Loving life in Dubai!
Join Date: Jul 2007
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Seriously? A thread started specifically to ascertain who loves Dubai and the other 99.8% who don't?
Just look at every other thread for this region, it basically does the same thing.
the sand.......ohhh the sand
Just look at every other thread for this region, it basically does the same thing.
the sand.......ohhh the sand
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Cloud 9
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Thanks for all your comments guys.
Just for the record, I came here in July and after 6 months (still early days I'll admit) I absolutely love it out here!!
Just for the record, I came here in July and after 6 months (still early days I'll admit) I absolutely love it out here!!
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: DontBai
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It's called the "honeymoon" period and unfortunately it wears off.....!!!
I know of nobody that didnt think this place was good then you start to actually experience what a pain it really is to live here. For the record I aint that unhappy but certainly ain't ecstatic.
I know of nobody that didnt think this place was good then you start to actually experience what a pain it really is to live here. For the record I aint that unhappy but certainly ain't ecstatic.
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: The Palm
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The life here is what you make of it. As long as the company pays the accommodation and (most of) education fees, life should not be a misery. If one is single or married with no kids, I believe life will be even easier. The ladies will find their niche communicating with other ladies.
We cannot mirror our life styles on what others do, if they are not on the same trade. We all should know what we came for ($/£/€, etc.). This forum and so much more information on the net provide us with the essentials. This is no paradise. Don't expect everyone will have a pool, spa, servants, cheap clubs, etc.. It's another place, safer than where I come from and where I mind my business and ensure family is ok first, respecting the locals and other residents. Remember, this is not your home country and don't make it as that
. Don't assume you are a guest because you are not. Just do what you have to do, get your money and go somewhere else to work or retire.
In regard to the job, well, it is my job to sort it out professionally because it is something easier to deal with. I admit that some people aren't so lucky because they do not work for reputed companies, but then this is something not wide-spread.
We cannot mirror our life styles on what others do, if they are not on the same trade. We all should know what we came for ($/£/€, etc.). This forum and so much more information on the net provide us with the essentials. This is no paradise. Don't expect everyone will have a pool, spa, servants, cheap clubs, etc.. It's another place, safer than where I come from and where I mind my business and ensure family is ok first, respecting the locals and other residents. Remember, this is not your home country and don't make it as that
. Don't assume you are a guest because you are not. Just do what you have to do, get your money and go somewhere else to work or retire.In regard to the job, well, it is my job to sort it out professionally because it is something easier to deal with. I admit that some people aren't so lucky because they do not work for reputed companies, but then this is something not wide-spread.
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Post-Pit and Lovin' It.
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I thought it was **** when I moved here and after several years my opinion remains unmoved.
Third-world greedy clowns who couldn't organize a one-car parade. A medieval barbarism that tried to cloak itself in "culture" to hide the fact that it's hopelessly irrelevant in the century it actually exists in.
Fortunately the savings and job situation are nearing the point of exit, but would I do it again? Not on your life.
"Loving life"? How silly. I enjoy life, anywhere, because I choose to. But I do so in spite of the cesspool that is Dubai and it's attendant "culture", not because of it. It's all lies.
Third-world greedy clowns who couldn't organize a one-car parade. A medieval barbarism that tried to cloak itself in "culture" to hide the fact that it's hopelessly irrelevant in the century it actually exists in.
Fortunately the savings and job situation are nearing the point of exit, but would I do it again? Not on your life.
"Loving life"? How silly. I enjoy life, anywhere, because I choose to. But I do so in spite of the cesspool that is Dubai and it's attendant "culture", not because of it. It's all lies.
@Skysod
I agree with Instant Hooligan - You are in the 'Honeymoon' phase for sure...! I have spent 8 years in the sand pit and can assure you your view will change soon enough.
I have just finished reading Herve Jaubert's book 'Escape From Dubai'. I suggest it is mandatory reading for anyone who is looking at Dubai with rose-tinted glasses. The escape of Herve Jaubert from Dubai
PS: I actually knew Herve personally (when he was here for his last two years) and I can assure you his life was not pretty....
I agree with Instant Hooligan - You are in the 'Honeymoon' phase for sure...! I have spent 8 years in the sand pit and can assure you your view will change soon enough.
I have just finished reading Herve Jaubert's book 'Escape From Dubai'. I suggest it is mandatory reading for anyone who is looking at Dubai with rose-tinted glasses. The escape of Herve Jaubert from Dubai
PS: I actually knew Herve personally (when he was here for his last two years) and I can assure you his life was not pretty....
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Western Pacific Ocean
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Yeah, that's what I wanna' do. Fly 8-14 hrs (depending on where coming frm) just so I can shop for cheap crap in some low-rent Arab district.
Anybody notice the LadyBoy manning the hotel front desk in the video? Reminds me of BKK. Adams Apple spotted at 4:07. Didn't think the UAE allowed LB imports. But hey, anything and everything in Dubai, right?
