any significant others here who can enlighten me about life 'over there'?
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: UAE
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you are talking about going to Afghanistan or even Saudi that is a whole different thing to Dubai/Doha/Bahrain. You have to realise that the "Middle East" isn't just one homogenious country. Maybe if you clarified which part you are looking at you would get some more relevant responses. Most people here are in the more "Western" parts and that is what they are telling you about. A shopping mall in Dubai is not the same thing as a military camp in Afghanistan. Except during the sales maybe.
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
@potatowings; Well said.....
@ssauer1930;
Ma'm, You haven't said where In Middle East your "significant Other" was offered a job, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, IRAN...????
The place & the airline could mean a world of difference.
BTW, Afghanistan is not Middle East, I hope you know that......
Even though I have no personal experience in working for an airline in any of these above mentioned countries, I have travelled enough to tell you that what your milliatry friend has said may be an occasional CASE, that is NOT the norm & definately not the kind of life in the Middle east what you have imagined for your self.
@ all others......
Funny, I watching CNBC a while ago & they mentioned the US, Europe, BRIC & the Rest of the world.. All other other countries is ROW Rest of world for us americans......
(For those who don't know what a BRIC is. It is Brazil, Russia, India & China)
I am surpirsed at the ignorance level demonstrated by some of my fellow Americans & how little some of us Americans know about the rest of the world.....
Of course, the education system didn't teach much & a majority of us don't even have a passport, so we haven't seen much for ourselves to experience first hand......
In a NUT SHELL, quite a lot us Americans, we have become very much like the Frog of a Pond, who thinks that my pond is the best......
Ma'm, your ignornace may be costing your "significant other", an opportunity of a life time & all you can quote for your decision is a friend from the Millitary....
Best of Luck...... Your family & hopefully well qualified "significant other" PILOT, is going to need one badly, if he continues to fly in USA, with those deteriorating conditions........
@ssauer1930;
Ma'm, You haven't said where In Middle East your "significant Other" was offered a job, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, IRAN...????
The place & the airline could mean a world of difference.
BTW, Afghanistan is not Middle East, I hope you know that......
Even though I have no personal experience in working for an airline in any of these above mentioned countries, I have travelled enough to tell you that what your milliatry friend has said may be an occasional CASE, that is NOT the norm & definately not the kind of life in the Middle east what you have imagined for your self.
@ all others......
Funny, I watching CNBC a while ago & they mentioned the US, Europe, BRIC & the Rest of the world.. All other other countries is ROW Rest of world for us americans......
(For those who don't know what a BRIC is. It is Brazil, Russia, India & China)
I am surpirsed at the ignorance level demonstrated by some of my fellow Americans & how little some of us Americans know about the rest of the world.....
Of course, the education system didn't teach much & a majority of us don't even have a passport, so we haven't seen much for ourselves to experience first hand......
In a NUT SHELL, quite a lot us Americans, we have become very much like the Frog of a Pond, who thinks that my pond is the best......
Ma'm, your ignornace may be costing your "significant other", an opportunity of a life time & all you can quote for your decision is a friend from the Millitary....
Best of Luck...... Your family & hopefully well qualified "significant other" PILOT, is going to need one badly, if he continues to fly in USA, with those deteriorating conditions........
right on the spot!!!
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Proud member of the " banned society"
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So nice to see familiar faces...
So nice to see familiar faces err names on here come to the defense of living in the ME ! And rightfully so.
Ssaur.. I'm a wife, an American and a Paramedic. Let me give you top reason to move. Before I do, after reading ALL post, let me clarify something that you " heard" from a friend in regards to medical care here.
The nurses here are some of the best I've ever seen. They are patient, empathetic, NOT OVER WORKED, and actually listen to their patients. They are not forced to deliver a certain type of medical care based on a patients ability to pay/not pay. These are nurses who make less than half of what the pay in the US is, yet they deliver much superior care. As a patient who had to undergo major surgery here and being in the medical field myself, I watched them like a hawk! I waited for the opportunity to teach them critical techniques that I knew they were just not educated in. Instead, I learned from them. Boy could we use them in the US! They presented with professional and aseptic technique 24/7. They did not short cut. Even my IV's were changed out every 72 hours regardless of adequate perfusion or not. These girls have mad skills. With all that said though, alot of nurses here are from countries that don't get paid alot of money so hospitals and care providers here hire them for the lower pay. You can obtain a decent paying job here you will just need to do alot of networking.
Now.. as a pilots wife living here let me give you the pros and cons from MY perspective:
Life is peaceful. There are no car jackings, no high crime. There is not a drug problem here in epidemic proportions like the US, therefore, the lower crime rate.
You will gain an education that can't be taught at any university or college.
You will wind up with an extended family that includes all races, ages, nationalities and religions.
You will learn to drive defensively. Yes the driving here is a challenge. Much more than any major city in the US.
Women are treated with high regard here. That was one of my 1st major concerns when my husband was offered a job here. I can tell you it is quite the opposite. We get spoiled rotten ! Not only by our husbands who brought us here, but we don't have to wait in queue/line most of the time, but we have our own branches for banking, we can get our cars washed while we're simply picking up groceries. We are able to have domestic help at a fraction of what it cost in the US. That includes maid service, gardeners, drivers, pet sitters.
Going to a nail salon is like going to a full day spa. The women who work at these treat us like royalty. Matter of fact, most of the places you go to get your nails done are full day salons.
You are much safer here than in the US. Those who commit crimes are held to a much higher punishment, so they are less likely to commit them.
If you like to shop, you will have access to some of the finest shopping in the world.
For me, living away from other family has given my husband and I more time together. We have been living like newlyweds and we are having a blast. Of course our children are all adults with the youngest still in college. It was a rocky start and challenge but we are like 2 children in a new playground now.
You have the opportunity to see so much of the world for so much less. Living here and flying from here allow you to travel to other destinations in the world for alot less airfare, the ability to become friends who have homes in some of the best cities in the world that you would love to travel to.
You will become friends with alot more pilot wives which allow you to develop friendships with those same girls/guys who understand what your going thru.
You get to experience culture, foods, religions that you might not have had the opportunity to experience while living at home in the US where you may isolate yourself to a more local and confined network and neighborhood.
Getting anywhere is much more accessible via taxi and public transportation. Especially if moving from a more rural town outside a major city in the US.
Walking into any business where your addressed as " madam", being given personal service, not having to pump your own gas, having access to having clothes tailor made etc.. for pennies on the dollar really makes you appreciate living here so much more.
The cons:
Being away from family for long periods of time
Adjusting to receiving services in a timely fashion
Finding your favorite foods, toiletries can be a challenge.
Trying to explain to your family why you prefer living in the ME rather than next door to them back home in the US.
I hope this addresses some of the small things that you may have been wondering about. If you really want an unbiased opinion from other aviator wives, there is a pilot wives facebewk page that you can join. I've become friends with quite a bit of them and they have alot to offer to include blogs. One wife from DXB has a blog that is absolutely fascinating and she writes to include almost daily a challenge that most of us have had at one time or another.
One very large benefit to living in the UAE vs the US is that you can bypass so much red tape if you want to open a biz here or have a career with different opportunities. There is something for everyone here. Where else can you snow ski and water ski on the same day just minutes from each other ?
Please PM me anytime if you want to know more. Best of luck in your decision !
Ssaur.. I'm a wife, an American and a Paramedic. Let me give you top reason to move. Before I do, after reading ALL post, let me clarify something that you " heard" from a friend in regards to medical care here.
The nurses here are some of the best I've ever seen. They are patient, empathetic, NOT OVER WORKED, and actually listen to their patients. They are not forced to deliver a certain type of medical care based on a patients ability to pay/not pay. These are nurses who make less than half of what the pay in the US is, yet they deliver much superior care. As a patient who had to undergo major surgery here and being in the medical field myself, I watched them like a hawk! I waited for the opportunity to teach them critical techniques that I knew they were just not educated in. Instead, I learned from them. Boy could we use them in the US! They presented with professional and aseptic technique 24/7. They did not short cut. Even my IV's were changed out every 72 hours regardless of adequate perfusion or not. These girls have mad skills. With all that said though, alot of nurses here are from countries that don't get paid alot of money so hospitals and care providers here hire them for the lower pay. You can obtain a decent paying job here you will just need to do alot of networking.
Now.. as a pilots wife living here let me give you the pros and cons from MY perspective:
Life is peaceful. There are no car jackings, no high crime. There is not a drug problem here in epidemic proportions like the US, therefore, the lower crime rate.
You will gain an education that can't be taught at any university or college.
You will wind up with an extended family that includes all races, ages, nationalities and religions.
You will learn to drive defensively. Yes the driving here is a challenge. Much more than any major city in the US.
