Dubai is very popular destination to many OFWs. They say there's a pot of gold in UAE, especially in Dubai. The truth is, the grass only looks greener, but not really green on this side. Life is not really that easy here. Except for those who's earning big bucks, they hit the jackpot. So what are the jobs here that mostly Pinoys grab?  We have pinoy engineers, nurses, IT professionals, teaching jobs,executive secretaries, etc. Those jobs are quite good for pinoys, good enough to make 'padala' and sustento to relatives back in Pinas, plus some 'luho' and entertainment expenses. What about other jobs? The waiters/waitress, hairdressers, drivers,etc.. Some of them make big money coz they have extra jobs and they have unlimited services if they want. Plus customers' tips. But majority of us here with those kind of jobs are just earning merely AED 2000 or even AED 1500, which only equivalent to Php 1,500 if AED 1 = Php 10. Some of them are college graduate who have no choice but to take the job for their visa will expire anytime.

I remember when I exit to Kish in Iran 2 years ago, I had visit visa then, I met fellow pinoys there. Lucky for me coz I only waited 2 days to get back in Dubai because my visa arrived in 1 day time. But some unfortunate kabayan were there for 2 months already, some abandon by their employer, some were deceived by fellow kabayans. Every day spent in Kish means spending money, so nothing is free, even the food from the hotel. SOme of our kabayans worked to the hotel where they're staying, in exchange for their stay. Some stores there have DONATION BOXES for filipinos who stayed there for ages. Some met locals and got married just to stay legally.

This is just plain to say that life in abroad is not easy. You have to have the right skills, the right education, and the proper timig to succeed abroad, though there are factors to really succeed. The best time to go UAE is during winter season, it falls between November to March. By then you wont have to battle in UAE's humid hot weather, so applying and attending job interviews is easy plus employers stay in the country during this season. It's best to have the sufficient experience before coming here so that you will get better salary negotiations.

I bet this is just for now. Will update some more soon! :-)