Anybody notice the LadyBoy manning the hotel front desk in the video? Reminds me of BKK. Adams Apple spotted at 4:07. Didn't think the UAE allowed LB imports. But hey, anything and everything in Dubai, right?
Join Date: Dec 2006
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Sorry
Guys - sorry: But I have to comment on what became a 'hit the locals' blog.
How many of you learned the language?
How many of you left the comfort zone of the Oz BBQs, Brit piss-ups, Schweinehaxen feasts and St Paddies days?
In my home country we had lots of Muslim expats, who never bothered to learn our language. It upset us and I swore not to repeat the mistake.
So, I learned the language, asked the locals about their (I don't wanna say 'culture', it has been maligned) customs. I made some great local friends, who appreciated my efforts. I now get invited for weddings, Eid, Iftar dinners, the lot. I have received insights that I wouldn't want to miss in a lifetime. I am still a radical Atheist. Some of my friends don't mind, others find it odd. But they leave me alone about it.
I totally agree: You can't compare this place with a European democracy. Almost all of what has been written in this threat is true. But if you go with the flow you can live damn well and learn a lot. About life, the universe and all the rest. 42.
As they say: You find good people on the rough roads.
How many of you learned the language?
How many of you left the comfort zone of the Oz BBQs, Brit piss-ups, Schweinehaxen feasts and St Paddies days?
In my home country we had lots of Muslim expats, who never bothered to learn our language. It upset us and I swore not to repeat the mistake.
So, I learned the language, asked the locals about their (I don't wanna say 'culture', it has been maligned) customs. I made some great local friends, who appreciated my efforts. I now get invited for weddings, Eid, Iftar dinners, the lot. I have received insights that I wouldn't want to miss in a lifetime. I am still a radical Atheist. Some of my friends don't mind, others find it odd. But they leave me alone about it.
I totally agree: You can't compare this place with a European democracy. Almost all of what has been written in this threat is true. But if you go with the flow you can live damn well and learn a lot. About life, the universe and all the rest. 42.
As they say: You find good people on the rough roads.
@Mach5.5
I have learned the language and learned as much of the culture as I have (over my 8 year tenure in Saudi and the UAE to date)... I too have been invited to various events and ceremonies (maybe not as many as yourself) and have traveled to almost every small town in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. I can say, with confidence, that I have experienced local culture on many different levels during my time here....
My views remain the same (sadly).....
I have learned the language and learned as much of the culture as I have (over my 8 year tenure in Saudi and the UAE to date)... I too have been invited to various events and ceremonies (maybe not as many as yourself) and have traveled to almost every small town in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. I can say, with confidence, that I have experienced local culture on many different levels during my time here....
My views remain the same (sadly).....
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Where the family is
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I hate it here...
They earn great whopping salaries, and then steal the meager wages from hard working Emirates pilots. I donated all my money to the miserable bastards today at golf..........How **** is that? Golf at Ernie Els's place. Then got into my crap brand new 4X4 to drive to my 4 bed Villa that I get for free. Later, the kids will be home from school that the company (A.K.A. Those bastards) pays most of the school fees for.
Anyway, it's so crappy here, I cant wait till my next golf appointment. Perhaps I'll even win some money from those chops.. Probably not though. They cheat. Useless turds!!!!! Perhaps It's just better I just stew in my own misery...........and God forbid one of you useless morons tells me to just pack my bag and go....You just don't understand, it's not that easy....I was an unhappy Toss there too. In fact I can't go back. The people back home hate me. They accuse me of being a miserable sod anywhere in the world. I believe the f#@&ers had a great big party when I left..........at the airport after I went through the gate.
Anyway, all you prospective Dubai wannabys out there. Don't do it!!! You might just meet me at one of the crappy beach clubs, and I'll winge enough to make you tear your own Jugular vein through your belly button.
Hope you have a miserable day, and just remember - management is having a secret meeting as we speak on how to screw us over even more.
I didn't realise ATC guys were so well paid.
Anyway, it's so crappy here, I cant wait till my next golf appointment. Perhaps I'll even win some money from those chops.. Probably not though. They cheat. Useless turds!!!!! Perhaps It's just better I just stew in my own misery...........and God forbid one of you useless morons tells me to just pack my bag and go....You just don't understand, it's not that easy....I was an unhappy Toss there too. In fact I can't go back. The people back home hate me. They accuse me of being a miserable sod anywhere in the world. I believe the f#@&ers had a great big party when I left..........at the airport after I went through the gate.
Anyway, all you prospective Dubai wannabys out there. Don't do it!!! You might just meet me at one of the crappy beach clubs, and I'll winge enough to make you tear your own Jugular vein through your belly button.
Hope you have a miserable day, and just remember - management is having a secret meeting as we speak on how to screw us over even more.
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: KUL
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Darn ... How did he know about our secret meeting?
All EK management, all EK management: Engage class 3 concealment protocol and alert THE DOCTOR. No, not that whimp 'Dr. Who'; ... (*gasp*) THE doctor!!!
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Dubai
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What more to say
UAE ranked 141st in 2010 Quality of Life index - Culture & Society - ArabianBusiness.com
It just speak for itself now!
Keep Discovering
It just speak for itself now!
Keep Discovering
Join Date: Aug 2002
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The UAE has been listed below countries such as Colombia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Mongolia, Swaziland, Azerbaijan and North Korea in terms of quality of life, according to a new list compiled by a magazine specialising in moving overseas.
International Living magazine’s 2010 Quality of Life Index ranks 194 countries in terms of their quality of living and ranked the UAE 141st, just below Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan and North Korea.
“This isn't about best value, necessarily. It's about the places in the world where the living is, simply put, great,” claims the magazine, which is based in Ireland.
The countries were scored in nine categories including cost of living, culture and leisure, economy, environment, freedom, health, infrastructure, safety and risk, and climate.
International Living magazine’s 2010 Quality of Life Index ranks 194 countries in terms of their quality of living and ranked the UAE 141st, just below Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan and North Korea.
“This isn't about best value, necessarily. It's about the places in the world where the living is, simply put, great,” claims the magazine, which is based in Ireland.
The countries were scored in nine categories including cost of living, culture and leisure, economy, environment, freedom, health, infrastructure, safety and risk, and climate.
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Anywhere there are cats to chase.
Age: 25
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I agree with Porra (reply 18)
... and add on: No snow, slush, and friggin' scrapping your car every morning. Bundling up daily to fend off the assaults from the elements. De-icing 6 times a day or more... After all the time spent in the Atctic, my toes are just thawing out after more than 5 years here.
T&C's altered, yes, and it sucks that the company keeps moving the goal posts, but the one thing constant in aviation is change... Things will come around. Hell, we have jobs! Better situation here than to have tons of human rights, socialized health care (free- everybody waits) and be unemployed!
I don't live on the Palm (the water inside is gross) but I am on the beach pretty much every afternoon off.
I miss skiing, but hell, I can do that every day on that bump at the Mall. Europe is a few hours away and Iran and Lebanon even closer.
It's not all bad...
T&C's altered, yes, and it sucks that the company keeps moving the goal posts, but the one thing constant in aviation is change... Things will come around. Hell, we have jobs! Better situation here than to have tons of human rights, socialized health care (free- everybody waits) and be unemployed!
I don't live on the Palm (the water inside is gross) but I am on the beach pretty much every afternoon off.
I miss skiing, but hell, I can do that every day on that bump at the Mall. Europe is a few hours away and Iran and Lebanon even closer.
It's not all bad...
Join Date: Jan 2002
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A British woman who claimed she was raped by a waiter in Dubai was arrested by police in the Arab state for having illegal sex with her fiancé.
The 23-year-old Londoner said she was was attacked after she passed out in a hotel lavatory.
The woman, a Muslim of Pakistani decent, told police she had been celebrating getting engaged to her boyfriend at the time.
But when she admitted drinking alcohol and sharing
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1241582/British-woman-Dubai-arrested-having-sex-fianc-raped-hotel-waiter.html#ixzz0c1WD22O5
The 23-year-old Londoner said she was was attacked after she passed out in a hotel lavatory.
The woman, a Muslim of Pakistani decent, told police she had been celebrating getting engaged to her boyfriend at the time.
But when she admitted drinking alcohol and sharing
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1241582/British-woman-Dubai-arrested-having-sex-fianc-raped-hotel-waiter.html#ixzz0c1WD22O5
latest update to this story (which for some reason has not been reported in the Daily Mail) is that the rape case has been dismissed as CCTV from the hotel showed nobody entering the toilet after the girl.. and.. the the charge of illegal sex with her boyfriend has been dropped as the couple managed to 'find' a marriage certaificate
Now they are only getting done for drinking alcohol as they are Muslim..
Hotel rape
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Melbourne, oz
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Although I work in a different profession, I have investigated work in the Emirates and Qatar. Nothing I have read here would entice me away from the land of oz to do it. A couple of colleagues have, but after the honeymoon period they returned home.
One described the place as like a movie set -"fantastic facade- entirely different behind it"
I guess home is where you make it though.
One described the place as like a movie set -"fantastic facade- entirely different behind it"
I guess home is where you make it though.
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Dunesville
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Or you can do it all like you appear doing Goaty.
The problem is that all the cr*p that continually spews from EK directly effects your life spent with your mates, family, goldfish (not so much) or drinking beer. (and especially effects the FCOM).
The problem is that all the cr*p that continually spews from EK directly effects your life spent with your mates, family, goldfish (not so much) or drinking beer. (and especially effects the FCOM).
Last edited by Marooned; 31st Jan 2010 at 10:47.