Today United Arab Emirates is one of the richest and most popular Muslim countries. It is a dream not only for tourists, but for those who want to get a highly paid job. 70% of the country’s population is emigrants who work in the Emirates under a contract.
Of course, how to be without Ukrainians. Dobovo.com had conversation with our compatriot Denis Chernikov, who moved to live and work in Dubai a year ago. We asked him about the culture of the Arabs, the cost of living in this country and the most important lifehacks for the foreigners.
In the UAE, no one will touch you with a million dollars in a bag.
Let’s start with the main question: in what city of the UAE do you work and how did you get to this country?
I work in Dubai as a DJ in the lounge bar «España Lounge Bar». I came here a little over a year ago with the help of an agency that deals with employment abroad.
What Ukrainians need to know when they travel to Dubai?
If we are talking about tourism, then you need to be ready to comply with the laws of this country. And of course, the willingness to see another world which lives completely different.
What are the top 5 differences between the UAE and Ukraine?
First of all – safety. For example, there you can walk with a million dollars in your pocket in the night and nobody will touch you. The crime rate here is unusually low. It is hard to imagine a situation when somebody takes money out from your pockets in public transport or try to “catch” in a dark alley. The police also works extremely efficiently.
The second difference is the culture of behavior. People in the UAE are more calm, balanced and responsive. Even if a person is really hurry, he will still help or prompt you. In Ukraine, you can also meet the same, but very rarely.
The third difference I would call dimensionality. The Arabs are not hurry to do something on time. For example, you can arrange a meeting at 7 p.m. and a person will come after 9 p.m.. It will be considered a normal. This situation can be followed in other spheres of life in the Emirates. But, of course, this does not apply to deadlines and tasks at work.
The fourth difference is a multinational culture. You need to be prepared to everything and react calmly to what is happening. For example, in a restaurant a person can safely eat by hands, because it is normal in his country.
The last one, perhaps – is food. Although you can find absolutely everything, there is a large number of products, whose taste is very different from the usual food. Someone likes it, someone is not.
In Dubai, you can live on $ 5 per day.
What is the average cost of one day living in this country?
It depends on your requests and needs: I can tell you about how much I usually spend.
Transport
The cheapest metro ticket in one direction is a little less than a dollar, and the most expensive one is 2 dollars one way. The basic price in a taxi is about $ 1.5, and then everything depends from the distance. For example, a taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi will cost about $ 100.
Products
I buy food for a week and I spend for it, on average, $ 40-50. For example, milk costs about $ 1.5. In comparison with prices in Ukraine, it is probably expensive. But we should not forget about the ratio of income in this country – they earn here quite well.
For dinner, on average, I spend between $ 5 and $ 20. In this case, it depends from the place, the kitchen and other factors . I am not talking about homemade food, but about cafes and similar places. Again, you need to consider your requests. You can drink coffee for $ 20-30 at a restaurant on one of the floors of Burj Khalifa (828-meter-high skyscraper in Dubai, the tallest building in the world) and can eat for $ 5 in an ordinary cafe.
There is a great demand for waiters and sellers in the Emirates
Is it true that most of the local people in the UAE are foreigners who work on a contract basis?
Yes, it is. According to the information that I have – there are about 90% of newcomers. All of them work under the contract – this is the rule of this country. The waiters and sales consultants are the most popular jobs, because in this area is a pretty strong staff turnover. Many other specialties are in demand. But those who think about building a career in this country should understand that serious work requires experience, especially, experience in the UAE.
Why did you choose this country for work?
I like warm countries. Moreover, the Emirates is a country of opportunities. There you can achieve a lot, but you need to be ready to work hard. Many people believe that it is enough to move there and life will immediately improved (smiles). It’s not like that.
What city in the UAE do you consider the most favorable for life and work?
It all depends of your lifestyle, goals and needs. If you come to work, then it’s better to live in Sharjah or Ajman. The same advice applies if you moved here with family.
For work, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the best. Then the choice is up to you: if you want diversity, “anthill” and entertainment, then you can move to Dubai. But be prepared for expenses. If you like calmness, Ajman or Sharjah would be better for you.
Was it hard to find accomodation and work in the UAE?
It is not difficult to find a house. It’s just a matter of budget. You can rent an apartment or a room, and if it’s not ok with finances, live in a “shering”. Shering is an apartment or a room in which several people live.
Arabs are quick-tempered, but very kind and open.
In your opinion: what are the Arabs? Is it hard for Ukrainians to get used to their mentality and way of life?
Arabs are sooo great people! Most of them are quick-tempered and emotional, but very kind and open. They are also curious: they adore to ask questions. But you should remember that the Arabs are also different.
For example, the indigenous Arabs of the UAE are very different from the Arabs from Egypt and Saudi Arabia. But I really like these people: I have local friends and I really appreciate them.
Give some basic advices to Ukrainians who want to learn more about the UAE or to move to this country
- Be ready to changes. Mentality here is noticeably different from our and it needs to understand.
- You should work hard – without it ,you cannot live there.
- If there are problems with health, it is better to be treated at home, as the medicine there is very expensive, and insurance does not always cover all cases.
- The most important – do not be afraid of changes. If you want to move there for any purpose – look for work and go forward to your dream!