The Gulf News wrote about it and now
Khaleej Times has confirmed it: the UAE is the happiest Arab country. And really, is it all that surprising? People may complain about the UAE, I am guilty of it, but we have it good here. The weather is usually amazing (save for yesterdays sandstorm), we have kilometers of beaches to frolic in and everything is a call away. Life is more "convenient" here. Want to order from your favourite restaurant and have it delivered to your house door or office? No problem(hello,
Talabat)! Too lazy to walk across the street to Choithrams? They deliver. Too hot to walk outside? No problem, AC is always on in Dubai Mall (don't forget the cardigan). Let's not get started on the various school curriculums that are available here; Canadian, American, French, Australian ... though I hear the school fees are maddening. Dubai also has a modern and clean (I like clean) metro system, which is also being expand. A taxi is relatively inexpensive (and clean, really we should thank the RTA for this). From a foodie point of view Dubai and its surrounding areas offer a plethora of restaurants. From the chic in the 5 star hotels (hello, Armani Hotel) to the adventurous in Karama you will not be short of choices. For the fashionistas (and fashionistos) Dubai has twice yearly shopping festivals. Also good to check out, if you like the thrill of the chase, is
Dubai Outlet Mall. People may say it is "far" outside of Dubai but it is really about 20 minutes from the Dubai Mall when you take the Dubai-Al Ain Road. It has a good selection from Burberry and Banana Republic/Gap to Tchibo and Jashanmal. There are also outlet stores like The DEAL and Salam Designer Outlet which have a mixed selection of designer clothes. And if you get hungry trot on over to Tim Hortons (there are other food and beverage outlets, I just want to give a shout out to Timmies).
 |
| image from bluekrowndesigns.com |
There are other advantageous to living in the UAE. No taxes is a big one. But also having more help around the home. Nannies, house maids and gardeners are cheap and easy to have here though in ones home country they may be considered a luxury. Please take care to remember that the "cheap" help you have is a person and not a machine. House maids are exempt from UAE Labour Laws (yes I read it, you should too). To those of you who do have a maid/nanny/gardener please treat them with respect, pay them on time, give them a day off (and spend that quality time with your own family) and remember that they too have come a long way to be here.
Here are some ideas on making the UAE an even happier place to be:
1. volunteer your time. There are plenty of places which would love for people to help out:
Volunteer in UAE
2. take part in a good cause like donating blood or taking part in a charity marathon
3. get involved with the
Dubai Autism Center
4. check out
Meet Up to find like minded people in your area
Take the time to meet and get to know Dubai. She has her mysteries and once you get to know more about her you can slowly start to appreciate where you live. Find something to make you happy and give yourself a gold star.
Note: I should add that none of the above mentioned companies/websites are remunerating me in any way, shape or form.
