$20,000 dollars for a wedding, a villa as a gift and compensation if you don’t get married: what else do women and men get in the Emirates

Standard of living in the United Arab Emirates

Life in the United Arab Emirates is famous throughout the world. The indigenous population of this country is swimming in petrodollars. It seems that luxury and carefree are everywhere. But this impression is superficial. After moving to the Emirates, you sometimes have to take off your rose-colored glasses. All the riches of this fabulous country are available only to its citizens, while the vast majority of immigrants are often relegated to the role of cheap labor, unless, of course, we are talking about highly qualified specialists who are paid very well.

The UAE is a federal state consisting of seven emirates. Each of them is an absolute monarchy. Al-Imarat al-Arabiya al-Muttahida - this is exactly what the name of the country sounds like in Arabic. This oasis of luxury and fabulous wealth suddenly arose in Arabia through the unification of seven emirates, which actually ended in 1972. After the discovery of colossal oil and gas reserves in the 50s of the last century, their active production began. The turning point was the sharp rise in oil prices in 1973, after which the country began to show the highest rates of economic development. Oil reserves in the Emirates are estimated at 98 billion barrels (for comparison, in the Russian Federation - only 80 billion). Today, the UAE ranks seventh among countries in the world in terms of GDP per capita ($69,896 in 2018).

Oil production accounts for 67% of UAE GDP

The reason for such a high standard of living for the indigenous people was the active development of energy reserves and their export with a relatively small population of 9,269,612 people (according to the 2021 census). Therefore, every resident of the country has the highest level of income. The policy of the UAE authorities is aimed at the economic development of their state and creating the most comfortable living conditions for their fellow citizens, which includes the highest level of social protection, strict immigration policy and effective methods of managing their own economy.

The United Arab Emirates is one of the popular destinations of Russian emigration. Russian colonization of the Emirates dates back to the first years after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the fall of the Iron Curtain. Initially, many “shuttle traders” went to the Emirates, who purchased cheap consumer goods there and subsequently sold them at home. This type of activity was also relevant for immigrants from other post-Soviet countries. Many of them settled in the Emirates, organizing their own businesses and organizing the supply of goods to commercial structures in the post-Soviet space. The cheapness of goods in the Emirates is due to very low taxes. For example, the import duty is only 4%. A trade license in the Emirates can be purchased for an amount often equivalent to a tenth of the rent for the premises. Today, more than 80% of compatriots are engaged in trade in the Emirates.

Today no one knows exactly how many Russians live in the country. Experts estimate their number at approximately 250 thousand people. It should be said that almost all of them are in the country legally and have a certain immigration status. Obtaining citizenship of the United Arab Emirates is extremely difficult. It can be said that becoming a UAE citizen is almost impossible. But even in terms of immigration status, foreigners in the United Arab Emirates live quite well.

Video: how Russians live in the Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is governed by a president who doubles as the emir of Abu Dhabi. This emirate is the largest among all. The government of the country is headed by the Emir of Dubai. This emirate ranks second in area, but is also the most economically developed.

Features of the mentality and number of indigenous people in the UAE

Married couple in the UAE
It is interesting that division into tribes is a reality of our time. Each emirate in the UAE is characterized by its own characteristics and nuances.

1. After the discovery of oil reserves, it became impossible to stop progress in Dubai. The rulers formed a clear policy for oil trade, and channeled the proceeds to improve the lives of citizens and landscaping.
2. Having singled out the indigenous people, the ruling family endowed the Arabs with benefits and provided better business conditions. And this further emphasized the advantage of the indigenous Arabs.
3. To appreciate the depth of the gap between native Arabs and labor migrants, visitors, it is worth knowing: on average, 3.5 million people live in Dubai and only 15% are indigenous residents. All the rest are migrants who do up to 97% of all work to ensure quality of life.

The new coat of arms and anthem of the state appeared in the 20th century; until that time, each emirate was content with its own symbols.