Women are treated with high regard here. That was one of my 1st major concerns when my husband was offered a job here. I can tell you it is quite the opposite. We get spoiled rotten ! Not only by our husbands who brought us here, but we don't have to wait in queue/line most of the time, but we have our own branches for banking, we can get our cars washed while we're simply picking up groceries. We are able to have domestic help at a fraction of what it cost in the US. That includes maid service, gardeners, drivers, pet sitters.
Going to a nail salon is like going to a full day spa. The women who work at these treat us like royalty. Matter of fact, most of the places you go to get your nails done are full day salons.
You are much safer here than in the US. Those who commit crimes are held to a much higher punishment, so they are less likely to commit them.
If you like to shop, you will have access to some of the finest shopping in the world.
For me, living away from other family has given my husband and I more time together. We have been living like newlyweds and we are having a blast. Of course our children are all adults with the youngest still in college. It was a rocky start and challenge but we are like 2 children in a new playground now.
You have the opportunity to see so much of the world for so much less. Living here and flying from here allow you to travel to other destinations in the world for alot less airfare, the ability to become friends who have homes in some of the best cities in the world that you would love to travel to.
You will become friends with alot more pilot wives which allow you to develop friendships with those same girls/guys who understand what your going thru.
You get to experience culture, foods, religions that you might not have had the opportunity to experience while living at home in the US where you may isolate yourself to a more local and confined network and neighborhood.
Getting anywhere is much more accessible via taxi and public transportation. Especially if moving from a more rural town outside a major city in the US.
Walking into any business where your addressed as " madam", being given personal service, not having to pump your own gas, having access to having clothes tailor made etc.. for pennies on the dollar really makes you appreciate living here so much more.
The cons:
Being away from family for long periods of time
Adjusting to receiving services in a timely fashion
Finding your favorite foods, toiletries can be a challenge.
Trying to explain to your family why you prefer living in the ME rather than next door to them back home in the US.
I hope this addresses some of the small things that you may have been wondering about. If you really want an unbiased opinion from other aviator wives, there is a pilot wives facebewk page that you can join. I've become friends with quite a bit of them and they have alot to offer to include blogs. One wife from DXB has a blog that is absolutely fascinating and she writes to include almost daily a challenge that most of us have had at one time or another.
One very large benefit to living in the UAE vs the US is that you can bypass so much red tape if you want to open a biz here or have a career with different opportunities. There is something for everyone here. Where else can you snow ski and water ski on the same day just minutes from each other ?
Please PM me anytime if you want to know more. Best of luck in your decision !
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Europe
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sassy, I have to agree with Mullah here. You really have the rose colored glasses on and fail to see the full picture of the place. You are clearly living only within your small bubble of experience when you make statements that women are treated to a high regard. In actuality, a very small percentage of white and arab women may have a tolerable existance but the larger majority are living lives of servitude and abuse. For example, the number of maids that suffer abuse at the hands of their employers in the UAE is a disgrace...but perhaps they aren't "real women"?
As for medical care, there was a time many moons ago that nurses in the primary expat hospitals were recruited from places like Oz and the Uk and made a decent living, however, now they are all low wage earners from places like India that work atrocious schedules and make poor wages. Amazing nursing care...not terrible but not brilliant for any time I or my family were hospitalized which was several.
It is nice you are enjoying life there but you did not present any kind of balanced viewpoint of the place.
As for medical care, there was a time many moons ago that nurses in the primary expat hospitals were recruited from places like Oz and the Uk and made a decent living, however, now they are all low wage earners from places like India that work atrocious schedules and make poor wages. Amazing nursing care...not terrible but not brilliant for any time I or my family were hospitalized which was several.
It is nice you are enjoying life there but you did not present any kind of balanced viewpoint of the place.
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: U.K.
Age: 49
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi sassy, I don't work in the middle east but I have visited, my question is simple, if your hubby was sat in a nice legacy pilot job in the U.S on a good salary and T&Cs and in your life you and your family was content, would you up sticks and choose your percieved better option of going to live in Dubai ? I could be wrong but I suspect you are making the most of your circumstances, which there is nothing wrong with, we all may be forced into that choice but I just ask for a bit of deep felt honesty on the topic ! With the upmost respect.
Seamster
Seamster
Me thinks this one pretty much sums up the knowledge of the OP:
Honest advice: Don't come. In fact, don't ever leave the US.
Oh..the driving CAN'T be any worse than Dallas!! Just can't be....
