I've been born and raised in Dubai, and the dress coding is really fluid tbh. People wear off-shoulder dresses, tank tops, mini skirts and shorts quiet comfortably, it just comes down to the place? if you're going to the souk it'll make the people there uncomfortable, but around the downtown, in malls and the likes, it really doesn't matter.
Fun facts: sex in the city was filmed in morocco. Im from abu dhabi and used to work for the filming industry. Abu dhabi didnt want it to be filmed there and rejected the proposal. We didnt like the movie either because it made fun of local women. I wouldnt call the people there rich more like generous. If you dont have money and youre hungry you still feed your neighbour if they want food. Thats the base of our values. Thanks for sharing ❤
I'm really happy that I discovered your channel! I'm much older than you, but have some similar experiences. I'm a Korean-American international adoptee who grew up in Japan, Germany, as well as nine or so states in the U.S. (including California, where I attended UC Berkeley for my Ph.D.). I have worked in Jeddah, KSA, for the past six years or so teaching at a private women's university. As an expat, you have always been able to walk around freely as a woman. Now women can drive and are not required to cover as long as they dress modestly. However, I still wear an abaya out of respect. I look forward to watching all of your videos!
@@soeuninseoul I've barely had any experience with Koreans or Koreans from North America. Probably the most interaction I've had with Koreans is the owners of the dry cleaners in my neighborhood in Chicago 😥 Like you, I grew up feeling somewhat embarrased about being Korean (esp. because my parents are white and I don't speak Korean or know much about the culture). It's like you just go out in the world thinking of yourself as a person, but you have to be on guard because you never know when someone is going to point out that you're "different." The perception of Korea has dramatically changed (at least in the media, not always in lived experience) in the last decade or so (thank you BTS).. I would have never imagined that people from all over the world (not just disturbing Asian fetishists) would think Koreans are attractive and Korean culture is interesting. Anyhow, when random people ask where I'm from now in Saudi Arabia, I often say "Korea" and always receive a positive response like "I love Korea!"
@@t.anderson6069 i know! it’s crazy how an anonymous culture has become huge globally. it’s both weird and cool to watch people become so interested in Korea, even in learning the language and living here. praying for your continued journey of self discovery! sounds like there’s a lot to process for both of us 🥲
@@soeuninseoul Thank you for your thoughtful encouragement re: self discovery. As cliched as it may sound, knowing oneself appears to be a lifelong journey. Growing up outside your culture makes the process a little confusing, to say the least.
I am a Christian-born citizen from EU and the etiquette and rules in Abu Dhabi wouldn’t require me to change anything. But it would for some my fellow countrymen and women, without any doubt!
This really true. I worked before in uae in a retail shop yes I can really feel I'm n a bottom like I don't know how to say but I can feel it. But now I'm here in uk working in a hospitality I don't feel the same as I feel back I was in uae. I feel that I'm equal with people here. I can feel the equality here in Europe. I'm so happy I'm here I don't feel bad about my self now I'm more happy and embrace what my race a Filipino
What does "houses look the same" even means lmao the ones in UAE are much diverse than the ones i saw in the entirety of europe which i cant even differentiate them apart from one country to another. Also the last part is literally in every country???? I dont know why you felt the need to talk about it just to paint the country in a certain shady way. Anyways good thing that you made that disclaimer about not trying to show "western" values to be better than the middle eastern ones because i felt the ick while watching that part too.
She just said che truth. And the treatment of the labor class is...they are like slaves. So you can bet it's shady...and talking about western values being better. Some of them are actually better and the Emirates have taken all the bad ones creating a fake facade. There's plenty of corruption, also
Hi Souen, Thank you very very much for your video. I just settled in the UAE from France, and I really feel exactly like you say in the last part of your video: overwhelmed by how well I am treated by staff workers. Coming from Europe, I really feel here that I have been unexpectedly "promoted" socially and it is extremely weird. Thanks again and bests, Val
FUN FACT: 😊It was part of Oman before it became UAE. That’s why it’s a young country. Not because nobody lived there before but because it wasn’t country on it’s own.
im also a tck, but i lived in qatar! lol i feel like my experience was was pretty similar to yours, i do feel like qatar has a slightly different vibe, idk how to explain it though.
