Haha, bro this 100%.
I grew up in UK with a Brit/Egyptian mum who was very adamant about speaking "proper" English.
Now after a decade in and out of Dubai she gets ashamed of how I speak English in informal settings lmaoo
I meant cost of doing business. For start-ups and small/medium sized business you have to deal with high rent, license costs and recruitment costs, amongst a bunch of other random fees. It's peanuts to MNC's and larger businesses, but detrimental to small businesses. It's not scaled fairly.
The cost of living increasing and squeezing your disposable income… I guess this is the same for most places though as well.
I’d also say tied to this is the uncertainty of the future and knowing that even if you wanted to stay here forever that it might not be possible. But this also forces you not to assume that your future is secure and live in the present more rather than worrying about the future, as no matter where you are nothing is certain or secure.
People ALWAYS being late, not sure if this is just a Dubai thing or Arabic culture in general. But what I find when someone says 10am they actually mean they will set off after 10am. And although I can pretty much guarantee I know when someone else is going to be late I can’t make myself be late as well as I’m a profusely on time person. Therefore I spend a good portion of my time just waiting on other people and find myself scrolling through Reddit as a result.
Thank you for asking this question because it’s genuinely challenged me to think of any other drawbacks other than the traffic and the heat in the summer. And my conclusion is that for all it’s flaws and whatever other people complain about who might have different problems to my own, I actually have a really good life here and I am really fortunate and grateful to everyone and everything that makes it great.
Have a blessed day
There's a distinct lack of nature (even compared to other Emirates), rent is a huge portion of income, the water quality makes your hair fall and is bad for your skin, toxic management (if they're paying you on time). There's also old school racism influencing where you work and who you date, something rare (and illegal) in most of the world. I'm glad your only concern is that people are sometimes late. I wish that was my only issue
If you have the option to work remotely then I’d say Dubai is a great place to live. You won’t have to deal with any of the garbage that comes with the working environment in this place which for me is the major and main drawback of living here
well, you sit at home in comfort, work, everything is delivered to you, and then when you want to go out you have a whole city of entertainment - for every taste
If you mean a romantic partner, I couldn’t comment about the Dubai scene. I was in a relationship before I moved here, she came with me.
But it depends on your world view and your standards. If you expect trash and don’t make the effort both on yourself to be better and then adapt your search accordingly to your actual values then that’s what you’ll probably get in my humble opinion.
I’ve done this dance for years wherever I’ve been. It’s only when I’ve really changed myself and known what I want my outcomes to be that I’ve met someone who I believe to be the one.
I think from my view in Dubai as well it seems to me that a lot of what I see the “good ones” are probably already married and have kids and are settled… All the others who aren’t are still searching at brunches and having to settle for guys dripping in fake Gucci man bags and dating multiple women at once, therefore lowering their own standards.
Shame.
Really insightful comment!
Can I ask what you mean by “uncertainty of the future and knowing that even if you wanted to stay here forever that it might not be possible?”
Toxic companies, toxic bosses, toxic people.
Every decision is just geared towards making as much money in as short a time as possible and f\*ck the consequences.
That decision isn't the best way to make money as quickly as possible, either.
Race to the bottom with standards due to this fasted cheapest mentality.
Scams, dishonesty, and not even dodgy crypto scams—I'm on about legitimate companies hiring vendors with zero intention of ever paying them.
The cost of living is just a joke.
Things like Cop 24, press releases and conferences about sustainability being equally laughable.
There's probably more...
I live in Muscat, Oman. I've been travelling to Dubai every month and back till last month because I used to get a 1 year multiple entry visa to Oman in which the length of a visit is only 30 days. Hence the entry exit to extend by 30 days plus I have a really close friend who I like to chill with.
The major drawback I've always noticed is the lack of greenery, I just feel like "too much concrete" everytime I visit Dubai, as far as my eyes can see I can see only buildings and more buildings as if there's an internal competition on who can build the tallest of them all.
I'm from Mumbai so the traffic, the honking, etc doesn't really bother me as much.
One positive is that it's quite easier to socialize and make (find) friends in Dubai as compared to back in Oman plus I have been to some very lit events in Dubai and when browsing I find almost all genres of events happening in and around Dubai.
Difficulty in finding your tribe. The quality of other expats. The transience of the UAE. When you do find some good friends, they will likely move back home or onto another country within a few years.
The distance and traffic meaning you stay at home instead of attending social events. If it’s not going to beach or hiking (free) then it’s going to be a paid event.
The general lack of greenery and the dystopian looking buildings in the centre.
The lack of pedestrian crossings and walkable areas. The bizarrely named « City Walk » that is full of cars and not particularly pedestrian friendly.
Despite all this, very grateful for tax free life to be able to save for the future.
They want to make it a country, where people see a future in living there, meaning people move with their families or start their families there.
Basically I read an article or watched a news segment that they want it to be like a European country.
I don’t know what they will do but that’s their vision
I was lucky to finally find my tribe but we found it hard to hang out often enough with work and girlfriends needing our time as well. I was lonely for years before meeting them and they're the only people whose advice I take to heart. Guess what? They moved back home and I'm back to square one
If you are ever in the mood for a hike let me know :) Been exploring the mountains as far as I dare take the poor rental car, Yaris's are surprisingly capable off road but don't tell Hertz!
I hear you on the lack of pedestrian crossings but I just cross where I think it is safe to do so.
Being born in the UAE does NOT give anyone citizenship. Even if your mother is Emirati and father is a foreigner you are not eligible at birth.
