typhoonpilot
Daddy
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2002
- Posts
- 1,381
Spent about an hour checking out the website. Looks like a cool place to work. Deep pockets and Dubai seems nice. Looks like they'll be hiring for some time once that big order starts to come in.
Any family guys care to chime in regarding family life there... school in country for little ones, entertainment, sports, security of home while you're away, etc. I spent some time in Saudi and wouldn't want to subject my wife to their lifestyle if I could help it.
Number one is that it is night and day difference to Saudi Arabia. I lived in Jeddah for the better part of a year so I do have a valid comparison.
There are currently 3 American schools as well as numerous British and International schools. They would be rated as better than most public schools in the U.S.. There are numerous activities for kids including Cub/Boy Scouts, baseball, soccer, swimming, etc., etc.
Security is good in Dubai. While there are gated communities in some places, most villas are on regular neighborhood streets. The typical villa has an outside fence or wall. Break-ins do happen, but it is almost always just petty thieves. Violent crime exists, but not targeted against expats. Generally it is far safer in Dubai than in the USA.
The one safety concern that seems to bother people most is road safety. There are some pretty wacko driving stunts in the country and the accident rate is high. If you look at the statistics, half of the fatalities are UAE locals. This while they make up less than 20% of the population. Unfortunately they take out the occasional innocent bystander in the process of killing themselves.
Socially the expat life tends to be more active than a life at home in the USA. Lots of BBQs and get togethers. Dubai itself has numerous world class events including Tennis, Golf, Horse Racing, and concerts.
Typhoonpilot