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: out there somewhere...
Posts: 763
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Careful here guys...it's well known on these forums that when one takes on the "Sassy" one, the sh*t she flings goes everywhere...I should know! The stuff was splattered everywhere when I called her on something...:eek...take all advice with lots of caution!
As a woman I feel pretty safe here, even walking at night but then again I still use common sense and pick the areas I go to carefully. I wouldn't walk around in Bur Dubai or Deira alone at night, just like I wouldn't walk around alone at night in Oz...
Yes women can have a pretty good, safe life here- but not for a minute am I under the illusion that sh!t doesn't happen here, just because it's not in the papers, doesn't mean it didn't happen. Once you've been here awhile and talk to some of the people around (shop girls, staff in bars etc) you hear some stuff that makes you a bit more cautious than perhaps Sassy's post would suggest you be.
Sure if you're always around your husband, have someone to drive you everywhere and live in a nice gated compound I'd bet you're safer here than anywhere else. Reality is, people can come and go in most communities as they wish without any checks (have seen it myself) let's not forget awhile back those people hanging around kids in a certain housing development and a principal of a school admitting several students had been approached by strangers. Some people seem to think Dubai is a magical fantasy land where nothing bad happens, use the same common sense as you would at home (if not more, because you don't know the place well when you first come here) don't get sucked in by the idea that it's 100% crime free- because it's not. The police are on the job but you only have to pick up 7 Days to read about the latest killing or drug bust to know that crime does happen here. Maybe not violent petty crime like bag snatching but sneakier stuff, so yes as a woman I would say enjoy but be careful. Not all women live with family here either, yes you can have a lot of freedom as a single girl too but then there are added dangers.
Talk to the wrong person, wear that dress just a bit too short, have one too many drinks.... and there's plenty that can happen to you. I've seen too many girls have close calls on boozy nights out to want to bother with it myself, I prefer to enjoy a beverage or two at home or at dinner with friends, being a woman and being intoxicated in Dubai (aside from being illegal) is just asking for trouble. By all means have your fun but don't believe that stuff doesn't happen just because it's the Middle East.
Try googling women's refuge/rape crisis center in UAE and you'll see what I mean.
If you read into a lot of the news stories these horror stories seem to mainly stem from the kind of people the victims were involved with, so I guess what I'm trying to say is enjoy & live your life but be aware of the pitfalls and be careful who you hang around with/where you go. Be aware of the local laws (and where they might work against you) and keep a low profile.
I can't really say that Sassy's picture of having people available to cater to such things as washing my car or carry my groceries really appeals to me, if you're working with a family then sure but as long as I'm able I'll do my own shopping thanks. Oh yes and I caught a bus last week. Not the most awesome experience but not the horror some people make it out to be. Sometimes you just got to put away any snobby attitude about the people around you and remember that they are just people trying to get by like you are. And unlike you, maybe can't afford a taxi or even the metro so the bus it is.
Yes women can have a pretty good, safe life here- but not for a minute am I under the illusion that sh!t doesn't happen here, just because it's not in the papers, doesn't mean it didn't happen. Once you've been here awhile and talk to some of the people around (shop girls, staff in bars etc) you hear some stuff that makes you a bit more cautious than perhaps Sassy's post would suggest you be.
Sure if you're always around your husband, have someone to drive you everywhere and live in a nice gated compound I'd bet you're safer here than anywhere else. Reality is, people can come and go in most communities as they wish without any checks (have seen it myself) let's not forget awhile back those people hanging around kids in a certain housing development and a principal of a school admitting several students had been approached by strangers. Some people seem to think Dubai is a magical fantasy land where nothing bad happens, use the same common sense as you would at home (if not more, because you don't know the place well when you first come here) don't get sucked in by the idea that it's 100% crime free- because it's not. The police are on the job but you only have to pick up 7 Days to read about the latest killing or drug bust to know that crime does happen here. Maybe not violent petty crime like bag snatching but sneakier stuff, so yes as a woman I would say enjoy but be careful. Not all women live with family here either, yes you can have a lot of freedom as a single girl too but then there are added dangers.
Talk to the wrong person, wear that dress just a bit too short, have one too many drinks.... and there's plenty that can happen to you. I've seen too many girls have close calls on boozy nights out to want to bother with it myself, I prefer to enjoy a beverage or two at home or at dinner with friends, being a woman and being intoxicated in Dubai (aside from being illegal) is just asking for trouble. By all means have your fun but don't believe that stuff doesn't happen just because it's the Middle East.