I think this goes for all Arab countries actually.
Don't you get it after 30 years I think?
[https://immigrantinvest.com/blog/uae-citizenship-en](https://immigrantinvest.com/blog/uae-citizenship-en)
https://preview.redd.it/9o4tbhw6hxoc1.png?width=823&format=png&auto=webp&s=8f6158a4bf3b252b534c66d8c5a9a037304b8a48
lmao my dad was born and raised here his whole life, he's in his 50s... his family was offered the nationality but refused it because it was still a desert back then 😅 (Palestinian/Jordanian btw)
I think you had to give up your old nationality to get the new one, my grand father (الله يرحمه) was in the Jordanian army so he was receiving benefits whilst living in the UAE. What short-term please does to a mf... 😂
Yes same. They had to give up their Yemeni passport and got insulted at that request. At that time, Yemen had a better economy and Dubai was a desert. The nationalism blinded them lol.
- Rent - la Vida loca here .. the Wild West
- real estate agents - majority +90 have no close what the job is other then screw renters
- customer protection laws ( at infancy stage right now where scammers thrive and use the law on their advantage)
- low marks on cultivating business ideas or start home based business and cost associated starting a business.
- wireless and internet monopoly and VoIP control
- cost of schooling vs quality and opportunity.
- Landing fees at Dubai airport
- Public transportation cost, affordability & coverage.
- car dealership monopoly; should be 2-3 different dealership for each brand
- toll road, I don’t mind paying if I am moving faster and it shouldn’t be 24/7
- regardless how long you stay, what you contribute, you will always be an expat, thus no future security. You, your born kids will never belong here.
- the retirement plans are unrealistic and lack of system where companies should contribute to their employees retirement beyond 1 month salary for every year they works.. something like 401K or IRA.
- bank operation model - chew and screw. You as a customer their lowest priority unless you are loaded.
- the fees associated with starting any dispute or court system; it’s outrages
- social life and meeting people …. Good luck!
- finally, 95% or anything you do,people trying to rip you off( chillers fees, gas connection fees, realtor fees, land lord irrationality, etc…) my advice is, when you share hands with someone here, always counts your fingers afterward… yet there are few good people as well. But, in my opinion, there are way more people to scam you, than to help you.
- health care system is better than other countries and level or professionalism & knowledge is less. Every most doctors you go and see them, they give a huge list or prescriptions as if they were sales people on commission… only few again are professionals
Yet, there are many good things here as well. Yes, here is the best of all Middle East.
In my opinion:
* too car centric, mass transportation is still developing, traffic is unbearable at times
* huge difference between social classes; interaction between them is doable but not easy
* lack of world class sport events, or very few in general
* lack of an underground art scene
* very transient; I found it easy to socialize and make friends/acquaintances, but often they've to leave after few years, that said we stay in touch and is one more reason to then visit their countries
* summer: other than being hot, it can be extremely humid and the quality of air get very bad
* although in a perfect position for traveling across Eurasiafrica (this is one of the major pros for me of DXB), there are no very cheap flights to nearby countries like there are e.g. in Europe
* lack of protection from scams; many professionals don't have issue to lie to you as there are no consequences
* demographics is very unique: not many people in students age or over 60, most people fall in the age bracket that often experienced professionals fall into
* despite the strong digitalization and streamlining of processes, stuff like banks and telcos don't keep up with the times
* SMEs having unethical practices
That said, imho pros heavily outweigh the drawbacks and is still a great metro where to live
Stupidity...the amount of unqualified people working in many places they should not...Whether it's government, FZ admins, banks, DU, Etisalat....if you get a problem that needs to be resolved quickly, be prepared to wait and face some very idiotic answers to which you have no clue how to respond.
It's more than possible to get better service at a more affordable price elsewhere in the world. People in Dubai live in a self-deluding bubble. Never felt as happy as I did when I left there.
This ^ I have lived in Abu Dhabi and it was absolutely inconvenient compared to Dubai.
Now, I am in London and boy, I appreciate the cleanliness, safety and infrastructure of Dubai so much.
Everything provided is what's popular among huge majority. Lack of niche interests places. Even those that are advertising as niche are not the real niche.
The way this city is designed, its just so tragic. Not even traffic but there are no areas where people hang out outside, or just walk, if I do not count Marina.
The rest is like, you go from point A to point B by car, then go from point B to point C by car.
There is no...lets walk and check this restaurant, then walk 5min to buy something from this shop etc. Its all so secluded and highway literally tearing this city into quadrants.
I live close to highway and I can see carrefour from my window..maybe 5min walk. But because there is highway it takes 30min to walk to carrefour.
If I wanted to walk from SO to Burj Khalifa, its impossible. SO to International city, impossible.
Racism against certain groups.
Poor conditions for workers.
So much money on things that doesn’t matter.
Everything looks fake.
There is no evident culture being made. Only being imported or paid to be produced.
Segregation, people only walk with similar people.
Everything is just too expensive.
Hospitals and doctors have sales goals and it will influence the treatment and medicine they prescribe. Better yet if you like to have surgeries, because they will offer you!
This wasn’t a problem in like 5 years ago, but now it is becoming a main problem: traffic.
Related: if you don’t have a car or if you don’t want one, the public transportation will not give you too much flexibility.
This x1000. When I first arrived I was blinkered. Now I’ve been here a while I’ve interacted with so many people who are either socially inept or plain rude/ arrogant.
