Living in Sharjah?

Question

Hi everyone.....

We are planning to relocate from US to Sharjah in a couple of months, as a result of job offer. I am of south Asian origin.

I would like to know about the following.

1. Shopping. Where can we do groceries? Are there south asian grocey stores. (Sri Lankan/Indian)

2. How is the driving condition?

3. I heard that UAE is a heaven for shopping. But what I want to know is that whether they have US brands.

4. about the University City in sharjah.

5. Hospitals and doctors. Where are they from?

6. Do they have emergency service like 911?

7. How are women treated?

8. The weather. I am informed that it can really really hot during summer. How do people in UAE handle it?

I would like comprehensive answers. Please do not write about financial matters as in my case everything from rent to utilities are taken care of.

Thank you

Thank you everyone for your answers....

Answer 1

Hi,

1. Yes, many Indian grocery shops.
2. Streets are perfect, traffic horrible and some people drive like maniacs.
3. Yes, many US brandsare available
4. http://www.answers.com/topic/american-university-of-sharjah
http://www.sharjah-welcome.com/html/uc_university_city.htm
5. http://www.sharjah-welcome.com/html/sh_health_hospital.htm
7. Women are treated with respect - no problems at all
6. Yes
8. A/C is everywhere

Sharjah is the most konservative Emirat of the UAE. Also when women can move freely it adviced to dress more moderate than in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. No shorts or tank tops on the street or malls. Only at the beach.
You will find all kind of food/groceries. Most foreign workers are from the Indian Subcontinent and stores offer their local groceries. American and European food you'll find in supermarkets or special stores. In this case you'll miss anything.
Malls are full of American Brands.
Driving in Dubai??? You have to get used to it first. Police and Goverment are doing their best, but traffic is growing faster than streets can be build. Dubai - Sharia is a 15 min. drive where as during rush hours it can be 1,5 to 2 hours.
Be aware of many reckless driving, no turn signal, changing lanes without indicator, no slowing down for people crossing the streets, etc.
During the very hot and humid summer time you leave your house, have the A/C turned on in the car and get out at your destination where there A/C is running, too. The pools have cooling systems. Just stay out of the sun especially during lunch time.
Hospital and medical service is very good. Doctors at local hospitals are mostly Arabs from other Arab countries and Indians. Medical staff is mostly from India and the Phillipines. American Doctors you'll find in American Hospitals in Dubai.

How to get more answers.

look at web pages like:
http://www.startpagedubai.com

Talk to people living here directly. Join the UAE forums:
http://www.uaeforums.org

Take care.

Answer 2

i would like to give u comprehensive answers in same order as u asked. i have been living here in uae for 20 yrs and am also from south east asia.
1. at every nook and corner u will find grocery store specially dealing in asian stuff.
2. driving is same as in USA, ie. left hand drive vehicles and right hand driving on roads. the road signs r as in USA. but better road conditions and cleaner vehicles. only problem is the traffic conditions r bad due to over crowding and no alternative means of transport.
3. brands from all over the world r available here. not only that but for ur informations some of the USA brands r manufactured here for exports (cloths)
4. there r varietie of university and educatinal courses available here including US. american university of sharjah is exclusively for education based on US recognised courses.
5. medical facilities r available to the best of the standards inthe world antho people prefer to travel abroad for specialised treatement from here. but soon they r planing to have every thing here.
6. emergency service is available in all cities.
7. women r treated with much more respect here then in US . only u have to be carefull to be moderately dressed in public places . over exposer is not acceptable except in designated areas, like beaches or water parks.
8. its very hot and humid during peak summer months between may and september. but airconditioned facilities r available evely where and as long as u r indoor u wont feel the heat. except during transit thru open air places.
feel free to contact for any more details.

Answer 3

Hey man UAE is better then USA so dont worry but try to live in Dubai its better.
Bye