In a previous article, we have discussed the great things about Dubai that you will love as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW). But hey, in every "pro", there is a "con". Sure thing it's lovely to have a tax-free salary, a lot of opportunities just ahead of you, foreign nationals mixin' and bonding with you anywhere and lots of activities that will make you feel less homesick (shopping, eh?), but every single one of these have a consequence, figure those out through this article.
1. HEAT
Hot weather can be intolerable at times. Remember, it is a civilized city in the middle of a desert, so expect that much heat as trees and sheds are rare in UAE. People survive since buildings, malls and other structures are fully airconditioned.
2. EXPENSE
Lifestyle is very elevated in Dubai, thus everything is expensive. Rents, education fees and dining out will take much of your tax-free salary. You'd probably get something cheap here in the Land of Gold, the gold itself.
3. EXPATS CAN'T EARN CITIZENSHIP, UNLESS . .
Whether you have worked in Dubai for decades or have lived in the Emirati all your life, citizenship in Dubai can be far from being attained. Unless you fall into one of these categories, you'll get your UAE citizenship:
-being born from an emirati parent
-being married to an emirati husband
Not being one of these, you are not going to get a UAE citizenship; a long-tern residence maybe, but not becoming naturalized.
4. SOCIAL CLUSTERS
Dubai is an open city, but despite that, emirati nationals and foreign workers hardly communicate with each other. You "stay with your cluster", hence, Pinoys are with Pinoys, Indians are with Indians, but never with the Emiratis.
5. EMIRATISATION
If you are working for an Emirati company (those that are owned by UAE nationals and are located outside the free trade zones in UAE), expect that Emirati nationals will be prioritized to get the higher positions or elevate quickly in the professional ranks. So, better work in global companies when working in Dubai.
We have listed the ups and downs of working in Dubai, UAE. So, what now? Will you or will you not work in this part of the world? The answer lies in your hands OFW, will you grab the chance or not?
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