I lived in Dubai with my wife and 3 young kids for nearly 3 years around the time of the GFC. It was certainly a land of opportunity and had great aspects. We lived in a lovely apartment by the beach. I had a good paying job, the kids went to excellent schools and enjoyed experiences they would never have had growing up in Australia. We got to travel to Europe several times and were exposed to many new cultures.
But, the service and construction workers did not have nearly as good a time. We were always aware we were enjoying a life built on near slave labour. Most Aussies we knew made it a point to try and treat the Indian and Philippino workers with respect but many didn't. Those people had their passports confiscated upon arrival and often lived in pretty bad conditions. There were many unreported deaths. And we were also very aware that if we stepped out of line there would be little judicial support available, especially if an Emirati took against you.
It was interesting - most of the Brits we met said they would live there as long as possible. Most of the Aussies were there, like us, for an experience and to make some money before returning home in a few years.
We have never been back and are unlikely to go again.
