Northwind,

Your post and subsequent replies brought back a flood of memories!

Am ex-Dubai too, now 6 years in Canada. Do give me a call when you come in. Details are on my website.

Regards,

Naeem Noorani

http://www.thecanadianimmigrant.com" rel="nofollow">LINK

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http://www.thecanadianimmigrant.com" rel="nofollow">LINK

Northwind,

You are right. I guess a good starting point would be a kind of a "gap analysis", identifying things that you have right now and what exactly you need in the future and looking at way to bridge the gap. I believe that the person who knows what he needs make the right decisions.


If I were you, I would have prefered living in dubai, make good money and may be retire.


Anyways, there are just my thoughts..


Timon

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"The grass is not, in fact, always greener on the other side of the fence. Fences have nothing to do with it. The grass is greenest where it is watered. When crossing over fences, carry water with you and tend the grass wherever you may be"

Agree Timon,

You are right, this place is great to make money. But it is like 'Quicksand'-It sucks you.

There is no security and sense of belonging.Technologically it is not too advanced (Many consider powerpoint high tech, and i have seen pretty senior managers have some of the costliest laptops and not know how to use it-the machine is hung and the guy keeps waiting and staring at the screen saying-No no wait something is happening!).

If you stay here long, the world passes you by.

The work culture is pretty pre historic as most companies that call themselves 'companies' don't even have proper boards, or rules of conduct -They are more like private fiefdoms.Rules keep changing.You don't exist at your work place on your merit, hard work or knowledge but merely on the owner's whim. One mistake and they put a ban on you for 'whatever' time.Kaput!

That is why despite the income here being tax free, and making money being easy people still tend to look towards Canada.Also keep in mind we are humans-we want to belong.They dont give you citizenship or let you have a say irrespective of how long you have stayed here. Just be silent and slog.

SoI guess the best option is-Make the best of this place and leave while you are still of some use.

I guess go to Canada, get citizenship and then come back to the ME. Some friends have done so.

Regards
Northwind

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Those who want to make their dreams come true dont sleep

Northwind,

I spent 4 years in saudi arabia before coming to Canada and so, I know how the life is like in Middle east.

But, personally, I miss that place alot,because I used to have excellent friends over there(not arabs though) and really miss them over here.

My citizenship is due now and I was kind of thinking of moving back to middle east. But, not sure whether I will be able to leave this place ever in my life..

A friend refered to Canada as a prostitute (excuse my use of words) , you will never love her..but, you will never be able to leave her.


I agree with him


Timon

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"The grass is not, in fact, always greener on the other side of the fence. Fences have nothing to do with it. The grass is greenest where it is watered. When crossing over fences, carry water with you and tend the grass wherever you may be"

Hi The Canadian Immigrant,

Its Nick I guess, greetings!

Thanks for the warm words.Surely will keep in touch. Nice to see your success.

Regards
Northwind

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Those who want to make their dreams come true dont sleep

Hey Timon what an analogy !


After Citizenship head back to the ME.That'l be pretty cool.

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Those who want to make their dreams come true dont sleep

Yes and when Shoorta (Policeman) sees you at the airport and tells you in his regular unfriendly tone; to line up in a long Indian/Pakistani line, show him your Canadian passport and see how respectfully he will speak to you and take you to the US/Canadian section.

And later when you go for an interview as a Canadian citizen, see how easily an extra 5-10K adds up in your monthly package. And no way one will be offered a position less than a Mudeer (Manager).

Right said by Northwind it is not your skills but most often the owner's whims that make you successful in the M.E. plus a Canadian passport.

That's why not many successful Canadians are going back to M.E.

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