Dubai Forums Dubai Expat Forums Dubai Expat Help Forum

Hi,


I am a native Belgian who has been living and working in several other countries the last couple of years. I am currently based in Germany, which is the 5th country of residence in my life. Prior to this I worked and lived in Turkey as well and fell in love with the Middle Eastern atmosphere and culture. This made me long to explore more of the Middle East and left me a wish to return back eastwards.

Now my CV has been spotted by a Dubai based company who show interest. I would need to travel to Dubai for an interview, but if hired they take care of the working permits. Based upon the job description (the job is about the same as the one I am doing now) being recruited looks realistic should I decide to make the travel for the interview.

Before making any decisions there's a few things I need to ask though that basically have to do with health matters.

I have Asperger Syndrome, a mild form of autism. It does not have any intellectual limitations or impairments, but it of course causes some social problems. Things such as eye contact, physical contact, figure of speech etc are difficult issues. So far my AS (about which I tend to be quite open) has not imposed serious issues, ironically in my native Belgium the negative reactions were stronger than abroad. I also tend to openly talk about the symptoms of autism, as I believe this helps people to understand why I sometimes react to certain situations different than most others.
I am not sure if my autisticness (or Aspieness is a better term) would form any problems in Dubai? Is autism something people know or at least something they would try to show sympathy for, or should I expect some inhostile reactions?

Now consequences of this Asperger that I would like to enquire about...
- because of my autistic mannerisms (which include slight motoric differences to most people) combined with coincidencal aspects such as a high voice and liking a tiny bit of eyeliner, some people mistake me for being gay. I am straight but never found the people who wrongly mistake me for homosexual an issue, I actually can see the humor of it and tend to not care about it. I know in theory the UAE have harsh penalties for homosexuals which however are almost never enforced. Could my appearance and possibly people wrongly thinking I am gay bring me into problems, or is there no reason to worry as long as one doesn't actively engage in homosexual activities (which I, being straight, obviously don't do)?

- I need some medication to control side-effects of the Asperger Syndrom, such as panic attacks. This medication includes Seroquel and Xanax which I both need quite badly. I saw Xanax is not on the forbidden list in the UAE as long as a valid prescription is carried (which in my case wouldn't be a problem) but I am not sure about Seroquel as this medication has different names usually outside of the EU. Also, are these medications widely available in the UAE or should I expect troubles in getting them?

I hope you can give me some insight in these issues. So far my form of autism has never imposed a problem in my travels and emigrations, as people always either understood the reasons for my slightly different attitude (knowing I have AS) or those who don't understand the disorder in itself always showed enough empathy and tried to be helpful (such as in Turkey where autism is not very well known yet, but still everybody was really helpful and I never encountered a problem).
The people wrongly mistaking me for a homosexual has never been an issue to me, as long as I would not get into legal problems I don't mind people making wrong assumptions.

I look forward to hearing reactions. I am meanwhile corresponding with this company to maybe arrange a first interview per telephone, allowing me time to decide if I make the trip for the definite application interview.

Hi.

I can't comment on the availablitaty of these drugs in dubai, but I hope you dont drive on that cocktail!

I have known people quite close to me who have needed both those drugs to treat Bi-Polar dissorder.

My honest advice, from personal experience is that investment in some top quality therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, may be of great benefit in altering the thought patterns which lead to your anxiety attacks, and thereby reduce your need for these drugs, and their hideous side effects.

While it may not be successful, it is certainly worth trying.
It doesn't work for everyone, but I've known a number of people who've been able to go completely drug free, long term following this type of therapy. (I've also known peopley who were not so lucky)

I assume I shouldn't need to say this, but dont stop taking either of these medications quickly or without medical supervision, as they both form strong cemical addictions after relativly short periods. Withdrawl sypptoms can be horrible.
Withdrawl symptoms when you miss doses may be amplifying your perception of your need for these drugs- I know that has been the case for some (not all) people I know who've been on similar drugs.

Dubai doesn't take kindly to "disabled" people. As sad as it is, see how your potential employers run when they hear about your syndrome. Either that, or they'll hire you and do a big press release showing off their generosity and open-mindedness.