Dubai Forums Dubai Expat Forums Dubai Expat Help Forum

Hi all

My family and I are considering moving to Dubai in a couple of years. It is just a thought at this point and I have not done any research yet. I just want some input at this point.
We are a family of three; myself, my husband and 12 year old daughter. We love the outdoors and the heat. We are in our late thirties.
Here are some questions.
1. I am a PHD graduate in a scientific field. I got my degree in Canada. I am particularly interested in dessert habitats and their fauna. Will I be able to find a job (teaching and research) there?
2. Me being a woman, is that a problem? I have read that Dubai is liberal, but I would like some opinions on this, preferably from women.
3. What do people with kids think of the lifestyle there? How is it for kids?
4. We are originally from Greece, so any Greeks or Cypriots around?
I would really appreciate some replies. Thank you very much.
Eleni
Eleni

Our kids like it here and we arrived right in the worst weather-you won't like this heat here. I am well used to extremely high temps, but dry heat and I have lived in humidity eg tropical countries but both together is no bonus!! In June, July, August, September you take advantage of swimming pools and indoor activities and malls. Other times of the year are great for outdoor stuff like the beach. I guess you have such a wide variety of things to do it makes it a great place to live and so my kids like it!
For teaching, you could work in a school but once you are here the pay is pretty crappy- no packages. Look in Gulf News classifieds for something more suited to your area or if you like I can pm you a list of schools- however your best bet would be universities.

Yia sou! Ti kanis?

I'm only just learning a bit of Greek, but there you go. There is quite a sizeable Greek community in Dubai and they're very tight knit and get together in various groups quite frequently, so I'm sure you'll have no problems meeting some of them.

there are a couple of wildlife parks in the area (eg. sharjah wildlife park and a conservation area at the head of dubai creek). the dubai creek one is administered by the department of agriculture and fisheries - they have a population of migratory flamingos, salt flats and mangroves; there is extensive building along the creek towards this area so it probably won't be long before its gone.

There are one or two planned "parks" going to be set up in dubai - although i doubt these will hold little interest to you.

there is next to nothing of the endemic flora and fauna left - regretably most of it (in dubai in anycase) has been bulldozed to build on - the price of development

Thank you all for your replies.
Yes I am definitely looking into university teaching and research. What kind of packages are available, does anyone know?
Also what about placement agencies? Any agency specialising on placing scientists? Probably not, but it does not hurt to try.
It would be great if I could get some input from the research community there. It does exist, because I read some publications in some good scientific journals. I wonder what the scientific communtity is like. Here in Canada it is GREAT, but I am getting SO very tired of the cold weather. It is time for a change.

Chocoholic, how come you know a bit of Greek?
Eleni