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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Meant to be moving to Dubai in 4 weeks

967 replies

Medesres · 01/03/2026 15:42

We've been planning a move to Dubai for a while now. Dh's work has an office out there and it seemed like great opportunity to live abroad and experience sth different. I've got a couple of friends out there already too who love the lifestyle.

Watching the news for the past 24 hours and I'm really starting to question things. I had no idea how close to Iran it was and who knows what might happen next. Part of me is hoping it will all be resolved soon but hard to believe.

My friend who already lives there has spent the night sleeping in one room with her dh and kids scared of all the missile noises.

OP posts:
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BlimeyOReillyO · 01/03/2026 21:38

FloofBunny · 01/03/2026 21:34

That's a well-thought-out, persuasive argument. I don't know how anyone can fail to be convinced! 🤣

I‘m just cannot comment on your “why would people hate to live there” it’s so bloody hilarious!

I mean come on!

FloofBunny · 01/03/2026 21:39

likelysuspect · 01/03/2026 21:22

Its a country that supports slavery among many other immoral issues.

Thats without all the practicalities of weather and environment.

Like many other British expats who live in countries with issues, I would still move there if I wanted to. My cousin worked for KPMG in India for a few years, and their track record of human rights didn't stop him. But we are not as good as some people on here. 🤣😇

BlimeyOReillyO · 01/03/2026 21:39

FloofBunny · 01/03/2026 21:34

That's a well-thought-out, persuasive argument. I don't know how anyone can fail to be convinced! 🤣

And I think this thread shows that not everyone wants to live there, even if it’s so “glamorous”.

PMSL again!

FloofBunny · 01/03/2026 21:39

BlimeyOReillyO · 01/03/2026 21:38

I‘m just cannot comment on your “why would people hate to live there” it’s so bloody hilarious!

I mean come on!

Well I wouldn't live there now, would I!

babyproblems · 01/03/2026 21:40

I don’t really understand why you’d choose to move to Dubai in the current political climate.. I definitely would not be going!

BlimeyOReillyO · 01/03/2026 21:40

FloofBunny · 01/03/2026 21:39

Like many other British expats who live in countries with issues, I would still move there if I wanted to. My cousin worked for KPMG in India for a few years, and their track record of human rights didn't stop him. But we are not as good as some people on here. 🤣😇

Yes, unfortunately you’re not.

mullers1977 · 01/03/2026 21:40

SeriousFaffing · 01/03/2026 20:41

@Jerys

Why do you think they ‘just build it’ and do so ‘super fast’? What do you think has had to happen to enable this way of working?

(Hint: https://www.humanrightsresearch.org/post/modern-day-slavery-in-the-united-arab-emirates )

It’s widely agreed that the English planning system isn’t perfect and there is a lot of room for improvement but its heart is fundamental: development should benefit the community rather than just private landowners. But I’m leaving it here because I fear all of this chat will just fall on deaf ears.

I can't believe a human could say ‘just build it’ and do so ‘super fast' - you are aware it's built by slaves and corruption. but don't care - its super fast!

AleaEim · 01/03/2026 21:41

Most people I know of who move or holiday to Dubai, are a bit.. hmm how do I say this? Well they’re lovely but not the most curious/ educated 🤔 so it doesn’t surprise me that she didn’t read a map.

FloofBunny · 01/03/2026 21:42

BlimeyOReillyO · 01/03/2026 21:40

Yes, unfortunately you’re not.

I'm not. I kick puppies in my spare time, too!

FloofBunny · 01/03/2026 21:42

BlimeyOReillyO · 01/03/2026 21:39

And I think this thread shows that not everyone wants to live there, even if it’s so “glamorous”.

PMSL again!

That's your second change of underwear in the space of ten minutes!

SomeOtherUser · 01/03/2026 21:43

YABU to want to move there, in my opinion. The lifestyle your friends enjoy is built on the back of slave workers.

likelysuspect · 01/03/2026 21:44

FloofBunny · 01/03/2026 21:39

Like many other British expats who live in countries with issues, I would still move there if I wanted to. My cousin worked for KPMG in India for a few years, and their track record of human rights didn't stop him. But we are not as good as some people on here. 🤣😇

No you're not.

Nothing to boast about either.

BlimeyOReillyO · 01/03/2026 21:45

FloofBunny · 01/03/2026 21:39

Well I wouldn't live there now, would I!

You really should… it’s a great place, give it a few weeks the “war” will be over and you can ignore the other issues.

FloofBunny · 01/03/2026 21:46

likelysuspect · 01/03/2026 21:44

No you're not.

