Ghadan 21, a series of initiatives and reforms with a Dh50bn budget, was announced for Abu Dhabi last year. Christopher Pike / The National
Ghadan 21, a series of initiatives and reforms with a Dh50bn budget, was announced for Abu Dhabi last year. Christopher Pike / The National

Editorial

There is no second home quite like the UAE

Opportunities aplenty and an accommodating lifestyle are not the only perks of living in this country

National Editorial

September 28, 2017

For those who have lived in the city or the country for the past 10 years, seeing the United Arab Emirates rank 10th among the world's best countries for expats in the HSBC Explorer Survey comes as no surprise. Year-round sunshine and sandy beaches are only two elements of a charmed lifestyle that attracts millions of expatriates from around the world.

Over the past decade, several factors and developments have encouraged residents to establish deeper roots in the country. A majority of the respondents in the survey said they had been in the UAE for more than five years.

While many people are drawn here by the prospect of greater career opportunities, higher wages and an expanding investment and business environment, the chance to enjoy a better quality of life is not the only attractive feature of the seven emirates. Being part of the country's journey and development is exciting and is all the more so when one can gain exposure to unique projects and gain an extensive professional experience.

The country's drive to distinguish itself as an art, culture and tourism hub in the region is an added value that has charmed many residents, while the diverse curricula on offer in schools and universities tell the story of children who can thrive in a safe environment.

In a region that is riddled with conflict and chaos, the UAE has committed itself to tolerance and understanding. It acts as a beacon for talent keen to enjoy the benefits of the country and to experience the rapid development and ever-expanding progress of our cities. Heartened by the stability, security, integration and inclusiveness the country has to offer, expatriates from more than 150 nationalities have chosen to make the country their second home. All of us benefit from that unique environment. Indeed, belonging to such a multicultural and hospitable society can add richness to one's life and personality.

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Match info

Manchester United 1 (Van de Beek 80') Crystal Palace 3 (Townsend 7', Zaha pen 74' & 85')

Man of the match Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)

Europe’s rearming plan
  • Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
  • Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
  • Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
  • Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
  • Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital

 

 

The rules on fostering in the UAE

A foster couple or family must:

  • be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
  • not be younger than 25 years old
  • not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
  • be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
  • have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
  • undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
  • A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially