What I like about the UAE

When I am feeling down or homesick I try to remember what brought me here and the things I love about the UAE.

1. Safety
I love the fact that I forgot to lock my car and the next morning it was still there.
That I left my keys to my house on the outside of my front door, when I woke up they were still there!
I can go for walks late at night on the Corniche no one bothers me or gives me a second look.
I can leave my phone and bag somewhere in the school and no one has touched a thing.

I know safety is a big thing for South Africans, this is one of the reasons why so many South Africans come to the UAE.

2. Government
The UAE government always listens to its people and shares the wealth of the country with ALL its people. Children get free schooling, locals get housing and at one stage the government even wiped out the debt of some local people!  

A simple example would be with the clothing scandal at one of the malls, where a video was taken of someone who dressed inappropriately- they acted immediately and listened to local peoples complaints. They dealt with the issue, even though it was something simple- if it upset the people they reviewed the law to try and please their people.
In South Africa we have so many natural resources (gold and diamonds), it should also be possible to share the wealth of the country among all its citizens.

3. Rainbow nation
Literally on every corner you will hear a different languages being spoken.
On my apartment floor alone we have 4 nationalities: Irish, South African, American and Spanish!
You meet people from all over the world.
My colleagues are Emirati, Jordanian, Tunisian, Egyptian, Polish, Irish and American! Where else in the world do you find that mix. I have learnt so much about their countries and cultures- it is fascinating.

4. Lifestyle
South Africans tend be outdoors people. We love the sun. This climate and environment suits us completely. I have seen on Facebook many South Africans have taken up camping in the desert! There are beaches, water activities and cultural places to visit. Ice skating rinks and tenpin bowling!  If that is not your thing, there are so many hotels and brunches that are accessible. Back home it would be unheard of for locals to be brunching at hotels every weekend! That would only be for tourists. Here that sort of lifestyle is accessible- obviously if you are not planning on saving!

Abu Dhabi always has a something planned! There are many concerts happening. They have Taste of Abu Dhabi, Street food road show and markets in local parks on the weekends.

5. Religious freedom
The government of the UAE has kindly allowed Christians and other religions to worship freely here. There are many Churches that are packed every Friday.(Only expats obviously!) The biggest Mosque in Abu Dhabi is open to non-Muslims to try and create better understanding of the local religion and create mutual respect. We get Christmas holidays during December and there are even Christmas markets. The government even granted a Christian band to come and play last year (Passions). (Although at the concert there were men from the government to make sure nothing inappropriate was said and no trying to convert people! Fair enough).

6. Housing and medical
All teachers get free housing and medical! This is something huge to take into consideration. We pay for our electricity, water and Air Con. But housing and medical are taken care of. This is a enormous weight off my shoulders. I love the fact that the government cares so much about their children and future generations that they have invested so much into us (teachers) coming here. 

7. Tax Free
This is a BIG BONUS!!!
Although don't be fooled, Abu Dhabi can be expensive- especially food. A small bowl of rice at a restaurant can cost you 24 Dirham times by 3 is 72 Rand!!
A standard meal out can cost you 60 Dirham which is R180 for a burger and chips out.
Most restaurants charge 20 Dirhams for juice, that is R60 for a glass of orange juice! 

Many expats leave with less money then when they arrived, why? I think the lifestyle can be very enticing (keeping up with the jones) and people miss their family and friends and start to fill the void with many other things which they would not normally do at home.  

8. Travelling
Travelling is more accessible from the UAE. Money goes further with travelling.
In South Africa it would take me up to a year or more to save for a trip overseas (especially Europe), and I would probably be in debt when I came back. Due to the weak Rand value. Here is Dirham stronger, so within a couple of months of saving you can afford to travel.

These are 8 positives I can think of!! I am sure tomorrow I will think of more.