I'll try for it, I guess. Probably won't amount to anything, but you never know.
Typhoon Pilot- What exactly is it like as an American living in the UAE? Is it more socially restrictive? How do the local residents treat you? What's the overall quality of life?
I don't live in a cave, I've heard what a shining economic star the UAE is in the Middle East and how many foreigners are going to work there, I'm just curious about the perspective of someone who lives there...
Living in the UAE is not that different than living in the USA. The society is very much reliant on the automobile. The cities are layed out much like coastal California or Florida so they are very spread out and a car is necessary.
Islam is the religion so you'll hear the call to prayer 5 times per day and during Ramadan you can't eat in public view so as not to offend those who are fasting. Pretty reasonable rule if you think about it. If I were on a diet I wouldn't want to watch someone eat a chocolate cake in front of me
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The authorites are pretty tolerant because they want the tourist dollars from Europe and elsewhere. That said there are laws that forbid living with a member of the opposite sex unless you are married; of kissing in public; and a variety of others that are rarely enforced unless you've done something to get noticed in a negative way.
The locals only make up 20% of the population. Expats are the majority. There is a definite heirarchy in how people are treated. The arabs are on top followed by the white professionals then the professionals of nearby countries like Lebanon, India, Pakistan, Iran, etc followed by the hords of office workers from the Philippines, India, Pakistan, etc followed by the laborers.
Quality of life is pretty good. The are many world class sporting events, cultural programs, good beaches, good 4 wheeling in the desert, great restaurants and clubs. Schools are top notch.
There are certainly some negatives versus the USA. Bureacracy can be a bit annoying and the drving skills of people on the road are abismal. It is very hot 5 months of the year, but the other 7 are pretty good with 4 of those being perfect.
You can find lots of info on expat websites.
TP