Expatriates need to have a positive attitude towards learning

Ithink it depends on which place these recent expatriates are moving to and where from. If I speak about my personal experience, I moved to the UAE from Pakistan a few years ago. However, I did not experience a culture shock because of the similarity of the society in the UAE with what I was used to and also because of the diversity UAE has. These things made it easier to integrate and helped in not setting me apart from any other resident.

Shifting to a new place, however, did bring some unfamiliarity. There were some rules, norms and regulations that I had to learn while unlearning what I previously knew. That definitely gives people who are brought up here a head start over someone like me. That is not to say that recent expatriates will be behind those who are familiar with the culture because it all depends on how much effort one is willing to make and their social skills play a big part as well.

I know people who have just arrived and speak more Arabic, are better at navigating around the country and respect and abide by the rules and regulations more than anyone who has stayed here for a long period. The right attitude is very important, people just need to be more open to accepting ‘outsiders’ and giving them a chance. The rest is up to each individual. From Mr Mohammad Osama Ahmad

Transportation and city planner based in Sharjah