ABU DHABI // Almost half of the country’s expatriate population are single and focused on careers, a study has revealed.
Forty-two per cent of 450 people surveyed were single, with the main reasons being work, cultural differences or a lack of trust about a partner’s past.
The results are in the latest 999 Magazine, the monthly publication of the Ministry of Interior.
Singles are defined as not married or legally divorced.
Every man questioned said they were likely to be career orientated, along with 95 per cent of women.
"In the past, it was typical for women to move here as a trailing spouse following a husband's job, usually at a fairly senior level and aged mid-thirties and above," said Gail Livingstone-Potter, editor of the website expatwoman.com
“Now many more women are coming here for their own careers and at younger ages.
“We see that a lot of the single women want to experience living abroad, and they are independent and want to have successful careers. If they meet their husband-to-be along the way, that’s a bonus.”
Two thirds believed the UAE was a good place for couples to come to, but more difficult for meeting someone and setting up a home without the support of friends and family.
Most respondents said the transient nature of the expatriate workforce in the country meant that settling down with someone was difficult.
And if they did find a partner, 80 per cent said they would be suspicious about that person’s past in their own country.
More than half felt that living expenses, the uncertainty of jobs and the linked residency visa make marriage a hard decision.
Lt Col Awadh Al Kindi, editor-in-chief of 999 Magazine, said: "More and more residents are delaying marriage, probably to pursue career ambitions.
“In this country, going by what the respondents have told us, it is possible to build a career, create wealth, make friends, live a good life and do many other things.
"In the July issue of 999 we explored the variety of reasons why expats are finding it difficult to find 'the one'.
"Yet solo or not, it only proves that the UAE is a great place to live and we encourage everyone to be proactive in helping us maintain this healthy coexistence."
ksinclair@thenational.ae
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AT4 Ultimate, as tested
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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
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Bantamweight: Victor Nunes (BRA) beat Azizbek Satibaldiev (KYG). Round 1 KO
Featherweight: Izzeddin Farhan (JOR) beat Ozodbek Azimov (UZB). Round 1 rear naked choke
Middleweight: Zaakir Badat (RSA) beat Ercin Sirin (TUR). Round 1 triangle choke
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Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
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Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
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Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
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Favourite TV show: That 70s Show
Favourite animal: Ferrets, they are smart, sensitive, playful and loving
Favourite holiday destination: Seychelles, my resolution for 2020 is to visit as many spiritual retreats and animal shelters across the world as I can
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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
SPECS
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LIVING IN...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.