Benefits of immigration to the UAE

Life in the United Arab Emirates is radically different from life in Russia. Russian immigrants can appreciate all the benefits of staying in this country. The main advantages of immigration to the UAE are:

• comfortable climate. It's summer all year round in the Emirates. The heat of the Arabian desert is compensated by air conditioning, which is available at almost every step. Even bus stops are equipped with air conditioning. Statistics show that there are three times more air conditioners in the country than there are residents;
• in the United Arab Emirates you can receive the highest level of income if you have sufficient qualifications. Here wages are considered one of the highest in the world;
• loyal tax legislation. The population of the United Arab Emirates practically does not pay any taxes or duties, but at the same time the state budget is filled to the brim. The treasury is replenished by the efficient operation of the state economy. The United Arab Emirates will become a paradise for investors who prefer offshore companies;
• the right to legal employment;
• an immigrant has the right to bring members of his family with him;
• obtaining education in higher educational institutions of the United Arab Emirates. It is considered to be of high quality, and diplomas from local universities are recognized throughout the world and, accordingly, do not require nostrification. In addition, there is the opportunity to study practically for free;
• immigrants have the right to register their own companies and conduct business in the country;
• the state takes maximum care not only of its fellow citizens, but also of all foreigners legally residing in the country;
• in the Emirates you can purchase real estate and visit it freely;
• There is an almost complete absence of crime in the country and the highest level of personal safety. The Emirates has strict laws and the death penalty is applied. At every step a person is monitored by video cameras. Therefore, you can throw garbage past the trash can and receive a fine of about $400. In case of malicious violation of administrative and immigration laws, foreigners face deportation with a ban on entry into the country for life.

  The seven-star Burj Al Arab hotel is located in Dubai.

How to leave for the UAE and live forever

Obtaining UAE citizenship is very difficult. Full naturalization requires residence in the country for 30 years. Many remain in the Emirates for decades on a temporary resident visa and periodically renew it with the migration department.

Disadvantages of immigration to the UAE

But the above advantages for some immigrants may be more than offset by the following disadvantages:

• the chances of obtaining citizenship of the United Arab Emirates are practically zero. Foreign men should even give up hope of receiving a passport from this state;
• The United Arab Emirates is an Islamic country. Traditions and Muslim laws are strictly observed here. There is even a special Sharia court. The official religion is Sunni Islam. Drinking alcohol, especially during the day during the Muslim holiday of Ramadan, is considered a violation of the law and is punishable by a large fine or even administrative arrest (each of the seven emirates has different laws);
• In some Emirates the rules are extremely strict and there is discrimination against women. Therefore, it is sometimes difficult for foreigners to get used to and accept the foundations of this society;
• The work schedule in the Emirates is strictly tied to the Islamic calendar and holidays. For example, weekends are Friday and Saturday;
• If it is not possible to work in an air-conditioned room, then it is simply unbearably hot in the UAE. The average Russian must understand that when finding a job, for example, as a bricklayer, he will have to work under the scorching Arabian sun in a heat of 55–65 degrees. As a rule, only workers who come from African countries, Indochina and Sri Lanka, of whom there are many in the UAE, can withstand such temperatures.

Whether or not to go to the Emirates is a matter for everyone to decide for themselves. It is advisable to come to this amazing country for the first time as a tourist and understand how immigration to the UAE can live up to expectations.

Video: disadvantages of living in the UAE

About gays and transgender people

Once we went on vacation to one of the islands of Abu Dhabi, we wanted to celebrate my birthday there. We arrived, there were a lot of people there, the pool, the beach, the stage, in general - everything was as it should be. And at some point I noticed a group of guys, pumped up and handsome. These were Arabs. They stood, played with their muscles, and at some point they began to hug and cuddle. Almost kissing! And they don’t kiss only because there is a fine if you kiss someone other than your husband on the street. And I realized that they were gay.

Here, such relationships are in plain sight, until the police see. Of course, it is very scary to be gay in a Muslim country, but they know where and what to do. On the street, of course, you can immediately see them, in clubs too. They usually hang out with their own groups, look very good, all pumped up, not skinny. Very well-groomed men. There are transgender people too, they walk on the street and meow with each other. This is literally true. They might just come up and say, “Meow.” And some of them can, by the way, put on very beautiful makeup.

But one day a very funny situation happened to us. My parents came to visit us and we went on vacation to one of the emirates - Al Fujairah. We walked around and decided to go to the club and sit. So, we ended up at a Filipino party, everyone behaved very casually, the guys flexed a lot. Turns out it was a gay party. And the women present were also men. The parents were shocked, of course.

Common Immigration Methods

There are a fairly limited number of options for immigration to the United Arab Emirates. To understand which of them is most acceptable, a potential immigrant should familiarize himself with the available opportunities in more detail.

The immigration laws of the United Arab Emirates provide for two types of residence permits. The first permits the possibility of employment; the second type of residence permit cannot be used officially in the Emirates.

Work in the Emirates

In order for a Russian to obtain a residence permit in the United Arab Emirates, which provides the right to work, he must have an Employment Visa. This will require the provision of a work contract concluded with one of the local employers. The document must contain clear and detailed information about all the working conditions of the foreign specialist, his job responsibilities, salary, work schedule and period of validity of the employment contract. An invitation from the employer is also required.

In 2021, the average Russian can take advantage of the most realistic scenario and enter into a contract with an employer in an open joint-stock company representing the hotel and restaurant business. In this case, you can quickly climb the career ladder. In the United Arab Emirates, highly qualified and hardworking employees are highly valued.

All organizational issues are usually dealt with by the receiving party . HR managers must purchase tickets for the future employee and assist in the process of legalization in the country.

Separately, when applying for employment, the possibility of the foreign employee’s family moving to the Emirates and the terms of the social package should be discussed.

You can work in the UAE only on the basis of a work visa

Study in the Emirates

You can enroll in any higher educational institution in the United Arab Emirates remotely. You will be required to take exams in English or Arabic. This can also be done by arriving in the country, for example, on a tourist visa. If the exams are passed successfully and the student is enrolled in the first year of study, then he needs to sign a contract with the university administration and receive an invitation from it. These documents will form the basis for requesting a student visa.

With a student visa and an invitation from the university, you can apply to the UAE immigration service to obtain a residence permit.

After graduation, a graduate of a local university receives the right to priority employment in the UAE.

When I tell my Russian acquaintances that I live in Dubai, many wonder if they force me to wear a burqa here. In fact, in all my time in this country, I have never encountered disrespectful treatment because I am a girl. On the contrary: it is not customary here to approach people on the street with vulgar comments and offers to meet people. You can be sure that no one will lay a finger on you or insult you with a word, because for this you can call the police.

Anastasia Sokolova

https://journal.tinkoff.ru/dubai/

Marriage bond

Marriage to a citizen of the United Arab Emirates is an effective way of legalization in this country. As a rule, only representatives of the fair half of humanity use it. Marriage outside the territory of the United Arab Emirates requires legalization of the marriage certificate according to the laws of this state. Based on this document, you can immediately apply for a residence permit.

The UAE is a country of orthodox Islam

My former college classmate met a student from the Emirates during her student years and subsequently married him. By the way, according to her, marrying a native resident of the United Arab Emirates is not easy. As a rule, local residents marry their fellow tribesmen, and a corresponding agreement is concluded between the families of the bride and groom. This is a thousand-year-old tradition. Initially, the parents meet and negotiate all the conditions for the future marriage. Sometimes the bride and groom only meet at the wedding. It is characteristic that the chosen one of my classmate, having arrived home, changed radically. During his studies, he was quiet and friendly, but in the Emirates he became domineering and sometimes even cruel. Islamic law allows you to have up to four wives. In this case, it is necessary that the spouse fully financially provides for each of them. But for citizens of the richest Middle Eastern country this is not a problem. After marriage, the state will provide the young couple with many benefits. A plot of land will be allocated, you can get an interest-free loan for housing construction, a loan at a very low interest rate. But if the marriage is subsequently dissolved, then everything must be returned to the state. After a divorce, children born in marriage remain with their father. Marriage to an Emirati citizen is virtually the only way to obtain citizenship. But for this it is necessary that the marriage last for at least 15 years and have children together. In addition, the wife of a devout Muslim must also convert to Islam, which is what my former student colleague also had to do.

Family reunion

If a Russian has close relatives living in one of the United Arab Emirates who have the status of residents or even citizens of this state, then he has the right to move to them. But in this case, he will need to provide an invitation from his relatives, duly issued by the UAE immigration service.