The difference is not "income" disparity, per se. In the US, you have to go to special places or lines to be treated special. But in general, everywhere else, most people (racism aside) get treated like everyone else unless they make a flashy show or something. But we, middle-income expats in the middle east, are taken aback when we get treated like we are ultra-wealthy everywhere in the Middle East. That treatment contrasts starkly with the lower-income workers. The point is that we're just not used to being treated special.
@@hello50881 yeah, that's the problem... its very biased towards Westerners. And people are not afraid to ask where you are from. Country of origin is the main giveaway.
You don't have to cover up. That is wrong. I have lived in Abu Dhabi for over 10 years, the country is very tolerant. Relations have changed with Israel but the UAE still stands with Palestine. Abu Dhabi pays a lot of money for eco-irrigation to make keep it green, Al Ain is the greenest part of Abu Dhabi naturally. You can drive yourself to the desert and camp and bbq all by yourself. It is so easy and is about 50 mins drive from the AUH airport area but you need to know how to deflate your tyres and should attend a free course first to be safe. You should speak to the locals. I have many local friends some of whom I go to the pub with. They are proud that so many expats come to the UAE to enhance their country. Their motto is live and let live. This video really isn't about living in Abu Dhabi at all.
Women everywhere: Carefully follow local dress codes to show respect, avoid shaming themselves, and avoid offending others Men everywhere: Can wear clothes if they feel like it
That’s not true actually I was in Dubai a month ago in the month of July and it was was hottt as fuck I wore tank top skirts shorts no one said anything in fact I saw so many woman wearing dresses short skirts please don’t say things that is not true Also they respect all religions
@@ramkikrishna1462 probably now!! it’s cherry blossom season and the weather is gorgeous 💖 but it’s on season so it might be a bit pricey! autumn is also nice to see the leaves 🥰
Arabs luxury lifestyle is just so over the top it's sickening. No substance. They seem to just racing to who can build bigger, shinier things. Lavish, luxurious, but no substance.
Not complaining, just doesn’t feel respectful to move to non white countries even tho I don’t have a drop of British in me, I’d love to live somewhere in Asia/Africa/middle east dgmw
I've been born and raised in Dubai, and the dress coding is really fluid tbh. People wear off-shoulder dresses, tank tops, mini skirts and shorts quiet comfortably, it just comes down to the place? if you're going to the souk it'll make the people there uncomfortable, but around the downtown, in malls and the likes, it really doesn't matter.
You sound like a real expat. We miss you guys 😊
i mean there’s a reason why israel is hated they’re occupying palestine
Fun facts: sex in the city was filmed in morocco.
Im from abu dhabi and used to work for the filming industry. Abu dhabi didnt want it to be filmed there and rejected the proposal.
We didnt like the movie either because it made fun of local women.
I wouldnt call the people there rich more like generous. If you dont have money and youre hungry you still feed your neighbour if they want food. Thats the base of our values.
Thanks for sharing ❤
I'm really happy that I discovered your channel! I'm much older than you, but have some similar experiences. I'm a Korean-American international adoptee who grew up in Japan, Germany, as well as nine or so states in the U.S. (including California, where I attended UC Berkeley for my Ph.D.). I have worked in Jeddah, KSA, for the past six years or so teaching at a private women's university. As an expat, you have always been able to walk around freely as a woman. Now women can drive and are not required to cover as long as they dress modestly. However, I still wear an abaya out of respect. I look forward to watching all of your videos!
