What expats might not like about Dubai

1. Cultural adjustments not familiar at home
The call to prayer five times a day can mean that non-Muslims may have to wait a bit to continue their business until Muslims return from prayer. Also, during the holy month of Ramadan work slows to a crawl and most restaurants will be closed during the day or serve a limited menu. No alcohol will be served until the fast is broken at sunset.

2. Apartment rents may need to be paid annually and up front
While this arrangements leave a resident not to worry about paying the rent for the next 12 months, and some employers make advance payments deductible to an employee’s monthly salary, it could also mean lack of attention from owners or agents to handle cases such as maintenance issues and an absentee owner’s failure to pay residential obligations mean restrictions of using certain facilities in the housing estate.

3. Emiratization means not all expats get jobs their skills fit
The nationalization of certain jobs — providing Emiratis more employment opportunities in the private sector — has gained traction over the past years. It has not only restricted employment of non-Emiratis but also makes it not usual for a qualified foreign professional to work under a less qualified Emirati boss.

4. It takes a long time to get things done
Paperwork may take longer than usual. Applying for your resident or work visas, opening bank accounts or mobile phone subscriptions may have to go through Dubai bureaucracy. Some documents are in Arabic and need translations back and forth that expats need to get a certified and reliable translation companies.

5. Summers can be hazardous to health
Extreme temperature during summer season can be very unpleasant to newcomers.

6. Driving can be difficult for newcomers
Newcomers will always need to adjust to a new city. This applies to getting around the local culture, driving around, and familiarizing street signs and traffic laws. Dubai, unfortunately has this problem where driving can be difficult and erratic. Not all streets are clearly marked and directions are given in landmarks. Making the wrong turn can take you back half an hour to get to the right direction.

7. Not all health care providers are reliable
As good as bigger, more established providers provide excellent service, smaller clinics and outlying hospitals don’t offer the same peace of mind. Perhaps language problem or inexperienced staff, but it pays to get treatments from the reliable providers.

Share This Post