1. Lack of taxation. Let's face it, most expatriates come to the UAE to work and save for a few years. I haven't met anyone who came here solely for the admiration of the country, although it may at times be part of the experience, and thus the UAE's no-tax law is a major selling point.
2. Diversity: many expats from all over the world living in similar situations and going through similar experiences, but also sharing similar backgrounds. A typical Western expat in the UAE is a well-educated and open-minded professional (or a spouse of) so making friends becomes easier among the like-minded here.
3. Great food, particularly street food and Asian outlets, very affordable too. Nothing in the US comes even close to the variety of flavors and spices found in the UAE.
4. Fantastic weather in the winter. While the excruciatingly hot summers in the UAE force you to question your sanity over coming here, mild winter temperatures make it all worthwhile.
And things I dislike:
1. Anti-pet laws that make our and our pets' lives less happy than at home. "No Pets" signs are posted across the Dubai Marina, not to mention the unnecessary cargo law for traveling with pets into the country which makes travel tedious, stressful and expensive. I miss taking my dogs shopping with me and the dog parks are nonexistent here. I would like nothing more than to take my darlings on a vacation to Europe or just tie them outside the store when I pop in for a minute. For dog lovers like me, the UAE's anti-pet laws are the only obstacle to a happy existence in this country.
2. Social stratification: clear social classes in which every lower layer has fewer socioeconomic privileges. I am of course referring to the laborers and domestic workers in the UAE who are subject to unthinkable treatment and the members of prominent families at the other end of the spectrum. Difficult to watch and not try to help, even by just tipping a bit extra, buying treats to guys who work in our building or giving a few dirhams to a poor soul working on the street in a 45C heat.
3. Crazy drivers; while I understand why some of them seem to lack any understanding of road rules (having been to Asian and Arab countries where a 2 lane road easily functions as 4 lanes and a child car seat is an entirely foreign concept), what I find mind boggling is that some western expatriates seem to forget all their manners when they come to the UAE and insist on driving like lunatics!
4. Lack of discounted brand name stores! I'm not used to shopping at a full price, it just doesn't have the same appeal. Sales are closely regulated here and there aren't any TJMaxx, Marshalls or Nordstrom Rack stores in the UAE. So shopping sprees are reserved for the once-a-year Shopping Festival in the winter during which most stores have sales (or a much awaited trip back home:).
