777X I dd the same mistake 8 years ago. I'm still paying the consequences. Don't leave civilization unless desperate and disregards the lunatics telling you the opposite. Dubai is dictatorship where you have no rights. A place that sure suites a certain type of people, the unprincipled the self servant and flattered.
If you have a half decent job don't fall in the trap.
1) Canoeing offshore
2) Sailing/Sea Fishing
3) Diving
4) Climbing
5) Cycling on the numerous tracks
6) Hockey
7) Rugby
8) Karting/Driving
This is the funniest part. All this activities are possible for three may be 4 months month a year ( and you still have to survive cycling in Dubai ) the rest will be home with full AC and Mall of Emirates.. well a part from your night flying... Fong..you spent so much time on this post that it would seem you are trying to convince yourself more than others.. Nothing is like Europe and will not let a few camel ****ers turned sheiks change that.