This photo was taken while waiting for my number to be called - passport collection at the DIFC Govt. Office. Another three-year valid visa has been stamped on it.
Been here for nine years and I guess I don't know when to call it quits. I get used to my life here, our life here. Why do I keep on staying in UAE? Well, there are so many reasons.
The main reason is that I am working and earning a living here, having been able to support a family member at the same time in the Philippines.
1. Dubai is a safe place - the crime rate is low, and it is actually regarded as top five safest cities in the world to live in. Locals and ex-pats alike are well protected here. This is the kind of place I want my kids to grow. People respect each other and people respect the authorities.
2. Affordability - Things that I thought were hard to afford in my home country are affordable here. Electronics and high-end gadgets are easy to buy. Dubai is one of the best shopping destinations in the world with the Dubai Mall as the largest shopping mall, and a number of huge malls around town, there is everything for everyone. There are also souks for budget shopping.
3. Salary is Tax-Free - There is no income tax, I get my salary in full and I don't have monthly mandatory deductions. There is a gratuity after the contract finishes (gratuity is end-of-service pay) a month of vacation with pay too and a free annual ticket to the home country. Corporations enjoy 100% ownership of their businesses in free zones and freehold property developments.
4. Strong Government - The ruler knows what he is doing and people love him. Look at the UAE now with all the developments I have witnessed in the last decade, I would say countries like mine must learn from them. The systems developed and implemented in this country make it more wealthy and they earn the respect of nations around the world.
5. Vibrant City - Full of life and there are so many things you can do from a simple stroll at the park to desert safari to swimming at the beach to a ride on the fastest roller coaster built at the Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi. You will never get bored.
6. Multicultural - There are roughly 202 nationalities thriving, living, and working together. Over 80% of the population are ex-pats who coexist in harmony. I even enrolled my daughter in an international school to have the benefit of her mingling with kids of different nationalities and of course to have good quality education.
7. Conservative Society - Driven by religion, Dubai even being a cosmopolitan city stays conservative in many ways. In the mall, you will find signs about proper clothing. On the street public display of affection is taboo, alcohol is served only in hotel bars, and roaming drunk will land you in jail, priority for women in government offices and other establishments, and men still practice chivalry. Everywhere there are mosques and non-Muslims can practice religion freely in their place of worship.
8. Weather - I love winter because it is more pleasant to tour the city when the weather is much cooler. It is sunny the whole year round and occasional rain during winter which means you can always go out and about every weekend.
I don't know when to call it quits, I am actually thinking of settling in Dubai as long as it allows me to.
I'm now on my 3rd year in Abu Dhabi and I didn't expect I'd last this long. Time flies when we're having fun.
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