Running Away to Join the Arabs (A Call for Help) (557 hits)
Category: NewsRating: 0.7 on 24 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Impassive-Digressive (View user info) at 2008-09-19 02:23:20 EDT
Hi Uber, how's it going? It's been a while since we've spoken.
Largely because I tend to shy away from posts like this. Years and years of lurking around this site, you'd think I would know better - nevertheless, here goes: I am about to ask the Uberpopulace for advice.
In brief, I am in the throes of planning a move to the Middle East. Not the kind that involves a uniform and weaponry - the kind that a corporate peon with wanderlust is more likely to make. Specifically, I am looking at relocating to work in the UAE. Most likely Dubai, but Oman is an outside possibility as well.
So, Uberfolk, is there anyone here who has spent a little time in this part of the world - or (ideally) even worked there, who can impart some form of wisdom on me?
As far as getting work goes, I can take care of that for myself. What I would be more interested to hear about is the lifestyle in the area, and of any big culture shocks that a mid-twenties, Caucasian male should be prepared for. Even any places that are worth exploring (or avoiding).
To make up for the content above, (assuming it works) here's a collection of buildings currently built, or planned for Dubai. When it comes to cool architecture, there's something to be said for being obscenely wealthy.
User Reviews
Submitted by Maddog (user info) at 2008-09-21 12:52:07 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Well here's one for culture differences: "Girls Gone Wild-Dubai" consists of a burhka clad sand negress showing her ankle.
Submitted by tatersninja (user info) at 2008-09-19 20:21:33 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
you've got the absurd wealth part right, i heard that you're either dirt poor or bonerifically wealthy. My friend's dad lives there and she goes back every year, she seems to really enjoy it;....... uhh.... did I mention that you should have lots of dinero, tho????
Submitted by Impassive-Digressive (user info) at 2008-09-19 19:55:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by The_Drake (user info) at 2008-09-19 09:10:33 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Just what the world needs. More yuppies.
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In fairness, I've already been a yuppie for a good 4-5 years, so it's not like I'm adding to the population with this move.
Submitted by Cyrus (user info) at 2008-09-19 11:48:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
They have a lot of interesting architecture - as I can see your aware - if that excites you.
Otherwise for a 20some white boy, no booze, drugs, night life, or women, and even if you did manage to find any the penalty is beheading - so good luck with that. Assuming you're not gay, it's life in hell.
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I work in property here in Australia and am looking to get a job with a developer over there - I have contacts in a couple of them, I'm just waiting to see what kind of package they offer - so the architecture/construction side of things turns me way the fuck on.
Alcohol's not an issue there any more, from what I've been able to gather... I'm not much of a drug user, and the club scene is probably better than where I am now.. The whole 'illegal to be alone with a woman who isn't your wife' side of things could be a bit of a problem though...
From what I've read, they are pretty progressive in this regard when compared to places like Saudi Arabia and the like, however, outside the expat circles it's pretty frowned upon and if someone dobs you in to the police you can be up to your neck in shit.
Let's be honest though, a little while without drugs, alcohol and women will probably save me a ton of money and headaches anyway.
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Looking forward to that first post, warlock.
Submitted by iambetteratit (user info) at 2008-09-19 18:07:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
If you want to see some crazy ass shit in the middle east go check out something called "ashura" or something like that. One of the sects of islam (shi'a I beleive) walks around hitting themselves with ropes and chains and stuff untill they bleed.
Submitted by Jack_McCallum (user info) at 2008-09-19 17:30:40 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Jesus H. CHRIST! http://www.dubai-architecture.info/DUB-GAL1.htm
I hope you have fun!
Submitted by Cyrus (user info) at 2008-09-19 11:48:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
They have a lot of interesting architecture - as I can see your aware - if that excites you.
Otherwise for a 20some white boy, no booze, drugs, night life, or women, and even if you did manage to find any the penalty is beheading - so good luck with that. Assuming you're not gay, it's life in hell.
Submitted by 100watt.warlock (user info) at 2008-09-19 10:16:59 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Good luck!
I'm flying to Dubai tonight and expect to be there for the next year or two.
I would suggest doing a few searches on google regading this. I've had a crap week and haven't had time to do any major research. Here's a link you should have regarding alcohol laws in Dubai:
http://www.dubaifaqs.com/alcohol-licence.php
Here's another about "living in Dubai" - http://dubaiparent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=41&Itemid=44
Hopefully I'll be able to make my first post from there when I have lots of time to kill....
Submitted by Littlebint (user info) at 2008-09-19 10:11:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
They be some wicked buildings
Submitted by sage104 (user info) at 2008-09-19 10:11:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Points for cool buildings!!
Submitted by Banjo (user info) at 2008-09-19 10:02:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I'm not a yuppie...
Submitted by EmissionImpossible (user info) at 2008-09-19 09:35:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
shush dont talk with your mouth full
Submitted by The_Drake (user info) at 2008-09-19 09:25:39 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Everybody knows that.
Submitted by EmissionImpossible (user info) at 2008-09-19 09:15:54 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Did you know the drake sucks cock?
Submitted by The_Drake (user info) at 2008-09-19 09:10:33 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Just what the world needs. More yuppies.
Submitted by Banjo (user info) at 2008-09-19 08:51:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I'm in exactly the same boat as you. Should be moving out to Abu Dhabi just down the road from Dubai in the not to distant future. Dazzled by all the new buildings project and the promise of a bright future!
Here's the advice I got from my predecessor:
1. Know how to drive as it is too hot in the summer months to be out for any length of time.
2. If you're female it is frowned upon for you not to be married and share with a member of the opposite sex.
3. The country is pretty westernised but don't have sex on the beach and watch how much skin you reveal during the day.
4. Accommodation prices are crazy, worse than the UK although everything else is cheaper.
5. You'll be able to afford to live like a king. I was told on my salary I'd afford private beaches, to eat 5 star every night and have a massage every day.
6. You can afford a decent car!
7. If you're from the UK then get there before the beginning of the next tax year and stay for a year to be completely tax exempt.
That's about all I remember.
Submitted by Jeanneee (user info) at 2008-09-19 08:44:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Wear sunscreen, and don't say anything bad about Allah or Mohammed
Submitted by monkeyswithguns (user info) at 2008-09-19 08:41:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
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Submitted by monkeyswithguns (user info) at 2008-09-18 15:19:40 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
You should really know better than to ask for advice here. Advice-seekers and Ubersite go together like kittens and lawnmowers.
Submitted by forensicgirl3 (user info) at 2008-09-19 07:06:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
You have a penis so you should be ok.
Submitted by kaos-king (user info) at 2008-09-19 06:42:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
No clue, talk to Hidden...
Submitted by Dextreme (user info) at 2008-09-19 04:25:50 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
No Comment
Submitted by Lamia (user info) at 2008-09-19 04:13:22 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I have family in Dubai who have been there for a few years and like it. Also my dad works all over the middle east, and says that as long as you go somewhere with money it is fine.
Submitted by MichaelJackson (user info) at 2008-09-19 03:39:49 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I, Michael Jackson, lived in Bahrain for a few years. I have lots of money though and could afford air conditioning.
Submitted by FilledwithHate (user info) at 2008-09-19 03:16:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Nice buildings.
I have heard the never getting laid thing gets old. Many expatriates are British, Irish, Aussie, or Americans. The first two get drunk a lot (you can get alcohol there unlike in Saudi) and the latter have a reputation for going to the gym a lot, then getting drunk later.
Submitted by Snark (user info) at 2008-09-19 02:37:54 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I'm a sucker for shiny things.