6 Reasons Why The UAE Is An Awesome Place For Expat Women
Moving to a different country can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re a single woman looking to build a new life. A number of expats consider moving to the UAE because of the several lifestyle benefits it has to offer, from better job opportunities to a high standard of living. It has undoubtedly become a popular choice for women moving here from all corners of the world. Today, in celebration of International Women’s Day 2018, we take a look at 6 reasons that make life for expat women in the UAE nothing short of amazing!
1. Career & Entrepreneurship Opportunities
Known as the land of opportunity, the UAE offers plenty of career growth opportunities for men and women alike (we won’t discriminate here). The infrastructure within the country does not limit one’s chances of success based on gender, but rather opens up new avenues for the truly talented and skilled members of society. As a commercial hub, there are plenty of opportunities for expat women in the UAE to think big and aspire to new heights.
There are several organisations in the UAE to support and encourage entrepreneurship among local and expat women. Dubai Business Women Council (DWBC), Entrepreneur’s Organisation, International Business Women’s Group Dubai and the Women’s Network Group are a few of these groups that provide networking opportunities and professional support to help out female entrepreneurs in the UAE. Not to mention, these amazing creative co-working spaces in Dubai, with a lot more coming up in other emirates as well, that inspire, motivate, and reinforce your entrepreneurial spirit!
2. The UAE Is One Of The Safest Countries In The World
Whether you’re moving from the UK or South-East Asia, living in the UAE offers a high level of comfort and safety that is easily one of the biggest perks for expat women. Most residential buildings are equipped with state-of-the-art security equipment and usually have a security guard at the reception desk, where visitors generally need to sign in. Women working and living in the UAE can safely move around at any time of the day or night, without crippling fear of being harassed or worse. Walking home or catching a cab alone at night is never a source of anxiety thanks to strict laws against any kind of violence and crime in the country.
There are also special taxis driven by women (which in itself is awesome!) for those who want to be extra careful. Just flag down a pink cab and travel in peace.
3. The Metro Is A Blessing
The Dubai Metro is one of the best ways to get around the city and central to the UAE lifestyle for those who don’t drive. It is connected to all the right spots for your morning commute and evening plans. This godsend mode of transport has a designated cabin for women and children which means more comfort and no awkward huddling in over-crowded compartments. While it can fill up pretty fast during rush hour, it still feels like a luxury and makes a huge improvement in your daily commute (especially for those moving to the UAE from a Western country). Men caught in the women’s cabin are charged with an AED 100 fine.
4. Priority Where It Matters
Visiting a government office is never a fun ride. They generally turn out to be an exhausting ordeal of waiting in queues and chip away hours of your day. In the UAE, women have some perks in this aspect as well. Whether you’re getting your driver’s license renewed or getting your visa paperwork sorted, government buildings in the UAE always have separate queues for women along with designated waiting areas. Since a lot of these buildings are generally filled with men, queues for women aren’t usually very long. And that means more time for…
5. Oh, The Shopping!
We know the shopping factor may apply to most fashion hubs in the world, but how many of those would have sprawling shopping malls in every other neighbourhood? Shopping is an integral part of the UAE lifestyle. Women living in the UAE are always within close proximity to a shopping mall, big or small. And while that may not seem like a big deal to most, when you need a last-minute outfit for an event, it makes all the difference in the world. The go-to mall for shopaholics in the UAE is, of course, Dubai Mall. The gargantuan shoppers’ paradise has over 1,200 stores with top international brands and literally everything you might need for your chic and stylish wardrobe.
6. The Happening Social Scene
You may not think that your usual girls’ nights would be the same when you move to the UAE, but guess what? They’ll actually be better! Ladies nights are huge on the social circuit in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Usually falling on Tuesdays, these fun nights are when women can head down to their favourite hangout spot and enjoy free entry, drinks, special discounts and even complimentary goodie bags at times. Need we say more?
BONUS: Because Royalty Thinks So Too
Her Royal Highness Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, wife of the UAE’s Prime Minister H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, endorses the country as a safe environment for women to grow and thrive. In an interview last year, she said: “As a mother, it is comforting to know that we can raise our children in a safe, multicultural environment. I know that the women in the workplace in our country are supported and above all respected. And in Government and Parliament women are truly looked upon as members of a team that serves the people of our nation.”
If you’ve lived in the Middle East long enough, you know who Queen Rania of Jordan is and what she means to women in the region. At the 2016 Global Women’s Forum held in Dubai, she said: “There is no better place than the UAE for inspiring women.”
If it’s good enough for royalty, it’s good enough for us!
There are more than just 6 reasons for expat women in the UAE to feel pride in residing in a country like this. Why not visit and explore the country to experience them first hand?
If you’re looking for ways to celebrate International Women’s Day, check out our round-up of events in March or head to one of these chic restaurants in Dubai Marina with your girls!
