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I’ve been dwelling in Oman for near a decade as an English Lecturer by day and a journey author by evening. I’ve had the chance to journey extensively all through the GCC throughout this time and may recognize not solely the wonder and tradition whereas venturing to locations such because the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, but in addition the hospitality of the locals.
Throughout my time dwelling and touring all through the area, I’ve discovered about varied myths in regards to the Center East which have to be debunked.
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Fantasy: It’s Not Secure
The most important false impression about touring to the Center East that I hear is that it’s not protected. Persons are extraordinarily involved after I inform them that I not solely dwell within the Center East as a single Black girl however that I journey all through the area solo additionally.
Nonetheless, persons are much more shocked after I inform them that I dwell in one of many most secure international locations on the earth. Oman is ranked the fifth most secure nation on the earth by the Internations 2021 Expat Insider survey. Different international locations that rank excessive on security indexes embody the UAE and Bahrain.
Fantasy: It Is Unaccepting of Folks From Completely different Cultures
Whereas Islam is the principle spiritual staple all through the area, that doesn’t imply that individuals from different walks of life are unwelcome within the GCC. For instance, Dubai’s inhabitants is made up of over 80 p.c expatriates and plenty of are Christian, Buddhist, and many others.
You’ll find a wide range of ethnicities, religions and cultures blended all through the UAE. You can even discover communities of individuals with completely different cultural makeups in different areas of the MENA area together with Qatar and Kuwait.
Fantasy: Ladies Have No Rights
Folks could be shocked to see simply what number of girls within the Center East are thriving, dwelling full, and considerable lives. I’ve lived within the area for nearly a decade and have had girls in director roles on the college I work for, seen a great deal of girls heading organizations, and in many of the courses I educate, there are extra younger girls than males.
General, girls make up more than half of the coed inhabitants in tertiary training all through the MENA area. Whereas you will note most ladies within the area lined and dressing modestly, it’s actually a option to put on an abaya out of respect for his or her tradition. Ladies are happy with their spiritual and cultural selections whereas dwelling within the area.
Fantasy: There Will Be a Language Barrier
I can personally attest to having the ability to get round completely positive within the Center East with out talking Arabic. Whereas Arabic is the primary language of most dwelling right here, English is second and thus used fairly generally in most institutions.
In most main cities, locals have studied English from major faculty up by college. English is the worldwide language making it potential to journey all through the Center East and the remainder of the world simply.
Fantasy: Alcohol Is Inaccessible
Whereas in Islam, alcohol is “haram” i.e. forbidden, as a foreigner it is possible for you to to have entry in most areas of the Center East. Albeit it’s tougher to get ahold of in sure locations like Saudi Arabia. In areas similar to Oman, UAE, Bahrain, and many others. expats and overseas guests can entry lodge bars and a few eating places which have alcohol licenses.
Moreover, expatriates who dwell within the area like myself are in a position to get alcohol licenses in an effort to buy it at liquor shops. However, buying alcohol may be dear since there’s a “sin” tax markup on haram objects similar to alcohol, pork, and many others.
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