Try googling women's refuge/rape crisis center in UAE and you'll see what I mean.
If you read into a lot of the news stories these horror stories seem to mainly stem from the kind of people the victims were involved with, so I guess what I'm trying to say is enjoy & live your life but be aware of the pitfalls and be careful who you hang around with/where you go. Be aware of the local laws (and where they might work against you) and keep a low profile.
I can't really say that Sassy's picture of having people available to cater to such things as washing my car or carry my groceries really appeals to me, if you're working with a family then sure but as long as I'm able I'll do my own shopping thanks. Oh yes and I caught a bus last week. Not the most awesome experience but not the horror some people make it out to be. Sometimes you just got to put away any snobby attitude about the people around you and remember that they are just people trying to get by like you are. And unlike you, maybe can't afford a taxi or even the metro so the bus it is.
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Manchester
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Obviously there is a large spectrum of experiences. We can only comment on our own experience. For us, we live in Qatar. We are mostly happy here, some things are frustrating (eg red tape with regards to paperwork...the standard of driving, which is horrendous) but in general life is good.
Qatar is probably much safer than many major cities around the world, but that doesn't mean sensible caution should be forgotten. We aren't overly confident in the health system, now we would opt for private medical care. The schooling system however, if you pick the right school is very good and my son is miles ahead of his peers at home. You do have to be married, there is no cohabiting but women can drive, go out alone, have their own bank account etc etc apart from the modest dress and no public displays of affection, it isn't really that much of a change!
With anywhere you live, the place is what you make of it. If you go into it thinking you will hate it, if you don't try to experience the culture, the food, or try to make friends (which we found relatively easy with all the expats over here)...then you will hate it. If you move to the ME and give it a good go, then chances are you will adapt and come to enjoy your time here.
Qatar is probably much safer than many major cities around the world, but that doesn't mean sensible caution should be forgotten. We aren't overly confident in the health system, now we would opt for private medical care. The schooling system however, if you pick the right school is very good and my son is miles ahead of his peers at home. You do have to be married, there is no cohabiting but women can drive, go out alone, have their own bank account etc etc apart from the modest dress and no public displays of affection, it isn't really that much of a change!
With anywhere you live, the place is what you make of it. If you go into it thinking you will hate it, if you don't try to experience the culture, the food, or try to make friends (which we found relatively easy with all the expats over here)...then you will hate it. If you move to the ME and give it a good go, then chances are you will adapt and come to enjoy your time here.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: floating around in the sea of life- still don't know what I want to be when (if) I grow up
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
considering ME..
I appreciate your views- and one person's paradiase is another's Hell...
In the beginning there was/is a possibility of Dubai.
Now I am not sure...I really didn't plan to work, as have been'retired' for awhile. I have been a Federal Government employee in Public Health, and there may be a position in Doha...so if I decided to work so would look at QA.
I was all happy when I read Sassy's post...then read the one after and have a feeling that that is more appropriate to what I have heard.
Yep- the airlines in the US want more, more, more..for les, less, less. Just like American hospitals employing nurses...
I would consider working in a ME hospital IF I was certain it wasn't going to be as bad as the US hospitals have become.
And having so at home more days would be great.
Thinking, even if have to reapply for positions later.
Driving really that bad, eh? What if we chose Doha- is it the same there?
I do worry about the driving, as I have a very, very fragile neck/back due to an injury. Getting in an accident is a risk. But so is falling down...
The more we know, the easier it might be to decide to get a look/live in a different culture. Which I have enjoyed even here in the US, living/working on Native American reservations in very remote areas- delivering babies in Hogans, burying a piece of umbilical cord, do deliveries with full ceremony/drums outside the door and 20 people in the room,having the FOB standing there with a knife because he wants a healthy baby (after mom has done years of ETOH/drugs, getting knife wounds
,gunshot dropped off the end of a pickup truck outside the ER door, oh- it is quite a 3rd world on some rez's...
Thanks again- the more we (I) know the easier my decision.
Thanks- please keep adding your feeling, anyone!
In the beginning there was/is a possibility of Dubai.
Now I am not sure...I really didn't plan to work, as have been'retired' for awhile. I have been a Federal Government employee in Public Health, and there may be a position in Doha...so if I decided to work so would look at QA.
I was all happy when I read Sassy's post...then read the one after and have a feeling that that is more appropriate to what I have heard.
