When I set foot for the first time in Dubai, I thought to give myself only 2 years and I’ll go back home. That 2 years became 5, then 10, and then forever. Today marks exactly my 14th year in the UAE. Call it either indecision or lack of planning, but I think it also has a lot to do with the love for this country.
I feel blessed to call UAE my family’s second home. It’s not hard to fall in love with this country. There are so many reasons that influence an expat’s decision to stay longer here than go home or go somewhere else. Here are just 49 of them:
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
- People of all cultures and religions can happily co-exist in the community and at work.
- We can celebrate Christmas, Diwali, and Ramadan in the country; and people from differrent religion cheerfuly greet the other religion. There are no conflicts.
- We get shortened hours at work during Ramadan
- We can wear comfortable clothing as long as it is decent, modest, and respectful to whoever you are with.
- Family-first policy is observed on parks, beaches, and many other public places; even in public transport.
- UAE is a haven for creatives – art exhibits and festivals are aplenty every year.
- People with disabilities are called “people of determination” and they are highly regarded and included in almost all activities and events.
- Malls have started to designate parking spaces for pregnant women and those with infants.
- Desert camping is one of the best bonding activity for family and friends.
- Food is diverse. How can you not love a place where you can find hundreds of cuisines in every corner.
- We get to see our favorite musical acts live as UAE is a frequent artist destination.
- Women are highly regarded. There are pink taxis for women, and there are areas exclusive for ladies in buses and trains.
- Family is also highly honored. There are priority lanes for families with young kids in many offices and public places.
SAFETY - We have peace of mind wherever we go – even in the wee hours of the night.
- We can leave our cars unlocked on the sideroad, no one will carnap.
- We can leave our laptops, phones, or other belongings on the restaurant table unattended, and no one will take it.
GOVERNANCE - The leaders are visionary. And the vision is properly communicated across media platforms.
- Crimes get solved fast, and they are documented really well in cinematic videos.
- The leadership is like no other. When they say something, people follow – oftentimes is all for the residents safety and protection.
- Emirates ID has all the whereabouts of a person – so it’s much easier to register to absolutely anything.
- COVID-19 preventive measures are in place.
- Futuristic. The long-term plan in the country represents hope.
- Free food is offered or donated to the poor during special occasions like Ramadan.
- Charity events and fundraising activities are regulated to avoid frauds.
- Generosity. UAE is always ready to send financial and relief aids to other countries in times of calamity.
- No personal tax – though there is already VAT, we receive our salary without cuts.
THE CITY AND THE COUNTRYSIDE - Dubai is always on top of the list of best places to live in terms of comfort and safety.
- The ever-changing cityscape is amazing. All world-breaking shapes and sizes are here.
- It’s clean and orderly – there’s proper garbage disposal everywhere.
- Roads are constructed to high standards and are well-spaced and well-lit at night.
- Sometimes, mall restrooms look better than your bedroom.
- Beaches here have white sand (not dolomite).
- Green parks offer a free (or cheap) alternative to kids play destination.
- The use of biometrics and facial recognition in public offices are testaments to the country being an advanced digital technology hub
- Mall sale is a real sale. There are even 2 big shopping festivals happening every year to “celebrate” the drop in prices.
- Sports is alive and it varies in every community. Football for Arabs and Westerners, cricket for Indian and Pakistanis, and basketball for Filipinos among others.
ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE - The country is building the world’s largest concentrated solar power plant. During daylight, solar power will provide cheap electricity, and at night the UAE will use stored solar heat to generate electricity.
- Abu Dhabi has a plan to make the emirate free of single-use plastic bags by 2021. Other emirates followed.
- You won’t experience the extreme of heat “that much” because most of the time you’re indoors – and everywhere is airconditioned (even the bus stop).
REAL CAMPAIGNS GET PEOPLE MOVING - Dubai Fitness Challenge is a real fitness challenge. It doesn’t end in the hashtag.
- People can lose weight in exchange for golds.
- Construction of bike lanes are visible and quick to inspire people to bike to and from work.
- They tax sodas, energy drinks, and cigarettes the highest to ‘somehow’ reduce people consuming them.
HEALTHCARE - Most often than not, companies provide health insurance to their employees. And if you have one, you are entitled to good medical care and facilities with the top UAE Hospitals.
- Abu Dhabi proactively created and tested a COVID-19 vaccine, and currently leads in its global distribution.
LOCAL TOURISM - There’s always something new to try every now and then.
- Hotel staycations are amazing, albeit can be costly at times.
- There’s a lot of fun and adventures in land (desert, parks), water (watersports, fishing) and even air (skydiving, balloon rides).
- Camping in the desert or the beach is a sure fun moment.
Disclaimer – these are just my personal reasons. I’m sure you’ve got a set of different reasons too. Staying longer in the UAE than what you originally planned could be a blessing or a curse. In my case, it’s a blessing.
Forever grateful to UAE. Thank you UAE!
