My husband is considering working in Moscow or Dubai (me and 1yo also going). Which alternative is better?

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t_maia2000

I've been to Moscow and I've travelled extensively in the Middle East. I speak both Russian and Arabic.

It is hard to tell what would be better for you without knowing more about you and what you want. Moscow and Dubai are the total opposites of each other.

The pro's and cons in short:

Dubai
- hot, often too hot (40 C - 105 F in summer)
- beach
- boom town with lots of new buildings, Middle Eastern Las Vegas
- no real visible history
- no public transport, you need to get everywhere by car
- constantly changing, new quarters and satellite cities get built overnight
- above average driving skills needed to get anywhere
- conservative muslim society, especially regarding women
- large, English-speaking expat community
- the majority of young, well-educated natives speak English

Moscow
- cold, 10 F (-14 C) and below in winter and around 75 F (24 C) in summer
- winter is really depressing in Moscow, bc the sun rises very late and sets early
- no beach anywhere close
- macho attitude from Russian men
- very beautiful Russian ladies who dress to the nines in the hope hitching up with a foreigner
- good public transport
- long history and lots of interesting things to see and do
- if your hubby doesn't drink he'll learn it in Russia (Russians drink vodka out of water glasses)
- big cosmopolitan city

If you can cope with being a stay-at-home mum in the literal sense (ie not going anywhere without your hubby) Dubai would be a good option. While Dubai is very open and westernized on the outside, it is still one the Gulf states at its core. It is quite an interesting mix.

I personally would go to Dubai, but you might make a different choice.

I suggest you read the following books and then make your choice:

Culture Shock! Russia: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette (Culture Shock! Guides) by Anna Pavlovskaya

Culture Shock!: Moscow At Your Door by Paul Wayne and Maria Wayne

Culture Shock! United Arab Emirates (Culture Shock! Guides) by Gina Cocceti

rp121121

what the 1st poster said is a BS. He/She is apparently a muslim in disguise or a muslim lover or something. Both places have their pros and cons.

Moscow is a typical big city with rich cultural life and lots of good though expensive restaurants. It has people from all over the world, in particular, many people from the United States. It is a Christian city too. On the negative side are relatively cold winters, though the temperature rarely goes below 10 Fahrenheit, relative expensiveness and the fact that not many people speak English. I do not really think that security in Moscow is considerably worse then in Dubai.

Dubai is probably a nice place, though I would think it is very hot over there and also UAE is an Arab Muslim country. I would not want to live in an Arab Muslim Country.

lindagreendogs

Moscow, definitely. Safer.

**1066**

Why not take a short break in Moscow and get a feel for the place first... you will ether love it or hate it.

Lost_G20 (At warr with NOUB)

They're really beutiful cities, both of them, but if you've got good money or are going to making good money, than definatley Dubai. it is ABSOLUTLY amazing, i lived there for a while.
moscow is really nice too, but its not as great as Dubai

ps. i have cousins and uncles in both. they would def prefer Dubai

g'luck n hope it helps!

btw rp121121 - with that kinda attitude i don't think the muslims would want u neither!!

and i forgot 2 add that its virtually IMPOSSIBLE to live in dubai in teh summer, and same goes for moscow in the winter... so i guess u could also go by which u can handle better... hot or cold. hahahah

lets dance

I stay in Dubai.. best place on earth..

im getting free internet and its super fast..

:)

Just an Ordinary Girl

Dubai, its beautiful, wealthy, warm. Russia still is having some issues.

Anna v

Dubai for the weather and the easy expat life. Moscow is fascinating, but a challenge. You will either love it or hate it. With a one-year old, Moscow might not be bad, but be prepared for the cold and darkness and moody Russians...

t_elle23

I would choose Dubai. I've heard great things about it. Good luck! :)

muinghan

Been to BOTH places.
I would have to say Dubai.

Russia is a tough place.
They are typically very poor.
Have an extremely bad opinion of Americans.
You would simply die of depression.
The one word I would use to describe is dreary.
Don't get me wrong, the architecture alone is worth the trip but I could never live there.

Dubia, on the other hand, is a very lovely place.
In their own way, the people can be very friendly.
In my personal experience, the Arabic Muslims of the area are a very pleasant and respectful people.
There are many, many, many stay at home mothers there.
They would be able to relate to you quite easily.

Just remember, you are in another culture.
You have to respect it, even if you don't agree with some things.

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