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Assalaam Alikum.

I'm a 22-year old white convert to Islam living in Florida and I would like to move to the UAE after college (which should be no more than 3 years away). I'm really thinking about moving to Dubai because it's very westernized and therefore should be less of a culture shock for me.


Now, I'm hoping to get a degree is sales here in America. I currently have a job so I can start saving money. Now, how exactly would I move to the UAE?

I won't be bringing much with me. I want to start fresh. I'll have a basic amount of clothes and stuff like that. I obviously can't bring my car with me so I'll need to sell that. I'm thinking I could ride a bike in Dubai until I can get a car. They sell bikes in Dubai, yes?


What should I do about drivers licenses? Obviously, a Florida license won't work in Dubai. Would I need to take a driver's test again in UAE or could they possibly transfer the information?


I'll need a job preferably before I move there. How can I apply for a job from America? It doesn't have to be a major career. Even something small just to get my foot in the door.

I'll obviously need a place to stay. Where can I search for apartments in Dubai? Would roommates help the issue like they would in America?


About money, I know there is not a Bank of America in Dubai so I'll probably need to close my account with BOA and withdraw all my money. Would there be a way to transfer my money into a bank in Dubai? I'm extremely worried about carrying all my money with me on the way there. If it gets stolen or something, I'll be completely broke.


Also, as some of you know, I grow carnivorous plants. I have a 20-gallon terrarium in my room for them. How would I be able to transfer this to Dubai? I'm fairly certain that there is no way they can ship a tank there without breaking it. How can I get all my plants to Dubai? Would I be allowed to uproot the plants, wrap them in bags, and carry them with me? I know it sounds illegal, but these are plants that I legally purchased from nurseries.



I also know I will need a passport. Is there a way I can be a dual citizen of both USA and UAE? Or should I just focus on being an immigrant in UAE? I've never moved to another country before (not even another city). How should I do this?



These are big questions right now. I'll probably have more later.

Walaikum assalam!

First of all. Congratulation to your conversion.

Brother I would like to advice you that instead of UAE make a shift to Hong Kong, China. UAE is expensive place to survive.
Currently the HDI of Hong Kong is 21 and the economy of China has 2nd rank globally.

Good Luck!

[katetomson]

china is not the place for muslims to go...it is a communist state with very little to offer for muslims. There were plenty of muslims from china who came and migrated to pakistan. Whatver zaid hamid and pakistani nationalists say is rubbish. China is no friend of muslims and I would live in america any day of the week compared to china/honk kong where work, work, work is the ethos. Brother wolf just conentrate on your studies and meet some local scholars and go in tabligh for now

[illiderob]

Assalaam Alikum.

I'm a 22-year old white convert to Islam living in Florida and I would like to move to the UAE after college (which should be no more than 3 years away). I'm really thinking about moving to Dubai because it's very westernized and therefore should be less of a culture shock for me.


Now, I'm hoping to get a degree is sales here in America. I currently have a job so I can start saving money. Now, how exactly would I move to the UAE?

I won't be bringing much with me. I want to start fresh. I'll have a basic amount of clothes and stuff like that. I obviously can't bring my car with me so I'll need to sell that. I'm thinking I could ride a bike in Dubai until I can get a car. They sell bikes in Dubai, yes?


What should I do about drivers licenses? Obviously, a Florida license won't work in Dubai. Would I need to take a driver's test again in UAE or could they possibly transfer the information?


I'll need a job preferably before I move there. How can I apply for a job from America? It doesn't have to be a major career. Even something small just to get my foot in the door.

I'll obviously need a place to stay. Where can I search for apartments in Dubai? Would roommates help the issue like they would in America?


About money, I know there is not a Bank of America in Dubai so I'll probably need to close my account with BOA and withdraw all my money. Would there be a way to transfer my money into a bank in Dubai? I'm extremely worried about carrying all my money with me on the way there. If it gets stolen or something, I'll be completely broke.


Also, as some of you know, I grow carnivorous plants. I have a 20-gallon terrarium in my room for them. How would I be able to transfer this to Dubai? I'm fairly certain that there is no way they can ship a tank there without breaking it. How can I get all my plants to Dubai? Would I be allowed to uproot the plants, wrap them in bags, and carry them with me? I know it sounds illegal, but these are plants that I legally purchased from nurseries.