Wow that’s amazing!! My dad also was in Saudi for a bit, but never had the chance to visit. It’s always so nice to meet another Korean TCK 🥰
@@soeuninseoul I've barely had any experience with Koreans or Koreans from North America. Probably the most interaction I've had with Koreans is the owners of the dry cleaners in my neighborhood in Chicago 😥 Like you, I grew up feeling somewhat embarrased about being Korean (esp. because my parents are white and I don't speak Korean or know much about the culture). It's like you just go out in the world thinking of yourself as a person, but you have to be on guard because you never know when someone is going to point out that you're "different." The perception of Korea has dramatically changed (at least in the media, not always in lived experience) in the last decade or so (thank you BTS).. I would have never imagined that people from all over the world (not just disturbing Asian fetishists) would think Koreans are attractive and Korean culture is interesting. Anyhow, when random people ask where I'm from now in Saudi Arabia, I often say "Korea" and always receive a positive response like "I love Korea!"
@@t.anderson6069 i know! it’s crazy how an anonymous culture has become huge globally. it’s both weird and cool to watch people become so interested in Korea, even in learning the language and living here. praying for your continued journey of self discovery! sounds like there’s a lot to process for both of us 🥲
@@soeuninseoul Thank you for your thoughtful encouragement re: self discovery. As cliched as it may sound, knowing oneself appears to be a lifelong journey. Growing up outside your culture makes the process a little confusing, to say the least.
as a saudi woman who lives in saudi arabia, women CAN walk alone outside :)
I am a Christian-born citizen from EU and the etiquette and rules in Abu Dhabi wouldn’t require me to change anything. But it would for some my fellow countrymen and women, without any doubt!
Which country you are from?
This really true. I worked before in uae in a retail shop yes I can really feel I'm n a bottom like I don't know how to say but I can feel it. But now I'm here in uk working in a hospitality I don't feel the same as I feel back I was in uae. I feel that I'm equal with people here. I can feel the equality here in Europe. I'm so happy I'm here I don't feel bad about my self now I'm more happy and embrace what my race a Filipino
What does "houses look the same" even means lmao the ones in UAE are much diverse than the ones i saw in the entirety of europe which i cant even differentiate them apart from one country to another. Also the last part is literally in every country???? I dont know why you felt the need to talk about it just to paint the country in a certain shady way. Anyways good thing that you made that disclaimer about not trying to show "western" values to be better than the middle eastern ones because i felt the ick while watching that part too.
She just said che truth. And the treatment of the labor class is...they are like slaves. So you can bet it's shady...and talking about western values being better. Some of them are actually better and the Emirates have taken all the bad ones creating a fake facade. There's plenty of corruption, also
I live in Abu Dhabi and I have never seen a Costco. Where is the Costco?
In Saudi you can walk alone in public as a woman.
i am going to correct you on ur fact about Saudi Arabia, we can walk alone as a woman xx
"Everything is just flat" = A midwestern girl's dream country. LOLOL
HAHA
I'm researching to write about a couple who live in Abu Dhabi in the 201x's. This was a perfect introduction. Thank you!
Hi Souen,
Thank you very very much for your video. I just settled in the UAE from France, and I really feel exactly like you say in the last part of your video: overwhelmed by how well I am treated by staff workers. Coming from Europe, I really feel here that I have been unexpectedly "promoted" socially and it is extremely weird. Thanks again and bests, Val
FUN FACT: 😊It was part of Oman before it became UAE. That’s why it’s a young country. Not because nobody lived there before but because it wasn’t country on it’s own.
I really really enjoyed this and found it very helpful. Thank you for this coherent breakdown
This was so helpful, thank you so much !
Hello! It has been really helpful watching our video! I just arrive from Vancouver, so I feel identify 😂
yay! i hope you’re enjoying it!
I love you ! Seeing your videos or seeing you in your videos makes me happy.. that’s pretty weird isn’t it ?
im also a tck, but i lived in qatar! lol i feel like my experience was was pretty similar to yours, i do feel like qatar has a slightly different vibe, idk how to explain it though.