Nothing to boast about either.

And I suppose you've never set foot in any part of the world that has any problems at all?

I would rather experience the world than sit at home po-faced. At least my money going into the economy would be helping locals.

BlimeyOReillyO · 01/03/2026 21:46

FloofBunny · 01/03/2026 21:42

That's your second change of underwear in the space of ten minutes!

PMSL! Fabulous argument!

Jerys · 01/03/2026 21:47

FloofBunny · 01/03/2026 21:34

That's a well-thought-out, persuasive argument. I don't know how anyone can fail to be convinced! 🤣

My DH works across the ME. And travels back and forth. He's been all around. We've very occasionally (if time, AL and money permits) joined him out there and explored. We've always found it safe, secure, clean and enjoyed ourselves. Have thoroughly enjoyed cultural events and sightseeing. Each country is different with its own unique things.

Nutmuncher · 01/03/2026 21:48

You had no idea how close it was to Iran and you have had intentions of moving there for a while? I hope recent events have given you a reality check, it’s in a very precarious location which is even more evident now due to recent events.

That glossy luxury facade hides a multitude of sins especially from those lacking in critical thought and knowledge of basic geopolitics.

AleaEim · 01/03/2026 21:48

FloofBunny · 01/03/2026 21:19

Why would you hate to live there? I mean, at the moment, I get it! But in normal times, expats have a great life there in the sunshine. I think it would be an experience. Make a change from wet, grey Britain, anyway!

Oh dear gawd, maybe the little issue regarding human rights, especially women’s rights, slavery, racism…. But hun,that’s not your problem, the pool and the weather are stunning aren’t they?

FloofBunny · 01/03/2026 21:48

BlimeyOReillyO · 01/03/2026 21:46

PMSL! Fabulous argument!

Mate, you really need some puppy pads at this rate! 🤣 🐕

likelysuspect · 01/03/2026 21:49

FloofBunny · 01/03/2026 21:46

And I suppose you've never set foot in any part of the world that has any problems at all?

I would rather experience the world than sit at home po-faced. At least my money going into the economy would be helping locals.

All countries and political systems have 'problems'. Some are worse than others, some are highly abusive and are designed to be.

There are countries that I would not consider visiting either because of their political stances or regimes. America is one, China is another (among many others)

UAE is probably one of the worst however.

So no, I wouldnt set foot there but that doesnt equate to 'sitting at home'.

Your money wont be helping 'locals' you big white saviour you.

BlimeyOReillyO · 01/03/2026 21:50

Jerys · 01/03/2026 21:47

My DH works across the ME. And travels back and forth. He's been all around. We've very occasionally (if time, AL and money permits) joined him out there and explored. We've always found it safe, secure, clean and enjoyed ourselves. Have thoroughly enjoyed cultural events and sightseeing. Each country is different with its own unique things.

Have you made sure you’re not doing PDAs? What would suggest for any of your DCs that are gay?

Your very occasional visits are not really relevant, are they?

Ive very occasionally visited a lot of places, in the UK and beyond, but not wanted to live there.

BlimeyOReillyO · 01/03/2026 21:51

FloofBunny · 01/03/2026 21:48

Mate, you really need some puppy pads at this rate! 🤣 🐕

Oh mate! Are they allowed in Dubai?

Jerys · 01/03/2026 21:52

FloofBunny · 01/03/2026 21:46

And I suppose you've never set foot in any part of the world that has any problems at all?

I would rather experience the world than sit at home po-faced. At least my money going into the economy would be helping locals.

I honestly do prefer that region over the UK. 0% income tax, leaders who have a vision on how to grow and improve their economy and make it a global hub.

Here we pay 45% tax to fund those that don't work and nothing works we don't even have the mythical "public services"

KimuraTan · 01/03/2026 21:52

Namechange19960 · 01/03/2026 20:01

Don't worry OP I didn't realise how close Iran was to Dubai either. Clearly some Mumsnetters have nothing else better to do than mock others.

Nothing to be proud of. She’s moving into a region she knows nothing about - well that’s not terribly clever is it?! Anyone taking up a post anywhere in the world would do well to research the geopolitical situation of the area instead of just looking at the job description.

BlimeyOReillyO · 01/03/2026 21:54

Jerys · 01/03/2026 21:52

I honestly do prefer that region over the UK. 0% income tax, leaders who have a vision on how to grow and improve their economy and make it a global hub.

Here we pay 45% tax to fund those that don't work and nothing works we don't even have the mythical "public services"

Those that don’t work… do they not have disabilities in the UAE?

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