Pros and Cons of Working in Dubai: Making Your Relationship Work

Working in Dubai can be a great way to experience new things, meet new people, and learn about different cultures. However, it can also be a big adjustment, especially if you are in a long-term relationship with someone across the border.

There are many things to consider when deciding whether or not to work in Dubai, such as the impact on your relationship, career, and lifestyle.

This article will explore the pros and cons of working in Dubai and how to make your relationship work if you decide to take the plunge.

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The Pros of Working in Dubai

The pros of working in Dubai are enormous. Here are some of the greatest benefits of working in Dubai.

1. Improved language skills

Working in Dubai will provide you with plenty of opportunities to improve and practice your language skills. Through daily interactions with your colleagues and newfound friends, you will enhance your English language proficiency if you are not a native speaker. The skill will not only improve your personal growth but also act as a gate to better career opportunities. It is also important to note that you can learn other foreign languages like Arabic and Hindi as they are the most spoken languages after English in Dubai.

2. New Experiences

Whenever you move into a new country and a new city you expose yourself to new traditions, customs, food, and ideas. These unique experiences normally broaden your mind and perspective toward life and people in general. In Dubai for instance, you will learn to be tolerant of other people’s beliefs such as region.

3. Making new friends:

Working in Dubai will expose you to meeting new friends from different backgrounds and nationalities. These friendship networks will be beneficial to you as they will provide you with job opportunities and collaborations both in Dubai and outside. For instance, you can corroborate with your friend on a new project that requires a combination of two different cultures to deliver a spectacular product.

4. Increased career prospects:

Working in different locations can help you accumulate a variety of skills and experience, hence, opening up new career paths. Many employers value people with international and cross-culture experience therefore, working in Dubai will enhance your employability.

5. Financial stability:

Most experts in Dubai earn more than they would in their home country. Another advantage is that the UAE government does not tax your salary hence, increased saving and financial stability.

6. Increased self-confidence:

Moving away from your home country and adapting to a new country like the UAE can be daunting. For instance, if you come from a non-desert country you must come to terms with Dubai’s sand and scorching sun. But, it can also be a great way to develop your self-confidence and self-esteem. Overcoming these challenges you will build resilience and broaden your mind on what you can achieve outside your comfort zone.

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Working abroad can open up a world of opportunity for you both professionally and personally. It can be a great way to expand your horizons and see the world.

The Cons of Working in Dubai

Working in Dubai has many benefits, but like a coin, it also has some drawbacks. Here are some of the common cons that you might experience while living and working in Dubai.

  • Culture shock: While working in Dubai, it can take time to adjust to different cultures and the language barrier can often make it even harder.
  • Financial strain: The cost of living in Dubai can be higher than what you are used to in your home country. You will experience this constraint more when searching for a job because you will be spending money from your home country. To counter this strain you might consider starting low while searching for a job such as renting a bed space.
  • You might miss out: You could miss out on important life events back home, such as weddings, family reunions, and birthdays if returning home for them is too expensive.
  • You might feel lonely: This is especially true if you don’t make friends easily or if you’re the only expert in your office, college, or apartment.
  • Isolation: Staying thousands of miles away from home, friends, and family most often will bring the feeling of isolation.
  • Emotional stress: Leaving everyone and everything behind could present emotional stress and post-arrival depression.
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All of these cons are often far outweighed by the opportunities that working in Dubai will offer. Nevertheless, it pays to know what you’re getting into before making the big move.

How to Make Relationship Work while Working in Dubai

Making a relationship work while living and working in Dubai may be tricky. But the following tips can help to leverage the situation.

1. Stay connected while working in Dubai:

With technology, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch while living and working in Dubai. Facetime, video chat, and WhatsApp video calls will work wonders! But remember for you to use any video call in Dubai and all over the UAE you must use Virtual Private Networks(VPNs). There are many free VPNs in Apple Store and Play Store you can download them anytime.

2. Understand the UAE Laws while working in Dubai

Understanding the UAE laws and regulations will prevent you from violating them. Knowing what is wrong and right will prevent you from committing any crime or illegality that may make you end up in jail. As finding yourself in jail will negatively affect your relationship because you will not be able to provide financially and emotionally for your family.

3. Make time to talk

Constant communication in a relationship is very important. Therefore, even if you don’t have a lot of time between work and other activities, you should try to find at least an hour to talk to your partner. Making time to talk will help you remember important events such as birthdays and anniversaries which you can celebrate together even if you are miles far apart.

4. Take care of yourself

Taking care of yourself will help you stay calm and level-headed during arguments not only with your partner but also with everyone. You can take care of yourself by reading books, meditating, taking walks in a park, and working out in the gym.

5. Take advantage of varieties of visas visas

Dubai government offers a variety of visas such as 1-month and 2 months visit visas. Also being in certain job groups in Dubai-based companies you are allowed to sponsor your partner under your visa. Therefore, if both of you are comfortable staying and raising your family in Dubai you can sponsor your partner with your visa. If it’s not possible to sponsor your partner, he or she can visit you using a visit visa.

6. Take Annual leave

If it is too much expensive to sponsor your partner and family in Dubai taking annual leaves will help. Traveling back home to spend time with your partner will help strengthen your relationship as opposed to taking local leave.

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Making a relationship work while living in Dubai can be tough, but establishing a balance between understanding and communication can help make it work.

Final Thoughts

Relationships are no different from any other journey in life – they take some effort and understanding to make them work. While living and working in Dubai can present unique challenges, staying connected, understanding the UAE laws, making time to talk, taking care of yourself, taking advantage of varieties of visas available, and taking annual leave can all help make your relationship work.

Communication plays a key part in relationships, so when faced with difficult situations it is important to remain calm and be proactive in addressing any issues that come your way. You both must be patient and understanding – these are values that any relationship must have in order to prosper.

No relationship is perfect, but with a bit of understanding and communication, you and your partner can enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding journey together whilst living and working abroad. Ultimately, it is up to you and your partner to decide how to make your relationship work.

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2 Responses

  1. VIOLET BARASA says:

    well written and very sound advise thank you Mwaura

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