UAE | General

UAE is a safe place to build family, readers say

More importance to security here than anywhere else.

  • By Rabab Khan, Community Interactivity Editor
  • Published: 00:00 December 3, 2010
  • Gulf News

UAE is a safe place
  • Image Credit: Supplied picture
  • (Clockwise from top-left) Shaji Kannan, Sisira Walaliyadde, Farzana Shaikh and Qasim Mohammad

Dubai: Gulf News readers are proud to be part of the UAE's celebration of its 39th National Day.

Each person interviewed told the newspaper of how the nation's core of family values, security and the opportunities for success have helped them build a life.

Sisira Walaliyadde, a civil engineer from Sri Lanka, has been in the emirates for 20 years. He said: "Life in the UAE has been comfortable, entertaining and different. I like my profession, have gotten my children educated, and my family and I live comfortably."

A father, the ability to save for his children has been very important in his decision to live in the emirates. Sisira said: "I have been able to [build] for my children's future education and have been able to contribute a lot to my community and my profession.

"I haven't had any problems due to the [recent] global economic crisis, and my family and I have coped well."

Prime focus

For homemaker Farzana Shaikh, too, the focus on family is what she likes best about the UAE. She has been in the country for nine years. The Indian national said: "Life in the UAE has been quite comfortable and interesting, the prime focus being on family and culture. The year 2010 has seen some positive aspects.

"The rental situation has improved with the increase in supply of housing units, ensuring stability and affordability. The authorities have made sure that the banking sector maintains stability by providing enough liquidity."

Shaikh felt that the global economic crisis has proven good for the UAE consumer in some ways. She observed: "There are some negative aspects, such as an increase in education and transport costs and some [imported] food items have become expensive.

"However, due to the global economic downturn, companies have come out with several offers and attractions, especially the automobile industry, making it feasible for potential buyers."

Qasim Mohammad, an Emirati, agreed that there has been a bit of stress over the past few months with increased cost of living, but there is nothing to complain as the country offers such a high standard of living within a secure environment.

The government employee said: "Past year and the current year became stressful to many people especially in the business community and employees due to the ongoing global economic problems.

World-class facilities

"[However]... life in the UAE is good. It is so peaceful and secure. The residents enjoy its world-class facilities."

Shaji Kannan, an accountant by profession, who has spent 13 years in the UAE, echoed the importance of the sense of safety.

The Indian national said: "The excellent thing I have found about the country is that it gives more importance to security than any other country.

"Personally, the year 2010 was a challenging year in my life with ups and downs. But, I can say that it went well by the grace of God."

- With inputs from Heather Madore and Manuel Almario, Community Solutions Journalists

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