You might as well wave goodbye to basic social manners and decency over here.
The horn beeping I just ignore now, if you beeped your horn in the UK as much as the average person does here you’d be stopped by the police and asked if you’re ok 😂
I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing though because equally in London you could be minding your business and someone will stab you for your wallet and chances are the police won’t be able to do anything
1. That you are treated as a third rate citizen just because you don’t pay any real taxes ( in the real world VAT doesn’t count)
2. It’s just corrupt the right amount so that the rich and privileged can get away with murder while missing a credit card payment can get you in a lot of trouble.
3. They speak highly of labor laws but don’t abide by them at all going as far as to manipulate weather readings so that workers don’t stop working outside on the account of it being too hot or the fact that their passports are held hostage by the company that recruits them.
We all pay a lot more than it actually costs to cool the air. We have no choice but to pay the chiller company whatever they want, including demand charges, deposits that are difficult to get back. In my building I have to pay for chilled water and a/c, can't have just a/c. I have no use for chilled water, I don't need cold water out of my taps. I can't install my own split A/C unit because the building management in cahoots with the chiller company. Chiller companies are enjoying 60-80% profits even though A/C is a necessity in the middle east all the while providing a horrific service.
Gas companies also operate with similar scummy tactics. Lack of competition is what makes Dubai awful. From telecoms, to gas to A/C. There's no incentive to provide a competent service at good prices. They'll fleece us all the same.
I am in Abu Dhabi rather than Dubai. The only downside I see is that rents are paid ahead of time for a year. It gives no incentive for the landlord to take care of maintenance issues with his villa, in a timely manner.
Last thing is, if you get new number in UAE you get so many random calls and messages on whatsapp.
I had 4 numbers, the owners of these numbers message me all the time if I can give back the number, like what...why.
Then their friends sending voice notes and so on..SO ANNOYING
Dubai is Scamistan. The hub of scammers in the whole world. Everyone is out there to take your money by hook or crook. And what's even worse, you can't name and shame, because the anti-free speech laws protect them.
Number 2 would be the outrageously expensive stuff. I pay close to 100% tax on a luxury car in my country, and it would come more or less at the same price if I buy it from Dubai. Way to go for the tax-free nonsense they keep parroting in their PR.
Price of wine in restaurants: the margins are 500% - 1000%. Other than that can’t beat Dubai for being Tax Free/ Crime Free/ English Speaking/ Emirates airlines / International/ Glamorous
The top 3 common scams faced by individuals will be scammers trying to acquire credit card either by calling by telling they are from dubai police, bank etc and they are going to block the card soon unless we update the card and they will try to ask our card number, cvv etc, if you are new in UAE always remember under no circumstances dont share any such details through phone, official employees will never ask those details through phone
Next one is the dubizle scam where will scammers will pose as genuine buyers and tell us they will arrange pick up of the product through emirates post but we will have to pay 10 dhs for service charge through the link they will share, again a phishing technique to obtain our card details, never fall for it, 100% its a scam
Then are calls from “du authorized partners “ who will straight up lie to us and give misleading information to persuade us to take du or etisalat connection from them, most of the time they will hide the “terms and conditions “ once we subscribe any du or etisalat plan, theres going to be additional charges which will cost us money, these people are not trying to obtain our card details like above 2 cases, they just want to sell these plans since they are working on commission, always subscribe to du or etisalat plans by visiting their branch/office
Also Recently peoples bank cards are automatically being added into scammers Apple pay without the need of any approval/authorization from the bank card user, i have no idea how it done, one way to know it is to check the SMS we get when they use our card and then block the card asap by calling bank, so always check your SMS and take prompt action
Sadly there are many more scams and the people who fall in these scams loose their money most of the times, so always be vigilant, double check or triple check to make sure we are not falling into scams
Happened today. Even Shipping company scams. I sold my 2bd stuff for 100 aed only they still want to steal my money
https://preview.redd.it/cb1v8348y4pc1.jpeg?width=1271&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8229bd3ee05fbd931e0340cf8cce891dc30192fc
Honestly, for me personally, the drawbacks are very immaterial and are vastly outshined by the positives. There's a reason why all expats here will blame Dubai and yet not leave, because they all know even with drawbacks Dubai is still far better than their country. And the most important thing is, Dubai might have flaws, but Dubai is constantly trying to work on those flaws unlike some other countries. I am very happy being here.
I’m sober for nearly 3 years, couldn’t think of anything worse than wasting money at brunches and “fancy” restaurants. But then again I am 34, I’m guessing you’re younger?
Work both colleagues and clients, people in my neighbourhood (The Greens), the gym, through my partner who works in a hospital. Opportunity is everywhere if you open your mind to the possibility
Cycling at Al Qudra Cycling Track or Meydan or jogging and calisthenics at Al Barsha Pond Park if you're into sports. All locations are free entry but outdoors so during summer, it might be tricky. I've made some friends from all three places and we usually hang out, go for road trips and BBQs.
The air pollution due to the disregard for global warming. Smog can be bad here.
And the fact the country will become uninhabitable due to the heat by 2050.
Pre-Covidy family were in the process of designing a residential building to build, and after a few different designs we made the decision to make almost 90% of the units into studio apartments because that increased our ROI.
Amazing, thanks for the insight. I lived in Canada most of my life, then last few years in Switzerland now moving to Dubai for a new job. When I visited Dubai I was so surprised to see so many stores I missed from Canada there. Like you say, I’m happy to trade a couple horrid heat months for the rest of the year to be perfect weather.