Yep- the airlines in the US want more, more, more..for les, less, less. Just like American hospitals employing nurses...
I would consider working in a ME hospital IF I was certain it wasn't going to be as bad as the US hospitals have become.
And having so at home more days would be great.
Thinking, even if have to reapply for positions later.
Driving really that bad, eh? What if we chose Doha- is it the same there?
I do worry about the driving, as I have a very, very fragile neck/back due to an injury. Getting in an accident is a risk. But so is falling down...
The more we know, the easier it might be to decide to get a look/live in a different culture. Which I have enjoyed even here in the US, living/working on Native American reservations in very remote areas- delivering babies in Hogans, burying a piece of umbilical cord, do deliveries with full ceremony/drums outside the door and 20 people in the room,having the FOB standing there with a knife because he wants a healthy baby (after mom has done years of ETOH/drugs, getting knife wounds
,gunshot dropped off the end of a pickup truck outside the ER door, oh- it is quite a 3rd world on some rez's...
Thanks again- the more we (I) know the easier my decision.
Thanks- please keep adding your feeling, anyone!
This is mainstream USA isn't it?
Seriously- I think you should just stay in the USA. It is much safer for you.
Over here the camels run everywhere disrupting the traffic. You fear for you life here, everyone carries an IED ready to detonate. Water is difficult to come by, you have to march for days and go to the Wild Wadi Well to pull up your weekly ration of water.
Women are kept chained to the kitchen with just enough slack to reach the bedroom. No definitely stay put.
Seriously- I think you should just stay in the USA. It is much safer for you.
Over here the camels run everywhere disrupting the traffic. You fear for you life here, everyone carries an IED ready to detonate. Water is difficult to come by, you have to march for days and go to the Wild Wadi Well to pull up your weekly ration of water.
Women are kept chained to the kitchen with just enough slack to reach the bedroom. No definitely stay put.
Was offered fifty camels for my wife last week.
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: hearth
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What you need to understand is that they are not only trying to convince you but mainly themselves.
Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi might have bought CNN ( that quite hypocritically still talks about ending modern slavery while getting the money from the modern slavers..) but they still are just incredibly shallow and incredibly hot and humid **** holes populated by arrogant locals and desperate expats the main part of which is constituted by semi enslaved third world workers. You will be a step up on the ladder but still basically a slave with no rights. They are sand boxes with one of most horrible climate in the world and you will find your self hopping mall to mall just to have something to do. So if you have a job In Dallas... stay in Dallas. If you are unemployed than consider it as last option. As per the local culture...what culture would you expect in a theocratic dictatorships?
Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi might have bought CNN ( that quite hypocritically still talks about ending modern slavery while getting the money from the modern slavers..) but they still are just incredibly shallow and incredibly hot and humid **** holes populated by arrogant locals and desperate expats the main part of which is constituted by semi enslaved third world workers. You will be a step up on the ladder but still basically a slave with no rights. They are sand boxes with one of most horrible climate in the world and you will find your self hopping mall to mall just to have something to do. So if you have a job In Dallas... stay in Dallas. If you are unemployed than consider it as last option. As per the local culture...what culture would you expect in a theocratic dictatorships?
Last edited by Jetaim; 28th Apr 2012 at 05:48.
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: LHR
Posts: 331
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ssauer1930the only thing I would add to this discussion is don't keep asking everyone else what they think and get out for a holiday and have a look around. Do some of the tourist bits but dont treat it as a holiday as such - it's more of a fact finding mission.
My wife and I (having visited Dubai on holiday) did just that before commiting to the Emirates selection and it firmed up our thoughts and beliefs that we would have a better way of life here than the one we 'enjoyed' back in the UK.
Dubai is not without it's faults and in some regards can be quite frustrating when trying to set up home - but then where the hell isn't when you are moving to a new Country especially if it is your first time.
Anyway, now we are settled we could not be happier. We had a discussion just yesterday when we were enjoying the sunny weather on the beach about how little we miss the UK and how we have no plans to hurry back anytime soon. My wife works in a good job, earning a lot more than she did back in the UK, I love my job, we enjoy what there is to enjoy and let the stuff that can potentially 'wind you up' just roll off our backs. Dubai is very much a place that you make of it what you want to make of it and you wont be able to make any kind of decision until you experience it first hand for yourself and stop comparing it to a war zone!!!
My wife and I (having visited Dubai on holiday) did just that before commiting to the Emirates selection and it firmed up our thoughts and beliefs that we would have a better way of life here than the one we 'enjoyed' back in the UK.
