Many of our boys have been living abroad for many years and many plan to go to these very lands in the near or distant future.
To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
It is best to know of the difficulties one faces in these foreign lands before taking the step and embarking on the trip.
I would like our boys who have already been there to write of their experiences which could guide others.
Dubai is one of the places at the end of the rainbow where we seek the proverbial pot of gold.
Saurabh Pramanick, one of our boys has been there for one year and I have asked him to narrate some of his experiences.
What follows has been written by him, in his own words.
Radheshyam
Living in Dubai
It has been almost a year in Dubai now, and I have still to get my driving License. Yes getting a driving license is a major achievement here. Mind you I have been driving in India for 9 years, and I did get my license before actually knowing how to drive a four wheeler. Like wise I had my two wheeler license before knowing how to drive.
Two things are very important in Dubai. One is your accommodation and the other your driving License. If these two are taken care of, you have arrived in Dubai, and by extension in UAE.
Dubai is the most sought after city to work and live in, in the Middle East. It is easy to understand why. The developmental works are mind boggling, thanks to the vision of their Leader Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Makhtoum . One must remember that this area was a desert not so long ago. Now this is a thriving city with a truly cosmopolitan outlook, having a diverse workforce. In fact the local population comprises just 17 %.Indians will feel at home as majority of the workforce are Indians or Keralite to be precise. Business is brisk with MNC’s making their regional headquarters here. There are opportunities galore especially in the Construction /Hospitality/Finance/services sector.
Dubai is a fantastic blend of modern and conservative. There is no such limitation on the dress as in some other ME countries. In fact the openness is quite frightening.
There is tolerance of course. Even during the holy month of Ramadaan, hotels are open and you can take your take-aways. I have heard of some places that allow people to eat too during Ramadaan, in some of the business centres.
If it is luxury that you want, then Dubai it is or at least that is how it is trying to position itself with all the projects, be it Burj Dubai , the tallest building in the world or the Palm projects, The world etc. It is slowly but surely becoming a place where the lower income group and middle class are feeling a pinch. Consider this. A one bedroom flat is Deira( heart of Dubai) will come no less than AED 80000/- per annum, which is about 8 lakhs in INR. Not cheap by any standards. Other essentials such as food/gas etc are also getting expensive day by day.Which is why most people have moved to other Emirates like Sharjah, where rents are manageable . Which has in turn led to massive road congestions . So a commute between Dubai Sharjah which was once a mere 15-20 minutes can take anywhere between 1-2 hours. The local transportation is also a problem. Cabs are not easy to get hold of and buses are not that frequent either.
It is not surprising that many are opting to go back. But then those who have been in Dubai for some time, will not consider going back. There are obviously many more pluses than minuses.
As for the local govt. they are quite efficient unlike at home. Most things are on line, including complains. Otherwise there are help lines and things are resolved quite fast. Police is also quite good, not unlike back home where you can easily bribe your way through. If there is a road accident people do not fight as to whose fault it was and who should pay up. Instead they park their cars to the side and wait for the police. The police decides who was at fault. Accordingly one gets a green slip and the wrong one gets the red slip. You don’t pay anything for repairs if given green slip. It is taken care of by the Insurance agents.
There are obviously a lot to write, but it will be difficult to list everything.
Dubai is definitely a place of the future. There is no doubt about that. The vision and leadership of the Ruler has ensured that .
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2 comments:
guess you got away lucky my friend ... unfortunately for most of the populace of indians here its not so green like you are proclaiming. The law aint fair to expatriates and the going aint good. Most of the 'gelf' golden pot dreamers did ralise that very well. ur version is a grossly undermined version of the truth that is dubai. the only reason why people stick here are because they have no other choice after leavin kerala under heavy debts & responsibilities. the meagre pluses u claim are there - is nothing compared to all the sacrifices one is forced to make. that includes ur life, family, health & friends.
Dear Ethan,
We appreciate your opposing views. That is what I wanted, to look at the rose with the thorns.Why don't you tell us about some Dos and Don'ts for people going to the gulf region.I hear there is a passport racket. Employers keep your passports and don't give it back until the contract is over and treat you like slaves.Tour operators and agents also fleece you. I would like you give us your guidance and help in dealing with these problems. If you wish you may write one whole article and send it to us for posting on the blog. A brief introductin about yourself would also be appreciated.
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