I also know I will need a passport. Is there a way I can be a dual citizen of both USA and UAE? Or should I just focus on being an immigrant in UAE? I've never moved to another country before (not even another city). How should I do this?



These are big questions right now. I'll probably have more later.

Salaam,

I used to live in Dubai.

Being white, you'll find you'll have a lot of advantages in nearly everything. Being white in that country is probably only second to being an arab if not on par.

You can't get a UAE passport unless you're arab or unless you marry an arab (I think)

You will definitely need a job, but I'm assuming you'll have an american degree, you'll get a high salary. British and American degrees are high in demand. I would look for job packages - where you can get a flat, car etc....tickets to fly back etc etc

About driver's licences....it's funny thing. British licenses are accepted over there so I'm assuming an american one would be accepted too.

[freflellalafe]

ignore moving to turkey where u cant even grow a beard withinout hindrance. UAE has more religion than Turkey anyday of the week.

I think , the secular Turks will not dare to look down upon a bearded white American Muslim guy. Economically , Turkey is quite strong. Moreover,its
a very beautiful city.

[Vkowefek]

ignore moving to turkey where u cant even grow a beard withinout hindrance. UAE has more religion than Turkey anyday of the week.

I ask you to update your knowledge before making baseless arguments, please.

[FLOMOUSLY]

why not stay in the US and make the Muslim population grow there?

[BigBobdd]

why not stay in the US and make the Muslim population grow there?

I'm a white revert as well, who has been to Turkey years ago when I was in the military. I loved it there. I have also thought about moving to a more "Muslim state" (however one defines that), then I realized, in thinking about this along with my reversion process...and perhaps I am wrong to think this, but Islam is wherever we are at. Maybe that's very "American" of me to say or think, but we (those of us who are Muslim here in the US, of any race) don't have to go anywhere. What we have to do, Inshallah, is be the best Muslims we can be here, and give Da'wah here, where it is needed most.

I am no liberal or "America-hater" (like so many of my fellow countrymen are), but the US is a 'sick' nation, culturally, socially, financially, spiritually. We are ill with secularism and all that it breeds...why not stay here and make it a better place? A more Muslim society, showing that all the words of the Quran have the answers, and have worked (when applied correctly) for 1400 years.

We don't need to leave, we need to live, and help the أمة‎ Ummah stretch across the horizon, coast to coast.

[epPtsDno]

We don't need to leave, we need to live, and help the أمة‎ Ummah stretch across the horizon, coast to coast.

This is such a powerful statement, such a high goal of a noble cause.. May Allah reward you and give you success!

[MormefWrarebe]

All those who are saying that go to UAE or Saudi only if you are white, you will get special treatment, you will have more friends, you will get more salary, etc etc, I think they don't even understand the concept of making Hijrah for the sake of safeguarding your Iman.

These kinds of statements just show the hidden Hubb e Jaah (love of fame). Why do you care if people treat you like a king or not? Are you going to get treated like a king? Are you going to make friends who treat you good only because you are white?

One brother mentioned that you won't get nationality. You are going to get nationality? Isn't US nationality enough for you? No nationalities can do you any benefit IF Allah wills you to spend the rest of your life on an island. Can you do anything then?

I see all the advices from people who are too worried about their futures in their dunia, more worried about money and their future in this dunia than they are worried about Akhirah.

[Zmniubqr]

I think its more important to focus on advice of Brothers like Hazratji, London786, Nomadic, who have actually lived there (I didnt mention myself even though i lived here 29 years!)

For a Muslim, the UAE is good because

1) More Masajid than in west, malls have masajid and wudu facilities which is very very convenient
2) Halal food (though a minority of brothers feel imported meat are Haram, and imported meat forms most available meat here)
3) If you have Sunnah beard or a sister wear Niqab she wont feel out of place except in many companies in Dubai which are 95% Non-muslim


Where people should be careful of

1) Much less opportunities to study Islam than in a place like London. Most stuff is heavily controlled, (for e.g. no Imam can mention the US in any of his Khutba and can not condemn any war)

2) Lots of ultra liberal Muslims around,

3) Lots of Muslims around who follow the basics but have horrible Akhlaq: rude, racist, out to cheat people, oppress workers if they are managers.