Dubai is not without it's faults and in some regards can be quite frustrating when trying to set up home - but then where the hell isn't when you are moving to a new Country especially if it is your first time.
Anyway, now we are settled we could not be happier. We had a discussion just yesterday when we were enjoying the sunny weather on the beach about how little we miss the UK and how we have no plans to hurry back anytime soon. My wife works in a good job, earning a lot more than she did back in the UK, I love my job, we enjoy what there is to enjoy and let the stuff that can potentially 'wind you up' just roll off our backs. Dubai is very much a place that you make of it what you want to make of it and you wont be able to make any kind of decision until you experience it first hand for yourself and stop comparing it to a war zone!!!
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Canada
Posts: 611
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It is as the above poster mentioned. Moving anywhere new is a difficult and frustrating experience. Firstly you're somewhere new and you are a little vulnerable and insecure, it's only natural. But if you come with the right mindset and most importantly if you stay away from the whiners and the wingers you will be fine. Let me just clarify this last point. There is a culture here of over ignorant p individuals, with little to no appreciation of:
You see most people are here for money, only. And in addition they lead shallow lives and basically only fly and drink/party. They cannot entertain themselves or find any peace unless they are being fed by the system, I.e. night clubs, concerts, movies, consumer goods, etc. They are mostly greedy people, who want want and want more. The reality is back home they have this lifestyle but not the money and over here they have the money but not the lifestyle. Now they whine and they want everything their way, what it comes down to incredible selfishness and complete disassociation with the world and what is really going on in it. This is despite the facts that these snobs live around people who have left their homes and their families, to work for £100/month, in conditions that are as close to slavery as you will find in this day and age. Some of this stuff makes sweatshops look like holiday resorts.
Now these people are fundamentally flawed as human beings, and hence cannot and will not find peace anywhere unless their base human desires are being filled on time and all the time, just as it is at home. Talk to them about history, philosophy or geography and they dont have a clue about what youre talking about, mention the atest movies or songs and they're an encyclopedia of knowledge. Many, if not most, don't last. The ones who do are mostly of the following type:
1. Independent
2. Caring
3. Patient
4. Open minded
5. Understanding
(to put it succinctly, those who are good people)
Now you either come here with those qualities or you learn them quickly, because the selfish ones come through a revolving door and leave through it just as quickly. The reality is that they will move to the next country with exactly the same attitude and continue to whine and moan until one fine day they either die, or they wake up and realise that the problem actually lies with them.
I can tell you now, when people say: "it's what you make of it", what they really mean is: If you have good qualities and exhibit them then you'll generally gravitate toward other good people and you'll enjoy your time here, and if you come here and throw a tantrum people will being hoping for your swift departure, will not treat you well and in all likely hood you'll be on pprune talking the plae down and asking for money. Ever noticed how much talk of salaries there is on this site + country/culture bashing?
Now let me add a disclaimer here.
1. There are good people on this forum who are here for the rit reasons and are level headed people who have been successful in the region
2. I am not saying that this region doesn't have it's flaws, it does, it has many flaws, there are huge problems, but if you actually delve into the reasons you will understand quite quickly that things are not so black and white
3. There are good and bad people everywhere, so yes there are plenty of ignorant people in the middle east as well.
4. Don't let the people on this forum convince you that they are angels that have been unjustly tortured in the middle east, in reality they have plenty of issues themselves, the reality is that back hoe the system is such that their behaviour is generally accepted or catered to whereas over here it isn't.
It's a superiority complex that has been instilled in them from childhood by their society/government and one that is constantly propagated though the media and fed incessantly through sport, art etc. and if you all think that I am inferring only to individuals from the west then think again, because although this attitude is predominantly found in the west due to its recent success in the last for centuries, it is slowly spreading throughout the world and can now be found in the hearts of millions of people western and not.
- The local culture
- The history of the region
- The underlying reasons for peoples' behaviour
- The wider world and what's going on in it
You see most people are here for money, only. And in addition they lead shallow lives and basically only fly and drink/party. They cannot entertain themselves or find any peace unless they are being fed by the system, I.e. night clubs, concerts, movies, consumer goods, etc. They are mostly greedy people, who want want and want more. The reality is back home they have this lifestyle but not the money and over here they have the money but not the lifestyle. Now they whine and they want everything their way, what it comes down to incredible selfishness and complete disassociation with the world and what is really going on in it. This is despite the facts that these snobs live around people who have left their homes and their families, to work for £100/month, in conditions that are as close to slavery as you will find in this day and age. Some of this stuff makes sweatshops look like holiday resorts.