Residence permit for investors

For many years, the government of the country has created conditions for a comfortable investment climate. It is characteristic that the authorities are not very interested in the origin of the invested capital, which attracts many investors from the countries of the post-Soviet space and, in particular, from Russia.

The minimum threshold for investing in the economy of the United Arab Emirates is 700 thousand dirhams. Funds can be invested in economic development (oil and gas production, infrastructure construction, government bonds, and so on).

1 $ = 3.67 dirhams.

Business immigration

It is business immigration to the UAE that has been and remains the most popular among Russians for decades. The procedure for registering your own company differs in each emirate. Therefore, there are simply no uniform conditions; a foreign businessman needs to get acquainted with the laws of the emirate in which he plans to register and develop his business. But there are some general rules for representatives of foreign businesses intending to work in the Emirates. If a person is the owner of a business or its founder, then he has the right to work and hold the corresponding position only in the company of which he is the owner or co-owner, and his share in the business should not be less than 49%.

Foreign investors and businessmen must obtain approval from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (even if the funds are invested in another emirate or a business is registered on its territory). Only with this document they have the right to apply for a residence permit.

The currency of the UAE is the dirham

Purchase of real estate

Real estate in the United Arab Emirates is expensive, so only well-to-do Russians will be able to take advantage of the opportunity to immigrate when purchasing real estate in this country. A residence permit will only be available to those who own a property whose price exceeds one million dirhams. In this case, real estate can have any purpose. This could be a residential building, an apartment, a warehouse, a store. The owner of the property has the right to obtain a residence permit that does not provide for employment. In addition, you will need to confirm that your monthly income is at least 10 thousand dirhams.

The real estate market in the United Arab Emirates cannot be called transparent. There are many operators on it, including our compatriots. There have been numerous cases where real estate was purchased from real estate companies that did not have the appropriate state licenses. The absence of a license subsequently became the basis for invalidating the transaction. Many buyers lost quite a lot of money on this. Therefore, when purchasing real estate in the Emirates, you should first check whether the real estate company has a license.

Immigration by decision of the emir

Resident status of the United Arab Emirates can be granted to a foreigner based on the personal decision of the monarch. On preferential terms, by decision of the emir, status is granted to outstanding foreign scientists, major businessmen, and artists.
They can also obtain citizenship of this country in a similar way.

About women in the Emirates

The opinion that women here are treated almost like objects is a pure myth! Arab women here, I would say, are like queens. For women in general, the Emirates provides separate zones, separate seats on buses, minibuses, metro, there are even taxis only for women and for families. Very sensitive attitude towards women.

Arab women themselves are very confident women. They are confident in their beauty, even without having it. And the fact that they are covered with various abayas, hijabs, and scarves does not bother them at all. They know where to dress nicely and where to cover up. On the streets they wear abayas, because there are a lot of Indians, Pakistanis, Filipinos - men of different nationalities who will look at you and you will feel like you have been covered in mud. Therefore, they do not want to show their beauty to these “dirty” people.

Arab women gossip a lot and can easily humiliate a man, which was strange for me. They don’t even hesitate to discuss some intimate topics, and in the company of colleagues. They are the rulers of the house, they have all the money, they lead families, nannies, and servants. Local residents, when starting a family, receive a house, and for each child born they are entitled to a payment of 200 thousand dirhams. We multiply by 18 and get the amount in rubles - 3,600,000 rubles. Every woman has nannies and servants in her house; they do nothing themselves. They are looked after, cleaned up, and they just enjoy life. On weekends they can go to the beach, to some expensive hotel, take a walk, hang out. Local women also go to different clubs, have fun, they are very big lovers of hookahs. They can afford everything that we can afford. Even more.

They know what they need to take from men, they know what they want. We, Russian people, always think that Arab women are poor and we feel sorry for them. But I would even sympathize with our women. We do everything ourselves, while working on equal terms with men, taking care of the house, cleanliness, and comfort.

Polygamy mainly occurs among families who come from Saudi Arabia or Kuwait. Their women are mostly completely closed, only their eyes are slightly open. But they also know how to enjoy life. The husband provides each of his wives with a full-fledged home and ensures a regular good income. The first wife will necessarily be local, and the second wife may already be European, for example.