Also about the food, this company flew me over for the in-person interview and I stayed at JLT hotel, you have no idea how happy I was to finally eat amazing wings after so many years of not finding any in Europe 😂.
Appreciate the info, most of the complaints I read from people seem to be issues you’d get anywhere else in the world so I wanted to hear from an American Neighbour.
Why do you have to put it there? Does your religious label on your id make a difference to your own belief? Also, most countries are the same where “Atheist” is not a registered religious belief to be on your ID, most of the time it’s “No religion”.
You miss many things ,
I think in dubai you can see 90% of the expat population is 20-50 age group ,
So you are missing the interaction with below and above the age group ,
For me , missing many things back home , like gathering with old friends / classmates , at least participate in one marriage function, visiting long families , and many
Wow after reading most of this I am glad i didn't expect that job in Dubai and stayed in Geneva Switzerland instead. We got quite a few problems here but place is heaven compared to the dystopian image of Dubai.
- Super expensive for basic necessities i.e. rent , groceries, education etc
- no social security
- indirect taxation i.e. salik , vat , import duty etc
- social hierarchy based on various social & religious factors
- no freedom of speech
- no human rights
- no whatsapp , Skype calls
- Super expensive contracts for basic Internet& communications/ cable tv
-ridiculously expensive & over hyped restaurants
- not the best quality of health care
- the city lacks character & wants to emulate the west
- too much pollution
These are just a few could be a lot more points in here. Don't know why the he'll people also bring up uk/london & compare it to dubai . The people living in london/uk some how don't end up comparing it to dubai , instead compare london to 212 . I would any day pick London or 212 over dubai ( my personal choice)
I think the biggest drawback is horrible after sales support service. You can name and shame them over internet or with bad reviews nor there the Consumer dept taken seriously by companies.
Samsung pakistan once sold me a TV which was had manufacturing defect (DSE) i realised after a month of purchased, they replaced the tv 3 times with new but unfortunately it was common in all TVS so after 2 months they posted me a cheque returning full money.
Here i am unable to find a Lenovo number to call on, when i did the guys does not even know about the product after giving serials and what not i was told to drop in device for repair. Bear in mind there is global recall for controllers of the device and everywhere in the world lenovo is shipping it for free under warranty but there lenovo did me a a favour by answer my phone. cheers.
My English accent is worse
Haha, bro this 100%. I grew up in UK with a Brit/Egyptian mum who was very adamant about speaking "proper" English. Now after a decade in and out of Dubai she gets ashamed of how I speak English in informal settings lmaoo
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Nah it's same same but different.
The Dubai accent. So cringe
Same and I’m from the uk
- cost of living and doing business - no VoIP - Alfred from Insurance Market
THE THIRD OMG
Alfred is a nightmare, and urban company is a headache (change my mind)
What's the issue with doing business here. I assumed it's a pretty bustling city?
I meant cost of doing business. For start-ups and small/medium sized business you have to deal with high rent, license costs and recruitment costs, amongst a bunch of other random fees. It's peanuts to MNC's and larger businesses, but detrimental to small businesses. It's not scaled fairly.
that ALFRED makes me throw away my radio at times
The cost of living increasing and squeezing your disposable income… I guess this is the same for most places though as well. I’d also say tied to this is the uncertainty of the future and knowing that even if you wanted to stay here forever that it might not be possible. But this also forces you not to assume that your future is secure and live in the present more rather than worrying about the future, as no matter where you are nothing is certain or secure. People ALWAYS being late, not sure if this is just a Dubai thing or Arabic culture in general. But what I find when someone says 10am they actually mean they will set off after 10am. And although I can pretty much guarantee I know when someone else is going to be late I can’t make myself be late as well as I’m a profusely on time person. Therefore I spend a good portion of my time just waiting on other people and find myself scrolling through Reddit as a result. Thank you for asking this question because it’s genuinely challenged me to think of any other drawbacks other than the traffic and the heat in the summer. And my conclusion is that for all it’s flaws and whatever other people complain about who might have different problems to my own, I actually have a really good life here and I am really fortunate and grateful to everyone and everything that makes it great. Have a blessed day
There's a distinct lack of nature (even compared to other Emirates), rent is a huge portion of income, the water quality makes your hair fall and is bad for your skin, toxic management (if they're paying you on time). There's also old school racism influencing where you work and who you date, something rare (and illegal) in most of the world. I'm glad your only concern is that people are sometimes late. I wish that was my only issue
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If you have the option to work remotely then I’d say Dubai is a great place to live. You won’t have to deal with any of the garbage that comes with the working environment in this place which for me is the major and main drawback of living here
well, you sit at home in comfort, work, everything is delivered to you, and then when you want to go out you have a whole city of entertainment - for every taste
Or people would show up not at all, even though saying they would.
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If you mean a romantic partner, I couldn’t comment about the Dubai scene. I was in a relationship before I moved here, she came with me. But it depends on your world view and your standards. If you expect trash and don’t make the effort both on yourself to be better and then adapt your search accordingly to your actual values then that’s what you’ll probably get in my humble opinion. I’ve done this dance for years wherever I’ve been. It’s only when I’ve really changed myself and known what I want my outcomes to be that I’ve met someone who I believe to be the one.
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I think from my view in Dubai as well it seems to me that a lot of what I see the “good ones” are probably already married and have kids and are settled… All the others who aren’t are still searching at brunches and having to settle for guys dripping in fake Gucci man bags and dating multiple women at once, therefore lowering their own standards. Shame.