Now these people are fundamentally flawed as human beings, and hence cannot and will not find peace anywhere unless their base human desires are being filled on time and all the time, just as it is at home. Talk to them about history, philosophy or geography and they dont have a clue about what youre talking about, mention the atest movies or songs and they're an encyclopedia of knowledge. Many, if not most, don't last. The ones who do are mostly of the following type:
1. Independent
2. Caring
3. Patient
4. Open minded
5. Understanding
(to put it succinctly, those who are good people)
Now you either come here with those qualities or you learn them quickly, because the selfish ones come through a revolving door and leave through it just as quickly. The reality is that they will move to the next country with exactly the same attitude and continue to whine and moan until one fine day they either die, or they wake up and realise that the problem actually lies with them.
I can tell you now, when people say: "it's what you make of it", what they really mean is: If you have good qualities and exhibit them then you'll generally gravitate toward other good people and you'll enjoy your time here, and if you come here and throw a tantrum people will being hoping for your swift departure, will not treat you well and in all likely hood you'll be on pprune talking the plae down and asking for money. Ever noticed how much talk of salaries there is on this site + country/culture bashing?
Now let me add a disclaimer here.
1. There are good people on this forum who are here for the rit reasons and are level headed people who have been successful in the region
2. I am not saying that this region doesn't have it's flaws, it does, it has many flaws, there are huge problems, but if you actually delve into the reasons you will understand quite quickly that things are not so black and white
3. There are good and bad people everywhere, so yes there are plenty of ignorant people in the middle east as well.
4. Don't let the people on this forum convince you that they are angels that have been unjustly tortured in the middle east, in reality they have plenty of issues themselves, the reality is that back hoe the system is such that their behaviour is generally accepted or catered to whereas over here it isn't.
It's a superiority complex that has been instilled in them from childhood by their society/government and one that is constantly propagated though the media and fed incessantly through sport, art etc. and if you all think that I am inferring only to individuals from the west then think again, because although this attitude is predominantly found in the west due to its recent success in the last for centuries, it is slowly spreading throughout the world and can now be found in the hearts of millions of people western and not.
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: 31-43,000 feet ALL the friggin' time!
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Canada
Posts: 611
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the reply mullah, I appreciate it. I don't want to steal this thread anymore because this debate is a long and complex one and has been discussed all over this forum. My post is just my opinion, and the way i see it, i didnt mean to offend anyone, nor am saying that i understand the dynamics of everyones life, sorry if i offended anyone.
But here is the stark reality, and i dont mean to sound "holier-than-thou", I was in your shoes before mullah, but it was only after a few things happened in my life that I began to see things differently. There are too many people in this region, of all races and nationalities who believe only they know what's going on and everyone else is just an idiot. Like I said, it comes down to not knowing what is really going on, even those idiots in their land cruisers have a story if you're only just sit down and listen and understand that there's a lot of crap going on that you probably never knew about. It would help you understand and deal with them better. And let me repeat myself I don't mean to sound "holier-than-thou", I'm saying this through the experience of having been in your shoes and then changing my own perspective on things.
And one more thing, ned Flanders did occasionally break down but it was never permenant, he lost his cool for a while and then got back to his usual ways, that my friend is exactly what you need around here. Needless to say I've met folks that have whined every single day for all 20 years that theyve lived in the region and have no intention of leaving.
"it's what you make of it"
But here is the stark reality, and i dont mean to sound "holier-than-thou", I was in your shoes before mullah, but it was only after a few things happened in my life that I began to see things differently. There are too many people in this region, of all races and nationalities who believe only they know what's going on and everyone else is just an idiot. Like I said, it comes down to not knowing what is really going on, even those idiots in their land cruisers have a story if you're only just sit down and listen and understand that there's a lot of crap going on that you probably never knew about. It would help you understand and deal with them better. And let me repeat myself I don't mean to sound "holier-than-thou", I'm saying this through the experience of having been in your shoes and then changing my own perspective on things.
And one more thing, ned Flanders did occasionally break down but it was never permenant, he lost his cool for a while and then got back to his usual ways, that my friend is exactly what you need around here. Needless to say I've met folks that have whined every single day for all 20 years that theyve lived in the region and have no intention of leaving.
"it's what you make of it"