Emiratis rank UAE high for life quality

Dubai: Emiratis say they are pleased with the improving quality of life on many social fronts that set the UAE apart not only from some of its Gulf neighbours but, indeed, many other countries around the globe.

A tolerant country that welcomes expatriates from every corner of the planet, the UAE’s constant striving for better quality of life is not something taken for granted by Emiratis.

Ali Al Dhahri, an Emirati, expressed his satisfaction with his home country noting that life in the UAE is “rather excellent in comparison with other countries around the Gulf and even around the world. Thank God and thanks to the Emirates’ rulers, Emirati citizens and residents as well are enjoying privileged status.”

Emirati Ahmad Omar, Al Tayer projects manager in Financial Control Development, believes lifestyle in Emirates is good in comparison with other Gulf countries.

However, Omar, 34, said standards vary from one emirate to another lending some credence to calls for more standardization in the federation.

Omar said that’s why ”services need to be stepped up.”

Ahmed Bin Al Shaikh, a public relations student at American University of Sharjah, is highly satisfied with the lifestyle in the UAE.

Al Shaikh, 22, is comfortable with the safety of the state and, in his opinion, life’s essentials such as transportation, water and electricity are affordable.

He said there is always room for improvement regardless of which country is being examined, adding that “some serious matters should be taken into consideration; restrictions should take place against smoking and alcohol due to their drawbacks at the personal level and at social one as well. Also Arabic and religious classes in schools could be improved by extra hours and getting deeper in such studies, he said.

Nasra, an Emirati instructor, 42, subscribes to the belief that Emiratis enjoy a high quality of life thanks to top ranked literacy, job availability and disease prevention.

She also asserts there could be improvement in the educational fields: “Schools must make students aware of the importance of healthy food and regular sports for health care.”

According to Steve Hamilton-Clark, CEO of TNS MENA -- a custom market research organisation -- UAE provides a higher quality life than most of its counterparts regionally and abroad.

He said that research suggests that 91 per cent of UAE citizens are satisfied with the “gold standards” available in the country.

Happiness and satisfaction are most of the wanted aims in Emirates, he said.

Various policies taken by Emirati authorities ensuring the country a constant progression in multiple sides of life, are welcomed by Emiratis, he said.