Mostly local residents marry their own relatives. On cousins, for example. They are all one big family. If a Russian girl marries a citizen of the country, she is obliged to live here for at least seven years and convert to Islam. Thank God, my husband is from Egypt and we have different foundations at home, he has a different worldview.

Main stages of immigration for Russians

Immigration to the Emirates is multi-stage. Each of its stages should be considered in more detail.

People here are not used to saving money, so the prices are accordingly. You can live well in the UAE if you are a foreign specialist or a native resident. For Emiratis, I think, in general, everything is completely free against the backdrop of the highest salaries and pensions. Education, medical and utility services for them both in the UAE and abroad are fully funded by the state. Lucky are those who set realistic goals and move forward inexorably.

Victoria

https://www.workland.com.ua/news/otzyvy-immigrantov-o-zhizni-v-oae

Obtaining an entry permit

Since February 2021, the United Arab Emirates has established new rules for crossing the border for citizens of the Russian Federation. Russians still need a visa to come to this country, but it can now be obtained not only at the diplomatic mission of the Emirates in Russia, but also directly at the border. But in this case we are talking only about a tourist visa, which allows you to stay in this Muslim country for 30 days. The visa can be extended for the same period, but only once. Both obtaining and extending a tourist visa are free for Russians. Using it, for example, you can enroll in a local university or find a job. But the remaining visas, which should form the basis for requesting a residence permit, will need to be obtained from the diplomatic missions of the Emirates in Russia, information about which can be found here. The second option is to arrive on a tourist visa and apply to the immigration service for a different type of visa.

Obtaining an Emirates visa is the first step towards immigration

Obtaining a residence permit

To obtain a residence permit, you should contact the United Arab Emirates Immigration Office. You must provide a valid visa, the basis for requesting resident status, and a package of documents required by the immigration laws of that country. A residence permit can be requested after six months of stay under the appropriate type of visa. The status is issued for a period of three years. If during this period a foreign citizen leaves the territory of the United Arab Emirates for a period of six months, then the status will be lost. The six-month period is not calculated as the total period of absence of a resident in the Emirates, but only for a one-time trip outside the country for more than six months.

When applying for a residence permit in some emirates, there is a requirement to pass a test on knowledge of the local culture. However, it is not necessary to know Arabic. It is enough to speak English. The point of the test is so that foreigners can understand the local rules of life well and therefore try not to violate them.

permanent residence

Permanent residence in the United Arab Emirates can be obtained after three years of staying in this country as a temporary resident. But obtaining permanent residence is much more difficult. In this case, it will be necessary to confirm the availability of sufficient means for subsistence, which are of legal origin. In addition, you will need to pass an integration test. The last procedure is quite complex, so thorough preparation is required. Permanent resident status provides many benefits for its holder, but its rights are far from those of a UAE citizen. Permanent residence is issued for a period of ten years and can be extended countless times.

Video: Amazing facts about Dubai

Citizenship

As already mentioned, only foreign spouses of citizens of this country have a real opportunity to obtain citizenship of the United Arab Emirates. In some cases, it may be granted for special merit by decision of the monarch of any of the emirates. It is possible to obtain a passport of the United Arab Emirates after 30 years of permanent residence on its territory. But only a few can comply with such a residency requirement. Citizens of neighboring Arab countries (Bahrain, Qatar and Oman) have a residency requirement of only three years, after which they can obtain Emirati citizenship. But at the same time, it is necessary that the applicant was born on the territory of a neighboring state, and did not receive its citizenship through the naturalization process.

The vast majority of Russians who live in the United Arab Emirates do not have citizenship of this country.

I work for a Russian oil company. The first thing we had to endure with difficulty was the climate. You can’t go outside during the day in summer, it’s so hot. Real hell. The whole day is spent either in the office or other places where there is air conditioning. In Dubai, even bus stops are air conditioned. That’s why I caught colds regularly at first. It's hot outside, and I have a fever.

Dauren

https://www.nur.kz/1437760-zhizn-v-arabskikh-emiratakh-glazami-kaz.html

Public guarantees

Education is free: secondary, higher. An advanced student at a local university, if he completes the first year with excellent marks, is given the right to choose to continue his education at a university of his choice from the world list.