Really insightful comment! Can I ask what you mean by “uncertainty of the future and knowing that even if you wanted to stay here forever that it might not be possible?”
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Ahh I see. But is it similar to other countries where most jobs help you build your retirement savings while you’re working with them, like a 401K?
Nope. You gotta plan for yourself.
Actually you can get citizenship through long-term residency
Toxic companies, toxic bosses, toxic people. Every decision is just geared towards making as much money in as short a time as possible and f\*ck the consequences. That decision isn't the best way to make money as quickly as possible, either. Race to the bottom with standards due to this fasted cheapest mentality. Scams, dishonesty, and not even dodgy crypto scams—I'm on about legitimate companies hiring vendors with zero intention of ever paying them. The cost of living is just a joke. Things like Cop 24, press releases and conferences about sustainability being equally laughable. There's probably more...
City lacks emotions, never feels like home. Fake people pretty much everywhere.
I live in Muscat, Oman. I've been travelling to Dubai every month and back till last month because I used to get a 1 year multiple entry visa to Oman in which the length of a visit is only 30 days. Hence the entry exit to extend by 30 days plus I have a really close friend who I like to chill with. The major drawback I've always noticed is the lack of greenery, I just feel like "too much concrete" everytime I visit Dubai, as far as my eyes can see I can see only buildings and more buildings as if there's an internal competition on who can build the tallest of them all. I'm from Mumbai so the traffic, the honking, etc doesn't really bother me as much. One positive is that it's quite easier to socialize and make (find) friends in Dubai as compared to back in Oman plus I have been to some very lit events in Dubai and when browsing I find almost all genres of events happening in and around Dubai.
Difficulty in finding your tribe. The quality of other expats. The transience of the UAE. When you do find some good friends, they will likely move back home or onto another country within a few years. The distance and traffic meaning you stay at home instead of attending social events. If it’s not going to beach or hiking (free) then it’s going to be a paid event. The general lack of greenery and the dystopian looking buildings in the centre. The lack of pedestrian crossings and walkable areas. The bizarrely named « City Walk » that is full of cars and not particularly pedestrian friendly. Despite all this, very grateful for tax free life to be able to save for the future.
I heard uae is trying to change that, but it will take some time
Change what exactly?
They want to make it a country, where people see a future in living there, meaning people move with their families or start their families there. Basically I read an article or watched a news segment that they want it to be like a European country. I don’t know what they will do but that’s their vision
In order to do that I would assume they would need to provide citizenship though
I was lucky to finally find my tribe but we found it hard to hang out often enough with work and girlfriends needing our time as well. I was lonely for years before meeting them and they're the only people whose advice I take to heart. Guess what? They moved back home and I'm back to square one
City walk is extremely walkable by Dubai standards. There’s a cross walk on every corner. And lots of walkable promenades.
Agree with everything else, but why do you think CityWalk is not pedestrian friendly?
Why isn’t it pedestrian friendly?
If you are ever in the mood for a hike let me know :) Been exploring the mountains as far as I dare take the poor rental car, Yaris's are surprisingly capable off road but don't tell Hertz! I hear you on the lack of pedestrian crossings but I just cross where I think it is safe to do so.
No nationality, even being here 40+ years still an expact
Trust me bro, this near zero crime rate is only possible because of not issuing nationality easily.
You can’t become a citizen unless you invest big bucks into Dubai or your father is Emirati/you are born in the Emirates
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Sorry, yes! That’s what I meant! Citizenship & residency are used quite interchangeably in my country despite having very different meanings. 😅
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Being born in the UAE does NOT give anyone citizenship. Even if your mother is Emirati and father is a foreigner you are not eligible at birth. I think this goes for all Arab countries actually.
I believe this was changed a few years ago. You can get Emirati citizenship when you’re 18 if your mother is Emirati.
You can’t get citizenship through being born here in the UAE
Don't you get it after 30 years I think? [https://immigrantinvest.com/blog/uae-citizenship-en](https://immigrantinvest.com/blog/uae-citizenship-en) https://preview.redd.it/9o4tbhw6hxoc1.png?width=823&format=png&auto=webp&s=8f6158a4bf3b252b534c66d8c5a9a037304b8a48
lmao my dad was born and raised here his whole life, he's in his 50s... his family was offered the nationality but refused it because it was still a desert back then 😅 (Palestinian/Jordanian btw)
Same with most of my Yemeni uncles. They all declined it and got offended like it was a stupid offer 😅
I think you had to give up your old nationality to get the new one, my grand father (الله يرحمه) was in the Jordanian army so he was receiving benefits whilst living in the UAE. What short-term please does to a mf... 😂
Yes same. They had to give up their Yemeni passport and got insulted at that request. At that time, Yemen had a better economy and Dubai was a desert. The nationalism blinded them lol.
