! Don't fall in love too much, it's not like you can retire here!! edited by sallyk on 23/03/2011 Agree 100%. I am here because its whats best for my family at this point in time. and its true, you can thrown out of here at a moments notice for the smallest infraction. I find that scary because at the end of the day we don't have too many rights here. I don't find it offensive at all. When you strip everything down to the bone, the real reasons for the choices we make in life are sometimes quite ugly and generally not ones we are able to readily admit too. edited by Snitch on 23/03/2011 Who are you to judge?? I have no children, so I have not left anyone who is dependent on me behind. I do however have a father who struggles to support himself and struggled to support his five children when my mother died. I learned at very young age that sometimes you should sacrifice now in order to plan for your future. I will not end up like my father, I will not rely on others to support me whatever life throws at me!! That is not an ugly reason, it is just simply good planning!!

232

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 20:32

I have to say, I can relate to most of the points the OP raised and I too have been very close to divorcing Dubai..in saying that I never chose to commit to it fully as I have a long standing love affair with my own country! After a few years however, finding along the way some amazing friends who have been like my family here, I gave in and decided to try and at least ‘like’ Dubai. I have accepted that I am not a lifer and accepting the place makes life here a lot easier. People’s perceptions of Dubai interest me. I still find I am naturally suspicious of and question anyone who loves this place TOO much…As to me it is not a place to be forever, but a place to earn some good cash, lead an exciting life and set yourself up for a better life elsewhere. But that’s just my view! And I those who have really taken to Dubai will not agree with me. I think people’s perceptions of Dubai all comes down to their ‘previous’ life and what they valued. I value having my family down the road, day to day simplicity, naturally beautiful surroundings, the freedom to speak and act as I please and the right to privacy. Things money cannot buy and Dubai can not offer me. Hence why my time here has a use by date. I do see the positives of Dubai though and understand why people love it, however its interesting to read the various views. For example someone who had to work to the bone in their previous country, juggle a job and multiple kids and **** weather seem more likely to enjoy the perks of Dubai such as cheap maids and nannies and year round sunshine. Some are lucky enough to be housewives while their husband earns a living and they can therefore go to these coffee mornings and enjoy a fairly stress free life. Who would want to give up a gig like that? Whereas those who work hard, those who haven’t been lucky enough to make quality friends here and those who value simpler things like I mentioned above many find they struggle a bit with Dubai. So I guess we shouldn’t slate people for Dubai bashing as we don’t know where they came from and why they haven’t taken to it as easily as others. Maybe they don’t have it as good as many of you do here? I know I would appreciate this place a lot more if I could wake up when I wanted each day, go to yoga class, drink coffee and swan about at the beach?! Overall, I think forums should encourage all forms of feedback both positive and negative. Heaven knows I get tired of everything in the news being all ‘Dubai is wonderful and positive’ when it isn’t always true. A little bit of negative keeps us all in check with reality after all :) I often enjoy your posts K2810....very well put...

first
previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
…
next
last

Log in to post new content in the forum.

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY

Top online British and US High Schools in the UAE: CambriLearn

Back-to-School, Reimagined: How UAE Families Are Choosing a Smarter Start to the School Year

Top 10 Low Cost Airlines in the UAE

Top 10 Most Affordable Budget Airlines in the UAE For Your Next Trip

Top Nursery School Kids Summer Camps in Dubai 2025

Embark on a Summer Adventure at Kids First Group Universe!

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

Best educational summer camps for teenagers in Dubai: MDX Summer Camps

Experience Summer Learning at its Best with MDX Study Camps at Middlesex University Dubai

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Real Madrid World Dubai - Summer Offer AED 199 per ticket

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

Scholarship opportunities at the Swiss international Scientific School Dubai (SISD)

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Travel influencer academy in Dubai

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

Central Bank of UAE reveals new official currency symbol for the Emirati dirham

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed announces 3 best UAE government departments

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

New 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

UAE president announces 2025 will be the 'Year of Community' in the emirates

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Breakfast with penguins at Ski Dubai Mall of the Emirates

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

How to convert another country's drivers license in Dubai

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Registrations open for EYFS curriculum Willow Children's Nursery in Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

List of confirmed UAE public holidays in 2025

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Outdoor cinemas in Dubai for the winter season 2024

The Best Outdoor Cinemas in Dubai to See Open-Air Movies This Winter

Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School in Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Expat legal consultants in the UAE | Dr. Hassan Elhais

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Saray Spa promotions at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

This Luxury Dubai Spa Has Some of the Very Best Breaks To Escape To

A Complete Guide How to Get an Influencer License in Dubai and UAE

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Dubai's gravity-driven tunnel to reduce flood risks by 700%

Pictured: Flooded roads from the record-breaking storm that hit Dubai in April 2024.

Dubai Flood Risk to Be Cut Down by 700% With New Tunnel

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai for busy moms

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai: Self-Care Recommendations for Busy Moms

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

E-scooters are no longer banned on the Dubai Metro stations and trains

RTA Finally Lifts E-Scooter Ban From Dubai Metro

Spa packages at Saray Spa in JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Step Into the Ultimate Relaxation Bliss With Saray Spa's Pampering Packages

How to book Dubai taxi through WhatsApp

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE

Soak Up the Summer With the Ultimate UAE Staycation Special

RTA Dubai flying taxi official launch date

Image credit: Joby Aviation.

RTA Finally Confirms Launch Date of Dubai's Flying Taxis