How is America any different in terms of income disparity?
The difference is not "income" disparity, per se. In the US, you have to go to special places or lines to be treated special. But in general, everywhere else, most people (racism aside) get treated like everyone else unless they make a flashy show or something. But we, middle-income expats in the middle east, are taken aback when we get treated like we are ultra-wealthy everywhere in the Middle East. That treatment contrasts starkly with the lower-income workers. The point is that we're just not used to being treated special.
@@MindbendingRobot how do they know you’re middle income?
@@hello50881 yeah, that's the problem... its very biased towards Westerners. And people are not afraid to ask where you are from. Country of origin is the main giveaway.
Costco shake shack and Ikea gets the job done girl love it
My biggest shock was pork in the supermarkets 😁 that was the moment I thought "I could live here!"
which school did you study there.. please mention
You don't have to cover up. That is wrong. I have lived in Abu Dhabi for over 10 years, the country is very tolerant. Relations have changed with Israel but the UAE still stands with Palestine. Abu Dhabi pays a lot of money for eco-irrigation to make keep it green, Al Ain is the greenest part of Abu Dhabi naturally. You can drive yourself to the desert and camp and bbq all by yourself. It is so easy and is about 50 mins drive from the AUH airport area but you need to know how to deflate your tyres and should attend a free course first to be safe. You should speak to the locals. I have many local friends some of whom I go to the pub with. They are proud that so many expats come to the UAE to enhance their country. Their motto is live and let live. This video really isn't about living in Abu Dhabi at all.
Thanks for letting me know about "Orientalism"
I want to be communicative peaceful powerful express my knowledge
Is there women’s football for expats in Abu Dhabi?
Yes I'm a local and my friends run it. Sorry I meant for locals, but you can start one or find one.
Watching this now I'm glad that there is peace between Israel and the UAE. Israelis and Emiratis can visit each other freely now :)
i heard about that, it’s a miracle!
Negotiated by Donald Trump and his son-in-law. Bahrein was the first country to sign the Abraham Peace Agreements.
Yeah but stop the bloody genocide and free Palestinians from occupation
Women everywhere: Carefully follow local dress codes to show respect, avoid shaming themselves, and avoid offending others
Men everywhere: Can wear clothes if they feel like it
That’s not true actually I was in Dubai a month ago in the month of July and it was was hottt as fuck I wore tank top skirts shorts no one said anything in fact I saw so many woman wearing dresses short skirts please don’t say things that is not true
Also they respect all religions
1:20 your Sex And The City secret is safe with us don't worry
Soeun And The City hahaha
😂😂😂
It was filmed in Morocco and was so racist!
@@bibahusak9460I agree because it was run by new York. They have an office in Abu Dhabi
Nice information.....love you from india👏👏👏👏👏🌹🌹🌹
😘😘😘
@@soeuninseoul madam may i know best time to travel seoul???)))
@@ramkikrishna1462 probably now!! it’s cherry blossom season and the weather is gorgeous 💖 but it’s on season so it might be a bit pricey! autumn is also nice to see the leaves 🥰
@@soeuninseoul 👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Hello
💙💙
Arabs luxury lifestyle is just so over the top it's sickening. No substance. They seem to just racing to who can build bigger, shinier things. Lavish, luxurious, but no substance.
Chill
what are example of substance
Oman is different
Yeah but I’m too white to move to a none European country besides America & Canadian
Not complaining, just doesn’t feel respectful to move to non white countries even tho I don’t have a drop of British in me, I’d love to live somewhere in Asia/Africa/middle east dgmw
@@bekaeast7346 What are you talking about? Existing isn't disrespectful
@@siZeDcuBe colonizing & gentrifying
@@bekaeast7346lol. gentrifying Abu Dhabi. lmao.
pretty racist mindset ngl