Participation in activities within the community, being pro-active on issues of importance, staying abreast of events... these are keys to establishing a foothold in the society in which one lives.
Often in the UAE one hears the comment, "I'm here for the money." That blunt statement is supposed to represent one's raison d'être for being in the UAE. It is intended as an honest appraisal of why one is here. Is this not, however, an over-simplification of what are often a complex set of circumstances? We, expatriates, are in the UAE for a variety of reasons. Not only are the reasons different and many from person to person, but for each individual there are a variety of circumstances which has led to one's coming and, further, that contribute to one's remaining.
I came to the UAE for a job opportunity, for a higher salary, for the experience of living in another country, for a chance to travel within the wider geographical area, for a change in life in general... These are my reasons. I remain yet, for some of these and a variety of new reasons.
Such being the case, no one should short-change the experience of living in the UAE by limiting it to concerns about money. There is a lot more to life as an expatriate. There are ways to satisfy the requirements one may have to earn and save money, while at the same time experiencing life on a more holistic level.
Participation is one key to achieving a more successful and rewarding life as an expat. As stated in the opening, this may involve taking part in a variety of community activities, in becoming active in an issue of public or civic importance, and even by just keeping oneself informed of local news and events. The specific type of involvement and the amount of time spent will need to suit one's interests and availability. For the busy among us, why not spare 15-30 minutes a day skimming the local newspaper? For those with more time and resources, why not join a club that is active in some form within the community?
I sometimes drive or walk around Abu Dhabi where I live and come upon a building, a street, or neighborhood that I never saw or at least never noticed before. Or even worse, I pass a familiar landmark which I've seen for years but still have no idea what it is or what it is for. In such moments I feel rather alienated from the place I've made a home in over the past 6 years. That, I realize, is a reflection of my own failure to participate in the community or society within which I live.
As a future owner of freehold property in Dubai I have decided not to repeat that mistake. There is no reason not to become more active within society, whether by blogging, attending events, taking a stance on issues of social or political relevance, etc. The key to a successful and rewarding life for the expatriate in the UAE is to participate, to become involved.
Addendum
If I may add, the points raised here are not only with regard to those expat residents who earn comfortable livings. I would argue that even the struggling laborer is here for more than money, though such is seldom heard. They have no lesser curiosity about the world and interest in seeing and experiencing new things than anyone else. Though their personal circumstances are often characterized by hardship and struggle, they too have multi-dimensional lives.
Some prefer to be in a place like the UAE, for example, for the greater freedom it gives them compared to their traditional village communities or the larger society from which they come with its many social, religious and other contstraints. Being abroad, even in a setting as difficult as what they may find in the UAE, is still a chance to experience something new and interesting.
Technorati Tags: UAE Topics, community issues in the UAE, foreign employment in the UAE
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5 comments:
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When I meet people about my site (www.emiratesmac.com) for the first time, usually their first question is 'why do you do this (site)?' or 'how do you make money?'. Sure it would be nice to one day make some money on it, or at least get back what it cost me to run, but that was never a part of starting it. I want to build a community - online and offline - that can help each other out and help promote the stuff we use and love.
All expats come here for different reasons, and money is certainly one of them, but I think you're right, there are other reasons, reasons that seldome are brought up in any discussions.
I'm here because my husband is here; you can call me a Jumeriah Jane. The usual distractions/pleasures of home are not here, most especially friends...but the opportunity to look with new eyes is here and there is great pleasure in photographing the small things (a glance, a gesture, a moment)that make us universally human. My very puny response to belonging to the community is to post these photos on my blog. But honestly, I do long for more belonging.
I think when a lot of people say "I'm here for the money" they really mean they are here because of work. I think it is almost fashionable these days amongst western expats to criticise Dubai (or am I reading too many blogs :))and that is partly why people won't admit to other attractions that brought them here.
As for participation, I agree it adds a whole new dimension to life. Both at home and overseas I have always volunteered for something in the community. I have found that it's a great way to meet a diverse group of interesting and usually pleasant people, as well satisfying my need to make a useful contribution.
I concur with your view about blogging emirates mac. It isn't a business; it's not about making money. As the cliche goes, the best things in life or free. The point is that things have their own intrinsic value not necessarily connected with money. For me, blogging is one of those things. As for building community that is one of my goals too. Even a virtual community is a start. Photography, I would also agree is a great hobby. I just checked out the image vllage. What a unique perspective!
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