The state pays for studies and rent abroad. An apartment is rented for the student and a monthly stipend of $2,000 is provided.

Medicine is free, including treatment and operations outside the country.

Upon reaching the age of 21, an Arab is allocated land and money to build a house. This does not apply to women.

First marriage between citizens is encouraged by a loan. After the birth of three children, the loan is repaid.

An Arab is allowed to have four wives. To do this, two conditions must be met:

• each missus is provided with a house, servants, and gifts worth at least 35 thousand dollars;
• It’s not easy to take a new wife—you need the support of the wives who are already available.

Local ladies dress uniformly, prefer black robes and cover their heads, often in a burqa. There are strict clothing requirements here. The shoulders need to be covered, and the sleeves need to be long. This also applies to foreigners. No matter what the weather is like in Dubai.

Is biometrics and proof of Arabic proficiency required?

When crossing the UAE border for the first time, a foreigner's retina is scanned. It is not necessary to submit fingerprints. But when you apply for a residence permit, you will also need to undergo a fingerprinting procedure. When receiving permanent residence status, you do not need to re-submit biometric data. But after ten years, you will need to renew your document confirming your permanent resident status. And you will have to go through fingerprinting again to update the data.

The procedure takes place in the immigration department using modern equipment and takes only a few minutes.

Proof of Arabic language proficiency is not required when requesting a residence permit or permanent residence permit. It will only be necessary to obtain citizenship if the immigrant manages to somehow qualify for it.

When applying for a residence permit you will need to undergo a fingerprinting procedure

What does the package of documents consist of?

Since immigration takes place in stages, each stage will require its own list of documentation.

Let's consider the package of documents for obtaining a residence permit. It consists of:

• foreign and civil passports. The foreign passport must be valid for at least six months after the expiration of the requested residence permit;
• birth certificates;
• three photographs (color, passport format);
• application form, which can be filled out online after logging in on the immigration service website (shown above);
• bank statements, sponsorship letters and any other documents that can confirm the applicant’s solvency, the level of which must comply with the standards established by local legislation;
• certificates of no criminal record;
• reasons for requesting status (work contract, training, marriage certificate);
• confirmation of family ties;
• receipt for payment for registration services;
• medical certificate from a UAE clinic confirming the absence of tuberculosis and AIDS;
• confirmation of place of residence (lease agreement or documents for ownership of housing).

Documentation must be submitted in Arabic or English. Copies will need to be certified. Additionally, immigration officers may request several more documents that confirm the grounds for requesting temporary resident status. For example, for investors and businessmen this may be a conclusion from the relevant Department, for pensioners - pension certificates, and for minors - permission to leave from an absent parent.

When requesting a residence permit in the UAE, pensioners need a pension certificate

How long will you have to wait for a decision?

After submitting an application for a residence permit, you will have to wait for a month for a decision from the immigration authorities. Much depends on the workload of the immigration service. If clarification of some data or additional documents is required, which the applicant may not have with him, the period may drag on for several months. If everything goes according to plan, then within a month after submitting the application the immigrant will receive the appropriate status.

A comfortable life in this country is only possible with a salary of $6,000 per month; in other cases, you will limit yourself in everything, which will very quickly become annoying. Although there are no taxes in the country, the local state is a huge vacuum cleaner and you have to pay a lot of money for everything.

Anonymous

https://techvillage.ru/city/111-dubai-united-arab-emirates

Reasons for refusal and what to do in this case

The reasons for denial of the status of a resident of the United Arab Emirates can be different, we will give only the main ones:

• the applicant has repeatedly violated the country's immigration laws;
• the applicant cannot demonstrate a sufficient level of financial support;
• criminal history, suspicion of connections with the criminal world;
• permanent residence will be denied to those who could not pass the integration test;
• divorce before status is requested;
• fake documents;
• lack of documents.

You can appeal the refusal by submitting an appeal letter to the immigration service within 10 days from the date of its receipt. The period for consideration of the appeal should not exceed two weeks. If in this case the decision of the immigration authorities is negative, then the applicant has no choice but to appeal to the court of first instance. If the decision is negative, then an application should be made to the Court of Appeal and so on.

Denial of resident status can be appealed in court