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06-09-2010, 10:38 AM
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305 posts, read 437,021 times
Reputation: 24
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Has anyone been to Abu Dhabi? Can you list the pros and cons of the region besides the heat in the summer? Thanks.
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06-09-2010, 11:28 AM
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600 posts, read 998,509 times
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What would you be doing, if you don't mind me asking?
Also, it's obviously heavy muslim. I'd be careful being a westerner.
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06-09-2010, 05:51 PM
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305 posts, read 437,021 times
Reputation: 24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shamrox311
What would you be doing, if you don't mind me asking?
Also, it's obviously heavy muslim. I'd be careful being a westerner.
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higher education. due to having a sponsor the housing would be paid for and it's good money. I don't think it's as dangerous for westerners as 10 years ago, but I understand what you're saying. |
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06-09-2010, 07:08 PM
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600 posts, read 998,509 times
Reputation: 106
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I'd say jump on it if ya can. Sounds like a wonderful opportunity and a once in a lifetime chance.
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06-10-2010, 04:07 PM
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Location: Michissippi
3,119 posts, read 7,453,024 times
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I suggest you do some research into what it might be like to work there, first. I know that in Dubai you can have very serious problems if you have debt and lose your job (such as ending up in jail and having your passport revoked, I think). There are some articles about people who have had serious legal problems in Dubai.
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion...i-1664368.html |
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06-10-2010, 04:48 PM
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600 posts, read 998,509 times
Reputation: 106
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Yeah.....on second thought, you might want to rethink that whole thing. Or at least check on Abu Dhabi's laws to see if they're like Dubai's laws....Holy cow!
Last edited by shamrox311; 06-10-2010 at 05:13 PM..
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06-10-2010, 05:05 PM
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26,590 posts, read 57,057,903 times
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I asked a friend who is an expat there, and this is what he told me:
The UAE is a tolerant Islamic country. Westerners have special rules. You are able to buy a special permit to purchase a small amount of alcohol in specific stores in American interest hotels. Of course the alcohol can only be consumed in your home. There are also plenty of bars where Westerners are free to mingle with each other and drink/dance.
Western women don't have to comply with modesty laws to a degree, although you'd be taking chances to appear in a string bikini, a modest swimsuit is acceptable. In general he suggests fairly modest clothing. Nothing too low cut or tight. Unless you go to a mosque, you won't need to cover your head.
English is commonly spoken, and there is a huge expat community there.
A few things, if you are female you should be cautious socializing alone with male UAE citizens. Islam forbids this. You should never offer your left hand to shake, it's considered a major faux pas. Some of the larger grocery stores sell pork and pork products, you'll find them in a seperate meat department. Soem Western foods are also available, but often for a price.
Housing is very, very expensive in Abu Dahbi, and my friend suggests finding the nicest building, even if the apartment is smaller. Tipping is expected, and you'll find a lot of people in the service industry.
He loves it there and has no plans on leaving anytimes soon.
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06-10-2010, 05:19 PM
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154 posts, read 459,090 times
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Caution for you - I can't recall if it's Abu Dahbi or if it's Dubai but my friend's husband is an architect who was sent there very recently for an extended time for work. (Funny, it was either go there or have no work at all in the U.S.) They TAKE your passport from you while you are there. He insisted that he wouldn't give it to them. Somehow he managed to convince them not to. This is not just the company he worked for with this rule- he was told it was gov't policy if you are there for any length of time. I don't know about you but that sure isn't within my comfort level.
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06-10-2010, 05:27 PM
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600 posts, read 998,509 times
Reputation: 106
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Onestep4ward
Caution for you - I can't recall if it's Abu Dahbi or if it's Dubai but my friend's husband is an architect who was sent there very recently for an extended time for work. (Funny, it was either go there or have no work at all in the U.S.) They TAKE your passport from you while you are there. He insisted that he wouldn't give it to them. Somehow he managed to convince them not to. This is not just the company he worked for with this rule- he was told it was gov't policy if you are there for any length of time. I don't know about you but that sure isn't within my comfort level.
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That's Dubai. |
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06-10-2010, 08:08 PM
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48,508 posts, read 88,431,788 times
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I know many who were in the oil industry that actually moved to work all over the miiddle east during the 70's recession. Many actaully retired and now get their retirement check from such places. They returned to the USA on vacations a few times.They said they were very well treated and well paid . From their standard of living in retirement it seems they did well.It migyht really depend on the profession tho because they were basically taken care of as far as living expenses from what they said while there.
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