Coyote. It very much depends upon which Emirate you are intending to live in. My experience is of Dubai, which is generally regarded as 'the place to be', with Abu Dhabi coming a close second. Sharjah, RAK, UAQ and Ajman have less to offer. Social life is excellent in the diverse expat community. Loads of excellent hotels, restaurants, night clubs and pubs. Service is generally impeccable. Plenty of outdoor activities; golf (expensive), water sports, quad biking, off roading and sandy beaches. Outdoor swimming pools and indoor gymnasiums are everywhere. There are also things like indoor tennis, squash, badminton etc. Depending upon your housing allowance, accommodation can be superb, although it is quite expensive but very much dependant upon area (Look on the Gulf News or Khaleej Times web site in the classified section for pricing). Schooling is also available to UK and US syllabi (not sure about Aussy though). Hospitals plentiful and well equipped. Pretty much, if you've heard of it, you can get it somewhere in Dubai. Being a muslim country, you need to be aware of local sensibilities, but that said, Dubai is very cosmopolitan and your western way of life has few, if any, restrictions placed upon it. Depending upon which company you will work for, you may never even come into contact with a local arab; so if you're after a great arabic cultural experience, avoid Dubai. On the other hand, if you want fun, plenty to do in your free time and an expat lifestyle which is probably secong to none, go for it. J