Dubai: Western expatriates who have made Dubai their home feel that the city has exceeded their expectations in all counts.
Many who spoke to Gulf News said they regard Dubai as one of the most comfortable and tolerant cities in the world and maintained the western media that "unleash mindless criticism on Dubai" is failing to see the real story.
Corrado Chiarentin, 44, who runs a business consultancy in Dubai, said it is "the most tolerant city" he has ever been to.
"People from all nationalities and religious backgrounds live in complete harmony here. I always wonder how the local population copes with the huge expatriate population as it is almost dominating the social scene. In any other country, you can see that the local population is always reluctant to accept expatriates. But Dubai is different, and we really have to appreciate the open-mindedness."
For many, like Wess Long from the USA, moving to Dubai has been an enriching experience.
"I am glad I took the decision to come here. It has been a learning experience because in Dubai we get to know different cultures and different people," said Long who works for the Hospitality sector. He added that it is unfortunate that there are lot of stereotypes about Dubai in the western media.
"It is a fact that there are issues where stereotypical ideas exist between both the cultures. But we are ambassadors and we dispel the wrong notions people back home might have about the place," added Long.
Ron, a healthcare professional from the UK, is of the opinion that Dubai as an emerging city has done "exceptionally well" in the last two decades, and the western world should give the city its credit.
"It is easy to bash any place. It is not fair to see Dubai in the same light as other big cities in the world which have been there for hundreds of years. Dubai might have made some mistakes, but it learns and improves," said Ron.
According to another expatriate from Argentina, western expatriates like him might have left Dubai long back if they did not like it.
"I don't agree that Dubai poses any issues for people who understand that they are living in a foreign country and have to be respectful of the host country's traditions and values. If you behave like an arrogant expatriate, obviously you will be treated likewise. I am happy here, and I very much feel like in the mainstream because I was lucky enough to have made friends from all backgrounds ."
