Whaddya reckon? Is there biking?
hot?
I spent 2 weeks there many moons ago. By far the hottest place i have ever been to.
Going in the sea was like getting into a hot bath. Not refreshing at all. The swimming pool at the British Club was refridgerated. Tried to sunbathe with my mates, we could never sit there for more than 2 minutes as it was so uncomfortable.
48 degrees i think at the time.
As for working, i sure the money is good and it's a fairly liberal place (by middle eastern standards) but i wouldn't go to the middle east again now for love nor money. Only takes one nutter and i wouldn't like to always be looking over my shoulder.
Fair point about the security thing. Otoh, there are enough bigger targets than I out there surely?
I lived in the midle east for about 18 months. I wouldn't go back there unless it was for loads of money. It's a fairly easy way of life although the money isn't nearly as good as it once was. If you want to go somewhere where you can still do some biking then the only country worth considering would be Oman, I would say.
As far as security goes I don't think it's a major concern, the local population is quite small and generally quite well off. They've got too much to lose by blowing up westerners, you're probably in more danger living in London.
Tried to get a job in Dubai at the end of last year, but all the law firms were shutting up shop just as I sent my CV off....
There is riding out there (a google will show it up), and the lifestyle, according to my friends out there, looks to be good, if somewhat limited.
I'm told you acclimatise to the heat.
If you don't mind changing your lifestyle (i.e. not assuming you can live as you do now), then I'm sure it will be fine. Bear in mind that Dubai is - relatively speaking - on its backside, but the other oil rich Emirates seem to be weathering the storm OK.
Oh, and VAT is to be introduced in 2010, so get spending now..!
I have got friends that have moved to Dubai and said the lifestyle out there is awsome. Pay is great and life overall is just tip top, however it's not something you could live with forever and a day but definately recommended. I went to Oman (pre 9/11) and it was awesome, loved the people, loved the city (Muscat) and would happily have loved life there, only tough thing was being very blonde and getting perved at quite a bit! Not sure on biking you'd probably have to ride in the "winter" or at 0300 in the summer to avoid the ridiculous heats, but you quickly become accostomed to it.
Definately go if you have the opportunity.