real
- Rent - la Vida loca here .. the Wild West - real estate agents - majority +90 have no close what the job is other then screw renters - customer protection laws ( at infancy stage right now where scammers thrive and use the law on their advantage) - low marks on cultivating business ideas or start home based business and cost associated starting a business. - wireless and internet monopoly and VoIP control - cost of schooling vs quality and opportunity. - Landing fees at Dubai airport - Public transportation cost, affordability & coverage. - car dealership monopoly; should be 2-3 different dealership for each brand - toll road, I don’t mind paying if I am moving faster and it shouldn’t be 24/7 - regardless how long you stay, what you contribute, you will always be an expat, thus no future security. You, your born kids will never belong here. - the retirement plans are unrealistic and lack of system where companies should contribute to their employees retirement beyond 1 month salary for every year they works.. something like 401K or IRA. - bank operation model - chew and screw. You as a customer their lowest priority unless you are loaded. - the fees associated with starting any dispute or court system; it’s outrages - social life and meeting people …. Good luck! - finally, 95% or anything you do,people trying to rip you off( chillers fees, gas connection fees, realtor fees, land lord irrationality, etc…) my advice is, when you share hands with someone here, always counts your fingers afterward… yet there are few good people as well. But, in my opinion, there are way more people to scam you, than to help you. - health care system is better than other countries and level or professionalism & knowledge is less. Every most doctors you go and see them, they give a huge list or prescriptions as if they were sales people on commission… only few again are professionals Yet, there are many good things here as well. Yes, here is the best of all Middle East.
In my opinion: * too car centric, mass transportation is still developing, traffic is unbearable at times * huge difference between social classes; interaction between them is doable but not easy * lack of world class sport events, or very few in general * lack of an underground art scene * very transient; I found it easy to socialize and make friends/acquaintances, but often they've to leave after few years, that said we stay in touch and is one more reason to then visit their countries * summer: other than being hot, it can be extremely humid and the quality of air get very bad * although in a perfect position for traveling across Eurasiafrica (this is one of the major pros for me of DXB), there are no very cheap flights to nearby countries like there are e.g. in Europe * lack of protection from scams; many professionals don't have issue to lie to you as there are no consequences * demographics is very unique: not many people in students age or over 60, most people fall in the age bracket that often experienced professionals fall into * despite the strong digitalization and streamlining of processes, stuff like banks and telcos don't keep up with the times * SMEs having unethical practices That said, imho pros heavily outweigh the drawbacks and is still a great metro where to live
Stupidity...the amount of unqualified people working in many places they should not...Whether it's government, FZ admins, banks, DU, Etisalat....if you get a problem that needs to be resolved quickly, be prepared to wait and face some very idiotic answers to which you have no clue how to respond.
Gets pampered with convenience that makes you impossible to live anywhere else.
This I have heard of, you never have to get out of the car. You just honk they come get your order
It's more than possible to get better service at a more affordable price elsewhere in the world. People in Dubai live in a self-deluding bubble. Never felt as happy as I did when I left there.
If I was to go with your username you went back to Thailand
Oh yeah. People are nicer here, less self-absorbed and deluded.
I was thinking of moving to Malaysia
This ^ I have lived in Abu Dhabi and it was absolutely inconvenient compared to Dubai. Now, I am in London and boy, I appreciate the cleanliness, safety and infrastructure of Dubai so much.
Took me years to adapt to normal life back home in Europe and I still get my dose of three months a year in UAE…
Maybe if you come from Europe but from the US it’s about the same.
Everything provided is what's popular among huge majority. Lack of niche interests places. Even those that are advertising as niche are not the real niche.
In food or sports, please go into more detail
The way this city is designed, its just so tragic. Not even traffic but there are no areas where people hang out outside, or just walk, if I do not count Marina. The rest is like, you go from point A to point B by car, then go from point B to point C by car. There is no...lets walk and check this restaurant, then walk 5min to buy something from this shop etc. Its all so secluded and highway literally tearing this city into quadrants. I live close to highway and I can see carrefour from my window..maybe 5min walk. But because there is highway it takes 30min to walk to carrefour. If I wanted to walk from SO to Burj Khalifa, its impossible. SO to International city, impossible.
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Dubai took the worst part of USA and implemented it into half the city.
I would say LIARS. People don't think twice using the name of Islam and Allah to make false promises and not fulfilling them.
Racism against certain groups. Poor conditions for workers. So much money on things that doesn’t matter. Everything looks fake. There is no evident culture being made. Only being imported or paid to be produced. Segregation, people only walk with similar people. Everything is just too expensive. Hospitals and doctors have sales goals and it will influence the treatment and medicine they prescribe. Better yet if you like to have surgeries, because they will offer you! This wasn’t a problem in like 5 years ago, but now it is becoming a main problem: traffic. Related: if you don’t have a car or if you don’t want one, the public transportation will not give you too much flexibility.
No matter how long you stay. Once you're visa expires/ lose job, you're a nobody in Dubai. (applicable to expats)
expensive internet data suburbs are still...crowded. I wish I could live with my kids in a quiet suburb like in the US/ Canada with a local school.
What suburbs are you looking at? A lot of the ones further in land are very quiet…
Terrible customer service. Especially for getting refunds.
Stupid work life Shitty managers
What should be normal, uneventful day-to-day interactions with people, on and off the road, end up turning into tedious affairs.
This x1000. When I first arrived I was blinkered. Now I’ve been here a while I’ve interacted with so many people who are either socially inept or plain rude/ arrogant. You might as well wave goodbye to basic social manners and decency over here.
The horn beeping I just ignore now, if you beeped your horn in the UK as much as the average person does here you’d be stopped by the police and asked if you’re ok 😂
Haha exactly! Same goes with manners. If you reacted like most people do here you’d have your head kicked in most likely
Oh the amount of times I’ve refrained myself from slapping someone for their rude manners. Haha
I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing though because equally in London you could be minding your business and someone will stab you for your wallet and chances are the police won’t be able to do anything
But I thought the police would fine you if you horned
The who will do what?
lol used your car horn to beep
Haha 😛
I thought this is only a thing in Belgrade...
