Dubai

[andymackem]

Any of you globe-trotting types know anything about the place?

There's a couple of interesting looking jobs advertised over there, and the prospect of sun and no tax is attractive, so I'm curious as to what the (inevitable) downside might be. Apart from explaining to my mother why I'm moving halfway round the world.

All thoughts welcomed ...

[markfiend]

Is booze legal there? That would be my first worry.

[andymackem]

No idea, but I'm pretty much a reformed (ie boring ) character these days, so I can take it or leave it.

[Mrs RicheyJames]

Is booze legal there? That would be my first worry.

And mine. Right on brother/sister type thing!

[Loki]

You can check out Dubai here and on the info pages ex-pats and their life style get a mention. Obviously this a Dubai promo site.

The official Bradmans business guide reads a bit more black and white.

Business/social hints:

Women should dress conservatively. Many executives speak English, a few words of Arabic will be appreciated. Muslim conventions apply. It is the convention to use the right and not the left hand when passing or receiving anything. Visits during Ramadan should be avoided. Smoking is accepted but subject to some restriction in public places and public buildings and particulary during Ramadan. Alcohol is available in major hotels and restaurants. On social occassions eg invitation to restaurants, be reasonably punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. There are some limitations on photography.

Mrs JB was there in November and basically described it as a bunch of skyscr apers in the middle of the desert with a beach. I'm pretty sure their oil is running out hence the Royal familys strategy to turn it into the tourist destination worldwide. Locals are friendly and most things are heavily subsidised by the Royals so the standard of living is pretty cheap.

I knew someone who went there on a 6 month contract and basically spent most of their social time down the ex-pats club drinking beer and watching the footie on Sky.

Oh, and their national airline sponsor my boys in blue. Through my travel connections can I get into the corporate boxs anymore? Can I buggery. Since the clubs profile has been raised all the seats are taken up by the arabs coming over for long weekends to watch the games.

[andymackem]

Thanks JB. That ties in with what I've heard/read elsewhere.

Sounds like it might be fun for a working holiday, but whether I'd like to actually _live_ there ...

[Loki]

Totally agree with your last comment. It's a two day beach stopover on the way to some other far flung corner of the world. No history, no architecture and with temperatures exceeding 40c in the summer months, beach time would be somewhat limited.

[James Blast]

still, ye can get pi$hed and not have to stumble home in the rain