Want to move to UAE but something bothering me...

[FortyCoats]

Hi,

We're seriously considering a move to Dubai or Abu Dhabi next year. Job prospects in our field are great, they're beautiful cities, lots of expat community events/clubs etc, lovely weather, great nightlife, outdoor activities. Basically loads of pros.

We've read up on the laws and are happy we can live with them, they're nowhere near as strict as some people have made out when trying to scare us off the idea. I have one problem though...

We have friends over there and during a Skype discussion the other evening he mentioned a few things that made me sad and angry. Apparently if I wear standing in a queue in a shop with several different race people before me, I would be called to the front of the line because I'm white. Also, where he lives, the houses all have separate accommodation for maids comprising of a small room and bathroom which have no access to the house. That part doesn't bother me as I'd never have it in me to employ a maid but the shop things bothers me immensely.

Anyone living there know if this is true and if so would I be frowned upon for politely declining the offer to jump the queue?

I really can't go if this is the case so DH would have to go alone.

FGM is predominantly an African issue but is certainly prevalent in Oman as well as Yemen and Saudi Arabia (no great surprise there).

OP, for many of the immigrant workers coming from the sub-continent or the Philippines, the money difference is the point. It's why they come here despite the racism (from some people) and income inequality. It can be literally the only way they can make a life for their families, get their Mum the healthcare she needs, afford to get married, etc. All of those are real examples btw.
By all means, rant and rave about the home countries of those people allowing them to live hand to mouth in slums or whatever. But don't take away their only realistic chance of work.

And in the nicest possible way I think your friend was exaggerating just a little bit Which happens a lot on here too!

I had British people express surprise that I was even allowed to drive here after moaning about ruinous traffic fines!!

trib thanks, very interesting. Not remotely surprised about Saudi, unfortunately. Completely gobsmacked about the prevalence in Oman.

" Completely gobsmacked about the prevalence in Oman."

It beats me how people dont seem to do any research about the places they move to and their neighbouring countries! Actually it 'completely gobsmacks me'.

Coffee there were 66000 incidents of FGM in the UK in 2014. Nowhere is perfect. It's incredibly naive to think that "not living somewhere" actually makes a difference to the appalling shit that goes on.

well I think it is "incredibly naive" to move to the UEA and be 'totally gobsmacked' about FGM.

I think it's ridiculous to discount living somewhere without having spent any time there. There's inequality in every society. If you're not seeing it where you live, chances are it's because you're in the top tier.

" chances are it's because you're in the top tier."

sure, I wish .

You are being very goady coffee and I won't engage because the OP was not actually asking about FGM in Oman. The point I nade up thread is that FGM is illegal in both Oman and UAE. The fact that some fuckers still do it is horrendous (in both Oman AND the UK) but not really relevant to the OP.

Ok then, unaffected

I think I'm just massively ill-informed and the things he's said are not nice. I'm going to ask DH to have another chat with him but I'm going to write a list of questions first.

Does anyone here feel like the people who are from the countries mentioned are actually happy to do the work and that any racism they encounter is a fair payoff for the opportunities it affords them and their families back home?

I could live with that. What I would find incredibly difficult would be thinking that they were miserable and hurt but had no choice but to accept their faith because they had to provide.

If things like this happen at home I can do something about it and have done. Over there I would fear I would have to witness it first hand and hold my tongue.

no I am not being 'very goady' I am just saying my opinion, which I stand by; for me it is incredible that somebody could move to the UAE and be 'totally gobsmacked' by FGM in the region. I dont think that is 'goady'.

"A fair pay off" to their mind obviously not generally.

OP there is plenty you can do about it if you move here. Adopt a camp is a fantastic organization that campaigns to improve the lot of migrant construction workers. (Interestingly, it became much more of a force to be reckoned with after the Western expats moved here because they wanted to "do something").

coffee FGM is illegal here. If I had moved to a country where it was not illegal, then you might have a semblance of a point. It is a criminal act, but it still goes in.

Just like the UK then

OP why don't you go and find out for yourself? Rather writing a list of questions for your DH to go and ask on your behalf?

no it is not illegal in the UAE nor in Oman. As you didnt even know it existed in the region, being 'totally gobsmacked' about it a mere ten minutes ago, have you done some quick research or something?

One of the questions for your friend OP should be "how long did you spend in the region and when?" There are plenty of armchair tourists when it comes to the ME as demonstrated on this thread.
Right I am off for sundowners on the beach, evil exploitative expat wench that I am!

OP I think you need to do a bit more research if most of the things you've heard about Dubai and Abu Dhabi don't trouble you in the slightest. I've just done a quick internet search and here are two articles, one about Abu Dhabi and one about Dubai. There are pages and pages and pages of these on the internet if you look:

www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/22/abu-dhabi-migrant-workers-conditions-shame-west

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2859734/The-Dubai-DON-T-want-tourists-Photos-desperate-conditions-endured-migrant-labourers-forced-work-50C-heat-pittance.html

FFS coffee it is illegal here. Unlawful. Against the law. Criminalized. Honestly, do you think you can just stroll into a fucking government hospital and ask for it?

You are just making yourself look daft. I'm out...

" armchair tourists "

yes we all have google now, no excuse for it blister.

No it is not allowed in Govt hospitals, but it is NOT 'illegal'.
I dont think I am really the one making myself look "daft" now am I?

Because I could realistically only go for a short holiday and he has been living and working there for almost two years. Assuming obvious racism isn't obvious or something I would encounter everyday, I feel a short holiday would do nothing to enlighten me on the real issues.

I'd like to be involved in improving conditions and most certainly would do so if I went.

Not very informed on FGM. Is this another thing that happens there? there was a case here a few years back where a child died in an apartment after some butcher doctor attempted this! If that's another thing to consider, I'm definitely not going. End. Of.

blister

I really do appreciate your input. Thank you for you views