Hey guys,
I would like to answer a few of the concerns or questions you might have. Let me start off by saying, I work in a theatre & night club in Dubai. We bring in incredibly circus and specialty acts from all over the world. In addition to that, we have a core group of 2 singers and 3 to 5 dancers. Our "core" group is extremely Western, and our specialty acts, like I said, come from everywhere (China, Ukraine, Russia, USA, Australia, Mexico, etc...). This place is a MELTING pot. Please look at this
chart regarding breakdown by nationality. Another note that may be beneficial (or not?) is I am 28 years old white male from Texas. This is my perspective:
And yes, you did read it correctly. In addition to it being a theatre, I also work in a NIGHT CLUB. Our main revenue is ridiculously expensive bottles of champagne and more vodka than you could ever imagine consuming. This is point #1 -- Dubai is very progressive. The fact that alcohol can be readily purchased, and is an incredible source or revenue for companies & government, is only the beginning of a huge line of changes. You don't see alcohol in public places much in the middle east.
Point #2 - This is the safest place I have ever lived. Expanding on what was mentioned before, this town is basically a police state...in the nicest way possible. Crime is basically nonexistent. I have yet to hear of anyone getting burglarized, car broken into/stolen, or anything of the sort. Anything you might consider a petty crime could land you in jail. I cannot tell you how many times I have left my wallet or phone on a table in a busy place and come back to it untouched. To be honest, you rarely see police officers.
Point #3 - Being a woman. I work with dancers. Not the ballerina kind of dancers, but commercial dancers. They are your typical, sexy, fun loving, carefree dancers. While I have 3 working with me now, I have had about 15 come through during my tenure here, so I consider myself well-versed when it comes to those issues (while not first hand). They have felt 0 prejudice. The worst thing I have heard is they were approached in the mall during a holiday and handed a card that says, "If you could please purchase something to cover up a little bit more to respect the culture" or something along those lines. Also, feel free to apply for the SM position if you feel you are qualified! I've met plenty of women who are THE person in charge. Remember, you will be working with mostly touring companies. The production and management staff will most likely be western. The person interviewing you for the job will probably be from the UK...
Point #4 - homosexuality. Preface: I am not gay, but I am a huge gay activist. I work in the arts, for Christ's sake. If you are not accepting of most everyone, you are in the wrong business, right? With that said, I know and work with many gay people here in Dubai. While it is technically "haram" to be gay, it really doesn't ...stop people. It's just something you don't flaunt to the world. Let's put it this way -- a heterosexual couple has to withhold from public displays of affection. Kissing, dancing too close, cuddling, etc... is not really accepted in public, regardless of sexual preference. Things like that are strictly for closed doors. Honestly, you don't want to get pregnant while not married or you could get into some serious trouble.
Point #5 - Being a Westerner (specifically USA). There is a 'caste system' here. Westerners are somewhere near the top, especially USA. This 'system' directly impacts your salaries and treatment in the workplace. This is one of the main causes of culture shock that I endured. It is very rare that you see a Filipino as a CEO, GM, or any high position. Mostly, you will see them working the counter of a coffee shop or restaurant. Indians and Pakistanis, you will see as the laborers -- building all the buildings, doing the road work, driving cabs etc... While these jobs are incredibly vital to the city's growth and sustainability, they are paid peanuts in comparison. It is difficult to witness at first, but (I hate to say this), it's something you get used to.
Point #6 - Salaries. I will talk about my contract and what the Dubai Opera will most likely provide. There are two major types of contracts: fixed and continuous. I work on a continuous contract. Basically, after I passed my probationary period (6 months), my contract will continue. Fixed contracts typically have a time period -- my girlfriend is a teacher. Her contract is 2 years. Typically, the difference has to do with Visa renewals and the like. Most all contracts provide a monthly salary (approx 60%), other expenditures (approx 40%), a housing allowance (if accommodation is not already provided), and health insurance. The contract at Dubai Opera will most likely be a continuous contract. When it comes to specific numbers, I make WAY more than I did as a non-union freelancer. I imagine the salary for the top management positions in Dubai Opera to range anywhere from $40k-$70k per year...tax free (oh yeah, another huge benefit).
Point #7 - One simple the things that keeps me here, doing what I do, is I am the beginning of something massive. Dubai is a city that is not even 50 years old, and has only gotten big over the past 20 years. This place is ripe, it's new, and it's lacking an art culture (honestly, it's lacking culture. Period). This place is really breaking away from the typical Muslim/Middle Eastern ways of life. I am at the forefront of bringing that culture here. I am creating dinner theatre and entertainment for people who have never seen anything like this before! In 100 years when the history of Middle Eastern theatre and entertainment is being taught in the classrooms, my company will be in one of the first chapters! It's exciting. The rules are ONLY being created.
A few small points - EVERYONE speaks English, most people wear normal clothes, and yes, there is a ski slope in the mall. I didn't have to change anything about my lifestyle after moving here.
I don't know if this was very helpful...I hope it was. This is honestly the first time I've ever put fingers to keys and wrote about my experience here, so apologies if it seems a little scattered. I could honestly write a small novel about all the observations I have of this place. If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out to me.