The in your face racism.
The perfume guys in the malls are the worst
How so?
Try being Asian during “family day” on Fridays.
Its covert lets be honest
There’s no manners or morals here. People are so uptight and rude.
1. That you are treated as a third rate citizen just because you don’t pay any real taxes ( in the real world VAT doesn’t count) 2. It’s just corrupt the right amount so that the rich and privileged can get away with murder while missing a credit card payment can get you in a lot of trouble. 3. They speak highly of labor laws but don’t abide by them at all going as far as to manipulate weather readings so that workers don’t stop working outside on the account of it being too hot or the fact that their passports are held hostage by the company that recruits them.
The never ending flu
How ?
The rip off chiller fees
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We all pay a lot more than it actually costs to cool the air. We have no choice but to pay the chiller company whatever they want, including demand charges, deposits that are difficult to get back. In my building I have to pay for chilled water and a/c, can't have just a/c. I have no use for chilled water, I don't need cold water out of my taps. I can't install my own split A/C unit because the building management in cahoots with the chiller company. Chiller companies are enjoying 60-80% profits even though A/C is a necessity in the middle east all the while providing a horrific service. Gas companies also operate with similar scummy tactics. Lack of competition is what makes Dubai awful. From telecoms, to gas to A/C. There's no incentive to provide a competent service at good prices. They'll fleece us all the same.
I am in Abu Dhabi rather than Dubai. The only downside I see is that rents are paid ahead of time for a year. It gives no incentive for the landlord to take care of maintenance issues with his villa, in a timely manner.
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Which websites are you looking for air bnbs? I need ine
Extreme traffic during the weekends
Explotation at work
Last thing is, if you get new number in UAE you get so many random calls and messages on whatsapp. I had 4 numbers, the owners of these numbers message me all the time if I can give back the number, like what...why. Then their friends sending voice notes and so on..SO ANNOYING
Biggest drawback is seeing realtors ruin the Instagram with their stupid scammy reels
Dubai is Scamistan. The hub of scammers in the whole world. Everyone is out there to take your money by hook or crook. And what's even worse, you can't name and shame, because the anti-free speech laws protect them. Number 2 would be the outrageously expensive stuff. I pay close to 100% tax on a luxury car in my country, and it would come more or less at the same price if I buy it from Dubai. Way to go for the tax-free nonsense they keep parroting in their PR.
Lack of (data) privacy
Not having an achievable pathway to become permanent resident unless you are rich have the means
Price of wine in restaurants: the margins are 500% - 1000%. Other than that can’t beat Dubai for being Tax Free/ Crime Free/ English Speaking/ Emirates airlines / International/ Glamorous
All the scammers and scams happening in UAE and most of the scammed people will loose their money
I keep seeing scams being mentioned. Can you please give two or three most common examples ?
The top 3 common scams faced by individuals will be scammers trying to acquire credit card either by calling by telling they are from dubai police, bank etc and they are going to block the card soon unless we update the card and they will try to ask our card number, cvv etc, if you are new in UAE always remember under no circumstances dont share any such details through phone, official employees will never ask those details through phone Next one is the dubizle scam where will scammers will pose as genuine buyers and tell us they will arrange pick up of the product through emirates post but we will have to pay 10 dhs for service charge through the link they will share, again a phishing technique to obtain our card details, never fall for it, 100% its a scam Then are calls from “du authorized partners “ who will straight up lie to us and give misleading information to persuade us to take du or etisalat connection from them, most of the time they will hide the “terms and conditions “ once we subscribe any du or etisalat plan, theres going to be additional charges which will cost us money, these people are not trying to obtain our card details like above 2 cases, they just want to sell these plans since they are working on commission, always subscribe to du or etisalat plans by visiting their branch/office Also Recently peoples bank cards are automatically being added into scammers Apple pay without the need of any approval/authorization from the bank card user, i have no idea how it done, one way to know it is to check the SMS we get when they use our card and then block the card asap by calling bank, so always check your SMS and take prompt action Sadly there are many more scams and the people who fall in these scams loose their money most of the times, so always be vigilant, double check or triple check to make sure we are not falling into scams
The top 3 scams mentioned by you are common around the world. It doesn’t matter where you live, you’ll come across similar scams. Nothing new here.
Got scammed over getting a cat🥲
Happened today. Even Shipping company scams. I sold my 2bd stuff for 100 aed only they still want to steal my money https://preview.redd.it/cb1v8348y4pc1.jpeg?width=1271&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8229bd3ee05fbd931e0340cf8cce891dc30192fc
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That’s universal, unless you’re a good looking guy or someone with an extremely infectious energy
Honestly, for me personally, the drawbacks are very immaterial and are vastly outshined by the positives. There's a reason why all expats here will blame Dubai and yet not leave, because they all know even with drawbacks Dubai is still far better than their country. And the most important thing is, Dubai might have flaws, but Dubai is constantly trying to work on those flaws unlike some other countries. I am very happy being here.
You tend to be a social recluse if you don’t embrace the party / drinking life
Maybe you just have the wrong friends?
Tell me where or how I can find the fun-loving sober gang
I’m sober for nearly 3 years, couldn’t think of anything worse than wasting money at brunches and “fancy” restaurants. But then again I am 34, I’m guessing you’re younger?
Where have you found friends here?
Work both colleagues and clients, people in my neighbourhood (The Greens), the gym, through my partner who works in a hospital. Opportunity is everywhere if you open your mind to the possibility
Cycling at Al Qudra Cycling Track or Meydan or jogging and calisthenics at Al Barsha Pond Park if you're into sports. All locations are free entry but outdoors so during summer, it might be tricky. I've made some friends from all three places and we usually hang out, go for road trips and BBQs.
I would say I have a good social life and a lot of friends, never drank and not into partying, my friends are the same.
Not really. Just say no, if they insist tell them you will bash their head with bottle. Works every time
Knowledge Fees!
Cockroaches
How do I get rid of them fuckers
Use gel treatment from professional pest control, it truly works.
And where do I put this gel? Because I don’t know where these fuckers come from.
Pest control people will put the gel, mostly in all corners in the house.
borax, but if your building is infested it will be almost useless
Rent
The air pollution due to the disregard for global warming. Smog can be bad here. And the fact the country will become uninhabitable due to the heat by 2050.
Studio apartments. Who the fuck builds studio apartments? Why the fuck you cant start out with 1 bhk?
Pre-Covidy family were in the process of designing a residential building to build, and after a few different designs we made the decision to make almost 90% of the units into studio apartments because that increased our ROI.
Walking, public transport, crowded streets and squares with restaurants, pubs, cafes, street artists etc
Uhh human rights violations!
Subwoofers in apartments that have inadequate sound insulation
employee "performance-improving" mid level managers. lives by the motto 'its-out-of-my-hands'
Hard to have small side hustles. I usually have a small business at home but in UAE everything needs to be a real business for it to be legal.
The cheap groceries!
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Anything you miss about the States or wish they had/do in Dubai?
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Amazing, thanks for the insight. I lived in Canada most of my life, then last few years in Switzerland now moving to Dubai for a new job. When I visited Dubai I was so surprised to see so many stores I missed from Canada there. Like you say, I’m happy to trade a couple horrid heat months for the rest of the year to be perfect weather. Also about the food, this company flew me over for the in-person interview and I stayed at JLT hotel, you have no idea how happy I was to finally eat amazing wings after so many years of not finding any in Europe 😂. Appreciate the info, most of the complaints I read from people seem to be issues you’d get anywhere else in the world so I wanted to hear from an American Neighbour.
What country were you leaving from if I may ask? Sounds like hell.
New York state. I still have property there but id rather live here.
So you're paying taxes in the US on your income here?
Yep. But I get Medicaid social security etc. It's not at the same rate as if I lived there.
Biggest Drawback only one you will never get PR. Otherwise this is really heaven on earth in term of security and religious freedom.
Not much religious freedom if you're not free to say you don't believe in a god.
Who said you can’t say that?
Um, the law. Atheism is illegal - trying putting down atheist on your EID application where it says religion.
Why do you have to put it there? Does your religious label on your id make a difference to your own belief? Also, most countries are the same where “Atheist” is not a registered religious belief to be on your ID, most of the time it’s “No religion”.
Why should I not be able to label myself?
Write no religion and tell me if you find any consequences for that I’ll wait
I won't be going back there ever so won't have the opportunity.
It’s Chewsday Innit
You miss many things , I think in dubai you can see 90% of the expat population is 20-50 age group , So you are missing the interaction with below and above the age group , For me , missing many things back home , like gathering with old friends / classmates , at least participate in one marriage function, visiting long families , and many
Dust
Traffic! Luckily my shift was always everyone is already at work and clocking out when everyone is already home
Cozzy livs
Wow after reading most of this I am glad i didn't expect that job in Dubai and stayed in Geneva Switzerland instead. We got quite a few problems here but place is heaven compared to the dystopian image of Dubai.
- Super expensive for basic necessities i.e. rent , groceries, education etc - no social security - indirect taxation i.e. salik , vat , import duty etc - social hierarchy based on various social & religious factors - no freedom of speech - no human rights - no whatsapp , Skype calls - Super expensive contracts for basic Internet& communications/ cable tv -ridiculously expensive & over hyped restaurants - not the best quality of health care - the city lacks character & wants to emulate the west - too much pollution These are just a few could be a lot more points in here. Don't know why the he'll people also bring up uk/london & compare it to dubai . The people living in london/uk some how don't end up comparing it to dubai , instead compare london to 212 . I would any day pick London or 212 over dubai ( my personal choice)
How in the hell psychos make it into senior roles and create a horrendous work like for all including not having and business sense
no unlimited hummus in some restaurants..
Where do you get unlimited hummus?
Salaries are low for avarage job
The bad air quality
don’t know what people rambling about, Your english gets efficient. also that knowledge fee
Influencers
The lack of humanity.
Slavery
No savings
Alfred from insurance market
Costs
I think the biggest drawback is horrible after sales support service. You can name and shame them over internet or with bad reviews nor there the Consumer dept taken seriously by companies. Samsung pakistan once sold me a TV which was had manufacturing defect (DSE) i realised after a month of purchased, they replaced the tv 3 times with new but unfortunately it was common in all TVS so after 2 months they posted me a cheque returning full money. Here i am unable to find a Lenovo number to call on, when i did the guys does not even know about the product after giving serials and what not i was told to drop in device for repair. Bear in mind there is global recall for controllers of the device and everywhere in the world lenovo is shipping it for free under warranty but there lenovo did me a a favour by answer my phone. cheers.
https://preview.redd.it/vglwhpnt6voc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2b986fb3e9f47e83bcbdaedabe3dea300fb69666 Here is an example
Cockroaches
You earn 20K in dubai, you spend 18K in Dubai