The last bit may not affect you that much if you are Caucasian, but its depressing nevertheless

[HomePageOEMfreeSOFTWARE]

All those who are saying that go to UAE or Saudi only if you are white, you will get special treatment, you will have more friends, you will get more salary, etc etc, I think they don't even understand the concept of making Hijrah for the sake of safeguarding your Iman.

These kinds of statements just show the hidden Hubb e Jaah (love of fame). Why do you care if people treat you like a king or not? Are you going to get treated like a king? Are you going to make friends who treat you good only because you are white?
:

The question for the Gulf at least isnt about money because most western Muslims who come here actually make more than they do in the West so their "Dunya" is actually better

[bonyrek]

The question for the Gulf at least isnt about money because most western Muslims who come here actually make more than they do in the West so their "Dunya" is actually better

That's what I"m asking, why do they go?

[hieklyintinee]

If I believe the info that has poured in, including the other threads where similar things were discussed, and there no reason to disbelieve what has been told here, one comes to the clear conclusion that Gulf is a place to avoid. At least this sinner is thoroughly disillusioned.
Wassalam

[nizcreare]

Don't know about other gulf states but Saudia is the best place to live in, esp Haramain Shareefain. The best reason is that you won't find open fahashi here the way you find in other countries. Even in Pakistan now, it's so easy to do ZINA than nikah.

[flopay]

If I believe the info that has poured in, including the other threads where similar things were discussed, and there no reason to disbelieve what has been told here, one comes to the clear conclusion that Gulf is a place to avoid. At least this sinner is thoroughly disillusioned.
Wassalam

Not necessarily

If you are living in London and Toronto and want to come to Gulf thinking it will be easy to follow and learn Islam, then Gulf is not for you

If you live in a remote town in US or in a hostile country like France and want to move to a place where you can wear proper Islamic clothing and get Halal food, then Gulf is definitely better for your Deen

Depends on every person as we all know.

[VIAGRA-]

china is not the place for muslims to go...it is a communist state with very little to offer for muslims. There were plenty of muslims from china who came and migrated to pakistan. Whatver zaid hamid and pakistani nationalists say is rubbish. China is no friend of muslims and I would live in america any day of the week compared to china/honk kong where work, work, work is the ethos. Brother wolf just conentrate on your studies and meet some local scholars and go in tabligh for now

Some examples of the religious concessions granted to Muslims are:
In areas where Muslims are a majority, the breeding of pigs is not allowed, in deference to Muslim sensitivities
Muslim communities are allowed separate cemeteries
Muslim couples may have their marriage consecrated by an Imam
Muslim workers are permitted holidays during major religious festivals
Chinese Muslims are also allowed to make the Hajj to Mecca, and more than 45,000 Chinese Muslims have done so in recent years.

I don't know what is your source of information but it's all fake.

For more information;
ISLAMIC ASSOCIATION OF CHINA
http://www.chinaislam.net.cn/index.jsp

[JesikaFclq]

Don't know about other gulf states but Saudia is the best place to live in, esp Haramain Shareefain.

I don't doubt it, but indeed it seems very difficult to settle there (visas, etc..), while in UAE and other countries is comparatively a lot easier...

[ApporpSothe]

Some examples of the religious concessions granted to Muslims are:
In areas where Muslims are a majority, the breeding of pigs is not allowed, in deference to Muslim sensitivities
Muslim communities are allowed separate cemeteries
Muslim couples may have their marriage consecrated by an Imam
Muslim workers are permitted holidays during major religious festivals
Chinese Muslims are also allowed to make the Hajj to Mecca, and more than 45,000 Chinese Muslims have done so in recent years.

I don't know what is your source of information but it's all fake.

For more information;
ISLAMIC ASSOCIATION OF CHINA

Of course, everything's fake until Zaid Hamid says it's not.

[traiffhetl]

Of course, everything's fake until Zaid Hamid says it's not.

Zaid Hamid is not the issue here. You better instead of criticizing someone spend time in doing good deeds.

OK?

[snunsebrugs]

Life is much cheaper in Sharjah or Ajmaan. Islam is present and the food is cheaper than Nairobi.

• A 3 bedroom (2 bathrooms) apt. is about 1000 USD in Sharjah
• 500 USD more than enough for food
• 500 USD for transport if you want to be comfortable with a car.